Western Communities Action Network Inc

Because Together, WeCAN!

Every day our team is connecting with people in your community, offering kindness, compassion, and dignity to those we serve. The impact your giving has on these efforts cannot be overstated. I don’t know of a more compelling way to help you grasp the importance of the work WeCAN does than to share a couple of stories of our clients' journeys to stability and self-sufficiency.

Meet Cassie

Brought up in an alcoholic family, Cassie made the choice in 2018 to get sober. When she moved to Mound, she was greeted at WeCAN with smiles and encouragement, along with the help she needed for her family. Cassie recently left a bad relationship. Feeling scared and broken, she turned again to WeCAN for support. We were able to provide household items and gift cards to purchase bedding for her children, along with a much-needed car repair so she could get to work. Our family support programs help provide school supplies, winter coats, and holiday gifts for her children. “Thanks to WeCAN, I have confidence that my children will have what they need,” said Cassie.

Meet Karen

Karen moved back to Minnesota after her husband died. Formerly a hospice nurse, Karen had to retire due to her own health complications. With her savings depleted, she was left without financial stability. WeCAN’s Mobile Market gives Karen access to healthy food choices, which are delivered directly to her apartment. A monthly delivery of toiletries and personal care items are a big help with her bottom line.  Karen is also thankful for on-site access to a representative from Hennepin County Human Services, which saves her time and gas to receive county benefits. She is very appreciative of not only the services she receives, but also how the staff and volunteers treat her with dignity and respect. Karen’s apartment is a favorite stop for our Mobile Market volunteers, as she always has a special home baked treat for them. “Baking is a hobby I love and providing treats is a small way to say thank you for everything WeCAN does for me,” said Karen.

WeCAN offers hope and help to people living in the cities of Greenfield, Loretto, Independence, Maple Plain, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Rockford, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius, Tonka Bay and western Orono.

Our services include:

• Emergency Assistance to prevent homelessness and to help families in crisis, including assistance with rent, mortgage, car repair, utilities, gas cards and bus passes.
• Meals on Wheels hot lunch delivered to seniors and home bound individuals along with a personal visit. Our Mobile Market provides home delivered groceries to low-income individuals and families who face barriers to visiting a traditional food shelf.
• Family Support Programs of Adopt-a-Family for the holidays, Ready to Learn school supplies, Birthday Shelf, Stay Warm and Personal Hygiene.
• Clinic Connection addresses medical and prescription needs and assistance with medical insurance applications.
• Job Center Computer stations and office equipment for job search and skill building are available.  Our job counselor is available, by appointment, for resume assistance, skill assessment, and mock interview training.
• Referrals to many agencies for specific needs.

Thank you for helping to care for the most vulnerable in our community, now and always.

Executive Director Christopher Anderson