Winnebago County assistance programs.

Find ways to get help with bills, job training, and free legal aid

Two organizations that offer local residents aid include ADVOCAP, Inc., which provides low income and other struggling people with resources, job training, and grants for bills. Another organization is the Winnebago free legal assistance program, which can provide foreclosure counseling and other free advice to families in the area. Learn more about each organization below.

ADVOCAP provides the following programs:

• Job Training and Tutoring : Adults can receive job skills, computer skills, and free one-to-one tutoring. This is for people who are unemployed, and for adults who need help with reading and basic skills. Participants in the program will be matched with trained community volunteer tutors and other experts. Another benefit is that childcare services will be provided while parents attend classes or workshops. Other key benefits include:
• Computer skills
• GED & HSED assistance
• Basic literacy skills
• Employment and job skills
• English Language assistance

 

 

 

• Retired & Senior Volunteer Program : This is the local version of a national volunteer program sponsored by ADVOCAP and funded by the State of Wisconsin. Some of what is provided by this program includes free food to seniors, resources to build and repair homes for senior citizens, they will provide training if someone is looking to reenter the workforce, and much more.
• Weatherization : This is a state and federal government funded program. ADVOCAP's weatherization services will help low income, elderly, and the disabled reduce energy bills and conserve energy. Program participants may save up to hundreds of dollars per year through both reduced energy and heat consumption. Homes are both made warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, thanks to weatherization services. The program is free to qualified families.

Contact ADVOCAP, Inc. at (920) 922-7760.

Food, groceries, and non-financial aid in Winnebago County

Several food banks, churches, and charities provide meals, clothing, and free food to members of the community. Resources are limited, and not everyone can receive help. However even if a food bank can’t meet your needs, they can usually refer you to other locations in Oshkosh or Winnebago County.

• Omro Community Food Pantry - Call (920) 685-2529
• Lord's Highlands Food Pantry is a church and faith based food bank - (920) 233-4034
• St. Thomas Church, Food Pantry as well as Double Portion Soup Kitchen - Get emergency food boxes and other aid. Call (920) 235-1031
• Ruth's Pantry can be reached at (920) 836-2382
• Or find more Winnebago food banks.

 

 

Get Free Legal Advice

Two clinics have opened that provide free legal assistance in Oshkosh and Menasha. The legal clinics were created from a startup grant from the State Bar Legal Assistance Committee. They provide free legal assistance to low and moderate income people, as well as others who just can’t afford their own attorney. The clinic operate at the main public libraries, and other clinic will soon be opened in Neenah. Stop by your local library for hours.

A wide variety of people can get help. The average household income of people served at the clinics was at one time below the poverty level, but now it’s more of a mix and all income levels are getting aid. Also, initially 50 to 60 percent of the cases were family related. However, questions about financial problems, ways to stop a foreclosure, small claims, landlord/tenant issues, and even such issues as staying in a home to slow down a foreclosure. Learn more on this tactic.

The Winnebago free legal assistance program was developed by Winnebago Court Commissioner, the County Clerk of Courts, and other representatives from the Legal Action of Wisconsin, Winnefox Library System, The Christine Ann Center, UW-Oskosh, and Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center.