September 01, 2019

Your Gift Makes a Difference

caring for aging parents-2.jpgKaren lives in Denver, but her parents live here in Wausau. They are both experiencing some health and mobility issues, and her dad is starting to experience symptoms of dementia. Late last year, Karen was very concerned about their safety and their ability to continue to live in their home. She was worried about her dad driving to appointments and the grocery store, and without family in town, she wasn't sure where to turn. Karen called United Way's 211 and was referred to Faith in Action Marathon County. Volunteers with Faith in Action now provide rides to Karen's parents for medical appointments and errands. One volunteer installed grab bars and extra hand railings in their home to make it safer for them. Volunteers also check in on them several times a week to see if they need other assistance. Karen recently wrote, "It is a complex daily challenge to keep my parents' affairs on track from a distance... it's comforting to know Faith in Action volunteers are there for those in need."

Don't Miss CommUnity Fest 2019

CommUnity FestWhat's fun, free, kid focused and also fights hunger? United Way's CommUnity Fest! This annual event combines kids' activities and crafts, opportunities to explore big equipment and tractors,  hay wagon rides and the United We Can food sculpture competition. Plan to attend on September 21, from 9-2 at the Exhibition Building at Marathon Park. Admission is free, but for every non-perishable food item you bring, you will receive one ticket to vote for your favorite food sculpture and determine the People's Choice award winning sculpture. All food and cash donations will be distributed to area pantries by the Marathon County Hunger Coalition. Learn more on our website.

Governor Proclaims September and October United Way Months

United WayGovernor Tony Evers has designated the months of September and October 2019 as United Way Months in Wisconsin, in recognition of the launch of United Way annual campaigns throughout the state.

The 40 United Ways across Wisconsin each work within their local communities to meet local needs, using funds raised locally. Together, United Ways fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. We all win when individuals have good health, a child succeeds in school, and families are financially stable. Every year, Wisconsin community members and businesses really step up to supply the expertise and resources to mobilize lasting change.

In 2018, Wisconsin's United Ways, serving as the primary source of private funds, collectively raised over $118 million to support human services. Wisconsinites have many ways to give, advocate and volunteer with United Way to be a part of the change and help build a brighter future for all. 

RSVP Program for Caregivers

CaregiversIn life’s journey there are times when we may need to know about the various caregiving options available in our community either in support of a family member or perhaps even for ourselves. You might be involved as a caregiver for a loved one and looking for additional support. For any number of reasons, it is helpful to know the options available in our community before you need them. United Way RSVP invites you to a special program presented by the Caregiving Pathways Coalition on Thursday, September 26 from 1:30 - 3 p.m. at the United Way office located at 705 S. 24th Ave., Suite 400B in Wausau.

The Caregiving Pathways Coalition is a group of professional caregivers who provide information and education to empower caregivers to set their own directions in caregiving. This presentation will be in the form of a Caregiver Pathways Panel Discussion with professionals providing important information on the various caregiving options available. Areas covered will include the ADRC Resource Center, Adult Day Centers, Supportive Home Care, Skilled Home Care, Palliative Care, Skilled Nursing Facilities and Hospice Care. They will provide information, resources and answer your questions. To register for this important program, please email or call Susan at 715-298-5721.

Make a Difference Day is October 26

MADDMake a Difference day is Saturday, October 26. Locally, United Way Volunteer Connection coordinates hundreds of volunteers to rake leaves for elderly or disabled Marathon County residents. 

If you need assistance with leaf raking this fall, you can call United Way's 211 to register your yard, beginning on September 3. If you are interested in helping to rake leaves, you can register for raking on the Volunteer Connection site starting next week. If you have a corporate or school group and would like to rake during the week prior to Make a Difference Day, please contact Krista via
email or phone at 715-298-5719. We will also need individuals with a truck or trailer to haul bagged leaves to the yard waste site. Please contact Krista for more details on that opportunity as well.

 

Win a Convertible in This Year's Sweepstakes

Fiat SpiderOne lucky donor to United Way of Marathon County will win a brand new Fiat Spider Convertible! With your gift of $52 or more, you are automatically entered to win. If you increase your gift from 2018 levels, your chances are doubled. Complete details are available on our website. 

Special thanks to Brickner Family Auto, Cloverbelt Credit Union, The Dirks Group and UMR for once again sponsoring the sweepstakes. Without their generosity, this program would not be possible.

Save Money with FamilyWize

familywize.jpgFamilyWize is a prescription discount program that is simple, easy and FREE. This is not insurance, there are no enrollment forms or waiting periods. Anyone is eligible to receive a discount that averages 30% at participating pharmacies. You can download a card from FamilyWize.org or stop at the United Way office to pick one up. You can check out pricing for your specific medication needs on their website. Just enter the name of the drug and your  zip code. You'll get a list of local pharmacies and pricing. 


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