OWCAP

Creating Positive Change

By Katrina McDowell on Oct 22, 2024 in Giving

OWCAP helps people help themselves and each other.

Yardi-supported nonprofit Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership, Inc. (OWCAP) was established in 1965 in Ogden, Utah. It is working to elevate individuals and families in Weber County through services and collaboration. OWCAP is a part of the National Community Action Network, created under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. Its current programming includes Head Start and Early Head Start programs, Circles of Weber County, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Roy Communities that Care (CTC), landlord/tenant mediation and housing education, and education/employment assistant services.

Being a Community Action Agency means embodying the spirit of collaboration through strong community partnerships. These partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and residents are crucial to its work. They help address and respond to the community’s ever-changing needs and make community members an integral part of its efforts. It involves a commitment to understanding and adapting to the unique challenges and opportunities within the community, leveraging collective resources and expertise to create effective and sustainable solutions.

“By fostering these dynamic partnerships, we remain agile, responsive, and impactful in improving the quality of life for our community—helping people and changing lives,” said Christine Ipsen, executive director for OWCAP.

OWCAP focuses on improving programs by improving the overall health and well-being of participants and staff, prepares children and families for kindergarten and future education success, empowers low-income clients to increase self-sufficiency and operates as an influential, innovative organization that is an asset to low-income communities. Its strategic goals behind the programs include expanding the capacity of current programming, implementing a communication plan to include branding and advocacy, supporting staff by providing a model working environment and being a collaborative partner in meeting the community needs.

Community Action Agencies also have a Community Action Plan (CAP Plan), which prioritizes specific needs in its service area and creates a plan to address them. Currently, the CAP Plan includes:

• Housing
• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse
• Education-Adult focus

“Every three years, we conduct a community needs assessment to stay abreast of our community changes and current trends. We adjust our action plan as needed,” explained Ipsen.

Funding from Yardi helps pay for mental services for uninsured and underinsured clients, income-increasing certifications and housing application fees (CAP Plan).

“We were overwhelmed with gratitude when we received notice of Yardi Systems’ remarkable and generous donation to OWCAP! This substantial contribution is not just a financial gift; it’s a powerful affirmation of our mission and the hard work we do every day to support vulnerable populations within our communities,” expressed Ipsen. She continued, “With this incredible support from Yardi Systems, we can further extend our programs, touch more lives, and create lasting positive change. Your generosity will enable us to provide essential services, resources and opportunities to those most need them.”

Family Success

One family has engaged in numerous OWCAP programs and services for several years. The children were enrolled in Head Start, and the family were long-term participants in the Circles program. Recently, the mom expressed an interest in securing a job in web design, for which they had completed a certification.

They began working with OWCAP’s employment case manager, Ashley, to achieve this goal. Together, they identified the need to practice interview skills specific to IT. Ashley approached OWCAP’s IT Administrator, Nathan, who agreed to conduct a mock interview. During this session, they could ask clarifying questions, practice responses, and receive valuable feedback based on their answers, boosting their confidence for live interviews. As a result, they received a job offer with a salary that increased their household income above the poverty threshold.

“This story highlights how OWCAP staff collaborate creatively across departments to help participants achieve greater self-sufficiency and economic mobility,” Ipsen imparted.

Volunteer Opportunities

Ogden-Weber Community Action Partnership, Inc. welcomes volunteers with opportunities in several programs. Fill out the form online here or contact Kim Hall at [email protected] or 801-643-1594.

“Together with Yardi Systems, we are building a brighter, more hopeful future for everyone in our community. Thank you for standing with us and for your significant contribution, which will impact the lives of many,” proclaimed Ipsen.

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