The Health and Human Services Department is the designated public Community Action Agency for Winnebago and Boone Counties.
Community Action Agencies exist to break the cycle of generational poverty and to mitigate the immediate effects of poverty on individuals, families and neighborhoods. This is accomplished by addressing systemic, community and individual factors. Key strategies include provision of direct services, partnering, collaborations and advocacy.
Services are administered under two Divisions with input from a Community Action Board and the Head Start Policy Council.
Head Start
Head Start, which includes Early Head Start, provides services for children from prenatal to five. The services provided aim to support both the child and their family in various ways.
Community Services
Community Services include various forms of support and assistance. These services include community health support, housing assistance programs, energy and utility assistance programs, and community action programs.