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 As we embark on a new year, 2026 brings with it an entirely new set of challenges and opportunities. I am incredibly happy to say that Community Action emerged from 2025 stronger and healthier. This is in large part due to the amazing human beings that do the heavy lifting in our organization and ensure that the organization stays true to its mission. We are fortunate to have a resolute staff that believe in each other and support the betterment of all people. This work is entirely too difficult to do alone; our success is dependent on everyone doing their part. This is also true about our broader community. We are inter-connected in so many ways. The action or inaction of a few can and often does, have a ripple effect. We can influence so many and often do not realize how vast our reach can truly be. A single act of kindness can inspire many to do the same and those acts of kindness add up. It is always my hope that the work we do at Community Action inspires others to get involved. It, of course, is not my expectation that everyone drops what they are doing and join an organization like ours, again, we all have our important roles to play. What I do hope for in the coming year for me, for those I work with and for each of you, is that when we are presented with an opportunity to carry out an act of kindness, that we take advantage of it every single time. No act of kindness is too small, and the ripple effect may be greater than we ever anticipated. Happy New Year!  Marcellus Perry Executive Director Make a Gift to Community Action Today Together We Made a Difference— See the Stories Behind the Success As we step into 2026, we pause to celebrate the incredible impact YOU helped create in 2025. Your support didn’t just change lives—it built hope and opportunity across Rock and Walworth counties. Because of you, families experienced: Quality child care that gives every child a strong start Affordable housing that provides stability and security Youth programs that spark leadership and confidence Weatherization services that lower energy costs and make homes safer Health education that empowers healthier futures Every success has a story—and we invite you to see them come to life in our impact video. Watch Now: [link removed] (or click video above) Thank you for standing with us. Together, we’ll create even stronger, more resilient communities in 2026! From Thanksgiving through Christmas, our AWARE program raised over $2,300 at the Piggly Wiggly donation stand—thanks to the generosity of our Evansville community! Every dollar goes directly to our Emergency Assistance Program, providing critical support for families in need with rent, utilities, and even car repairs. Learn More About Our AWARE Program Our Merrill Community Sharing Garden blossomed in more ways than one—raising $7,200 through the online SeedMoney campaign! This incredible support helps us provide fresh, healthy produce to families in need and strengthen food security in our community. Thank you to everyone who contributed—you’ve planted seeds of hope that will nourish lives! Learn More About Our Merrill Community Sharing Garden 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! Our Housing Programs Achieved Major Milestones Our Rapid Rehousing (RRH) and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs made incredible strides this year: One household successfully paid their entire year’s rent, achieving full stability. A single-income household became a double-income household, now covering all their rent independently. A client transitioned from RRH to PSH, securing long-term housing support. One family was reunited with their child, thanks to safe and stable housing. These successes show how housing creates lasting change for families in our community. Learn More About Our Housing Services The need for shelter in our community is urgent. Currently, 98 households, including 186 individuals and 63 children, are waiting for a safe place to stay. You can help make a difference. Help Families Find Home This holiday season, friends, local businesses, and generous community members came together in an extraordinary way. Your kindness filled our halls with joy and reminded every resident they are valued and cared for. Because of your support, the holidays were truly magical. Every individual staying with us experienced the joy of opening Christmas presents—a moment of hope during a challenging season. And the generosity didn’t stop there—we were thrilled to receive several Advent Calendar baskets. We Need Your Help to Keep Our Garden Growing! Without volunteers, we may not be able to continue our shelter garden in 2026—a space that provides fresh food and a sense of healing for residents.  No gardening experience is needed—just a willingness to lend a hand and make a difference. Interested in volunteering? Contact us at [email protected] or call (262) 882-3662 today. Help us keep this vital resource alive for those who need it most! Volunteer Today Open Enrollment Now at Our Child Care Centers! Start the new year with quality care and learning for your little ones! Both our Community Kids Child Care Centers in Beloit and Janesville are now accepting enrollments. We offer: Safe, nurturing environments for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers Experienced teachers focused on early childhood development Affordable rates and assistance options for qualifying families Nutritious meals and engaging activities that support growth and learning  Spaces fill quickly—don’t wait! Enroll Now 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. 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! 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