If you or someone you know is in need of assistance in Marathon, Portage, Lincoln, Oneida, or Vilas Counties, simply dial 2-1-1 to speak with an Information Specialist, 24/7. You can also reach United Way’s 2-1-1 by dialing 715-848-2255 or 1-800-922-5590. A language interpreter service is available if needed. Uncomfortable speaking by phone? Email an Information Specialist, or search the online resource database from your phone or computer.

*name changed to protect confidentiality 

On Thursday, February 15, Pam Anderson, Chair of the Housing and Homelessness Coalition presented to the City Council during the Mayor’s Spotlight on Homelessness program. One of the goals in the Coalition's 10 year plan to end homelessness  is to increase community awareness of the issue in our local community. To learn more about the Spotlight, watch this video. 

In late January during the twice yearly Point In Time Count, the Coalition identified 3 individuals as homeless during the overnight street count. The following day, over 80 individuals attended the Project Connect Resource event, designed to connect people with housing challenges to resources that can help. Volunteers from the State College of Beauty and retired beuticians also provided free haircuts. Check out the before and after photos of John to the left. He had a job interview coming up and was very grateful for the new look.

United Way Partnership for Youth will hold their annual Student Hiring Fair on Thursday, March 15, at the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area. Students from several area high schools will be attending and employers will have the opportunity to meet with hundreds of potential employees. Students are looking for full-time, part-time, seasonal, summer and apprentice positions. There is no fee for employers to attend. Register your company today. 

The LIFE Forum was held on Friday, January 12, at the University of Wisconsin-Marathon County Center for Civic Engagement. Featured speakers Tony Iniguez from Marshfield Clinic, Antonina Olszewksi from Ascension Wisconsin and Tara Draeger from Aspirus helped the more than 200 community members better understand the need to build resililiency in our community, particularly in our youth. Attendees also learned about Community Progress and Success in this 11th biennial report. 

If you missed the event, you can watch a video of the presentation. The LIFE Report is also available on-line and printed copies can be picked up at the United Way office.

United Way RSVP offers programs of interest to individuals age 55+. The programs are open to the public and you do not need to be an RSVP member to attend. Check out their full calendar of events, and mark your calendar now for the "Getting the Most from Your Doctor's Appointment" presentation on Tuesday, March 20 from 9:30 –11:00 a.m. at the United Way office. The program will be presented by students from the Medical College of Wisconsin. 

In the past, the patient-doctor relationship was generally one-directional, the doctor typically took the lead and the patient followed. Today, a good patient-doctor relationship is a partnership. This can sometimes be hard to achieve as today’s appointments become shorter and shorter and doctors see an increasing number of patients. During this program, you’ll learn how to take an interactive role in your health care along with communication tips for getting the most out of your appointment with the time available. Learn how to get ready for the appointment, share information with your doctor, ask questions, and actively make decisions with your doctor. This is a one of a kind program you don’t want to miss! Register to attend by calling 715-298-5721 or emailing Tony Omernik. 

During the month of April, consider participating in our third annual Community Baby Shower to stock Rebecca's Closet with new or gently used infant and toddler clothing and supplies. Women in Action's signature project, Rebecca's Closet, distributes infant and children's items through social workers, case managers, home visitors, and teachers to local families in need.  Infant items are always in short supply. 

Hosting a Baby Shower is easy... gather a group of co-workers, friends, or family, and collect new and gently used items. Some groups really get into the spirit by holding a "shower" complete with games, prizes, and of course, food. After your shower, drop your donations off at United Way. 

If you would like more information on how you can get involved, contact Tiffany Arnold.

In Fall of 2016, United Ways across Wisconsin released the ALICE Report. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This report contains data on every county and individual municipality across the state. It was prepared in conjunction with researchers at Rutgers University, and is one of more than 15 similar state-wide reports being done across the country.

When ALICE families don’t earn enough to support their family, they face tough choices that have significant risks and costs for their family as well as the wider community. Recently the Consequences of Insufficient Income Report was released. This is an in-depth examination of choices and risks ALICE families face, and the consequences of those decisions. You can access the report on our website.