United Way of Marathon County

August 01, 2019

United Way Volunteer Spotlight

Each week, Dawn Krueger can be found in United Way's Career Closet, arranging shirts and ties, skirts and tops and shoes into a store-like setting. Dawn's care and commitment to making this a welcome and important part of many people's job search is evident in her volunteerism.

To Dawn, helping in the community started more regularly when she retired six years ago. Seeking to provide structure and social interaction to her days, she was drawn to Faith in Action, where she delivered groceries from The Neighbors' Place to seniors who can't get out of the house easily. Delivering to a blind woman who alphabetized her canned goods with Dawn's help, gave her a chance to learn how others meet challenges. Her love of fashion and outfitting led her to the Career Closet, as well as pricing clothing and running the register at Dime and Dollar. She also helps send out her church newsletter, assists as a Friend of the Library at book sales and works at the AARP Tax Aide appointment desk during tax season.

Seeing people come into the Career Closet with their head down, not really knowing how to choose clothing for an interview or the first weeks on a new job, gives her a welcome challenge. As she gives them outfits to try and they choose some, she sees them stand a little taller and gain confidence to move ahead in life. Many share their stories with her, such as the woman last winter who was living in her car with her dogs. Dawn said it is so rewarding and she loves helping people feel more prepared to take steps to get a job or keep one. She encourages others to volunteer saying, "it feels good to help people and then see the people feel good about themselves."

Register NOW for CommUnity Fest

Two key factors in a successful campaign are educating your fellow employees about the value of United Way and engaging them in meaningful volunteer opportunities. One great way to accomplish both of these is to participate in United Way CommUnity Fest in September.

There are several different options to participate. Learn more here!

Register for the Kick-Off Breakfast

The annual Kick-off Breakfast, sponsored by Peoples State Bank, will be August 21, from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at the Central Wisconsin Convention + Expo Center! Participate in an impactful volunteer opportunity, learn about new tools to generate excitement in your workplace and share your company's past successes with others. Receive an additional discount when you register a team to attend. Early Bird Pricing ends August 13 at midnight. Registration closes at midnight August 19. Register now!

Point in Time Count Hits New High

Twice a year, volunteers with the Housing and Homelessness Coalition conduct a count of unsheltered homeless individuals in Marathon County. Last week's count hit a record high of 29. Typically summer counts, when it's warmer outside, tend to be higher than January counts. Previous July numbers ranged from 10-22. The homeless count is a snapshot of homelessness on any given day and offers us another perspective of what homelessness looks like here; it is not the total number of people experiencing homelessness. The following day the Coalition hosted their twice annual Project Connect, a resource fair featuring 13 community partners, to connect individuals facing housing challenges with organizations that might be able to assist them. Students and staff from the State College of Beauty Culture provided 30 free haircuts and a free lunch was served to more than 75 people by the Salvation Army of Wausau.

Take the Hunger & Homelessness Bus Tour

A few seats remain on the Hunger & Homelessness Bus Tour sponsored by the Marathon County Hunger Coalition and the Housing & Homelessness Coalition. This tour will give you an inside look at area shelters and pantries and insight into difficult decisions about balancing the expenses of food, shelter, medicine and other critical expenses that far too many people in our community are making every day. The tour will be held from 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, August 14. The tour is free and participants can select a box lunch option for $10. Register today.

Support the Second Annual United We Spike Tournament

Spots remain in Greenheck's second annual United We Spike Tournament to benefit United Way. The event will be held at Wiggly Field on Saturday, August 10. Complete details are available here.

RSVP at the Woodchucks

A great day was had by all, at the Wisconsin Woodchucks Game on Wednesday, July 24! Our RSVP Volunteers, family and friends attended the game to represent RSVP as the featured “Organization of the Game.” Even though the Chucks lost 7 to 3, it was a beautiful day at the ballpark!