City Spotlight: CAPK -- Supporting Wasco

Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) plays a crucial role in supporting the Wasco community through targeted programs designed to meet local needs.

Food Assistance

CAPK ensures food security for Wasco residents through its Food Bank programs. Food access points include Wasco Free Will Baptist Church at 938 7th St, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Gridstone at 1879 Gaston St, open every Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Westside Family Fellowship at 2150 Palm Ave., open every first Friday of the month from

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Wasco Recreation & Parks District at 2502 Parkside Dr, open every fourth Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Early Childhood Education

CAPK offers Head Start and Early Head Start services at 929 Broadway St. in Wasco, providing early childhood education for children aged 6 months to 5 years. The center supports both Early Head Start (6 months to 3 years) and Head Start (4-5 years), with part-time, full-time, and home-based options to foster child development and support families.

Support for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The WIC program in Wasco assists eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under five. Services are available at 2101 7th St and include access to quality food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to health and community services that help families make healthier choices.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Located at 1544 7th St in Wasco, the VITA program offers free tax preparation and e-filing services for low to moderate-income individuals. Additional services include ITIN processing for undocumented individuals and tax refund maximization through Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) assistance.

Migrant Childcare Services

For Wasco's farmworking families, CAPK offers Migrant Childcare, providing free childcare designed to accommodate agricultural work hours. These services support children aged 0 to 12 and follow families across California during crop seasons.

Information and Referrals

CAPK's 2-1-1 Kern service connects Wasco residents to over 1,500 social service resources, including housing, healthcare, and essential needs support. Through these programs, CAPK demonstrates its dedication to addressing food insecurity, education, family support, and economic stability in the Wasco. community. For more information call 661-336-5236.