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 Most people are familiar with the longstanding Thanksgiving tradition of expressing what we are thankful for. As we move closer to the end of 2025, we reflect on the year that was and begin looking towards the future. Thanksgiving is a time to remind ourselves of what matters most and begin letting go of the things that hampered us. What matters most to me at this time of year is family and passing on our traditions to the next generation. Thanksgiving in my family means lots of food, lots of people, lots of laughter and lots of love. I am immediately transported back to my youth. While everyone else in the family slept, I would stay up most of the night in the kitchen as she cooked for what seemed like 1000 people. I was her official taste tester and family recipe historian, asking her a million questions about what she was doing and why she was doing it. At the time, I did not realize that she was passing on to me what had been passed on to her by my great-grandmother. Every dish, and many of the ingredients had some story behind it that connected me to my elders and ancestors. More than anything, with so many people in the house, I was just happy to have this time alone with my mom and I hung on her every word. Everyone was always welcome, and no one went hungry. The smell of sweet potato pie, glazed ham, a turkey that was bigger than I was. My mother would cook for days and do it with so much joy and grace. She was feeding and celebrating her family, and nothing meant more to her than that. This tradition continued well into my adulthood, The family showed up because it was our tradition and because we never wanted to disappoint my mother. She was amazing all the time, but she absolutely glowed during the holidays. My mother would have been 85 this Thanksgiving week. It has been five years since she passed. Out of love, tradition and honoring her legacy, we still gather as new generation joins the family. We teach them our tradition, share family stories and honor her legacy. Thanksgiving in my family still means lots of food, lots of people, lots of laughter and lots of love. And at time, I am still transported back to my youth, and I see my mother standing in her kitchen full of so much pride and joy. Make This Thanksgiving Count As we celebrate traditions and family, let’s also remember those who need a helping hand. Your gift to Community Action ensures families in Rock and Walworth counties have food, warmth, and hope this holiday season. Make a Gift From Struggle to Stability: A Fresh Start Homeowner’s Journey For years, becoming a homeowner felt like an impossible dream. As a single mother of four, life was a constant balancing act—working to provide for her family while navigating financial barriers that seemed insurmountable. Student loans loomed large, draining resources and delaying progress. “It felt really difficult,” she recalls. “I had to clear those loans before I could even think about owning a home.” Her journey was marked by perseverance. She leaned on community programs like W-2 to bridge gaps while searching for steady employment. Every step forward required grit and determination, especially while raising four children alone. “Being a mom is a big responsibility—and doing it alone means you have to juggle everything,” she says. When she learned she had been selected for a Fresh Start home, the moment was overwhelming. “I cried from shock and happiness,” she shares. Applying for the home made her reflect deeply on her life—her childhood marked by instability, moving from place to place, even sleeping in shelters. Losing her mother at 15 and becoming a mom at 16 shaped her resilience. “Without this opportunity, there would have been no chance to buy a home. This is my dream home.” The family’s excitement was palpable. She laughed as she remembered her children pointing out that “new homes come with white walls.” Painting those walls together became a joyful family moment—her daughter’s room now glows in light pink, and the living room feels cozy in soft gray. For the first time, they could sit down together for meals—a simple joy that means everything. “Having space and functionality has changed our day-to-day life.” Owning a home has opened new doors. She now feels empowered to pursue her dream of returning to school, building a career that will bring even more stability. Most importantly, she hopes her children learn from her journey: “They can do anything they set their minds to.” Her home carries a special significance—it’s the last one built by the Fresh Start program before its hiatus. “It’s bittersweet,” she admits. “I’m grateful, but sad another family won’t have this chance.” Knowing that local youth built her home adds another layer of meaning. “I don’t even know these kids, but it feels amazing that their learning and effort created this home. It’s a blessed connection.” When asked to describe her home in one word, she doesn’t hesitate: Hope. “Above all, this home represents hope—hope in my abilities and in the opportunities ahead.” Community Action recently partnered with Acts Homes to sell a distressed property that will be rehabbed and offered at an affordable price to a local family. With limited affordable housing in Beloit and Rock County, partnerships like this make a real difference. Have a property to sell? Email Kelly Andrew to learn how you can help create more affordable housing opportunities. Community Action’s Merrill Community Sharing Garden was recently featured in Beloit College’s article “Growing Together,” highlighting its role in combating food insecurity and fostering community-based learning. During a tour led by Kaelyb Lokrantz, participants explored the garden’s fresh produce and learned how this 18-year-old resource connects Beloit College students with the Merrill neighborhood, providing nutritious food and hands-on educational opportunities. Read the full article here. Our Community Resource Table is a lifeline for families facing tough times, and thanks to donations, we’re making sure no one feels alone. We still need essentials like personal hygiene items, diapers, baby wipes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food. 📍 Drop off your donations at Community Action Main Office, 1428 Wisconsin Avenue, Beloit, WI. ✨ Take What You Need. Leave What You Can. Every item matters—please give today and help us uplift our community! Toys for Evansville: AWARE is hosting its annual toy drive for children in 5th grade and younger. Koats for Kids: In October, AWARE provided winter gear to 29 families—helping 59 kids stay warm this season! Love Light Tree Ceremony: Join AWARE for the 28th annual tree lighting on Wednesday, November 25 at 5 PM at the Grange Store building. Learn more about AWARE The need for shelter in our community is urgent. Currently, 100 households, including 214 individuals and 102 children, are waiting for a safe place to stay. You can help make a difference. Donate Today to support families in need of housing and hope. We’re grateful to Associated Bank’s Elkhorn Branch for their generous support of our Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless! Their contribution included a monetary donation along with essential supplies, helping us provide comfort and care to those in need. Thanks to our partnership with Visit Beloit, Community Action proudly distributed more than 600 winter gear items on October 25 to families in need—helping keep our community warm as the cold weather sets in. Looking for the perfect gift that gives back? From booze baskets and ziplining adventures to wine tastings, hobby kits, sweet treats, and sports tickets—our online silent auction has something for everyone on your list! Even sweeter? 100% of proceeds go directly to supporting Community Action’s vital programs in Rock and Walworth counties. The auction goes live November 21, and we’re still accepting item donations until then. Help us make this season one of generosity and joy! Sneak a Peak and Browse Our Items Now! 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! Let’s build something sweet—together! 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 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 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! 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