Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

WISCAP Press Release:
WISCAP Helps Fill The Gap, Keeps People Housed After Abrupt Newcap Closure

After the abrupt closure of Newcap in early 2026, individuals and families who relied on its services for housing were left scrambling to avoid eviction. WISCAP and its member agencies, along with the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), local nonprofits, and federal entities formed a patchwork system to help fill the gap and keep people in their homes.

In response, WISCAP Executive Director Dr. Courtney Hayward released the following statement:

“Throughout this process, WISCAP’s priority has been ensuring people who rely on Newcap’s services continue to receive support with as little disruption as possible. WISCAP and our member agencies partnered with the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Administration and other partners to do whatever it took to keep individuals and families in their homes. These people were at risk of experiencing homelessness through no fault of their own, and we’re proud to be a part of the community effort to find solutions after Newcap’s closure.

To Read the Full Press Release, click here: https://wiscap.org/wiscap-helps-fill-the-gap-keeps-people-housed-after-abrupt-newcap-closure/

WISCAP Wednesdays are BACK! Join us on Wed. July 15 at noon for Management 101 - The Healing Mixtape Edition with Dr. Diamond D. Williams! Registration is FREE: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1vddZstWRGSxVRRRCEcURg #/registration This innovative, highly interactive session blends leadership development with arts-based reflection to strengthen culturally responsive management practices. Adapted from Dr. Williams’ nationally recognized The Healing Mixtape framework, this session uses curated music, guided dialogue, and reflective activities to help managers explore trust-building, communication, psychological safety, and equity-centered supervision.

A Rubber Ducky Diaper Depot Story

Foundation for Rural Housing, Inc., a WISCAP member agency, currently operates the Rubber Ducky Diaper Depot. Through this grant, WISCAP and its member agencies will help expand their reach to low-income families throughout Wisconsin. Families in need receive diapers consistently, maximizing distribution to low-income families across the state.

A Safe Ride Home

At Indianhead Community Action Agency, supporting families means helping keep children safe both at home and on the road.

Families picking up diapers have access to a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician who is available to inspect car seats, verify proper installation, answer questions, and provide hands-on guidance to caregivers. Many parents are surprised to learn that even a small installation error can affect a car seat’s ability to protect a child in a crash.

By making a car seat safety check available during diaper pickup days, Indianhead CAA removes barriers and makes it easier for families to access this important service.

Programs like ours are more than providing diapers; they create opportunities to connect families with resources that promote health, safety, and well-being.

To learn more about the Ducky Diaper Depot: https://www.wisconsinruralhousing.org/rddd

Did you know... the ADVOCAP,Inc Childcare Incubator is the first of its kind in Wisconsin?

Childcare providers in the ADVOCAP Childcare Incubator can build up to $9,600 in savings over 24 months as they prepare to launch their own childcare businesses. A portion of monthly rent is set aside and returned to participants upon graduation. This helps reduce startup costs, supports long-term stability, and strengthens their path to self-sufficiency as childcare entrepreneurs.

The ADVOCAP Childcare Incubator is designed to create up to 200 new childcare slots within the first five years of the program. As providers complete training and launch their own childcare businesses, they increase the number of available openings for families in the community. This helps address the childcare shortage while strengthening the local workforce and supporting economic stability.

Learn more about ADVOCAP,Inc: https://www.advocap.org/
Learn more about the Child Incubator: https://www.advocap.org/services/childcare-incubator/

Foundation for Rural Housing, Inc. Executive Director and Wisconsin Community Action Program Association Board Member, Jenny Fasula was interviewed last week on the Larry Meiller show on Wisconsin Public Radio to discuss real property tax relief, and professional tax advice. Give it a listen!!!

Real property tax relief, and professional tax advice We talk about organizations and programs helping low income and senior homeowners pay their property taxes. Then, we learn about how new tax law changes will affect us.

A Rubber Ducky Diaper Depot Story

Foundation for Rural Housing, Inc., a WISCAP member agency, currently operates the Rubber Ducky Diaper Depot. Through this grant, WISCAP and its member agencies will help expand their reach to low-income families throughout Wisconsin. Families in need receive diapers consistently, maximizing distribution to low-income families across the state.

The Wisconsin Community

Across Wisconsin, families often come to local diaper programs seeking help with one immediate need: diapers. What many discover is a network of support designed to help their entire family thrive.

Through partnerships with Community Action Agencies and community organizations throughout the state, families may also gain access to financial counseling and budgeting assistance, potty training resources and celebrations, car seat safety inspections, parenting education, and connections to additional community services.

Each service addresses a different challenge, but together they help reduce stress, build confidence, improve child safety, and strengthen family stability.

To learn more about the Ducky Diaper Depot: https://www.wisconsinruralhousing.org/rddd

Wisconsin Community Action Program Association is HIRING! We are looking for an Operations & Communications Specialist! To read the full job description visit our website: https://wiscap.org/hiring/. Come join our team!!!

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💙 Second Chances. Stronger Futures. Meet Jacob.

When Jacob first came to Project Thrive, he wasn’t just looking for a job—he was looking for a fresh start.

“I needed skills,” he said. “But more than that, I needed to get myself in the right headspace again.”

Like many, Jacob faced challenges that changed the course of his life. After losing stability and time with his family, he made the choice to rebuild. That journey led him to Project Thrive—a place that believed in him, even when he wasn’t sure he believed in himself yet.

Through connection, encouragement, and hard work, Jacob discovered something powerful: he was not alone—and he was capable of more.

✨ That belief turned into action.
✨ That action turned into opportunity.

Within weeks of completing the program, Jacob landed a job at Planet Fitness—and just 40 days later, he was promoted to Assistant Manager.

But his biggest success? Rebuilding his life and reconnecting with what matters most.

“I get to spend time with my daughter again,” Jacob shared. “We’re making memories.”

👉 Read Jacob’s full story: https://community-action.org/second-chances-stronger-futures-jacobs-story/

Jacob’s story is a reminder that second chances aren’t just possible—they’re powerful. With the right support, people can rebuild, grow, and thrive.

At Community Action, we believe in creating pathways—not just quick fixes—so individuals and families can achieve lasting self-reliance.

👉 Learn more: https://community-action.org/
👉 Support our work: https://community-action.networkforgood.com/projects/81985-community-action-heroes

Thanks to the support from United Way Blackhawk Region, we are able to continue to helps individuals like Jacob.

Tune in for WISCAP Wednesdays, Media Relations, presented by Iris Riis, former Wisconsin Deputy Campaign Manager for the Harris Walz Campaign.

Join Iris Riis on Wednesday, June 17th, from 12pm-1pm for a media training where we'll cover the basics of preparing for interviews. We'll discuss strategies for how to most effectively communicate your message, interact with the media, and put your best foot forward when representing your organization in the press.

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../register/J9An_sccTDCxSkRcHNI0Fg

Our Director of Operations and Outreach, Tom Behnke, TEED up a great day at the Community 2000 Golf Outing hosted by CAP Services, Inc.!⛳️

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with community partners, supporters, and friends while helping DRIVE CAP Services' mission.

Interested in playing, sponsoring, or donating to support CAP Services, Inc. at next year's outing? Learn more and register here: https://capservices.org/event/golf-outing/