Advance Education & Financial Stability

Hmong UPLIFT – CAP Services’ Hmong UPLIFT is a multi-generational family literacy program that helps bridge gaps within families looking to improve their lives. UPLIFT assists Hmong parents in setting goals and gaining the skills and knowledge to advance while modeling the importance of education to their children. The program is open free of charge to all Hmong families who reside in the Stevens Point School District, with a child ages 4-8 and at least one parent looking to advance their life through school or work.

Skills Enhancement Program – The Skills program 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. CAP Services offers the Skills program to residents of Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties whose incomes are at or below 200% of the federal poverty income guidelines. To be eligible, participants must be working at least 20 hours a week while enrolled, and must pursue training for occupations that pay a living wage and typically offer employer-sponsored health insurance.

Small Loan, Big Difference – CAP Services offers consumer loans to help income-eligible individuals obtain financing to help build credit, lower monthly debts, and avoid predatory lenders.

VITA / Free Tax Assistance – The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides low-income households with assistance filing their income taxes, including claiming any tax credits for which they are eligible (Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Homestead Credit). In-person services are offered in Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties from early February through April 15th. Online tax preparation is also available at myfreetaxes.com, even after the April filing deadline.