Renewal Unlimited Inc

Programs: Child education: renewal unlimited, inc. Provides educational services for children between the ages of infancy and entrance into kindergarten. The educational services are provided in both a center-based setting and in a homebased setting. For the center-based setting, children attend licensed child care facilities that provide comprehensive head start services. The classes operate for 7 hours per day, 4 days per week. The educational services are provided to meet the individualized needs of the children and cover the areas of gross and fine motor skills, math, science, reading, literacy, social-emotional development, and pre-writing skills. The homebased program provides services in the home setting of the infant/child and has a primary goal of teaching the parent to become their child's first and foremost teacher. Overall, 500 children were served through child education services.

housing and housing rehabilitation: through the home program, renewal is able to provide a second mortgage to income eligible homebuyers at a 0% interest rate and that is deferred until the homebuyer either sells the property or no longer lives in the home as their primary residence. This method basically buys down the primary mortgage so that the payments on the primary mortgage are more affordable for the homebuyer. Through a sub-contract with central wisconsin community action council, current homeowners and potential homebuyers who meet income eligibility guidelines can have rehabilitation completed to make the homes they are currently living in or that they are looking at buying meet minimum housing standards for safety and habitability. The housing cost reduction initiative (hcri) program offers down payment and closing cost assistance to potential homebuyers. Housing programs provided services to 12 individuals and families.

job training and employment: through the fresh start program, renewal helps at-risk youth 17 to 24 years of age change their behavior. This is accomplished through the modeling and mentoring efforts of the fresh start staff. Fresh start participants have the benefit of a paid work environment with the construction of a house for a low-income family. This provides the participant with the opportunity to develop suitable work habits, interpersonal skills, and vocational skills. Members spend 80% of their time working on house construction and 20% of their time working towards their high school equivalency diploma with educational support provided by the fresh start teacher. Overall, 15 individuals were served through the job training program.