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

My mother always said that the thing she loved most about me is that I have no fear and hope never seems to escape me. Conversely, she would always say that the thing she worried most about was that my fearlessness and hopefulness would lead to my demise. The truth is, I am latent with both fear and hope. Fear of failure, fear of not trying, fear of disappointment, fear of missing an opportunity to make a difference, and my greatest fear; not living up to the ideals that my mother taught me.

My hope also comes from lessons that my mother taught me. Giving up simply was not in her nature, nor is it in me. Over the years I have put myself in some precarious situations to try and prove or disprove one point or another. I have a lifetime of literal and figurative scars to show for it. Please do not misunderstand, I am by no means a daredevil, and I believe in self-preservation as much as the next person. However, when it comes to my life’s work, when it comes to our mission, vision, and core values; there is no fight that I will shy away from, no matter the odds, because I always believe the odds are in our favor.

The work that we do at Community Action has never been more important than it is right now. We remain steadfast in our belief that access, and opportunity should be available to all and not just a favored few. Our doors are open to every person in search of a hand-up and I will fight anyone who attempts to close them. My hope tells me that we will aways prevail and my fearlessness drives me forward without hesitation.

Community Action is much more than a safe haven, it is a fortress with a formidable army, and we will never give up the fight for what we believe in.

“When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies? Perhaps to be too practical is madness. To surrender dreams — this may be madness. Too much sanity may be madness — and maddest of all: to see life as it is, and not as it should be!”

~Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote~

Marcellus Perry

Executive Director, Dreamer and fan of “The Ingenious Knight of La Mancha”

Community Action

Relocated Its Headquarters

Community Action is now open at our new headquarters: 1428 Wisconsin Avenue, Beloit, WI!

Stop by to connect, learn, or get support—we’d love to see you.

🕒 Hours:

Mon–Thurs: 8 AM–4 PM

Fri: 8 AM–12 PM

We’re excited for this new chapter and grateful for the memories at Pathways. 🧡

 CAI at the Poverty Matters Conference

In early October, our team joined changemakers from across Wisconsin at WISCAP’s Poverty Matters Conference, focused on advancing economic opportunity for low-income communities.

We’re proud to share that Lexi Tintlemann, Public Relations Manager, and Jamie Pennington, Community Program Manager, led presentations showcasing the impactful work happening in Rock and Walworth Counties.

Thank you to all who attended and continue working toward a more equitable future—your dedication drives real change.

Community Action Supports the Wisconsin Opportunity Act

On behalf of Community Action, Executive Director Marc Perry joined WISCAP and fellow member agencies at the Wisconsin State Capitol for a press conference in support of the Wisconsin Opportunity Act.

This proposed legislation, authored by Senator Jeff Smith and Representative Ann Roe, outlines strategic investments in housing, transportation, employment training, and more to combat economic insecurity across the state.

📖 Read more about the press conference

✅ Endorse or learn more about the bill

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!

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!

Heroes Halloween

📅 Saturday, Oct. 25 | 1–4 PM

📍Beloit Memorial High School Parking Lot (200 Block of Middle St.)

Join Community Action and the City of Beloit Police for a FREE Halloween Touch-a-Truck event!

👻 Trick-or-treat from decorated trunks

🚓 Meet local heroes & explore emergency vehicles

🎉 Costumes encouraged—fun for all ages!

Let’s celebrate Halloween with our community heroes!

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!

Sign up to volunteer!

🎁 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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

Weatherization Program

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.

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