Quick Background
Incorporated in 1966 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.
501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Governed by volunteer Board of Directors.
Primary service territory is Wisconsin Counties of:
- Green
- Grant
- Iowa
- Lafayette
- Richland
From the Executive Director
Through whatever path you took to our door, we are genuinely happy to meet you. The Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program (SWCAP) is nonprofit organization focused on helping families deal with the effects of poverty in the short-term and in sustainably addressing the causes of poverty at a regional level.
Being poor is hard and it is ridiculously expensive. Moreover, there is not one reason for poverty; some people want to believe that but, as usual, they’re wrong. Everyone’s story is different, each circumstance is unique. What we all have in common, though, is the very real desire to have options and to make choices for ourselves and our families less constrained by what we don’t have today and based more upon what we do have and can be tomorrow.
There are about one thousand Community Action agencies in the country, and each is different, built around local strengths, regional issues and community needs. SWCAP is a reasonably complex organization, but our duty is simple: to make a difference in the lives of each person/family, one at a time, and then come back and try to do so again. We have for nearly sixty years, and we will again tomorrow. If we can help, we will. If we can’t, we’re not above trying anyway.
Welcome.
Brett White
Executive Director
Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Inc.
Our Values
The Worth of Every Individual
We work to assist individuals to recognize and achieve the fullest measure of their human potential.
Family
Healthy families create healthy societies.
Opportunity
We help families and individuals overcome barriers, to dream of a better future, and to share in the best our community can offer.
Collaboration
We work in partnership with other organizations, government, businesses, our Board of Directors, and the low-income community in planning, decision-making, and action.
Excellence & Stewardship
We strive to give our best integrity and passion and exercise great care to assure that the public and private funds are used responsibly and efficiently.
Mission Statement
We work to mitigate the causes and conditions of poverty in Southwestern Wisconsin, building resilience and self-sufficiency by providing supportive services and programs, and by collaborating with partners.
Vision Statement
SWCAP is a catalyst for building communities of hope, inclusion, and social justice, where poverty is overcome, and all people are empowered and thrive.
SWCAP is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
We are firmly committed to the provision of assistance regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, military status, sexual orientation, or marital/family status.
Board of Directors
The SWCAP Board of Directors meets on the fourth Thursday of every month, except for November and December. Meetings are open to the public. Contact SWCAP if you are interested in attending.
The SWCAP Board of Directors is a volunteer board. 1/3 of the Board members are to represent people of low incomes. 1/3 are to represent units of government in southwestern Wisconsin. And 1/3 are to represent the community-at-large.
Volunteering to be a member of the SWCAP Board of Directors is a great way to spend a few hours a month contributing to the communities and families of southwestern Wisconsin. If you are interested in the SWCAP Board of Directors, email: info@swcap.org or call 608-935-2326.
Contact Information
SWCAP Board of Directors
Email: info@swcap.org or call: 608-935-2326
As of the spring of 2023, members of the SWCAP Board of Directors are:
- Carol Beals, Board Chair, Grant County
- John Beinborn, Grant County
- Martha Boyer, Iowa County
- Mike Furgal, Green County
- Tiffany Helmke, Grant County
- Robert Laeser, Lafayette County
- Kriss Marion, Board Vice Chair, Lafayette County
- Donna Peterson, Iowa County
- Rick Rolfsmeyer, Board Treasurer, Iowa County
- David Turk, Richland County
- Michael Windle, Richland County