CAP Services outlines housing, jobs and support programs for Marquette County

Nicole Harrison of CAP Services presented a detailed overview of services the agency provides to Marquette County and the surrounding region. "CAP is the locally designated community action agency for 5 counties in Central Wisconsin," she said, and described CAP’s mission to help residents achieve economic independence.

She listed housing and transportation services, saying, "We have 50 units of rental housing here in Marquette County through 2 different properties," and named Fox River Senior Village and Senior Village as local properties. Harrison described weatherization and housing-rehab programs that provide insulation and furnace repair, and she said CAP operates an affordable auto-loan program with a 0% interest option for work-related vehicle purchases (the program name for employment loans is "Work in Wheels").

Harrison said CAP runs a Head Start center in Oxford with 33 local slots (14 home-based and 19 center slots) and that CAP’s skills enhancement program helped four Marquette County clients increase average annual income by about $28,000. On funding, she said "about 60% of our funding comes from federal and state government" and that the agency’s goal is to move toward a more balanced (closer to 50/50) mix of local and federal support; she also said CAP's agency-wide operating budget is about $20,000,000.

Board members asked about placement for youth and eligibility and were told CAP offers nonsecure shelter options and screens referrals for fit. Harrison encouraged the board and public to refer residents to CAP’s website (capservices.org) and to contact CAP for emerging needs.

The presentation aimed to remind board members which local services exist and how the county can connect residents to CAP programs.