What are Task Forces?
Task forces are action groups that plan and implement activities and events to evoke positive change in our community. Issues we address arise from the voices of those in our community and are supported by our member congregations. If you have interest and wish to become involved with our task forces, please click on the "send us a message" link on the left.
Transportation Task Force
Our Transportation Task Force is working to address issues that have an impact on the transit systems serving the greater Fox Valley region. Public transit connects peoplt to jobs, education, training, and medical services. An accessible tranist system also connects residents with family, friends, and allows riders to remain engaged and active in their community.
If you are interested in participating in the Transportation Task Force, please contact Stephanie Gyldenvand at esther.foxvalley@gmail.com or attend one of the task force's regular meetings
Place: First English Lutheran Church, 326 E. North Street, Appleton, Rm 201
Time: 6:30 PM on the third Tuesday of each month
Immigration Task Force
This task force works to address issues related to immigration, specifically those affecting the Latino population in the Valley. In addition to national comprehensive immigration reform, our task force is working locally in two areas: the allowance for Wisconsin state driver's certificates for resident undocumented workers and in-state tuition rates for all residents of Wisconsin meeting the academic guidelines for acceptance into our state's public universities, colleges and technical schools. ESL classes are also being offered at St. Therese Parish. The newly formed Casa Esther in Omro is looking to be an outreach center for Latinos in the Oshkosh/Omro area.
If you are interested in participating in the Immigration Task Force, please contact Nancy Bourassa at bourkim57@yahoo.com or Michelle Rupp at MRupp@firstcongoappleton.org or attend one of the tasks force's regular meetings
Place: Emmanuel Methodist Church, 740 E. College Avenue, Appleton
Time: 6:30 PM on the second Tuesday of each month
Workforce Housing Task Force
This task force's goal is to ensure that the Fox Valley has enough housing within the reach of working families. The Fox Cities have a need for workforce housing—that is, housing that is within the economic reach of those who work in necessary jobs that pay less than the county median income. The concept for workforce housing is simple: If you work in a community, you should be able to afford to live in that community.
Treatment Instead of Prison (TIP) Task Force
This group is working to increase state funding for treatment alternatives to incarceration, and to support drug treatment courts both locally and throughout Wisconsin. Community treatment alternatives lead to reduced drug and alcohol use, less crime, and the availability of more for schools, services, parks and transportation. The committee is also committed to reducing OWI incidences in WI through the expansion of initiatives such as Safe Streets Treatment Options Program offered in Winnebago County.
