Western Community Action Inc

“The organization's finance committee first approves a draft of the form 990 before it is approved by the organization's board members.”

“Annually board members, officers, and key employees disclose in writing potential conflicts of interest to the board of directors. The board has a detailed policy on what to do if conflicts should arise.”

“Wca uses an independent compensation consultant to determine all job description ratings. The board determines the compensation of the executive director by comparisons of similar positions.”

“Wca uses an independent compensation consultant to determine all job description ratings. The board determines the compensation of the executive director by comparisons of similar positions.”

“At its marshall office the organization makes available to the public upon request its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements.”

“Assisted also receive support services from trained case managers in developing a plan toward self-sufficiency. In 2013, wca assisted 900 low- income households with free tax preparation assistance services. Taxpayers received free preparation, free electronic filing, and direct deposit when available. Community transit of western community action utilizes bus and volunteer drivers to transport all residents of lincoln, lyon, redwood, cottonwood and jackson counties. In 2013 the following was provided: 3,929 people were served; 152,328 passenger trips and 1,272,709 miles reported by bus and volunteer drivers; 14,405 volunteer hours contributed. Surveillance cameras have been installed in all buses to increase security. Additional passenger shelters were purchased to put along scheduled route stops. Community transit continues to focus on ways to increase transportation resources so people can access local and out of area services at an affordable rate. Head start: for 48 years, our head start program has served preschool-aged children whose family incomes are at or below the federal poverty level. In 2013-14, our enrollment was 189 children, ages 3 to 5, and 22 children, ages 0 to 3, and their families. To respond to the individual needs of families, our program offered head start services in 9 classrooms or in home-based settings with services delivered by home visitors. Children participate in high-quality educational activities in a safe environment where they receive healthy meals and snacks. All children receive annual physical and dental exams, hearing and vision screening and ongoing growth and learning assessments. At the end of the 2013-14 school year, 81% of enrolled children had received dental exams, 97% of enrolled children had completed annual medical screenings and 99% of enrolled children were up-to-date on required immunizations. Head start is a fully inclusive program. In 2013-14, 13% of the children served had diagnosed special needs. Our program is also very diverse with nearly 31% of children served this year being other than caucasian. 31% of all children served were of hispanic or latino origin. Wca head start observes and records children's cognitive and social development using high scope cor as the assessment tool.the children served in 2013-14 began the year at an average rating of 2.58 across the board. In the spring children's scores improved to an average 3.97. This level of growth is made more significant in light of the fact that, for 25% of enrolled children, english was not their first language. Head start parents are actively involved in supporting their children's health and education and receive support to enrich parenting skills and access needed family services. In 2013-14, 91% of families served received needed parent/family education services and/or emergency/crisis assistance. Parents also have opportunities to become involved in setting the direction and policies of the program through participation in parent committees and parent council. The weatherization program is a grant program that provides services to assist income eligible households with energy repairs to make them more efficient. Services include diagnostic testing, furnace repair and replacement, water heater repairs and insulation. In 2013 we were able to serve 59 households with weatherization. The energy assistance program provides home heating assistance, emergency assistance and repair of old and unsafe heating systems to income qualifying households. In 2013 we provided energy grants to 2,438 households. The small cities development program provides financial assistance for low to moderate income individuals who are residing in substandard housing. This program encourages the improvement of the general appearance and value of the housing stock while making a visible and substantial improvement upon the quality of life and appearance of the community. This program offers grant funds owner-occupied, commercial and ren”