September 01, 2017

Your Gift Makes a Difference

John, Jane, and their three young children became homeless due to drug dependency and family issues. The family moved into an apartment that is part of a new housing pilot program where John and Jane received ongoing case management support. The goal of this program is to help families overcome barriers to being financially stable.  With the help of their case manager, John obtained a permanent full-time job and Jane went back to school and is now employed full-time. They were able to move into their own apartment and buy a vehicle. They overcame their dependency on drugs, started paying off their debts, and are now looking forward to being able to spend more time together as a family.

(names have been changed to protect confidentiality)

Don't Miss CommUnity Fest

IMG_1410.JPGWhere can you see amazing sculptures made from food, play games, enjoy a variety of children’s activities and tour big trucks —all while making our community a better place to live? Look no further than United Way of Marathon County’s CommUnity Fest! Join us in the Expo Building at Marathon Park from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 and come have some fun for a purpose!

The event is free, but you and your family can make a huge difference by bringing non-perishable food items and dollars to vote for the United We Can People’s Choice winner! Each non-perishable food item and each dollar buys one vote, with all proceeds raised to benefit the Marathon County Hunger Coalition to help fill our county’s food pantries.

Kids will have a chance to win passes to The Lodge at Cedar Creek Waterpark and other great prizes. Rain or shine, your whole family will have a day to remember and enjoy some fun for a purpose at CommUnity Fest!

If your company or organization is interested in building a food sculpture or providing a kid's activity or craft, it's not too late to be part of the fun.
All the info you need to get started is available on our website.

CommUnity Fest is sponsored by: BMO Harris Bank, River Valley, Sun Printing, UMR and WSAW Channel 7.

 

got grit?

got grit.jpgResilience: It’s not something you’re born with.  It’s something that gets built over time.

On Monday, August 14, more than 200 child-serving professionals gathered at D.C. Everest Middle School to explore the concept of Resiliency. Attendees viewed Resilience, a new documentary that delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and participated in breakout sessions on related topics to fill their tool belts with compassionate approaches to meet the needs and challenges of children they serve.

A special shout out to Ascension and Aspirus for their sponsorship of the day, D.C. Everest School District for offering space and partnership in logistics management, and the Partnership for Youth’s Professional Development Work Team who continues to shape and administer meaningful and collaborative learning experiences for professionals in our community

 

 

Help for Hurricane Harvey Victims

harvey.jpgAmid the heartbreaking photos and video from hurricane damaged Texas, photos like the one to the left tell us that the relief efforts to meet this disaster are critical for families and children. Many people have contacted us in the least few days asking how they can help. United Way Worldwide has established the Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund. At this time at least 23 different United Way service areas have been impacted. When you make a donation to the fund, 100% of your contribution will provide for the long term recovery and rebuilding of communities throughout the disaster area. American Express and Bank of America (Visa/MC) have waived their fees for any transaction made to this fund. You can be part of the solution when you make your gift to the Hurricane Harvey Recovery Fund.

First Raise Great Kids Day a Success

IMG_3392.JPGThe Marathon County Early Years Coalition, in partnership with Wausau Events, held their first Raise Great Kids Day, Thursday August 24, on the 400 Block in downtown Wausau. RaiseGreatKids.org distributed over 200 goody bags and kids that stopped by the  booth were able to pick out one free book, make a phonic phone and a maraca. Max Koepke provided entertainment on the 400 Block stage with songs and sing-alongs. The Lions Club provided free vision screening for children ages six months to ten years old and the Marathon County Library held three story times for children in the middle of the square. A big thank you to our seven Early Years Coalition partners who participated in the event with booths and activities of their own, including Compass Counseling, Childcaring, Bridge Community Health Clinic, Start Right, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin/Family Resource Center, Marathon County Public Library, Safe Kids Wausau Area and United Way of Marathon County. The event was a great success and we look forward to next year!

2017 Sweepstakes Announced

Dodge Dart with Graphics.pngYou could be the lucky winner of this Dodge Dart! Every donor who contributes $52 or more will be entered in the sweepstakes for a chance to win. If you are a new donor, or increase your gift by at least $13, your chances to win are doubled. Get all the details on our website and make your gift via your upcoming workplace campaign, by mail, or give on-line (click on "secure website")

The Sweepstakes sponsors are: Brickner Family Auto Group, Cloverbelt Credit Union, The Dirks Group, QPS Employment Services and UMR.

Volunteer to Help Kids

IMG_1996.JPGJoin RSVP for a Coffee Hour and find out about volunteering to help children succeed in school and in life! Join us at the Wausau School District on Tuesday, September 26, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Longfellow Administration Center, 415 Seymour Street in Wausau. This is an opportunity to learn about volunteering with the Wausau School District in their reading tutor program and other volunteer areas.  

You’ll also find out about tutoring in the After School Homework Club at Weston Elementary School and United Way Reading Buddy Program at Mosinee and Marathon Schools. In addition, you’ll learn about youth mentoring opportunities with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club. We’re pleased to report that during the last school year, 25 RSVP Volunteers were involved in reading, tutoring and mentoring activities that helped 214 children achieve improved academic performance! Thank you for helping to make a positive difference in the lives of these children. 


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