BPNN Supports Communities, Workforce Through Partnerships

Karen holds BPNN's Champions in Action Award in front of a brick wall with metal lettering that says "The Kasieta Center."The Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty and ending hunger locally.

They have operated a food pantry since 1986 and provide a range of services to Dane County households. They offer free community meals, nutrition education and cooking classes, onsite Joining Forces for Families social workers, and free legal advocacy. In 2021, BPNN distributed over 1.2 million pounds of food and helped feed 19,000 individuals. This year, they’re on pace to provide food to over 36,000 individuals in food insecure households.

In August 2022, BPNN opened the Kasieta Center – a 4,800 square foot training and event space. Through partnerships, they are providing programs that support adults getting into jobs that pay family-sustaining wages and benefits. In October 2022, BPNN hosted their first Manufacturing Job Fair in partnership with the Job Center of Wisconsin and Latino Academy of Workforce Development. 17 manufacturing employers and nearly 100 job seekers participated.

The space is also used to serve free community meals, host new volunteer orientations and host community events including a winter market.

And all of this is accomplished by a 100% volunteer workforce.

BPNN received the 2022 Champions in Action Award for their support of innovative workforce development strategies. 

Award accepted by Karen Dettinger.

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