SOMERS — After a stint in jail, University of Wisconsin-Parkside student Matrice Scales was able to turn his life around — thanks to the non-profit Racine Vocational Ministry.

“They don’t try to make a new person. They help you to help yourself,” said Scales, speaking to an audience of 60 to 70 non-profit agency representatives last week at Parkside.

Scales compared himself to a cracked buoy unable to stay afloat before the ministry group helped him repair the damage.

“Now,” he said, “I’m a buoy that won’t sink. Though many of you don’t know me, you all helped me. So, thank you.”

His story lies at the heart of CAN Works, launched Thursday by the UW-Parkside Center for Community Partnerships.

CAN Works

The event marked the kickoff for the second generation of CAN, Capacity-building Assistance for Nonprofits, this time with a $1 million federal grant. The first iteration was initiated by the center in October 1997, funded by a $1.5 million federal grant spread over three years. It ends this fall.

Debra Karp, the center director, said the initial program has doled out $400,000 in subgrants to local nonprofits so far. The final $200,000 will be awarded in March.

To apply for CAN Works subgrants, local nonprofit organizations must present programs that help the jobless become employable and those who have jobs to retain them.

The funds aren’t to cover the direct costs of serving individuals but to defray indirect expenses — such as updating computers, adding staff, getting technical assistance and training — so they can expand services to more people.

“What we talk about is ‘building capacity,’” Karp said.

Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., helped Parkside secure the $1 million grant in September. Judy Huffman, a representative from Kohl’s office, told the audience Thursday the center was selected because of its partnerships with public and private agencies working Kenosha and Racine counties, where unemployment figures are high.

“The grant will help the center do the hard work they began two years ago when the (CAN) program first was funded,” Huffman said.

From good to great

Paula Plasky, the center’s nonprofit training coordinator, said CAN Works will help nonprofits go from good to great.

“You’re good. This is going to help you become greater,” Plasky told the group.

“We are looking for strong agencies ... (who) are ‘shovel ready’ ... that can hit the ground running,” Plasky said.

Said Karp afterward: “Capacity building isn’t sexy or sensational. It’s just one piece that is helpful.

“In the end, that’s ultimately what these grants are about, to help people like Martise become more independent, give them access to the resources we have in the community, to strengthen the abilities of small organizations that don’t have those kinds of resources to better provide services.”