Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
The broad impact of all of Lakes & Prairies programs and services is measured by the CSBG-IS report (Community Services Block Grant Information Systems). This report is completed and submitted annually and measures agency progress toward achieving the 6 national goals. Each goal is measured by the National Performance Indicators, or NPI's and is measured according to the projected outcomes compared to actual outcomes achieved. Last year, Lakes & Prairies Community Action provided services to over 3,000 unique individuals across our service area. The impact of these services is broad and includes the following achievements: 1) Assisted over 3,300 people in obtaining child care 2) Enrolled 1,192 people in health insurance programs 3) Assisted 895 people with tax preparation programs bringing over 1.3 million of revenue back to the community 4) Provided emergency food assistance to over 2,300 households 5) Assisted 304 preschool children to develop school readiness skills 6) Assisted 591 people to obtain and maintain safe, affordable housing.
Current Goals
Lakes & Prairies continues to work toward the 6 broad national goals that are the key components of our Strategic Plan. 1) Low income people become more self-sufficient 2) Conditions in which low-income people live are improved 3) Low income people own a stake in their own community 4) Partnerships among supporters and providers of services to low income people are achieved 5) Lakes & Prairies has the capacity to achieve results 6) Low income people, especially vulnerable populations achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive services. Each item in our strategic plan is tied to one of these 6 broad goals. Particular areas of focus during the current year include continued expansion of the childcare, food & nutrition and housing services.
Community or Constituency Served
Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. (formerly Clay-Wilkin Opportunity Council) was established in the summer of 1965 as a part of Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. Today, Lakes & Prairies operates more than 30 programs and services focused on low-income children, families, individuals and seniors that address the causes and conditions of poverty.
Geographic Area Served
Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership provides services to households primarily within Clay and Wilkin Counties in West Central Minnesota. Two of our programs (Rainbow Bridge and Child Care Aware) provide services to a broader service area with Rainbow Bridge serving the Fargo-Moorhead and surrounding area, and Child Care Aware serving 21 counties in Northwestern Minnesota.
