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Local nonprofit describes ARPA-funded community center, youth mentorship and volunteer-run services
Summary
Representatives of Sustainability Education and Progress (SEPPO/SEPA) told the Oshkosh City Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee they opened a volunteer-run community center funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars and are running literacy, mentorship and basic-needs programs serving roughly 50 youth and dozens of families.
Moshe Shasuguro, president and cofounder of SEPA/SEPPO, told the Oshkosh City Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee that the nonprofit opened a community center in 2025 with support from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and now runs literacy classes, a mentorship program and a small pantry for local families.
The presentation outlined the group’s history, services and volunteer model and emphasized the group’s focus on Black, brown and immigrant youth. "We are guided by anti-colonial, anti-racist principles," Moshe said, and described the center as a place for job-search help, paperwork assistance, classroom-style literacy instruction and family support.
The committee heard that the organization traces its community work to 2008 in Zambia, registered in Wisconsin in 2010, received 501(c)(3) status in 2018, launched local youth programs in 2023 and opened the Seppo/Sepa Center in 2025 with ARPA support. Moshe said the center includes a computer area, a kitchen, a learning space and a small food and clothing pantry used by community members.
"We pick every student that comes in," Moshe said, describing the group’s open enrollment policy for literacy classes and noting participants have included students who previously faced disciplinary action at school. He said the group has run two literacy cohorts and a financial-literacy cohort, and that the Balayeli youth mentorship program has served about 50 students to date.
Student participants and volunteers described personal benefits. "I started showing up more and getting to know the people that go there really helped me build my confidence to speak in front of people," said Tez, introduced in the meeting as a student participant. Supporter Deb Martin said she participates because she sees positive results in students.
Moshe told the committee the nonprofit operates with volunteer labor and no paid staff: "Pretty much 0. We do not have a paid staff. All we do is volunteer work at Seppo." He said donations are used for program materials and food.
Committee members were shown photographs and a short video of programs and were invited to visit the center. Moshe asked for volunteers and donations; he said contact information and a website and phone number were shared on the meeting screen.
The presentation covered how the group collaborates with local agencies and schools and stated the group holds a monthly racial equity and leadership meeting that includes nonprofits, city officials and community members. Moshe described the program as "place-based," emphasizing local leadership and culturally respectful food and scheduling practices for families of diverse faiths and backgrounds.
Committee members asked about volunteer needs and were told the organization is "100% in need of volunteers" and funds. The presentation closed with an invitation for members to attend future events and the monthly coalition meetings.
The committee did not take formal action on the presentation; no motion or vote concerning funding or oversight was recorded during the meeting.
Moshe and project supporters provided contact details and encouraged in-kind donations, with a committee member reminding attendees to bring unexpired, usable pantry items rather than damaged or expired goods.
