Email from Community Action, Inc of Rock & Walworth Counties The latest Community Action news As summer begins to bloom across Rock and Walworth counties, we’re reminded of the power of community and the impact we can make when we come together. At Community Action, Inc., we remain committed to fighting poverty and building brighter futures for our neighbors. In this issue, you’ll find updates on our programs and a variety of resources available to the community this summer. Thank you for being part of our mission—your support helps us create lasting change, one step at a time. Celebrating 60 Years of Impact - Thanks for Joining Us! On May 24th, we gathered at Telfer Park for CAI’s 60th Anniversary and Community Cookout—and what a day it was! From delicious food grilled by Executive Director Marc Perry to lively music by CW Music and fun in the Kids Zone, the event was filled with joy and community spirit. We were honored by proclamations from local cities and inspired by speakers from across the region. A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers, donors, and sponsors who made this celebration possible. Your support reminds us of the power of community—and we’re excited for the next 60 years! Honoring Community Action Day We’re incredibly grateful to the City of Beloit, City of Janesville, and City of Delavan for officially proclaiming May 24th as Community Action Day in recognition of our 60th Anniversary and National Community Action Month. We’re also honored to have received a Certificate of Special Senatorial Recognition from Senator Ron Johnson, presented by his Regional Director, Tawsif Anam Zoheb, during a visit to our Pathways location. In addition, State Representative Clinton Anderson, State Senator Mark Spreitzer, and Representative Brienne D. Brown presented Community Action Inc. with a Legislative Citation—an inspiring tribute to six decades of service and impact. These acknowledgments are a powerful reminder of the difference we’ve made together—and the work still ahead. Celebrating Our Team Last month, we held our annual All Staff Meeting at Blackhawk Technical College—a day of learning, connection, and recognition. We celebrated milestone anniversaries, including 25 years of service by Stefanie Fiese, and honored Amanda Bothun, Housing and Rental Program Coordinator, with the Community Action Path Builders Award. Thank you to our dedicated team for making our mission possible every day! Join Our Team Today! Congratulations, Beloit Fresh Start Class of 2025! Beloit Fresh Start empowers youth through education, job training, and community service. These dedicated students have balanced academics with hands-on experience in construction, leadership, and life skills. We’re proud to celebrate their hard work and bright futures! Learn More About Beloit Fresh Start Community Kids Summer Care Join Us for a Summer Filled with Fun, Learning, and Exploration! Our 2025 field trips include visits to Discovery World, Shedd Aquarium, and Timber Falls. Learn More We're Hiring Lead Teachers in Janesville & Beloit! Do you have a passion for early childhood education? Join our Community Kids team as a Lead Teacher and help shape young minds in a fun, supportive environment.  Pay: $18–$20/hour (based on experience) Requirement: Associate’s Degree Benefits: Health insurance, retirement plan, PTO, child care discounts, and more We're looking for energetic, caring, and creative educators ready to make a difference every day. Apply Now Understanding the Crisis: Homelessness in Our Community These statistics, current as of June 2025, will be shared monthly in our newsletter to raise awareness about the growing homelessness crisis affecting our friends and neighbors right here in Rock and Walworth counties. By staying informed and sharing these facts, you become a vital advocate for change. Your voice can help decision-makers understand the urgency of this issue—and together, we can create a ripple effect that opens doors, builds hope, and paves a pathway out of poverty for those who need it most. Learn More About Twin Oaks Shelter CAI Wishlist's As we welcome the new year, we encourage our community to explore our wishlists and support the many programs in need. Your contributions can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless Beloit Fresh Start Community Kids ***In addition to our wish lists, we have a list of needs for our Community Sharing Garden, which can be found under the "List of Needs for The Garden" tab. Summer Meals for Kids As school lets out, many families face the challenge of keeping their children nourished. According to the 2025 Community Needs Assessment, Beloit is experiencing a food insecurity crisis—but help is here. Thanks to the USDA, School District of Beloit, Beloit Public Library, Stateline Family YMCA, and other local partners, free meals will be available all summer for children and teens 18 and under. No registration or income requirements—just healthy meals for those who need them. Let’s make sure no child goes hungry this summer. Please share this information with your networks. Skills Enhancement Program Our Skills Enhancement program is open and looking for participants. This program is designed to help individuals improve their job skills, increase their earning potential, and achieve greater financial stability. Whether you're looking to advance in your current career or explore new opportunities, our program offers the support and resources you need to succeed. Learn More Weatherization Program Learn More Honoring Juneteenth: A Day of Reflection and Freedom Community Action, Inc. will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth—a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates Black freedom, resilience, and achievement.  As we pause our operations, we encourage our community to reflect on the ongoing journey toward equity and justice. Juneteenth is not only a historical milestone—it’s a call to action to continue building a future rooted in dignity, opportunity, and inclusion for all. We will resume regular operations on Friday, June 20. Help us make this year’s Community Action Gingerbread Extravaganza the sweetest one yet! The event will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, and we’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our planning committee. Committee members will: Secure items for our online silent auction Collect gift cards for our beloved Restaurant Tree Assist with event setup on Friday December 5 (if available) Volunteer on event day (if available) Hybrid planning meetings begin in August. If you're interested in being part of this festive and impactful event, please email [email protected] for more information. Let’s build something magical together—one gumdrop at a time! Help Support Your Community! Donations enable us to provide critical services to those who need it most. Your contributions help break the cycle of poverty by funding programs that empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. Every dollar donated translates into tangible support, offering hope and a pathway to a brighter future. By donating, you become a vital part of a compassionate community committed to making a lasting difference. Donate to CAI Today Stay Connected, Stay Inspired! 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