Meet United Way's New Director

Hello! I am Jeff Sargent and I am excited to be the new Executive Director/CEO of United Way of Marathon County. I began my position on November 28, 2016, and it has been a great beginning.  Coming to United Way has been a dream come true. I have always valued the work that United Way does and to be part of it is truly amazing.

I grew up in Wausau, so I am a hometown boy, graduating from Wausau West High School. After high school I attended UW-Marathon County for two years, and then transferred to UW-Madison, where I received my undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Social Welfare, followed by a Master Degree in Social Work. I am married to Laurel (we went to high school together but started dating at UWMC) and we have two great children, Zach-25 and Jessie-23.

I came back to Wausau and started my career at Children’s Service Society of Wisconsin and was there for 24 years. In 2010 I became the executive director of North Central Community Action Program here in central Wisconsin. Both are great organizations and both are partners of the United Way.

Early on I learned the value of the community working together to help each other. Marathon County, and the people who live here, care for each other. People are generous, get involved and do what they can to help.  United Way of Marathon County has been committed to building stronger communities by people and organizations coming together. I am privileged to be associated with United Way and those efforts. Please feel free to contact me and talk about how United Way can become part of your life.   

And the Sweepstakes Qualifiers Are....

On Friday, December 16, 10 qualifiers were randomly selected in the Jeep Sweepstakes.  The following individuals will be attending the Recognition Luncheon on January 20, where each of them will select a key, and one of them will have the lucky key the opens the doors of the Jeep Cherokee. The qualifiers are:

Jamie Sondelski, Aspirus Clinics
Lee Davis, Marathon Savings Bank
Chuck Wirsbinski, Regal/Marathon Electric
Laurie Prochnow, Management Recruiters, Inc.
James Sekel, DC Everest Senior High
Dale Marzynski, Sentry Insurance Retiree 
Justin Gesicki, Footlocker.com/Eastbay
Timothy Opal, Footlocker.com/Eastbay
Donna Schlais, Marathon Cheese
John Calhoon, Footlocker.com/Eastbay

Save the Date

United Way Partnership for Youth will hold their second annual Youth Hiring Fair on Thursday, March 16, at the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area.  If you are looking for seasonal and/or part time student employees or apprentices, you won't want to miss this event.  Mark your calendars and watch for registration materials soon.

Point in Time Count and Project Connect Dates Set

The Housing and Homelessness Coalition will hold the Point In Time Count on January 25. This twice a year count of people living in shelters or on the streets is important information as we use a variety of strategies to address the issue of homelessness in our community.  If you would like to volunteer to help with the count, please contact MaiGer Moua at 715-298-5726.

Following the count, the Coalition will be holding Project Connect, an opportunity for individuals to meet and learn about services available in our community.  If you have clients or patients who are struggling financially, please encourage them to attend.  The event will be held at the Salvation Army Community Center.  Additional information regarding times and providers will be available next week.