United Way of Marathon County

November 03, 2016

Your Gift Makes a Difference

"Chris" became ill and was unable to work for over a month. He and his wife struggled to provide for their young children without his income. They were using most of their money for diapers and food, which made them late on their rent. Chris received an eviction notice and was unsure of where to go, so he called United Way’s 2-1-1. An Information Specialist gave him information on rent assistance and food pantries, to try to relieve some of the financial burden. In a follow-up call, Chris shared that he had received help with one month’s rent and had been using the food pantries. The help he received made him feel like he could make things work. He was very grateful for the help he received from United Way’s 2-1-1, and was glad to know the service was there if he ever needed help again.

November 16 is National Information and Referral Services Day. Locally, United Way's 2-1-1 provides information and referral services 24/7 with trained information specialists manning the phone lines. You can also access our on-line database any time, anywhere.

Jeff Sargent named new Executive Director

The United Way of Marathon County Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Jeff Sargent, Wausau has been hired for the position of Executive Director, effective November 28, 2016. He succeeds Joanne Kelly, who is retiring after 33 years with the organization.

Jeff’s appointment follows an extensive national search process and Search Committee review of over 120 resumes. “The Committee was extremely pleased with the interest and response from across the country. After rigorous review and screening, Jeff stood out as the best applicant from a very talented pool of candidates.” said Search Committee Co-Chair, Duane Meyer.

“Jeff is the right person to lead our organization at this time,” said Jim McIntyre, Board President. “Our board is committed to strategically increase collaboration among our partner programs and build stronger community support to effectively impact priority needs in our community. Jeff is an experienced leader who will make our great organization even better. He is familiar with the community and has developed innovative programs and services in his past positions,” he added.

For the past six years Jeff has served as the Executive Director of North Central Community Action Program overseeing the operation of a $5 million non-profit organization that provides services to low-income people in Lincoln, Marathon and Wood Counties. Prior to that time, he worked for 24 years at Children’s Service Society in many roles ranging from social worker to manager. He holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from UW-Madison.

Jeff currently co-chairs the United Way’s Housing and Homeless Coalition, serves on the United Way Speaker Bureau and LIFE Steering Committee and has served on several other local boards. “Throughout my career I have worked hand-in-hand with United Way and have always felt privileged to be connected with the organization. I see this opportunity as one that allows me to fulfill my life-long pursuit of serving the community with integrity and a commitment to help those who are less fortunate.”

"Jeff Sargent replaces Joanne Kelly, who has served our community for 30+ years,” McIntyre said. “Joanne has been the driving force behind the successful impact strategies and partnerships that exist in our community. We have been fortunate to have her leadership and are planning an appropriate recognition event in her honor in the near future.”

Understanding Hunger & Homelessness in Our Community

United Way RSVP will host "Understanding Hunger & Homelessness in Our Community" on Monday, November 7, from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the United Way office. Join us to learn how these issues are impacting all of us in Marathon County. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is requested by calling Tony at 715-298-5721.

Register Now for the Eastbay Turkey Trot

For the seventh year, Eastbay will host the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. All proceeds from this 5K run/walk benefit the Marathon County Hunger Coalition. Last year, over $40,000 was raised to help stock the shelves of area pantries. Register on-line.

Running not your thing? There's plenty of opportunities to volunteer too. Help is needed the day before and also the morning of the race. Check out available shifts and sign up today.

Register for Ignite the Leader Within

Join United Way Emerging Leaders for Ignite the Leader Within on December 1. Five business leaders will share their experiences and views on leadership through TEL talks (our version of TED talks) and attendees will have the opportunity to select a breakout session with one speaker of their choice. Visit our website to learn more or to register.

National Hunger & Homelessness Week Events

National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is November 12-20, 2016. Locally, United Way Housing & Homelessness Coalition is sponsoring two events to help you better understand how these issues are impacting families in our communities. Hunger and homelessness are not just big city problems, but are occurring in every part of our county. Please join us for one or both of these events:

Tuesday, November 15 - two screenings of a recently completed documentary, 30 Seconds Away - Breaking the Cycle, about homelessness in Milwaukee, followed by group discussion focused on the differences between homelessness in an urban setting and in more rural communities. Watch the trailer here. The event is free, but registration is requested.

Friday, November 18 - The Road Home Bus Tour will give participants an opportunity to visit local shelters and a public housing site. The event is free ($10 box lunch optional) and seating is limited. Register on-line today.

Make a Difference Day a Success

Grant Elementary.JPG Thank you to each of the 601 volunteer rakers, leaf haulers, and event-day helpers who assisted with the 2016 “Make a Difference Day” Rake-a-thon. Over 150 residents across the greater Wausau area with no other way to tend to their fall yard needs appreciate your volunteer efforts!

Volunteer Connection would also like to thank those who donated winter coats, hats, and mittens for the Kiwanis Club’s Coats For Kids drive, nonperishable food for the Marathon County Hunger Coalition, and toiletry items for First United Methodist Church of Wausau's basic needs pantry.

Bundles of Joy needs Gift Wrappers!

Bundles of Joy volunteers wrap gifts at the Wausau Center Mall during the holiday season from November 25-December 24. One hundred percent of the donations purchase diapers and formula that are distributed to eight local agencies that serve low-income families in our community. Since 2007 the program has been an emergency source of diapers and formula for approximately 10,000 children in Marathon County! That's a lot of full tummies and dry bottoms!

You can be involved this holiday season! Sign up to become a volunteer gift wrapper here. Or provide a monetary donation to United Way BOJ Program at 705 S. 24^th Ave Suite #400B, Wausau, WI 54401. A donation of $22.50 will provide a child with a weeks’ worth of diapers.

Thank you for your enthusiasm and involvement in this important and festive opportunity!

Non-Profit Board Training Workshop to be held in January

Volunteer board members play a critical role in leading valued non-profits in our community. Have you considered a seat on a local board? Do you have a co-worker or staff member who might be interested? Past attendees have found this workshop invaluable in improving their effectiveness as a board members. Learn more and register for the Non-Profit Board Training Series in 2017.

The training consists of four Monday sessions from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at United Way of Marathon County, 705 S. 24th Ave, Ste. 400B in Wausau. Dates for 2017 are January 23, January 30, February 6, and February 13.

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