About Us
Founded in 1966, ADVOCAP is the designated Community Action Agency for Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Winnebago Counties in Wisconsin. As part of a nationwide network of nearly 1,000 Community Action Agencies, we work alongside individuals, families, and partners to reduce poverty, increase self-sufficiency, and strengthen our communities. Through our programs and partnerships, we help meet basic needs, strengthen housing stability, foster childhood development, support older adults, and create workforce and small business opportunities.
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 History
ADVOCAP was founded in 1966 as part of the national Community Action movement, created to address poverty by bringing together local organizations and people to identify needs and develop community-based solutions. Community Action Agencies are locally governed organizations that work alongside individuals and families while building partnerships that strengthen communities. ADVOCAP began this work in 1966 as the designated Community Action Agency for Fond du Lac County, later expanding our work to Winnebago County in 1972 and Green Lake County in 1996. Learn more about Community Action and ADVOCAP’s history here.
Today, ADVOCAP organizes its work around five areas that reflect the needs and strengths of the communities we support: meeting basic needs, strengthening housing stability, creating workforce opportunities, fostering childhood development, and supporting older adults. Across these areas, ADVOCAP creates opportunities to reduce poverty, increase self-sufficiency, and build stronger neighborhoods throughout Fond du Lac, Green Lake, and Winnebago Counties.
Our Mission & Vision
ADVOCAP’s mission is to create opportunities for people and communities to reduce poverty and increase self-sufficiency. Our 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.
Our Team
Executive Team & Program Directors
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 & Members by County
Officers
Connie Anderson
President
Jay Myrechuck
Vice President
Paulette Feld
Secretary
Shawn Ross
Treasurer
Fond du Lac County
Donna Blend
Tami Christian
Edie Crews
Tom Dornbrook
Mary Fleischman
Raina Lyman
Jay Myrechuck
Shawn Ross
Michael Will
Green Lake County
Connie Anderson
Shaddai Carmona
Joe Gonyo
Danielle Viau
Winnebago County
Gayle Demler
Paulette Feld
Amber Lyn Gilbertson
Brian Hamill
Tonya Hitz
Deb Neet
Karen Powers
Jane Wypiszynski
