McKenzie County ND

The Community Action Partnership (CAP) with an office in Williston is a private non-profit organization which serves Region I (Divide, McKenzie and Williams County).

For over 25 years the mission of the agency has remained the same: “Community Action Partnership provides a range of services, which enable, educate, and assist with self-sufficiency to individuals and communities in western North Dakota”, according to Deeann Long, Director.

CAP has many income-based programs which help individuals and families. A few of the programs include:
Supplemental Commodities for Elderly,
Senior Companion Program,
Weatherization,
Home Rehab,
Housing Development,
Emergency Assistance
and Income Tax Assistance.

Also included is Prevention/Safe Communities programming. CAP staff have been active with the McKenzie County coalition to provide assistance on goals to decrease underage drinking/drug use.

For additional information on CAP visit their website at www.willistoncap.org.

Or call 701-572-8191 and ask to speak to:
Deeann Long
Region I Client Services Director

If you are at least 18 you may be interested in serving as a VISTA worker.

Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) is the domestic version of the Peace Corps. VISTA members sign up with a host agency to a full-time term of service - 365 days. In return for their service, members are provided with orientation and training, a living stipend calculated at no less than 95% of the poverty line, settling in and transportation costs, child care benefits, and a basic health care plan. Upon completion of their one-year term, VISTA members have the option of receiving $1,200 or an education award of $4,725.

A VISTA is a catalyst for change. They channel their ideals and energy into becoming poverty-fighters who build successful and sustainable programs that help people and communities lift themselves out of poverty.

While VISTAs appreciate these benefits, many say the most attractive part of VISTA is the skills and leadership they gain and the deep sense of satisfaction they feel when they know they’ve made a difference.

If you are trying to figure out what they want to do with your life, or if you are through college and want to gain skills, experience, and a network, please look into a year with VISTA. Information for this article was obtained from http://www.americorps.org
and from the area contact person:

Miriam Smette
RSVP Project Director and who also signs up Vista workers.
307 5th Avenue SE
Minot ND 58701
701-852-3799 Williston Area Phone 701-770-7905

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offers maximum flexibility and choice to its volunteers as it matches the personal interests and skills of older Americans with opportunities to serve their communities. RSVP volunteers choose how and where they want to serve—from a few hours to more than 40 hours a week. RSVP volunteers provide hundreds of community services.

Some of the areas that would directly affect the Horizons Vision would be for volunteers to do the following:

Modeling parenting skills to teen parents;
Participating in neighborhood watch programs;
Planting community gardens;
Helping community organizations operate more efficiently;
Providing counsel to new business owners;
Building houses.

Several other important areas where RSVP’s could serve are:
Offering relief services to victims of natural disasters; and
Tutoring children in reading and math;
And helping get children immunized;

RSVP volunteers must be at least 55 years of age.

Benefits: RSVP volunteers are able to put their unique talents to work for community and faith-based organizations that are significant to them. In addition, they receive the following benefits:
Pre-service orientation;
On-the-job training from the agency or organization where they are placed;
Supplemental insurance while on duty.

For anyone interested in becoming a volunteer please contact:
Miriam Smette
RSVP Project Director
307 5th Avenue SE
Minot ND 58701
701-852-3799 Williston Area Phone 701-770-7905
http://rsvp.ndsu.nodak.edu