Welcome Message

Dear Friends,

The past year has been another successful year of furthering our mission in the local community of helping alleviate the conditions and causes of poverty. In the fiscal year 2010 we assisted over 19,807 individuals in many different programs that we operate in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Child & Adult Care Food Program, Senior Community Service Employment Program, Food Bank, General Assistance and Emergency Assistance, Transitional Housing and the Crossroads Shelter for Homeless Women & Children. Many programs were added or expanded because of the stimulus money. We employed approximately 150 staff who are all committed to serving anyone who walks through our doors who are at a point in their lives where they need a little assistance.

For the first time our agency is part of a National Emergency Grant. The Morrell Transition Center opened its doors in 2010 to serve the 1,450 workers who were laid off due to the John Morrell plant closing.

We could not help all the individuals without the ongoing support of our committed staff, volunteers and board members who continue to give of themselves. These are all wonderful individuals who see a need and answer the call. Thank you also to all the individuals, foundations and organizations who support the Community Action Agency of Siouxland with valuable monetary and in kind donations that allow us to make a difference in the lives of families, children and individuals we serve on a daily basis.

               Early Childhood Education

The Head Start program offers comprehensive child development services to Woodbury County three, four and five year olds. Head Start classrooms in targeted areas of Sioux City serve a diverse population of low income children. Early Head Start promotes healthy outcomes for pregnant women, enhances the development of young children, ages zero to three, and promotes healthy family functioning.

The Early Head Start Initiative served 19 families and 15 Child Care Centers in FY 2008.

               Weatherization

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) was created in 1976 to assist low-income families who lacked resources to invest in energy efficiency. WAP is operated in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Native American tribes, and U.S. Territories.

Funds are used to improve the energy efficiency of low-income homes using the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry. The energy conservation resulting from the efforts of state and local agencies helps our country reduce its dependence on foreign oil and decrease the cost of energy for families in need while improving the health and safety of their homes. The Weatherization program reduces energy costs by making homes more energy efficient.

Counties served include Woodbury & Monona. 179 homes were weatherized in 2010. Those who receive LIHEAP (150% of the Federal Poverty guidelines) are eligible for Weatherization in the following year.

               Welcome Home

The Welcome Home Project is a new and innovative initiative that combines transitional housing and outreach services to get homeless families in Siouxland off the streets as soon as possible. Our mission is to give those families a safe, furnished place to live, clothing and food if needed; but importantly it is also to provide them, among other services, a chance to work one-on-one with a family development specialist working toward self-sufficiency. Existing facilities for homeless families in metropolitan Sioux City are consistently at capacity and often there are delays of several days before a family can obtain shelter. The goal is for families that are identified and qualify to have a place to sleep that evening.

               Crossroads Shelter

The Crossroads Shelter for Homeless Women & Children is one of the Community Action Agency of Siouxland’s Transitional Housing programs. The shelter provides counseling and support for homeless women who need more than 30 days provided at an emergency shelter to get back on their feet. Residents may stay up to two years as they work to become self-sufficient. The shelter serves homeless women and their children, age six and younger.

               Welcome Home    

The Welcome Home Project is a new and innovative initiative that combines transitional housing and outreach services to get homeless families in Siouxland off the streets as soon as possible.

               Transitional Housing    

Affordable 1, 2, and 3 bedroom rental units are located throughout Sioux City. Transitional housing offers short-term tempory housing assistance while families work with a Family Development Specialist to achieve self-sufficiency goals.

               George J. Williams Memorial Food Bank

Provides a short term supply of food to families who are in crises. This is availalbe on an as needed basis and is dependent on food availability. Appointments are encouraged but walkins are allowed.

               Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)

CACFP plays a vital role in improving the quality of day care for children and elderly adults by making care more affordable for many low-income families. Through CACFP, 2.9 million children and 86,000 adults receive nutritious meals and snacks each day nationwide as part of their day care.

               Senior Community Service Employment Program

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) administered by Community Action Agency of Siouxland. Community Action Agency of Siouxland, which is a non-profit human service corporation which provides part-time employment to low-income participants who are 55+ looking for employment.

The SCSEP program operates in Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Lyon, Plymouth, Sioux, and Woodbury counties.

The SCSEP program has a dual purpose: community service and older worker employment. While offering low-income mature workers opportunities for growth, skill enhancement and economic independence. The program helps communities to address vital needs in areas such as health, education, child care and adult services. The SCSEP provides training, GED classes, technical skill development, job search assistance and training.

The Senior Service America, Inc. receives funding for the SCSEP through a contract with the U.S. Department of Labor authorized under Title V of the Older Americans Act. We must mobilize local funds for administrative support. Locally gained monies allows continued recruitment of low-income workers, offer job counseling, develop training sites and training activities, and offer them encouragement and assistance to successfully gain unsubsidized employment.