United Way Volunteer Spotlight

Each week, Dawn Krueger can be found in United Way's Career Closet, arranging shirts and ties, skirts and tops and shoes into a store-like setting. Dawn's care and commitment to making this a welcome and important part of many people's job search is evident in her volunteerism.

To Dawn, helping in the community started more regularly when she retired six years ago. Seeking to provide structure and social interaction to her days, she was drawn to Faith in Action, where she delivered groceries from The Neighbors' Place to seniors who can't get out of the house easily. Delivering to a blind woman who alphabetized her canned goods with Dawn's help, gave her a chance to learn how others meet challenges. Her love of fashion and outfitting led her to the Career Closet, as well as pricing clothing and running the register at Dime and Dollar. She also helps send out her church newsletter, assists as a Friend of the Library at book sales and works at the AARP Tax Aide appointment desk during tax season.

Seeing people come into the Career Closet with their head down, not really knowing how to choose clothing for an interview or the first weeks on a new job, gives her a welcome challenge. As she gives them outfits to try and they choose some, she sees them stand a little taller and gain confidence to move ahead in life. Many share their stories with her, such as the woman last winter who was living in her car with her dogs. Dawn said it is so rewarding and she loves helping people feel more prepared to take steps to get a job or keep one. She encourages others to volunteer saying, "it feels good to help people and then see the people feel good about themselves."

Register NOW for CommUnity Fest

Register for the Kick-Off Breakfast

Point in Time Count Hits New High

Twice a year, volunteers with the Housing and Homelessness Coalition conduct a count of unsheltered homeless individuals in Marathon County. Last week's count hit a record high of 29. Typically summer counts, when it's warmer outside, tend to be higher than January counts. Previous July numbers ranged from 10-22. The homeless count is a snapshot of homelessness on any given day and offers us another perspective of what homelessness looks like here; it is not the total number of people experiencing homelessness. The following day the Coalition hosted their twice annual Project Connect, a resource fair featuring 13 community partners, to connect individuals facing housing challenges with organizations that might be able to assist them. Students and staff from the State College of Beauty Culture provided 30 free haircuts and a free lunch was served to more than 75 people by the Salvation Army of Wausau.

Take the Hunger & Homelessness Bus Tour

Support the Second Annual United We Spike Tournament

RSVP at the Woodchucks

A great day was had by all, at the Wisconsin Woodchucks Game on Wednesday, July 24! Our RSVP Volunteers, family and friends attended the game to represent RSVP as the featured “Organization of the Game.”  Even though the Chucks lost 7 to 3, it was a beautiful day at the ballpark!

Partnership for Youth to host Professional Development Day

Reading Buddies Completes Fifth Year