ADVOCAP is a Community Action Agency (CAA), part of a nationwide network of local nonprofits that help people overcome the challenges of poverty and empower them to build better, more stable lives. CAAs provide essential services like housing support, early childhood education, energy assistance, and employment training. They’re funded by a mix of federal, state, and local grants, with the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) as their core funding. What makes CAAs unique is their community-driven approach — local people, including those living with low incomes, help guide the programs to ensure they truly meet the needs of their neighbors.
ADVOCAP has been making a difference in Green Lake, Winnebago, and Fond du Lac counties since 1966. As one of over 1,000 CAAs, we’re dedicated to helping our communities create opportunities to support people in achieving financial stability and self-sufficiency. Through our many programs, we work alongside our community to create real, lasting change. Whether it’s through partnerships, volunteers, or direct services, ADVOCAP is here to support local families and individuals on their path to a brighter future.
Our Mission
ADVOCAP’s Mission is to create opportunities for people and communities to reduce poverty and increase self-sufficiency.
Our Vision
Vision is that all low-income and disadvantaged people in our service area will have the opportunities, assets, and tools necessary to obtain the necessities of a healthy and dignified life.
ADVOCAP is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) Community Action Agency governed by a local, tripartite Board of Directors. Information about our governance, financial reporting, planning efforts, and policies is publicly available — including Board and committee meeting minutes, annual reports, audited financial statements, Form 990s, Community Needs Assessment reports, and agency policies. View these materials on our Reports & Minutes page here.
Our Team
Executive Team
Tanya Marcoe
Executive Director
920-922-7760
tanya.marcoe@advocap.org
Tony Beregszazi
Deputy Director
920-922-7760
tony.beregszazi@advocap.org
Joe Lougher
Finance Director
920-922-7760
joe.lougher@advocap.org
Kelly Mauer
Human Resources Director
920-922-7760
kelly.mauer@advocap.org
Kathy Doyle
Business Development Director
920-922-7760
kathy.doyle@advocap.org
April Mullins-Datko
Head Start Director
920-922-7760
april.mullins-datko@advocap.org
Becky Heldt
Homeless Prevention Director
920-922-7760
becky.heldt@advocap.org
Dawn Paterson
Food & Nutrition Director
920-725-2791
dawn.paterson@advocap.org
Lisa Severson
Volunteer Services Director
920-426-0150
lisa.severson@advocap.org
Justin McArthur
Property Services Manager
920-922-7760
justin.mcarthur@advocap.org
Jason Vander Velden
Weatherization Director
920-426-0150
jason.vandervelden@advocap.org
Board of Directors
The ADVOCAP Board of Directors consists of residents of the three counties we serve; Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Winnebago. It is a tripartite (three-part) board with equal representation from local government, community leaders, and low-income people. Board members are active in the communities we serve as leaders, business owners, and members of local government.
The Board of Directors identifies the needs of the communities we serve and works with ADVOCAP Staff to determine the best way to meet those needs by establishing goals, formulating strategic plans for Community Action and overseeing the personnel, fiscal, and program policies.
The Board of Directors serve on a voluntary basis.
Officers
Connie Anderson
President
Jay Myrechuck
Vice President
Paulette Feld
Secretary
Shawn Ross
Treasurer
Fond du Lac County
Donna Blend
Tami Christian
Edie Crews
Mary Fleischman
Raina Lyman
Jay Myrechuck
Shawn Ross
Gary Ross
Michael Ross
Green Lake County
Connie Anderson
Shaddai Carmona
Joe Gonyo
Nita Krenz
Danielle Viau
Winnebago County
Gayle Demler
Paulette Feld
Amber Lyn Gilbertson
Brian Hamill
Tonya Hitz
Seth Therrian
Jeff Lutz
Deb Neet
Karen Powers
