Email from Community Action, Inc of Rock & Walworth Counties The latest Community Action news Creating Pathways Out of Poverty — One Story at a Time  Welcome to your monthly update from Community Action, Inc., where we spotlight the progress, partnerships, and people driving change in Rock and Walworth counties. Each edition brings you closer to the heart of our mission — empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. A Note from the Executive Director Ralph Ellison once wrote, “The world is a possibility if only you’ll discover it.” This powerful line from his novel Invisible Man—a personal favorite I revisit each year—reminds us that opportunity is everywhere. But to truly embrace it, we must be willing to step into the unknown with open minds and courageous hearts. Fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. It can keep us tethered to outdated beliefs or prevent us from moving forward. But as Ellison understood, the world doesn’t wait—it continues to flow. We can either move with it or risk being left behind. At Community Action, we see this truth every day. The individuals and families we serve often face overwhelming uncertainty. Choosing a new path can feel risky, even frightening. But with support, guidance, and encouragement, they find the strength to move forward. Our role is not to create the possibilities—they already exist. Instead, we help illuminate them. We walk alongside our participants, offering tools, resources, and hope. We unlock doors that might otherwise remain closed and help people envision what’s possible on the other side. This work is only possible because of the generosity of people like you. Your support fuels our mission and helps us continue to be stewards of possibility for those who need it most. Please consider making a donation today to help us open more doors and empower more lives across Rock and Walworth Counties. —CAI's Executive Director, Mr. Marc Perry Make a Gift Together, We Made a Difference Our 2024 Impact Report highlights the meaningful work Community Action accomplished across Rock and Walworth Counties. From youth outreach and housing support to early childhood education and volunteer engagement, we served over 5,000 individuals and partnered with more than 400 organizations to strengthen our communities. We invite you to explore the full report and see how your support helps open doors to opportunity. Visit our Website to Learn More Our Annual Fundraiser Just Got Sweeter! We’re kicking off the season with Cash for Cause — a festive raffle where you could win a $1,000 cash prize 💸… and you don’t even have to attend an event to win! ✨ Here’s the scoop: 🎟️ Tickets are just $20 🖥️ All tickets are virtual 📞 Winner will be contacted by phone & email Support Community Action programs in Rock & Walworth Counties while staying cozy at home — and maybe win big! Buy Your Tickets Now! Community Action Will Be Relocating Its Headquarters Reminder, Community Action will be relocating its headquarters to 1428 Wisconsin Avenue, Beloit, WI during the month of October 2025. Throughout this transition, all program sites, including Pathways at the Eclipse Center, will remain open and operational. The Pathways location at 20 Eclipse Center will officially close on October 31, 2025. Staff will be gradually transitioning to the new location throughout October. Program teams will communicate directly with participants regarding any changes in availability or location to ensure continued access to services. We are working to make this move as smooth as possible, with minimal disruption to our programs. For updates, please visit community-action.org or follow us on Facebook. Another Day of Caring, Another Day of Impact! Community Action was proud to host 7 volunteer projects during United Way Blackhawk Region’s annual Day of Caring, with 28 volunteers from local companies lending their time and talents! Highlights included: Twin Oaks Shelter: ABC Supply painted and organized. Community Kids Janesville: CBI Bank & Trust and ABC Supply beautified the garden and playground. Merrill Garden: ABC Supply helped weed, mulch, and plant. Main Office: Rock County Economic Support deep cleaned our vans. Stepping Stones Academy: Ecolab painted a hopscotch path; ABC Supply tackled landscaping. Huge thanks to United Way, our volunteers, and partner companies for making a lasting impact! Beloit Bundle Up Distribution Join us for the Beloit Bundle Up Distribution on Saturday, October 25th from 9 AM to 12 PM at 1428 Wisconsin Ave, Beloit. Thanks to the generosity of our community and partnership with Visit Beloit, we’ll be distributing free winter wear to help families stay warm this season—just in time for Halloween! Help Our Garden Grow at Twin Oaks Shelter! We’re looking for volunteers to help maintain our shelter garden—a space that provides nourishment and healing for residents. No gardening experience needed, just a willingness to lend a hand. Interested in volunteering? Contact us at [email protected] or call (262) 882-3662. Volunteer Today Koats for Kids Drive at AWARE Our AWARE Koats for Kids drive is underway, and we’re collecting gently used winter gear through September 28 at several Evansville locations. We especially need snow pants and boots for children in 4K through 5th grade. Please note: no sweatshirts or fleece items. Want to help in another way? All donated items are washed before distribution, and we’re looking for volunteers to take a load (or two) home to launder. To learn more or get involved, contact Amy Floan at [email protected]. Have a Moment? Leave Our Child Care Center a Review! If you’ve had a positive experience at Community Kids, we’d love to hear from you. Leaving a quick Google review helps other families learn about our center and means a lot to our team. Please submit a screenshot of your review to our Community Kids office to be entered in our raffle drawing. It only takes a minute, but it makes a big difference. Leave a Review 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 CAI Wishlist's 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 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. 12th Annual Gingerbread Extravaganza 📅 Saturday, December 6 | 🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Fruzen Middle School, Beloit Kick off the holiday season with sweet fun for the whole family! Join us for a morning of gingerbread decorating, festive activities, and a visit from Santa. 🎄 Choose your experience: Decorate on-site at our Gingerbread Workshop Take your kit to go and build at home 🎟️ Order kits online: Community Action Inc of Rock and Walworth Counties - Gingerbread Extravaganza All proceeds support Community Action’s neighborhood programs in Rock & Walworth Counties. 🎟️ This year, we're thrilled to offer a $1,000 cash prize to one lucky winner—just in time for the holiday season! Tickets are just $20 each, and the more you purchase, the better your chances to win. All tickets are virtual, and you do not need to attend the event to participate. A winner will be selected at random and notified by phone and email. Buy your tickets now! 🎁 Seeking Sponsors & Donors! Help us make this event even sweeter. To support, please contact Lexi Tintlemann at [email protected]. Let’s build something sweet—together! Learn More Skills Enhancement Program As students gear up for a new school year, it’s also the perfect time for adults to invest in their own growth. Our Skills Enhancement Program is now enrolling participants! Whether you're looking to advance your career, boost your income, or explore new opportunities, this program offers the support, training, and resources to help you succeed. 🎯 Build job skills 💼 Increase earning potential 📈 Achieve greater financial stability Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn more and get started! Learn More Weatherization Program Learn More 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! Follow us on social media to be part of an amazing community where you get: Exclusive Updates Behind-the-Scenes Content Engaging Stories Interactive Fun Community Connection Join us today and never miss a moment of the action! Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Community Action, Inc of Rock & Walworth Counties | 20 Eclipse Center | Beloit, WI 53511 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice