United Way’s 2-1-1 is our Information & Referral service and together with United Way of Marathon County and community partners, works to improve seniors’ ability to live independently.
Take Shawn, for example. His wife Grace had recently suffered a stroke, so he called United Way’s 2-1-1 for some ideas about social and companionship services outside the home that were available for her.
“I’m not sure what exactly I’m looking for, but I just want her [Grace] to have friends apart from me, you know?” The 2-1-1 Information Specialist asked Shawn: “What do you think Grace would want to do? What fits best for you?” “To be honest, I am looking for some respite for myself too,” Shawn revealed. “I don’t want Grace to stay somewhere else, but I want her to stay as independent as possible after recovering from her stroke.”
After listening to and assessing Shawn’s concerns, the 2-1-1 Information Specialist shared some referrals to services in the area, Shawn agreed the referrals would be beneficial to himself and his wife. “I know I can always call back if I have more questions, but thank you so much for your help in getting me started,” he said. “I think Grace will like some of the places on my list!”
Since 2011, the United States has recognized November 16 as “Information and Referral Services Day,” or “I&R” Day for short. During 2016, United Way’s 2-1-1 addressed over 9,200 needs from Marathon County callers; 12.3% of those needs were like Shawn’s – family members or caregivers seeking support for their loved ones.
If you or someone you know is looking for community support programs or other information on health and human services, call United Way’s 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1, (715) 848-2255, or (800) 922-5590 toll free to speak with an Information Specialist 24/7. Interpretation services available upon request.
November 11-19 is National Hunger and Homelessness Week. The Housing and Homelessness Coalition and Marathon County Hunger Coalition invite you to participate in a bus tour of local shelters and food pantries. You will learn about local needs and ways you can join us in fighting hunger and homelessness in Marathon County. The bus tour will take place on Friday, November 17 from 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., beginning at United Way of Marathon County. The event is free, with an optional boxed lunch for $10. For more information, call United Way at 715-848-2927. Register on-line by Wednesday, November 15.
Join the Wausau Daily Herald and United Way as we celebrate the young professionals in our community on November 16 at The Grand Theater. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.; program begins at 4:15 p.m. with appetizers and cash bar to follow. Register online before November 6 to take advantage of the Early Bird Pricing anc check out the honorees each day on the Wausau Daily Herald website.
Walk or run in the 8th Annual Eastbay Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning and you will help the Marathon County Hunger Coalition fight hunger in our local community. Participation is limited to the first 1750 people and the registration fee is $25 until November 9. Don't miss the early bird pricing! Bring the kids... age 5 and under are free. There will be no on-site registration. If running isn't your thing, consider volunteering to help. Volunteers are needed both on Wednesday, November 22, and the morning of the event on November 23. Check out the volunteer options on the Turkey Trot website or email Amanda.
How can a strong start for children lead to a healthier, more prosperous Marathon County? Plan to attend the Baby Business 2 seminar on November 15 and learn more about early childhood development and its impact on community development and how you can help move considerations into local action! Keynote Speaker Rob Johnson,Retired Cargill Executive and Co-Founder of the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation will share how family friendly business policies can help you retain quality employees, reduce absenteeism, increase productivity and ensure future generations of a skilled, educated workforce. Learn more and register on-line.
Every year, Americans lose billions of their hard-earned dollars to con artists. Learn how to protect yourself by attending a free program presented by AARP to provide you with the tools you need to spot and avoid scams. This program will educate you on identity theft: what it is, the types of behavior that put individuals at risk and tips for prevention. Paul and Connie Dobbratz, AARP volunteer Fraud Fighters will present the program on Tuesday, November 14, from 9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m. at the United Way office, 705 S. 24th Ave., Suite 400B in Wausau. To register, call United Way RSVP at 715-298-5721.
More than 890 volunteers stepped up to help rake lawns for this year's Make A Difference Day Leaf Raking Project, coordinated by United Way Volunteer Connection. Thanks to their efforts, 130 elderly or disabled residents in our community received the help they needed to get their yards ready for winter. We still have more than a dozen yards on a waiting list. If you are interested in helping with raking or hauling of leaves, please contact us at 715-298-5723.Volunteer Connection's other large project is the Bundles of Joy Gift Wrap Booth at Wausau Center Mall. Gift wrapping starts on Black Friday and runs through Christmas Eve. This all volunteer project raises money to purchase emergency diapers, wipes and formula for families in crisis. The volunteer sign up will be opening at the end of the week!
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United Way’s 2-1-1 is our Information & Referral service and together with United Way of Marathon County and community partners, works to improve seniors’ ability to live independently.
Join the Wausau Daily Herald and United Way as we celebrate the young professionals in our community on November 16 at The Grand Theater. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.; program begins at 4:15 p.m. with appetizers and cash bar to follow. 
Walk or run in the 8th Annual Eastbay Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning and you will help the Marathon County Hunger Coalition fight hunger in our local community. Participation is limited to the first 1750 people and the registration fee is $25 until November 9. 
How can a strong start for children lead to a healthier, more prosperous Marathon County? Plan to attend the Baby Business 2 seminar on November 15 and learn more about early childhood development and its impact on community development and how you can help move considerations into local action! Keynote Speaker Rob Johnson,
Every year, Americans lose billions of their hard-earned dollars to con artists. Learn how to protect yourself by attending a free program presented by AARP to provide you with the tools you need to spot and avoid scams. This program will educate you on identity theft: what it is, the types of behavior that put individuals at risk and tips for prevention. Paul and Connie Dobbratz, AARP volunteer Fraud Fighters will present the program on Tuesday, November 14, from 9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m. at the United Way office, 705 S. 24th Ave., Suite 400B in Wausau. To register, call United Way RSVP at 715-298-5721.
More than 890 volunteers stepped up to help rake lawns for this year's Make A Difference Day Leaf Raking Project, coordinated by United Way Volunteer Connection. Thanks to their efforts, 130 elderly or disabled residents in our community received the help they needed to get their yards ready for winter. We still have more than a dozen yards on a waiting list. If you are interested in helping with raking or hauling of leaves, please contact us at 715-298-5723.