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Couleecap Releases Report on Children and Poverty in our Region

March 8, 2018

Jamie Schloegel, Chief Executive OfficerBy Jamie Schloegel, Chief Executive Officer

The paper is written by School Counselor and Student Council Advisor for the School District of La Crosse, Rick Blasing.  Mr. Blasing has served on the Couleecap Board of Directors since 2013 where he lends his experience to inform Couleecap priorities and programs.

The public schools serve as a stage upon which all societal challenges and social ills are played out.  Children living in poverty can have the ability to achieve the same academic benchmarks as their peers, yet their ability to effectively focus and learn can be impacted when their basic human needs are not being met. For some students living in poverty, schools often exist as the one place that they can obtain a warm meal or a set of new clothes.

It is imperative for children that we offer families the tools to better their economic situation and prospects for the future. Some ways you can get involved to help with these needs and issues in your area include:

  • Encouraging families with low-income to contact Couleecap for assistance.
  • Donating to Couleecap. Your donation will provide assistant to families in Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties.
  • Voting for elected officials who are committed to providing job-training, living wage jobs, safe and decent housing, and other resources for struggling families.
  • Educating yourself about the needs of families and children in your area.

To read the entire paper, visit Couleecap’s website here: February 2018 Community Concerns Paper.