Wednesday, October 1
Session Titles & Descriptions

Welcome Keynote
8:45a
Room: Kalahari Ballroom A, B, G, H

Courtney Hayward, Executive Director, WISCAP
Hetti Brown, Executive Director, Couleecap, Inc. & WISCAP Board of Directors Chair

Child Care Incubator
8:45a

Room: Kalahari Ballroom A, B, G, H
Presentation

Tanya Marcoe, Executive Director, Advocap
Winnebago County is in the midst of a child care crisis.

• In just one year (2021 to 2022), the county lost 138 child care slots
• 2nd- & 3rd-shift child care especially scarce
• 54% of Wisconsin residents live in a child care desert (3+ children competing for each slot)
• Two major child care problems:
  • Increased costs
  • Parents leaving the workforce

The Solution: An incubator to grow new child care providers in Oshkosh

• A supportive place to launch a child care business to be profitable for the long-term with
• Low Cost Space
• Licensure Help
• Buying Efficiencies
• Business Coaching
• Curriculum Assistance
• Other Support

Join Tanya to learn more about this exciting project that could be replicated in other communities!

Workshop Breakout Sessions 1-5
10:15a – 11:30a

Session 1
Title: Navigating State Agencies
Room: Wisteria
No Presentation Shared

Presenters: Nicole Safar, TR Williams, Nadiyah Groves, and Courtney Hayward

Track(s): Advocacy and Education

Session Description – Come learn from advocates some best practices for advocating to state agencies. This panel includes individuals who have both worked at state agencies and/or advocating directly to state agencies. Nicole Safar, T.R. Williams, and Nadiyah Groves bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with state agencies spanning over a decade.

Session 2
Title: The LGBTQ+ Community, Housing Discrimination, and How You Can Help
Room: Guava
Presentation

Presenters: Coriann Dorgay – Sheboygan County Division of Public Health

Track(s): Housing & Homelessness

Session Description – This presentation will address the relationship between housing, health, and the LGBTQ+ community. The presentation will begin with orienting and familiarizing ourselves with the history of the LGBTQ+ community in the US and Wisconsin. Then we will address common language and terms used to describe and address members of this community. The presentation will also address current policies and practices that impact housing access for LGBTQ+ people. Finally, the presentation will end with recommendations for allyship and interventions to reduce stigma in housing access for LGBTQ+ people.

Session 3
Title: How to Vote Every Day
Room: Tamarind
Presentation

Presenters: Marie Barry – Rural Wisconsin Health Co-op

Track(s): Workforce Development, Strengthening Community Resilience, Local Economic Development / Wealth Building

Session Description – Every single day, we all get a chance to vote. Our most powerful vote is not the ballot we cast semi-annually (at best!), but the dollars we spend daily. In a time of political instability, it’s important to remember the universal tool of economic participation we all hold that can be one of the greatest change agents to stem poverty in our communities. This session will examine how we can use our individual economic power to create anti-poverty communities by supporting economic systems that are more equitable, more locally controlled, and more likely to create better economic and health outcomes for all community members. Participants can expect to leave motivated by the agency they have to change local economic conditions using their personal spending power and with practical and actionable ideas to alter their behaviors and their communities!

Session 4
Title: New Freedom Transportation Program, helping the elderly and disabled afford transportation
Room: Portia
Presentation

Presenters: Bobbi Hegna – Compassil (Independent Living) and Mel Wold – Center for Independent Living Western Wisconsin New Freedom Transportation

Track(s): Transportation

Session Description – How to provide affordable transportation to those who need it the most in rural areas. We work with the frail elderly and persons with disabilities, helping them get to dialysis, chemo, and any other medical appointments they may need. We also provide rides to grocery store and social events to help them participate in their community. In doing this the suicide rate drops. Their health improves as they have access to fresh food and medical services.

Session 5
Title: Homeowner Bill of Rights-Protecting Our Aging Neighbors From Displacement
Room: Mangrove
Presentation

Presenters: Johanna Jimenez – Community Development Alliance Inc.

Track(s): Housing & Homelessness, Strengthening Community Resilience, Advocacy

Session Description – Displacement has been elevated by residents as posing a risk to Black & Latino homeownership strategies. If recent community conversations have taught us anything, it’s that we do not have a consensus on what the causes of displacement are, what policy solutions are available to combat displacement, and how those policy solutions should be prioritized. If our aging neighbors cannot afford their homes, they will be displaced from their neighborhoods. This leaves aging neighbors without stable housing, and neighborhoods lose quality inventory for future generations when investors buy those homes. Communities across the country have helped solve this problem by providing for a lower property tax rate for aging neighbors. For too long in Wisconsin we have been intimidated by our state’s Uniformity Clause, but other states have successfully amended their Uniformity Clauses to protect aging neighbors. Join us in an intentional conversation to set a path forward to protect aging neighbors in Wisconsin

Poverty Matters Awards Lunch
12:30p – 2p
Room: Kalahari A, B, G, H

At every year’s Poverty Matters Conference we have the privilege of highlighting some amazing folks for the work they do with our Poverty Matters Awards. This is truly a highlight of each Conference as we get to hear the amazing stories of these individuals and the impact they have on their communities, families and individuals they work with. Our Poverty Matters Conference Awards will take place on Wednesday, October 1st during lunch. Please consider taking a few minutes to complete a brief online form to nominate 1-2 individuals or organizations that deserve recognition. The awards we are seeking nominations for are:

WISCAP Self Sufficiency Award: In recognition of an individual who, with the aid of their local Community Action Agency, has overcome poverty and achieved self-sufficiency.

Outstanding Friend and Advocate Award: This award was established as a tribute to Jackie Lawrence, former WISCAP Executive Director, in recognition of a person or group who has demonstrated remarkable achievement articulating the needs and concerns of the poor or exemplary leadership advancing the causes and principals of community action and service to low-income families.

Exceptional Community Action Staff Member Award: This award was established as a tribute to Richard Strand, former Executive Director of Southwest CAP and long-time member of the WISCAP Board, in recognition of a Community Action employee who has demonstrated hard work and embodying the spirit of community action in Wisconsin.

Gaylord Nelson Human Services Award: In recognition of a legislator (Democrat) for outstanding support of Community Action and low-income families.

William Steiger Human Services Award: In recognition of a legislator (Republican) for outstanding support of Community Action and low-income families.

In addition to the awards listed above, we have the privilege of hosting the 28th Annual Governor’s Excellence in Community Action Award which will be presented by the Wisconsin Department of Children & Families! The Governor and his administration recognize the vital contributions Community Action Agencies (CAAs) make to identify and combat the causes of poverty in Wisconsin’s biggest cities and smallest towns. Through innovative programs and services, CAAs play a pivotal role working in partnership with low-income families. This is especially true during times of disaster, economic turmoil, and worldwide pandemics. This year’s award will distinguish one CAA for an outstanding program or project that especially exemplifies the spirit of community action.

Workshop Breakout Sessions 6-10
2:15p – 3:30p

Session 6

Title: LIFT & Wisconsin Law Help: Access to Justice Workshop
Room: Wisteria
Presentation

Presenters: Erica Nelson – LIFT Wisconsin, Alberto Prado – LIFT Wisconsin

Track(s): Housing & Homelessness, Transportation, Education, Strengthening Community Resilience, Advocacy

Session Description – In this session, attendees will learn about Wisconsin’s civil justice crisis, and why so many legal issues go unaddressed. See how LIFT’s Legal Tune Up tool can help your clients resolve issues like license suspensions, criminal records, and debt—online, for free. We will explore the vital role legal navigators and community organizations play in bridging the justice gap.

Whether you’re a case manager, advocate, health worker, or community leader, this session is geared for client-facing professionals and will show attendees how to integrate LIFT’s Legal Tune Up tool into outreach, legal clinics, or advocacy work to expand access to justice across the state for hardworking families.

Session 7
Title: Family Resource Centers: A Community-Level Anti-Poverty Strategy
Room: Guava
Presentation

Presenters: Joshua Mersky – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Anna Walther – University of Wisconsin Madison

Track(s): Strengthening Community Resilience

Session Description – Family Resource Centers (FRCs) are community hubs that offer a range of services and resources to families, including support for basic needs. This workshop will focus on findings from the Strong & Stable Families Study, a first-of-its-kind investigation into the impact of FRCs. Results from staff focus groups and family surveys will be shared to highlight strategies that Wisconsin’s FRCs use to strengthen families and communities. Audience members will discover why the FRCs are both a promising anti-poverty and child maltreatment prevention strategy.

Session 8
Title: From Division to Dialogue: Advocacy That Builds Bridges
Room: Tamarind
Presentation

Presenters: Matt Flowers – Mutual of America, Pedro Guerro – Mutual of America

Track(s): Advocacy

Session Description – With years of relationship management experience in business, Matt and Pedro have learned that playing the long game has its rewards. In advocacy, the parallel is clear: meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with understanding and trust. This session explores how to build purposeful but authentic relationships with local and state government representatives, even with those that cross political divides. We’ll discuss how to approach perceived opponents with empathy, shift mindsets over time, and foster collaboration rooted in shared purpose. Advocacy is not about winning arguments; it’s about building bridges and opening minds—that’s when we get to change more lives.

Session 9
Title: Energy Equity and Poverty Reduction: Bridging the Gap
Room: Portia
Presentation

Presenters: Hetti Brown – Couleecap, Inc.

Track(s): Strengthening Community Resilience, Energy Burden; Building Equity

Session Description – In Wisconsin, households living in poverty spend up to 20% of their income on utilities—half of it on electricity. When bills are unaffordable, families may cut back on energy in ways that harm their health or safety. Assistance programs haven’t kept pace with rising costs, and solutions like solar remain out of reach for most low-income residents. Couleecap, a Community Action Agency, is tackling energy poverty and promoting climate resilience through community-based, low-barrier solar projects. The agency also advocates for statewide reforms in housing development and energy policy to create lasting, equitable change. In this workshop, we will explore the issue of energy poverty in Wisconsin and scalable solutions that are proven to work.

Session 10
Title: Protecting Independent Living By Protecting Against Abusive Use of Legal Authority
Room: Mangrove
Presentation

Presenters: Sonia Komisar – CWAG Elder Financial Empowerment Project

Track(s): Housing & Homelessness, Strengthening Community Resilience, Advocacy

Session Description – We all hope we are able to live independently our entire lives. However, we live in uncertain times. Expenses are increasing, legal protections are being scaled back, access to attorneys and the legal system are increasingly out of reach and financial exploiters are an ever-present threat. We encourage and advise people to put in place decisional supports which bestow legal authority in others to assist us in making decisions now and in the event of incapacity. Those we empower to act on our behalf are to assist us in managing our affairs but also to help protect our finances and assets from scammers and fraudsters. But we all must know those given legal authority are not always looking out for our best interests. Some use their legal authority to exploit the vulnerable depriving them not only of their money and assets but also their peace of mind and ability to live independently. This presentation will provide information on the following:
1. Types of Legal Authority/decisional authority frequently used; a. Financial Power of Attorney b. Rep Payee c. Guardian/Conservator
2. How abusive use of legal authority occurs a. Failure to consider who should be named to act b. capacity and decisional capabilities c. Undue influence
3. Precautions that can be taken to reduce risk
4. Signs of abuse 5. How to remove or review the actions of an abuser

Workshop Breakout Sessions 11-15
3:45p – 5p

Session 11
Title: DEHCR Supportive and Affordable Housing Programs
Room: Wisteria
Presentation

Presenters: DEHCR Staff

Track(s): Housing & Homelessness

Session Description – Overview of all DEHCR Housing Programs. Learn about the different programs and how they can be part of the solution to alleviate housing issues in your community.

Session 12
Title: Bridging Jail Release and Housing for Stronger Communities
Room: Guava
Presentation

Presenters: Liz Nation – Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care and Ryan Graham – Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care

Track(s): Workforce Development, Strengthening Community Resilience

Session Description – This session will explore how comprehensive discharge planning for individuals exiting local jails can significantly reduce homelessness, promote housing stability, and strengthen overall community resilience. Each year, thousands of individuals are released from local jails without a well-coordinated, person-centered plan for housing, healthcare, or employment. This lack of support often leads to homelessness and increases the risk of re-offending. Access to stable housing—without unnecessary preconditions—is a critical foundation for successful reentry and long-term community stability. This workshop explores the impact of discharge planning that prioritizes immediate housing connections paired with voluntary, wraparound services. By coordinating efforts across jails, housing providers, health systems, and community organizations, we can better address the complex needs of individuals exiting incarceration and prevent the cycle of homelessness and recidivism. Attendees will gain practical tools and collaborative strategies to support more effective and equitable reentry outcomes.
Key Topics Covered:
Principles of well-coordinated, person-centered discharge planning
How low-barrier housing access reduces re-offending and stabilizes lives
Strengthening community collaboration across jails, housing providers, and health systems
Linking individuals to housing, healthcare, and services before release
The role of community health workers in supporting reentry and continuity of care
Addressing barriers like stigma, documentation, and system fragmentation
Policy and funding strategies that support housing with services post-release

Session 13
Title: How Conversations Change Hearts and Minds on Hot Button Issues
Room: Tamarind
Presentation

Presenters: Tia M Renier – Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin and Amberly Roeck – Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin

Track(s): Advocacy

Session Description – When it comes to the issues and work you’re passionate about, it can be hard to stay out of debate with those we feel are on “the other side”. Yet, research has shown that having genuine, positive conversations about hot button issues helps people consider the importance in their broader community and increases the likelihood of shifting their support. This interactive training, rooted in applied psychology, provides an understanding of how people change and what we may need to change about ourselves in order to be more effective advocates. Used to help organizations and communities navigate conversations on divisive issues, from abortion to LGBTQ+ rights to medical aid in dying this approach is about nuancing our communications and conversations. Rethinking the way we approach and actually plan for conversations can build our confidence in addressing both polarizing community needs and internal team challenges. It may not be easy, but we can have genuine, two-way conversations that allow everyone to stay true to their values while finding common ground and changing hearts and minds on emotionally complex issues.

Session 14
Title: Building Networks and Distribution to support Farmers and Communities
Room: Portia
Presentation

Presenters: Tara Roberts-Turner – Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative, Stefanie Bugasch, MPH, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Jackie Anderson, Feeding Wisconsin, and Donna Ambrose, Neighbor’s Place Food Pantry

Track(s): Strengthening Community Resilience, and healthy food system development

Session Description – This session will explore recent efforts to build more robust networks to connect local farmers and producers with food access programs and initiatives. The Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative (WFHC) will share its experiences with the Local Food Purchase Assistance program and culturally relevant and tailored food box programs and how it is working with partners to build a Super Transport Cooperative to reach all parts of the state with local food distribution. The Department of Health Services and Feeding Wisconsin will share their efforts to expand access to more nutritious and culturally relevant foods, including emerging themes in the charitable food system around sourcing and distribution models.

Session 15
Title: CANCELLED – Finance as the Compass: Navigating Federal Funding Uncertainty with Strategy and Stability
Room: Mangrove

Presenters: Amy Felber – Couleecap, Inc.

Track(s): Finance and Administration (leadership)

Session Description – This session will explore how nonprofit finance teams (and overall leadership) can serve as a strategic compass during these uncertain times, helping organizations respond with both agility and stability. We will discuss scenario budgeting, cash flow forecasting, financial health indicators, improving communication with boards, collaboration with program and leadership to align financial realities with mission priorities