Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency

Weatherizationthe weatherization assistance program provides services to low and moderate income Racine and Kenosha county residents. The focus of the program is to reduce energy consumption, educate customers in energy conservation techniques and help improve the health and safety of residential buildings while utilizing mechanical measures, inspection, and quality assurance. Services may consist of insulation, pipe wrap, heating system repair or replacement, refrigerator upgrade with energy star products and air sealing. Services are provided continuously throughout all twelve months of the year. 604 individuals in 341 households were served in 2022. The emergency furnace program served 277 households and the water assistance program served 43 households.

Healthy familieshealthy families programs provide services to low income families to promote healthy interactions. Relationships, and lifestyles. Initiatives include breastfeeding and blood lead testing.breastfeeding support is available through one-on-one support, text messaging, home visits, phone calls and group education. In response to increased needs due to the pandemic, hygiene, toiletries, and incontinence bags were distributed to 1,228 low income seniors. Backpacks of educational supplies were distributed to 450 students and 1,814 low income families recieved diapers and wipes.additional pandemic funding provided rent assistance for 3,640 families.the family dynamics program is a foundational pillar that promotes family connectivitydistributed 3,290 bags of reading materials, cookbooks and family activities that bring families together.

Nutrition and food securitythe women, infants and children program (wic) provides food and nutrition information to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under five years of age healthy and strong. Clinics are supported to meet the needs of participating income eligible Kenosha families. In 2022, an average of 3,525 individuals participated in wic each month. Food security programs have increased access to safe, nutritious, and locally grown food for low income families and senior citizens in Racine and Kenosha counties. The emergency food assistance program (tefap) distributed 1,071,480 pounds of food and leveraged 2,486,707 pounds distributed by participating food pantries to families in need in Racine and Kenosha. Cupboard bound distributed 9,591 boxes of nutritious food and locally grown produce to Racine low income senior citizens. The senior fruit & vegetable voucher project provided 1,311 Kenosha senior citizens with locally grown fresh produce. Holiday food basket distributed 848 baskets and leveraged 1,152 baskets for families, senior citizens and disabled individuals in Racine.

Community service