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.
Core Values
Integrity
We, as an organization, believe that integrity is our most valuable asset. Individually, it is the choice of doing the right thing even when no one is watching. We believe in honesty, transparency and committing to being ethical in all our interactions with our colleagues, clients, families and the communities we serve.
Collaboration
We work together in a respectful and cooperative manner in partnership with each other, our clients and the community to help build strong and successful working relationships.
Innovation
We value the pursuit of new and different ideas, approaches, and solutions as essential to achieving the organization's mission and vision. We encourage experimentation and embrace failure as a learning opportunity as we continuously strive for improvement and growth in all aspects of our endeavors.
Dignity
We uphold the inherent value and worth of every person regardless of their status, beliefs, or background. It means treating oneself and others with honor, understanding, and respect.
Compassion
We demonstrate our genuine care and concern for one another and the community to responding to needs.
Belonging
We believe that everyone should feel accepted and valued as their full selves, and connected to each other, the community, and our organization.
Equitable Leadership
We focus on promoting fairness, equal opportunity, and inclusion by addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities, resources, and support. We prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in decision-making processes and work to dismantle barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.
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: [email protected] or call 608-935-2326.
Contact Information
SWCAP Board of Directors
Email: [email protected] or call: 608-935-2326
As of the summer of 2025, members of the SWCAP Board of Directors are:
- Carol Beals, Board Chair, Grant County
- Martha Boyer, Iowa County
- Michael Britt, Iowa County
- Bob Frank, Richland County
- Mike Furgal, Green County
- Robert Laeser, Lafayette County
- Roger Lange, Grant County
- Donna Peterson, Iowa County
- Mark Pinch, Lafayette County
- Brandi Riechers, Lafayette County
- Paula Schoenberg, Board Vice Chair, Iowa County
- Adam Stucki, Iowa County
- Michael Windle, Board Treasurer, Richland County