In 1973, a group of pastors from 16 Waukesha area congregations identified a need in our low-income and homeless community. The pastors recognized those needs were larger than what they could service on an individual basis, and decided to designate one person to head the operation. This person began face-to-face discussions to assist the community. Needs arose out of the conversations and programs were developed and put into place.

Cooperating Congregations of Waukesha County (CCWC) became incorporated in 1987 with a mission to provide an ecumenical ministry committed to serving people in need in Waukesha County. CCWC began offering a wide range of services to address the basic needs of financial assistance, food, clothing and child care.

With the support of more than 100 congregations, CCWC has raised the awareness about the needs of many throughout Waukesha County. In 2007, the organization provided 30,000 direct units of service with its 9 different programs.

CCWC was recognized for their commitment and excellence with the Large Non-Profit of the Year Award from the Waukesha County Executive’s office in 2006 .

CCWC is continually the number 1 referral source from 211/First Call for Help out of over 600 agencies in their database.

 

2007 Facts:

• CCWC is supported in part by 115 congregations with financial help, volunteer hours and clothing drives.
• CCWC helps low-income and homeless people with their basic needs, giving them the opportunity to become self sufficient.
• Congregation donations directly account for only 15% of CCWC’s budget. Grants and fundraisers account for 43% and individuals contribute 21%.
• 20% of CCWC’s budget is earned income from the Child Care Center.
• More than 28,000 people in Waukesha County live below the poverty level. (2000 Census)
• 14,483 volunteer hours were donated.
• 15,284 plates of food were served to 658 individual.
• In 2007, CCWC provided 30,059 personal contacts through the 9 programs.
• 2,578 men, women and children shopped at the Clothes Closet an average of 3.5 times.
• CCWC helped 426 households with $47,055 of financial assistance for rent, security deposit, transportation for work and a few miscellaneous items. Most of that money came from grants.