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ABOUT US

Mission, Vision, Values

Community

About Poverty
LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

BOD FAQ

Leadership Team
WHAT WE DO
BASIC NEEDS

Energy

Food Resources

Housing

Public Transportation

Volunteer Driver
SELF SUFFICIENCY

DRIVE

Money Management

Rebuilding Lives

Taxes
BUILDING STABILITY

FAIM

Home Ownership

Weatherization
APPLICATIONS
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Energy Application

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Good Timing

Tri-CAP
June 29, 2015

An introduction to our new Tri-CAP monthly blog
Stephen Bjorklund, Energy Consultant
You have heard that timing is everything. As a young man, husband, father and building contractor, I struggled with the ups and downs of the construction business. Our family income was never the same for any two years in a row – but our bills were the same. With a growing family (2 boys and 2 girls), our bills actually increased month by month. We struggled during those years and I never really knew that there were resources, like the local Community Action Agency, that could help with some of our tough times. Even if I had known about these resources, I may have been “too proud” to ask for assistance. I had this notion that as a “good American”, I should find a way to make it on my own.
I think it says somewhere important, that “pride goes before a fall”. I think I fell a lot in those early family years. Now I’m considerably older and my children have their own families, and I have changed my point of view. If you really consider American history, we as a people are unique in the world because we, without hesitation, will help a neighbor to raise their barn, or if they are incapacitated by the vagaries of life, we’ll help them bring in their harvest. Sure, we’re creative, self-reliant and we embrace the American “can-do” philosophy. But when we are able and we see a need – we extend a helping hand. Our strength as Americans is our strength together.
Here’s the deal: Community Action Agencies exist for people like that proud young man (me), who struggled at times to put food on the table or fuel in the furnace when it was ten below outside. Pride is a poor excuse for a parent with a hungry or cold child.
To get to the heart of the matter, get real with your situation, get the help available, get healthy, get strong – and before you know it, you will be in a position to extend a helping hand to others. Life is a great circle, we’re in it together and we’ll succeed together.
Tri-CAP is starting a monthly blog with stories and helpful hints on a wide range of topics and opportunities. One month we may investigate solar powered yard lighting, or how to raise a vegetable garden on a space as small as your apartment balcony. We may give you tips on how to earn extra income, tips that work! Here’s your tip for today, turn your water heater temperature down to 120 degrees or less, and save up to ten per cent on your energy bills. We’ll keep in touch, so watch for our monthly blog. Timing is everything, maybe it’s time for you to call Tri-CAP and introduce yourself to a whole bunch of good Americans, people just like you.

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TRI-CAP CORPORATE OFFICE:
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TRI-CAP TRANSPORTATION:
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Fax : 320-255-9518

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