Rock County assistance programs

Receive assistance and counseling from Collaborative Organizations Responding to Dislocation (CORD). This is an organization that is doing whatever it can to help people in need. The group has worked many different groups and charities, including the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board to create a “job annex” which is located at the UAW Local 95 Hall. The group thinks that unemployed workers, including former auto workers, might be more comfortable there looking for assistance rather than at the Rock County Job Center. Phone (608) 342-4220.

The annex hosts a variety of programs, including “Java and Jobs,” which is a session where workers can network and look for employment, and also discuss their concerns with job center specialists. Or they can just vent.

In addition ,they have created a CORD newsletter, which lets people know about assistance programs, opportunities and other benefits, and they have even worked directly with the United Auto Workers to identify and aid dislocated unemployed workers.

They continue to expand their offerings. For example, CORD also is to expand debt counseling and hopes to turn its attention to helping with medical bills as well. It knows it’s only seeing the beginning of the need for aid, and they will continue to expand the and focus on assistance programs that they can offer.

Assistance paying bills

The Community Action of Rock County provides individuals with a variety of assistance, including rent, utilities, and more. The main office is at 200 W. Milwaukee St in Janesville.

Some of the programs offered include help with paying rent. They have hundreds of thousands of dollars in government stimulus funds to distribute. They offer a zero percent interest car loan program so people who need a car for work can buy one. The weatherization program will install free energy saving improvements in people’s homes. They have an extensive food aid program and free pantry. They also have job training and also programs to help people find jobs.

These are just a few of the programs offered by this Community Action organization. They have extensive programs to help thousands of people. Dial the Janesville agency at (608) 755-2246.

 

 

 

Edgerton Community Outreach (608-884-9593) - Contact them to access the Client Services Program, which is a service that provides a wide variety of services and financial assistance to low income families in the Edgerton School District of Rock County area including rental assistance, utility help, emergency shelter, and medical and transportation assistance. In addition, an on site Food Pantry Program assists low income and working poor with nonperishable food and perishable food vouchers and groceries.

Janesville Salvation Army (phone 608-757-8300) runs the Family Social Services Assistance Program, which was created to assist individuals and families in Rock County Wisconsin. The agency runs a Food Pantry, Offers Rent Help, Daily Community Meal, Emergency Shelter, Clothing, Transportation, Housing and Rent Assistance, Case Management, Coats for Kids, and Aid for Utility Disconnections. Get more help with electric bills.

Senior Services of Rock County - This organization provides assistance and advocacy for senior citizens and elderly with public and private benefits, and federal government programs. The Benefit Specialists bring county, state, and federal dollars and benefits to our community. Specialists from the center are trained and monitored by The Elder Law Center, Madison. Major benefits include Medicare, Medigap, Homestead Tax Credits, SSI, Social Security, Medical Assistance, and Food Stamps. Phone 757-5940.

 

 

Employment and education programs

AWARE is a non-profit community organizing program that is located in the Evansville Wisconsin area, but serves all of Rock County. One program that really stands out is The Skills Enhancement Program, which allows working poor and poverty level wage earners to move towards self-sufficiency and long term success by securing education and job and career training in demand occupations. The skills program provides needed support and resources including individualized career mapping and financial assistance related to tuition, job skills, books, fees, career counseling, childcare and transportation. 608-882-9900.

Programs to reduce debts and provide housing counseling

Family Services of Southern Wisconsin offers the so called Consumer Credit Counseling Service Program. This service provides individual face to face, in-person financial counseling. Specifically it includes debt management planning; advice on mortgage assistance programs, community workshops and presentations; foreclosure prevention counseling, check-wise program; bankruptcy counseling and advice; and other financial aid for individuals and families experiencing moderate to severe economic hardship or problems. 608-752-5813. Learn more on Wisconsin mortgage and foreclosure programs.

Free medical and dental care in Rock County

HealthNet of Janesville Inc. is a clinic that operates a free health and dental clinic. The facility provides both high quality health care and dental health care to low income and uninsured residents of Rock County and the surrounding community. The Dental Clinic works with volunteer dentists and hygienists from the Rock County Dental Society, and together they provide treatment plans, fillings, x-rays, exposed wisdom teeth extractions, cleanings, fluoride and sealant treatments, extractions, root canals and front teeth transitional partials. On the other hand, the Primary Medical provides general primary medical care including: complete physical exams; lab and x-rays; treatment for acute and chronic health conditions; specialty consults; mental health treatment;  vision care; and pediatrics primary medical care. Click here for other free health care programs, or call 608-756-4638 to make an appointment or to learn more.