(Cass Co.) Wendy Mueller with West Central Community Action presented her annual report and request for funding to the Cass County Board of Supervisors this morning.
West Central Community Action is a nonprofit agency that helps people become self-sufficient. Part of a nationwide anti-poverty network, it has served Southwest Iowa for more than 55 years through programs offered at local outreach and Head Start centers across 10 counties.
Mueller said West Central Community Action served 537 households and 1,153 individuals in Cass County in FY25.
Services include Head Start, Early Head Start, Child Care Resource and Referral, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Weatherization, Embrace Iowa, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, I CARE – Black Hills Cares – Alliant Hometown Cares Assistance, and Family Development and Self Sufficiency.
Supervisor Steve Green asked Mueller about the status of Head Start funding after the current administration discussed eliminating or significantly reducing that funding.
Mueller requested $4,500, the same amount as last year. She said the funds could be used for outreach services, local match requirements, or to support any additional funding needs for programs that serve Cass County only.
No action was taken on the request at this time.
In other news, the Supervisors approved the appointment of Krista Young as Commissioner of the Southern Iowa Regional Housing Authority representing Cass County. They also approved the appointment of Bernard Pettinger to be a representative for the Golden Hills RC&D Board.
The Supervisors received a presentation on the annual audit by Darren Welsh with Gronewold Bell, Kyhnn & Co., and received reports from County Engineer Trent Wolken and Mike Stringham with Cass/Guthrie County Environmental Health.
