Agency Details:

Couleecap, Inc.

Couleecap's mission is to fight poverty and promote self sufficiency in the Coulee Region. We identify needs, mobilize resources, and provide quality services in four counties of western Wisconsin: Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon.

Description:
Couleecap is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization created in February 1966. We have a 24-member Board of Directors and employ an average of 60 staff who are dedicated to providing high quality services.

Our objective is to improve the quality of life in our area, especially for low-income people. We do this through a variety of services that help people become more self-sufficient and in control of their own health and well-being. We are a human development organization. We make a difference in the lives of people. To do this, we pledge to provide opportunities to empower people to achieve their full potential, build on people’s strengths, encourage learning, promote human success, support change efforts, and strengthen families. Over 10,000 people benefit from our services each year.

We operate more than 40 contracts each year in five major service areas:

1. Housing includes weatherization; housing development, construction, and rehabilitation; homeownership counseling and home purchase assistance; transitional housing for homeless families; and permanent housing for people with disabilities.
2. Family Support includes employment and training programs; family resource centers and education; and case management services.
3. Youth Services includes employment and training; initiatives to build assets and leadership in youth; independent living skills building; programs to prevent alcohol/tobacco/drug abuse; and community coalition building on youth issues.
4. Basic Needs includes food pantries; clothing centers; energy assistance; rental assistance; and information and referral.
5. Business Development includes training and technical assistance for business start-up and expansion; refugee and rural outreach initiatives; and revolving loan funds.



History:
In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson officially declared the War on Poverty, establishing hundreds of Community Action Agencies to fight poverty throughout the United States. Couleecap is one of these, a locally based, nonprofit agency founded in 1966 by a caring group of local citizens dedicated to continuing the fight to end poverty in the Coulee Region.


Contact people:


Amber Bethke, Administrative Coordinator, (phone), (email) Janelle Olson, Program Director, (phone), (email) Kim Cable, Program Director, (phone), (email)


Office fax number: (608) 634-3134 Westby Office

Address:


201 Melby Street Westby, WI 54667 (See a map)


Web Site: http://www.couleecap.org

Directions:

Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: NA,   Walk distance (in minutes): NA   Nearest Bus Stop: NA, NA minute walk

Last updated on December 22, 2008