Nicole Harrison, left, CAP Services’ VP of Human Development, receives a grant check from Kelly Johnson, U.S. Bank Branch Manager and Small Business Specialist, Tuesday, Nov. 29, at U.S. Bank in Stevens Point. The funds will help support CAP’s Skills Enhancement Program.

Nicole Harrison, left, CAP Services’ VP of Human Development, receives a grant check from Kelly Johnson, U.S. Bank Branch Manager and Small Business Specialist, Tuesday, Nov. 29, at U.S. Bank in Stevens Point. The funds will help support CAP’s Skills Enhancement Program.

U.S. Bank Foundation has made a $1,000 grant to CAP Services to support its Skills Enhancement Program.

The Skills program, which is available in Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Outagamie counties, is a locally designed workforce development program that assists working, low-income individuals obtain the skills needed to compete for living wage jobs. The program assists with tuition, books, and training-related transportation and child care costs that participants could not otherwise afford.

“We’re proud to support CAP Services and the Skills program,” said Kelly Johnson, U.S. Bank Branch Manager and Small Business Specialist in Stevens Point. “The program makes a big and lasting difference in the lives of the people it serves.”

The 55 individuals who graduated the Skills program in 2015 saw an average increase in annual income of $14,950; their average hours increased from 27 to nearly 37 hours per week; and almost 70 percent – 38 of the 55 graduates – gained access to employer-sponsored health care benefits.

“We appreciate U.S. Bank Foundation’s continued support,” said Nicole Harrison, CAP’s Vice President of Human Development. “Private funders and partnerships have been the backbone of the Skills program and they, along with the entire community, share in its success.”

For more information, including eligibility criteria and contact information of the Skills Development Manager in your area, visit capservices.org/skills.

Strong communities are built upon strong foundations.  To build those strong foundations, U.S. Bank invests in innovative programs designed to serve local community needs. Through the U.S. Bank Foundation Community Possible platform, they invest their time, resources and passion in economic development by supporting efforts to create stable jobs, better homes and vibrant communities. In 2015, the U.S. Bank Foundation provided $25.5 million in grant funding and matching gifts and dollars for doing contributions.

CAP Services, Inc. is a private, nonprofit community action agency that has been advancing social and economic justice for low-income people in Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties since 1966.