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Local News

• Post Register, April 14, 2010: Haven Shelter Begins Construction of New $400,000 Facility
  ”Once completed in October, the 3,000-square-foot building will house a computer lab, a kitchen and an exercise room to benefit residents of the shelter, said Anne Johnson, The Haven's director.”
• KIDK, April 13, 2010: The Haven Emergency Shelter Expands
  ”The new facility is going to be a Community Center for the residents at the Haven. It's going to be an area where classes and training can take place to help these families get back on their feet.”
• Post Register, February 19, 2010: EICAP Selling Office
  ”Officials with Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership have signed a contract to sell their downtown headquarters at 357 Constitution Way.”
• Idaho Falls Magazine, January/February 2010: The I.F. 50
  ”In January of 2004, Helen Stanton, an AmeriCorps VISTA, came to the Area VI Agency on Aging, a program of Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP), to develop and put into action a Volunteer Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.”
• Idaho's Bounty, December 20, 2009: Healthy Food Makes Healthy People
  ”Nationwide there have been similar movements, at Head Start pre-school centers, and among many corporations attempting to have a healthier workforce, not to mention the lower health care costs that come along with it. ”
• Idaho Statesman, December 6, 2009: Our View: Pre-K is a practical, preventive investment
  ”We must give our children their best chance to succeed in school, and in life. On that point, at least, there should be no disagreement. The only debate, then, is how to get there.”
• Salmon Recorder-Herald, December 3, 2009: Head Start program proves beneficial to kids
  ”Salmon has one of six Head Start centers within the EICAP (eastern Idaho) region. The Salmon Center has 17 slots for children aged three to five years, and is located at 955 Riverfront Drive in the EICAP building.”
• Community Living Southeast Idaho, November-December 2009: The Gift of Giving
  ”The Haven Shelter needs your donations. 40% of their budget comes from community members. Whether it is a can of soup, monetary donations, clothing, school supplies, personal care items, everything is used for their families.”
• Post Register, November 3, 2009: A New Home for Nonprofit
  "The move will allow EICAP to consolidate its resources by downsizing from four buildings to one. EICAP is moving its headquarters, weatherization operations, Eastern Idaho Food Bank warehouse and Head Start program under one roof."
• Post Register, October 7, 2009: Heat Bills Cooling
  ”An expected milder winter, along with lower fuel costs, should cut average residential heating costs by 8 percent from last year, the Energy Information Administration said in its annual winter outlook.”
• KBCI, October 7, 2009: Despite Tough Economy, Organization Continues to Help Residents Pay Bills
  ”But in this tough economy, the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho served about 45,000 homes last year. This year, it's expecting to serve 55,000 - with less money from Washington to cover the demand.”
• Post Register, October 3, 2009: A Time To Celebrate
  ”National Long-Term Care Residents' week is being celebrated across the United States. Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, the Area VI Agency on Aging and Ombudsman Program V.O.I.C.E., (Volunteer Ombudsmen, Improving Care for our Elders), is joining assisted living and skilled nursing facility staff, families, friends and ombudsmen from across the nation to acknowledge the many contributions and sacrifices our long-term care residents have made to better our community.”
• KPVI, October 1, 2009: Building New Homes in Eastern Idaho For The Low Income
  "With the help from Mutual Self-Help Housing, Amy Lister and her husband were able to build their own home. Dedicating 30 hours a week, they built their home under the supervision of site managers and trained professionals. It took almost a year for the Lister's to complete their house and today they received the keys to their new home."
• KIFI, October 1, 2009: New Home Owners Help To Build Their Own House
  "The homes are in a new addition just off county line road south of Rigby. The families built them as part of the Mutual Self-Help Housing program."
• KIDK, September 26, 2009: Homes for the poor
  "Families save upwards of $30,000 by spending 30 hours a week working on their home, while the housing program sub contracts out difficult things like plumbing and electric."
• KPVI, July 21, 2009: EICAP is Building 14 New Homes
  "These new self-help homes will be helping 14 families in South Eastern Idaho. The houses are available to families that wouldn't normally be able take out a home loan."
• Post Register, July 16, 2009: A Fresh Beginning
  ”Since early June, when builders broke ground on the project, there's been a surge of excitement among some low-income families who work at nearby farms or potato-processing plants, said Joel Gramirez, an outreach coordinator for the Community Family Clinic in Idaho Falls.”
• KPVI, June 15, 2009: Farm Worker Housing Project North of Idaho Falls Gets the Green light
  "The Lakeview Family Apartments will house 23 families, with kitchens, a laundry room, and there'll even be classroom for computer or English classes."
• Idaho Business & Law, Summer 2009: Foreclosure Mediation
  "He helped start a free program through the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, working with housing counselors at the agency."
• Post Register, May 28, 2009: EICAP Gets Funding
  ”But a $3 million infusion of stimulus funds will help the nonprofit organization slash those delays and more than double the number of homes it upgrades for winter energy efficiency.”
• KPVI, May 26, 2009: Club, Inc To Revamp Parts of Aging Neighborhood in Idaho Falls
  "EICAP will get about $400,000 of the remaining stimulus money for these kind of projects, which provide affordable housing to low income families."
• Post Register, May 21, 2009: CHC Foundation Awards 25 Grants
  ”The CHC Foundation Inc. recently awarded grants totaling $266,138 to 25 nonprofit organizations throughout the area.”
• KPVI, May 19, 2009: With EICAP Weatherization, Federal Stimulus Starting To Impact Locals
  "It's all part of the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership weatherization program. Because of the federal stimulus package, the agency's program director has learned his spending power will rise from $800,000 to $3 million over two years."
• KPVI, May 18, 2009: EICAP Awards Recognize Those Serving Low Income Families in Eastern Idaho
  "Every year, people make a difference in our community, and often they do it without any accolades. But Monday night in Idaho Falls, was an Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership banquet to do just that. EICAP is a multi-million dollar non-profit agency that serves mostly lower income families."
• Post Register, May 8, 2009: More People Seeking Help From Nonprofits
  ”In the wake of the recession, demand for energy assistance and food spiked at EICAP. The need for food, which is distributed through area food banks, grew by 40 percent to 50 percent so far this year, Bailey said. And EICAP provided assistance with heating costs to 5,500 households this winter, compared with 4,100 households last winter, she said.”
• KPVI, May 7, 2009: Postal Service Picking Up Food Donations Saturday When Delivering Mail
  "Last year in the Idaho Falls area, about 35,000 pounds of food was collected. This year the goal is more than 50,000 pounds. All letter carriers in eastern Idaho are doing this."
• KIDK, May 7, 2009: The good news about the bad news part2
  " Since most people know at least one person affected by the current economy, the situation is hitting closer to home. Those who are turning to their faith and their community to survive are learning valuable lessons. Lessons we can all apply to our own lives in good times and bad."
• KPVI, April 7, 2009: Congressman Mike Simpson Tours EICAP's Food Warehouse in Idaho Falls
  "The congressman toured the operation, as he prepares to go back to Washington, D.C., and consider funding part of that project. It's unclear how soon that could happen, but Simpson says in the meantime, people in eastern Idaho have been very good at supporting the food bank."
• Post Register, April 4, 2009: Grant Money to Help Homeless
  ”Schroeder, 29, is a graduate of Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership's Haven rehabilitation and transitional housing program. She's a living example of how Idaho Falls groups that help the homeless use government grant money.”
• KIDK, April 1, 2009: EICAP helps people get new homes
  "The Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership has helped people own their own homes by giving them the tools they need as long as they put in the hours. Instead of paying someone else, they basically pay themselves."
• KIFI, March 9, 2009: I.F. Mayor Apologizes For Stimulus Money Mistake
  "Last Wednesday the city had to submit a wish list of projects they'd like funded by federal stimulus money. Unfortunately the city missed the deadline and the mayor is taking full responsibility for the oversight."
• KIFI, March 9, 2009: Idaho Falls Still Has Hope for Stimulus Money
  "Some of those include $1.29 million for TRPTA and potentially $109,000 for non-profit orgainzations, for example the Haven which has been helped out in the past by federal money."
• KIFI, February 12, 2009: Haven Shelter Planning to Expand
  "The new addition will add 19 more rooms. A new activities center will also be built, which will allow for more recreational opportunities, and will also feature an exercise facility, a modernized kitchen, and new classrooms."
• Post Register, January 8, 2009: Generous Community
  ”Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership warehouses donated food and USDA commodities for Idaho Falls and the surrounding area. We sort, store and distribute literally tons of food to local food banks and soup kitchens. The Idaho Falls Community Food Bank is a weekly recipient.”
• KPVI, December 12, 2008: Record Increase in People Seeking Help with Winter Energy Bills
  "Imagine answering 2,000 phone calls in one day. It happened several weeks ago at Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership, on the first day when people could apply for energy assistance."
• KPVI: December 11, 2008: Townhall Meeting in Idaho Falls Addresses Economic Crisis in Idaho
  "The local speakers included union representatives, laborers and the head of Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership. Russ Spain, the head of EICAP, says the economy is hitting East Idaho harder as the months go on, with now, about double the people seeking assistance with utility bills this winter."
• KIDK: December 11, 2008: Economic road to recovery
  "Headlines across the country are a constant reminder of the poor economic situation in the U.S. Many call it a recession and see the economy slipping even further."
• KIFI, December 3, 2008: Families Help Each Other to Build Houses
  "All the homes are designed to be affordable and energy efficient for the families. Participants perform at least 65% of the labor needed to build their home. The labor serves as the down payment in the form of "sweat equity." Families must put in 30 hours per week helping build the houses on top of their full time job."
• Post Register, December 1, 2008: Looking For Help
  ”The rise in food costs has turned many volunteers at the nonprofit Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership into patrons, said Sheryl Bailey, the group's community services director.”
• KIDK, November 24, 2008: New homes for the holidays
  "The mutual self-help housing program helps families reach their dream of owning a home. Between six and 10 families are in each group. They all help each other build the homes in their area."
• KPVI, November 22, 2008: EICAP Families Will be Home For the Holidays
  "Imagine getting a brand new house for Christmas. For some Blackfoot residents that will be the case after working almost a year building their own homes through Eastern Idaho's Community Action Partnership's Self Help Housing Program. The program helps families that wouldn't normally be able to afford a home, or qualify for a loan get into a home buy building it themselves."
• KIDK, November 13, 2008: Help with heating bills
  "The agency paid about $1.3 million dollars in heating bills last year through the energy assistance program. Statewide more than thirty five thousand families received help for the winter months. Three times that many people qualified, but didn't apply."
• Post Register, November 11, 2008: Food Bank
  ”The Idaho Falls unit is located in what was previously the Ray Pullen's Prescription Center building on Placer. Much of the food which the Boy Scouts have obtained last month will be distributed through this facility after being sorted out at the EICAP warehouse. We are always looking for more volunteers and invite anyone who is interested to contact us. We are fortunate that we also have many churches and other organizations as well as many individuals who contribute regularly to us.”
• Post Register, October 29, 2008: CHC Names Nonprofit Awardees
  ”The CHC Foundation Inc. has awarded grants totaling $235,966 to 22 nonprofit organizations throughout the area during its latest funding cycle.”
• KIFI, October 2, 2008: Tough Times Mean More in Need
  "They are going to the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP), but that organization is struggling to meet their needs, too. The food bank is nearly empty and has been for several months. What small donations they do get, don't last long. In fact, they received a donation of 6,000 cans and they said it lasted a few weeks."
• KIFI, September 16, 2008: Help in Eastern Idaho with Heating Bills
  "This program is for everyone living in Bonneville County and counties to the north. The help is out there, but how do you know if you qualify? The program is based on last year's income. For one person living in a home they need to make less than thirteen hundred dollars a month. From there it goes up, depending on how many people are in the home. Bailey says, 'It gives a little bit more of a disposable income during the winter so we don't have to see shutoffs. It gives them a little more of a safety net that they need.'"
• Post Register, September 8, 2008: I.F. Nonprofit Group Out of Room
  ”Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership's downtown Idaho Falls building is up for sale, but that doesn't mean the regional nonprofit is closing its doors.”
• KPVI, August 29, 2008: Help Comes in Midst of Worst Ever Food Bank Shortage in East Idaho
  "After appealing to the community, the hospital and EICAP now have 20 pallets of food in storage to feed people in nine counties. EICAP had just two pallets of food earlier this month, something they hadn't seen in 40 years. "
• KPVI, August 13, 2008: East Idaho Needs Help During Worst Food Bank Shortage Ever
  "After appealing to the community, the hospital and EICAP now have 20 pallets of food in storage to feed people in nine counties. EICAP had just two pallets of food earlier this month, something they hadn't seen in 40 years."
• KIFI, August 13, 2008: Eastern Idaho Donation Warehouse Needs Canned Food
  "The warehouse supplies 12 food banks in Eastern Idaho and the executive director says they've given out 50 percent more boxes of food just in the past two months."
• KIDK, July 28, 2008: Senior Day Club
  "This would be the only facility in Idaho Falls that is strictly a day center. The Area Agency on Aging at Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership feels there is a great need for this."
• KPVI, June 29, 2008: Program Helps First Time Homebuyers Build
  "The Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership's Self-Help Housing has been helping first time homebuyers get into their first homes for years now. There are currently eight families, including Rachel's that are getting ready to move into their home. There are another eight families are a third of the way done."
• KPVI, May 19, 2008: EICAP Marks 40 Years of Helping Impoverished in East Idaho
  "EICAP says more locals this month have come in for help with their utility bills than ever before. Mathis says EICAP is here to help, with programs that aid people with building homes, buying food, and with programs like "Head Start" that care for and feed young children, and help them with school work, while parents are working."
• Idaho Falls Magazine, May/June 2008: The EICAP Vision
  ”Its mission is to make a difference in people's lives, and was started here 40 years ago. Since its inception it has grown to serve all ages of residents. From the Head Start program to mutual self-help housing, aging services, weatherization and other community services, the director and staff at EICAP are dedicated to helping everyone they can.”
• KIFI, April 30, 2008: Idaho Falls is Helping With Utility Bills
  "Making ends meet seems a little harder lately with prices rising on every front. But, you may be getting a little help in your utilities bill."
• KIDK, March 17, 2008: Food Bank Need High After Grocery Prices Soar
  "The tumbling economy and rising grocery bills are also affecting local food banks, who are scrambling to keep up with the increased demand, as families struggle to make ends meet."
• KIDK, March 12, 2008: DTV Scams for Senior Citizens
  Mathew Queen, EICAP Dir. Of Agency on Aging: 'Someone who is struggling with technology is not going to be able to effectively get through this process.'"
• KIFI, January 15, 2008: 8 Blackfoot Families Realize Dreams Through EICAP
  "EICAP divides people into groups. Not only do they build their own homes, but the homes of their group members as well. After 14 months of building, the families will be able to move into their homes after final building inspections Tuesday afternoon."
• Post Register, January 2, 2008: Whose Wish Is Granted?
  ”Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership has asked for $18,000 to repave a courtyard at The Haven shelter, which currently serves 21 families. Ann Johnson, manager of the shelter, said people have slipped in the courtyard, which becomes especially hazardous with ice in the winter.”
• Post Register, December 7, 2007: Who's Been Nice …
  ”The Bank of Commerce made Thursday's event possible by donating $10,000 to the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership so the organization could provide food to people in need.”
• Idaho Falls Magazine, November/December 2007: 5 Who Make a Difference
  ”For the past 11 years Johnson has been the director for The Haven Shelter which is a temporary housing facility for families and single women in crisis.”
• Post Register, October 28, 2007: Scouts Fan Out For Food
  ”In Idaho Falls, the goods outside people's homes were collected and taken to sorting stations around town, then boxed, put on pallets and taken to the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership's warehouse on West 19th Street.”
• Post Register, October 24, 2007: Affordable Housing
  ”Items may be purchased over the Internet and shipped directly to the weatherization program's building or you may purchase items in the store and bring them to our main office at 357 Constitution Way in Idaho Falls. The listed items are suggestions as other models available at Home Depot or other stores will be suitable for our needs.”
• Post Register, September 26, 2007: Preparing For Winter
  ”Items may be purchased over the Internet and shipped directly to the weatherization program's building or you may purchase items in the store and bring them to our main office at 357 Constitution Way in Idaho Falls. The listed items are suggestions as other models available at Home Depot or other stores will be suitable for our needs.”
• KIDK, May 18, 2007: Advanced Directives
  Emily Hoyt of EICAP an advanced directive would have helped the judge in the Shaivo case make his decision. 'Where had there been some in place it would have given the judge the opportunity to at least have something concrete to deal with. And the more things we have in place to give the judicial system the ability to be able to carry through, with the wishes that we have placed on paper, the better off we are.'"
• KIDK, March 27, 2007: Senior Debt on the Rise
  "A growing number of seniors across the country are falling into debt at an alarming rate as the growing cost of living forces countless seniors to rob Peter and pay Paul."
• KPVI, March 21, 2007: Family Builds Own Home In Blackfoot with Help from Local Agency
  "They are one of six families moving to this neighborhood. Part of the EICAP self help program which works to get low income families into home ownership. Providing more than just a roof over their heads but a foundation for long term financial stability as families are moving in sometimes with up to 20-thousand in equity."
• KIDK, March 19, 2007: Welcome Home!
  "The built their house as part of the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP) program that helps families get into homes at a much cheaper cost."
• Post Register, January 11, 2007: Supporting Caregivers
  ”The Area Agency on Aging has a caregiver support group that meets the first Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. at 357 Constitution Way in Idaho Falls. The support group is designed to offer caregivers and the person being cared for the most-up-to-date information, referrals to other agencies in the area for whatever their needs might be, but most of all support and lasting friendships.”
• KIDK, December 8, 2006: Community Reaches Out to Trailer Park Residents
  "That's because more than 70 families who live at Uptown Trailer Park are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They have just months to find a home before their lease is up. Although before they do...a state law requires owners to make serious renovations to their aging homes."
• Post Register, November 14, 2006: Building Blocks Program Puts Families In Homes
  ”Participants pay no down payments and make no payments on their loans until the houses are completed and everyone has moved in. EICAP has overseen the construction of 101 houses.”
• KIDK, November 12, 2006: More Grandparents Than Ever Are Raising Their Grandchildren in Eastern Idaho
  "Grand parenting is changing in our country. One in ten grandparents in America will raise his or her grand kids for at least two years. There are a lot of grandparents out there stepping up in times of need to ensure their grandchildren get the opportunities they need to become happy, healthy adults. But out every situation is emotional and complex."
• Post Register, January 22, 2006: Higher Heating Costs Hit Home
  ”The Area Agency on Aging has a caregiver support group that meets the first Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m. at 357 Constitution Way in Idaho Falls. The support group is designed to offer caregivers and the person being cared for the most-up-to-date information, referrals to other agencies in the area for whatever their needs might be, but most of all support and lasting friendships.”
• Post Register, January 7, 2006: Food Warehouse Gets Reprieve - For Now
  ”A last-minute donation and a relenting landlord has allowed the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership to keep using the warehouse at 590 W. 19th St.”
• Post Register, December 1, 2005: Food Bank in a Bind
  ”For a dozen years, the food bank has stored donations at a warehouse rented by the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (formerly Eastern Idaho Special Services Agency). EICAP picks up the donated food, stores it and distributes it to the food bank, food pantries in surrounding counties, The Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul and a handful of local churches. About half of the donations and storage space go to the food bank.”
• Post Register, November 20, 2005: Feeding The Hungry
  ”About two-thirds of the annual contributions to the clearinghouse come from the Boy Scouts' annual drive, said Cheryl Bailey, community services director for EICAP, formerly EISSA.”

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