Projects and Updates

Semcac took an important step toward strengthening and coordinating services in Dodge County with the purchase of its new Kasson Outreach Center at 202 5th St. SE on April 24, 2026. Following the purchase, renovations and facility improvements were undertaken to prepare the building to bring several programs together under one roof, including the Dodge County Outreach Center, Food Shelf, Head Start, and Senior Nutrition.  The new center creates a more accessible, coordinated hub where Dodge County residents can connect with multiple Semcac programs in one location, while also improving program efficiency and supporting the long-term stability of essential community services.

The new Semcac Austin Head Start & Outreach Center at 1701 10th Place NE in Austin represents a multi-year effort to strengthen and bring together services for children, families, and older adults in Mower County. Semcac purchased the two-acre property, formerly the KAAL-TV site, on December 12, 2022, with support from Mower County. In February 2024, the project direction was formally confirmed to demolish the existing building and construct a new facility, and demolition occurred in mid-2024. During demolition, soil contamination was discovered, requiring additional environmental investigation and cleanup and significantly delaying the project. A major milestone came on September 24, 2024, when Semcac was awarded a large grant through the federal Office of Head Start 1303 Facilities Grant, building upon the significant contribution from the Hormel Foundation in November 2022. After environmental work, redesign, value engineering, rebidding, and efforts to address a remaining funding gap, the Semcac Board approved moving forward with construction contracts in fall 2026. Semcac celebrated the ground breaking on September 23, 2026. When completed, the new center will bring the agency’s Head Start and Early Head Start, Mower County Outreach & Emergency Services, Weatherization, and a Senior Nutrition commercial kitchen together at one location, expanding access to coordinated services and creating additional capacity to serve Mower County children, families, and older adults.