About Us

History

On August 20, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law an Act that mobilized our nation’s human and financial resources to combat poverty in the United States.

This law created the Office of Economic Opportunity. As its goal, this central agency within the federal government set forth to “eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty” through the development, testing and operation of various urban and rural anti-poverty programs. The Office of Economic Opportunity was abolished in 1981, its programs have been scattered among other federal agencies, in particular the Department of Health and Human Services.

On June 23, 1965, the Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community Action Agency was granted a charter by the Michigan Corporation and Securities Commission to function as a private non-profit organization for the express purpose of serving the counties of Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw.

Since its inception, the B-H-K CAA has achieved remarkable headway through increased public and private understanding of the scope, causes and problems of poverty. In so doing, it has broadened the resource base of its self-help programs by drawing upon other private and public agencies, business, religious, charitable, and neighborhood organizations and private citizens.

The agency strives to bring new and necessary programs within reach of those in need and advocates for those who have been too long neglected. Toward this end the B-H-K CAA continually stimulates a better focusing of local, state and federal resources so that every area resident may “attain the skills, knowledge and motivations needed to become self-sufficient”. In this respect, the Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community is truly, as its motto suggests, an agency “helping people to help themselves”.

Credit for the agency’s success must be shared by current and previous members of the B-H-K CAA governing board, community leaders representing other human service agencies and public officials throughout the three-county area. Recognition must also be given to the organization’s dedicated staff, administrators, managers, and all other full and part-time employees who have and will continue to make the Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community Action Agency a model service organization.

Board of Directors

Representing Consumer Sector

• Sheri Werner

• Sharon Moilanen

• Lillian Ryckman

• Jennifer Strand

Representing Private Sector

• Carol Bessolo

• Terry Langston

• Nicholas Roberts

• Jim Schultz, President

Representing Public Sector

• Sally Borgen, Secretary

• Martha Dugdale, Vice President

• Donald Piche

• Reid Rastello, Treasurer

Administrative Staff

• Jean LaBerge, Executive Director

• Mary Ringler, Financial Manager/Administrative Assistant

• Brooke Gubacz, Weatherization Director

• Taylor Brule, Warehouse Manager

• Jill Laux, Community Coordinator

Fiscal Year 2026 - Activities and Results

BHK Community Action Agency has been helping individuals and families in the three-county area since 1965.

BHK is a non-profit Community Action Agency governed by a 12-member tri-partite board. The Board is made up of representatives from public, private, and low-income sectors of the community. BHK is funded by federal and state grants as well as donations from private foundations and corporations. Personal donations are greatly appreciated and can be designated for a specific purpose or for general use to meet any need we can provide.

In fiscal year 2026, B-H-K Community Action Agency assisted more than 3,000 individuals through fuel assistance, water & sewer assistance, emergency assistance, energy assistance, tax assistance, home weatherization, bus rides, food assistance, in-home programs for seniors, youth recreation, furnace/chimney cleaning assistance, and the operation of the Keweenaw Handicraft Shop in Ahmeek.

Community Impact:

140 Households received fuel, water, and/or energy assistance
17 Households were provided minor home/plumbing repairs
143 Individuals received income tax/credit assistance
28 Homes were weatherized
115 Area crafters sold crafts at the Keweenaw Handicraft Shop
147 Seniors were assisted with In-Home services
19 Households received furnace or chimney cleaning & repairs
22 Households were provided energy efficient furnaces or water heaters
2200+ Individuals received food assistance – 14,010 boxes distributed
120 Individuals received transportation services – 3,752 rides
7 Youth were assisted with recreational activities
228 Families participated in our diaper programs

Community Needs Assessment

CLICK HERE for the Community Needs Assessment Report

 

 

Calendar