November 4, 2020

Citizens First Bank Supports Couleecap’s COVID-19 Response

“This gift is critical to helping families who are struggling due to the very real impact COVID-19 has had on jobs, health, and paychecks in our community,” said Ashley Lacenski, Community Development Director. “We appreciate Citizens First Bank’s support and the positive impact it has on our community.”

These funds are provided by FHLBank-Chicago as part of their efforts to aid member banks in supporting relief efforts for populations hardest-hit by COVID-19 as well as to promote equity and opportunity for communities of color.

“Citizens First Bank is a proud member bank with the FHLB-Chicago.  It is FHLB-Chicago’s vision for the region they serve that created The Target Impact Fund and we were pleased to be in a position to apply for & receive this grant for the benefit of Couleecap.  Couleecap is uniquely positioned to be great stewards of these dollars and to move these funds into our communities efficiently”, Shane Ilstrup, President of Citizens First Bank. 

Couleecap’s COVID-19 Response Plan was launched with three principles in mind. To mobilize resources quickly, to make accessing those resources barrier-free, and to invest resources and effort into serving the most vulnerable populations. To accomplish these goals, Couleecap implemented several new programs, expanded others, and continues to develop innovative solutions to meet the needs of the community as the pandemic evolves.  This grant will allow Couleecap to continue to serve vulnerable populations who have been most affected by COVID-19.

Couleecap’s work continues and local people are still in need of assistance. If you are interested in supporting the work, you will find giving information on www.couleecap.org.

About Couleecap, Inc.

Couleecap, Inc. is a private non-profit 501c3 charitable organization. Couleecap helps people with housing, food, transportation, and more. Created in 1966, we are a community action program that fights poverty and promotes self-sufficiency in Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties. Learn more at couleecap.org, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.