Accomplishments: Our low default rate is our greatest accomplishment. We've had several people close to defaulting, but the one-on-one contact has helped keep that to a minimum. The default rate for this time period was 21%. Lessons learned: The biggest lesson that we have learned is to go with your gut instinct and to do your homework. Research and question things that are not clear to you. West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency Rideshare (1632) Service area: West Central Region (WI: Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix) Type: Trip-Based Services/Vanpool (service only) Improved access/ connections Goal: Service description: West CAP’s Rideshare Program partnered with the Barron Somali Community Corporation, Workforce Resource and the WI Office of Refugee Assistance to establish a van service to provide work and training related transportation to clients in the Barron County area. Evaluation: The project goals were: (1) to assist the Somali Community Corporation in purchasing a good quality van for use in providing shared ride services; (2) assist the Corporation in establishing protocols for maintaining appropriate insurance, driver certifications, scheduling and billing; (3) facilitate and participate in a partnership MOU between the Corporation, Workforce, and West CAP for operation of the program. Accomplishments: The Corporation secured a culturally appropriate, low-interest loan from the Regional Business Loan Fund. The Corporation was able to make monthly loan payments from earned revenues, and provide for all driver and maintenance costs. Transportation services were provided to Workforce clients for job experience training, initial job access transportation, work related training and certifications. During the summer, transportation was provided to the Workforce Youth Summer Employment Program. Lessons learned: The shared ride service offered a much needed asset to the Somali population, especially the newer refugee arrivals who had almost no access to any other affordable transportation options. Working with a refugee population is always challenging, and dealing with the details of operating a new business model required a lot of mentoring and problem solving. Establishing a formal MOU with key partners was very helpful. Also, having regular meetings of the key groups allowed us to solve problems and find opportunities. Vehicle Purchase and Repair (303) Service area: West Central Region (WI: Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix) Capital Investment Projects/Vehicle for individual Type: Goal: Improved access/ connections
Accomplishments: Our low default rate is our greatest accomplishment. We've had several people close to defaulting, but the one-on-one contact has helped keep that to a minimum. The default rate for this time period was 21%. Lessons learned: The biggest lesson that we have learned is to go with your gut instinct and to do your homework. Research and question things that are not clear to you. West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency Rideshare (1632) Service area: West Central Region (WI: Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix) Type: Trip-Based Services/Vanpool (service only) Goal: Improved access/ connections Service description: West CAP’s Rideshare Program partnered with the Barron Somali Community Corporation, Workforce Resource and the WI Office of Refugee Assistance to establish a van service to provide work and training related transportation to clients in the Barron County area. Evaluation: The project goals were: (1) to assist the Somali Community Corporation in purchasing a good quality van for use in providing shared ride services; (2) assist the Corporation in establishing protocols for maintaining appropriate insurance, driver certifications, scheduling and billing; (3) facilitate and participate in a partnership MOU between the Corporation, Workforce, and West CAP for operation of the program. Accomplishments: The Corporation secured a culturally appropriate, low-interest loan from the Regional Business Loan Fund. The Corporation was able to make monthly loan payments from earned revenues, and provide for all driver and maintenance costs. Transportation services were provided to Workforce clients for job experience training, initial job access transportation, work related training and certifications. During the summer, transportation was provided to the Workforce Youth Summer Employment Program. Lessons learned: The shared ride service offered a much needed asset to the Somali population, especially the newer refugee arrivals who had almost no access to any other affordable transportation options. Working with a refugee population is always challenging, and dealing with the details of operating a new business model required a lot of mentoring and problem solving. Establishing a formal MOU with key partners was very helpful. Also, having regular meetings of the key groups allowed us to solve problems and find opportunities. Vehicle Purchase and Repair (303) Service area: West Central Region (WI: Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix) Type: Capital Investment Projects/Vehicle for individual Goal: Improved access/ connections
JARC_Profiles_FY_2010_R05.docx