Every community has stories that don’t always make the news.
Stories of quiet resilience.
Stories of people rebuilding, restarting, or simply trying to find their footing again.
Stories of families who want to move forward but aren’t sure where to begin.
For nearly 60 years, ADVOCAP has been part of those stories often behind the scenes, always rooted in community, and fully committed to helping individuals and families create a more stable, secure, and dignified life.
But to really understand ADVOCAP’s impact, you have to understand the heart behind it.
A Local Agency With a National Purpose
ADVOCAP is more than a nonprofit.
It’s part of a nationwide network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) over 1,000 organizations across the country dedicated to fighting poverty at the local level.
What makes CAAs unique is that they don’t just step in from the outside.
They are community-driven, guided by local boards that include people from all walks of life including those experiencing poverty themselves. Because who knows the needs of a community better than the people living in it?
Since 1966, ADVOCAP has been carrying out this mission across Fond du Lac, Winnebago, and Green Lake Counties, helping thousands of families each year through programs that support:
- Housing & homelessness prevention
- Early childhood education
- Employment training & job readiness
- Energy assistance
- Business development
- Transportation
- Food security
- And so much more
Their work is funded through federal, state, and local grants with the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) at the core. But what truly powers ADVOCAP is the people: volunteers, partners, local leaders, families, and neighbors working together to create change that lasts.
Real Change Begins With Opportunity
If you walk into any ADVOCAP office, you won’t hear empty promises or quick fixes. You’ll hear conversations about possibilities. You’ll meet staff who believe that every single person regardless of their circumstances deserves access to the tools, resources, and support needed to build a healthy and dignified life.
Because poverty is complex. But solutions don’t have to be complicated they just need to be human.
Take a single parent who lost their job unexpectedly. ADVOCAP can help with job training, resume building, financial coaching, and sometimes even childcare. Take a senior who’s choosing between heat and groceries. ADVOCAP can step in with energy assistance and food support. Take a local entrepreneur with a dream but no roadmap. ADVOCAP’s Business Development Program can help them turn their idea into a viable local business just like they did with The Brick House restaurant, one of Fond du Lac’s biggest success stories.
Real change doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in these small but powerful steps.
The Mission That Drives Every Story
ADVOCAP’s mission is clear: To create opportunities for people and communities to reduce poverty and increase self-sufficiency.
This isn’t just a statement. It’s a promise one they’ve kept for nearly six decades.
Their vision extends even deeper: That every low-income or disadvantaged person in the region will have the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to live a life of independence, security, and dignity.
A vision where:
- Children have access to quality education
- Families have safe and stable housing
- Individuals find meaningful employment
- Seniors receive the support they deserve
- Entrepreneurs can build something lasting
- Communities grow stronger, healthier, and more connected
- This is what community action looks like.
A Story Still Being Written
The truth is, ADVOCAP changes lives not by doing the work for people but by walking with them.
Through partnerships.
Through volunteers.
Through programs that are grounded in dignity and compassion.
Through the belief that everyone deserves a chance to rise.
And the ripple effect is real.
A stable job leads to a stable home.
A stable home leads to better health and stronger families.
A stronger family leads to a stronger community.
Fond du Lac, Winnebago, and Green Lake Counties feel that ripple every day.
Because When Our Neighbors Rise, Our Community Rises With Them
ADVOCAP has been here since 1966 and they’re not going anywhere.
Their work continues.
Their mission continues.
Their impact continues, one story at a time.
And the next story?
It might be someone you know.
It might be a neighbor.
It might be a friend.
It might even be yours.
ADVOCAP is community action in its truest form and our region is brighter, stronger, and more hopeful because of it.
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