About WOCAP
At WOCAP, our why is to provide the resources to help people choose a better way, every day.
WOCAP is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), Community Action Agency, providing a local approach to address the causes and conditions of poverty by promoting self-sufficiency in Allen, Auglaize and Mercer Counties through programming, advocacy and leadership. WOCAP helps low- income individuals the opportunity to improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and their communities. With a broad range of programs that address issues such as hunger, education, employment and housing, we give people the tools to improve their lives. We shall achieve these goals through direct involvement of the children, families, customers, and through partnerships with public and private organizations.
Mission
West Ohio Community Action Partnership (WOCAP)provides opportunities for people to reach their highest potential by providing stepping stones to success. We shall open paths to self-sufficiency and empowerment for individuals and families to enhance our community.
Vision
WOCAP’s vision is to continue to provide the tools and services needed to build respected, strong foundations in our community through programs and partnerships.
Values
Together, we the staff, board and policy council of West Ohio Community Action Partnership, commit to making a difference in our community, through actions and behaviors that demonstrate our dedication to these values:
Welcoming , accepting, and recognizing that each person has unique and diverse qualifications and strengths
Offering services with dignity, kindness, and compassion
Communicating with directness and honesty to find creative solutions
Accomplishing our common goals by providing the tools to build bridges to success
Pioneering the way forward in high standards of education and community achievement
Community Action Promise
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
West Ohio Community Action Partnership
BOARD OF TRUSTEES – 2024
Representatives must be One Third Private Business, One Third Public Entity, and One Third Low-Income
Homer Burnett (Low-Income)
C.A.L.L. Pantry
Linda Chartrand (Private)(VP)
Retired
Connie Dershem (Low-Income)
Allen Co Council on Aging
Hellen Douglas (Low-Income)
Family Promise
Amy Freymuth (Public)
Auglaize Co Commissioner Appointee
Susan Hord (Private)
Rhodes State College
Ryan Knodel (Private)
Benchmark Human Services
Janae Lane (Low-Income)
Policy Council Representative
James Mehaffie (Public)
City of Delphos Appointee
Ann Miles (Public)
Lima City Schools
Elizabeth Muether (Private) (Treasurer)
Mercer Co District Library
Jerome O’Neal (Public)
Allen Co Commissioner Appointee
Warner Roach (Private)
City of Lima
Anna Schnippel (Low-Income)
MET Housing – Auglaize
Mayor Sharetta Smith (Public)
City of Lima
Shannon Tyler (Low-Income)
MET Housing – Allen
Josh Unterbrink (Private) (President)
Activate Allen County
Shelly Vaughn (Public)
Mercer Co Commissioners Appointee
The History of WOCAP
LACCA was designated as the Community Action Agency for Allen County. Upon opening, West Ohio CAP operated two emergency assistance programs, the local Federal Emergency Management Assistance and the Home Energy Assistance Program, with four employees and a budget of $345,000
With the inception of this program, Head Start became the agency’s biggest funded program by serving 571 children in Allen County
540 South Central Ave - Head Quarters
Oral Health Program
LACCA continued its focus on low-income early childhood development by successfully adding 80 children in the Early Head Start Program with child care partners in 2015
Chamber of Commerce named West Ohio CAP “Non-Profit Business of the Year"
Received the Community Impact Award in 2019 from Dominion Energy for our Lead Safe Home Program