Community Action Center Of Northfield Inc

Programs: Basic needs programs:giving hope to people in crisis: a licensed social worker oversees intake, program registration, case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, application assistance and emergency financial assistance for income-eligible school district residents. Food programs: nutritionally balanced food for emergency needs; monthly food disribution for income-eligible school district residents; bread recovery and redistribution; a weekly dinner offered each thursday evening. Clothing: a retail thrift store provides free and/or discount purchases for cac certified clients. The store is also open to the public. Transportation programs: cars donated by members to the community are given to eligible cac clients. Gas vouchers, tokens, and limited car repairs are also available.

youth programs:christmas sharing: holiday gift distribution for children of income-eligible service area residents. Activity scholarships: the center offers scholarships to summer camps, sports activities, and enrichment activities for children of income-eligible school district residents. Operation backpack: in collaboration with a local church group, the center provides school supplies to children of eligible families.

housing programs:housing services: support services, case management and limited financial assistance addressing the continuum of housing needs from eviction prevention, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing, including the search for permanent, affordable housing. In 2004 the center opened two multi-family housing units known as marilyn's place in the maple hills area to house families in a supportive housing program; two additional units were added in 2008.

creating community:information and referral: telephone, walk-in, and web-based response to questions about community resources and support services in the rice county area. Newcomers: immigrants to the area are assisted in building capacity and easing the transition to the community. Grant funding has provided some educational assistance to newcomers. Volunteer program coordination: staff coordinated recruitment, training placement and supervision and recognition for people seeking to volunteer to agency programs.