April and Tom Coleman’s world turned upside down in September of 2016. That’s when April got a phone call telling her that her sister was hospitalized and in critical condition. She had a fatal reaction to the dye used in a common medical procedure and died shortly thereafter.
April and Tom petitioned for custody of two of their nephews after her sister’s death and expanded their family overnight. They had three children of their own and were now caring for, and loving, 5 kids under the age of 16.
In addition to legal fees in the custody case, all of their expenses increased immediately. The biggest hurdle was the cost of full time day care for one nephew, and before and after school care for the other. Their daycare costs increased by almost $1000 per month.
Their daycare provider, Wausau Child Care, recommended they apply for a United Way funded Good Start Grant to offset the costs, which they immediately did. They feel very fortunate to have been awarded a grant so that their nephews can continue to attend a quality childcare program.
Even though both Tom and April are working at good paying jobs, the sudden increases in expenses were just unmanageable. They wanted to do the right thing for their nephews, but just needed a little help along the way. Good Start Grants pay a portion of daycare costs for income eligible families. April, Tom and their children were very grateful that the program was available to help them through a difficult time.
Your gifts to United Way make it possible.
For the second year, Women in Action teamed with an anonymous donor to match all gifts made in our Giving Tuesday promotion. Thanks to the generosity of our community, and this triple impact, Women in Action will be able to provide 190 complete outerwear sets to keep kids warm this winter! Thank you to everyone who contributed.To learn more about Rebecca's Closet, watch our video.
The annual Recognition Luncheon will be held on January 19, 2018, from 11:30-1:00 at Stoney Creek Inn and Conference Center. Registration is now open, with Early Bird Rates and Table Pricing available until January 10. Register your team on-line.
Twenty-seven people participated in a bus tour organized by the Marathon County Hunger Coalition and the Housing and Homelessness Coalition on Friday, November 17. The tour included stops at the Community Warming Center, The Neighbors’ Place food pantry and food bank, and The Salvation Army Transitional Living Shelter and food pantry. A participant commented that the bus tour increased his understanding of the issues of hunger and homelessness and learned that there are actually services available in the community to assist those in need.
Local non-profit organizations depend on volunteer board leadership. If you are interested in learning more about what's involved in serving on a board or currently are a board member and want to improve your skills, this workshop can help. Learn more or register on-line.
United Way RSVP is seeking licensed RN’s to provide blood pressure screening and education once a month for an hour at Senior Living sites. United Way RSVP is also seeking persons with technology skills to be Tech Coaches for a new “Sip and Swipe” tablet education program. Call Tony at 715– 298-5721 for more info.
The 2017-19 LIFE Report will be released at the LIFE Forum on January 12 at The Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County Campus. The event is free, but pre-registration is requested. Please register on-line.
While final numbers are still being tallied, the Eastbay Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning drew a record 1,750 participants. Another 112 people volunteered during the course of the morning. Runners got in the spirit of the day with costumes and entire families have made this event part of their Thanksgiving tradition. Thanks to Eastbay and all who participated in raising funds for the Marathon County Hunger Coalition. We'll be sharing final numbers and more information in future newsletters.
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April and Tom Coleman’s world turned upside down in September of 2016. That’s when April got a phone call telling her that her sister was hospitalized and in critical condition. She had a fatal reaction to the dye used in a common medical procedure and died shortly thereafter.
For the second year, Women in Action teamed with an anonymous donor to match all gifts made in our Giving Tuesday promotion. Thanks to the generosity of our community, and this triple impact, Women in Action will be able to provide 190 complete outerwear sets to keep kids warm this winter! Thank you to everyone who contributed.
United Way RSVP is seeking licensed RN’s to provide blood pressure screening and education once a month for an hour at Senior Living sites. United Way RSVP is also seeking persons with technology skills to be Tech Coaches for a new “Sip and Swipe” tablet education program. Call Tony at 715– 298-5721 for more info. 