United Way of Marathon County

April 08, 2019

National Volunteer Week!

When we enter a contest, a race, or a sporting event, you ask, “What will it take to win?”
As a community, we should ask ourselves the same question. The key to success is not different in the fight to address homelessness, hunger among children in our schools and the needs of seniors. While the problems may seem daunting, United Way fosters and encourages the attitude we need to win.
Volunteers play a large role in making things happen on the frontlines. They are often the ones working shoulder to shoulder with those in need. They sacrifice their time and money and are happy to do so. The benefits are great and include:
1. Volunteers add economic value. United Way volunteers put in over 10,696 hours in 2018. When converted to dollars, their time is worth $256,704.
2. Volunteers enhance social connectedness. They assist in building bridges between government, schools, agencies, individuals and companies. This only strengthens all involved.
3. Volunteers grow personally. Self-esteem grows, skills are developed, greater physical health and mental health is reported and there is a purpose greater than self that is energizing.
Winning takes time, skill, money, strength and personal conviction. We can’t do it without volunteers in our community. This April, during National Volunteer Week, ask yourself “What can I do to help win the fight?” You will be glad you did and so will the greater community!

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10th Annual Power of the Purse

The Women United 10th Annual Power of the Purse is quickly approaching on May 6! This event will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn from 5:00pm-8:00pm.

This is an auction and mixer for women that are passionate about supporting our community! At the event, you will find a great variety of handbags, unique accessories and one-of-a-kind gifts; accompanied by a cash bar and complimentary hors-d'oeuvres. To register, please click here.

RSVP Recognizes Volunteers

United Way RSVP held it's annual Recognition Luncheon on April 3, with 200 people in attendance. During the program, 170 RSVP members were recognized with the President's Volunteer Service Award recognizing 100, 250 and 500 or more hours of service to the community in 2018.
In addition, three members were presented with the Lifetime Service Award:

Terry Carroll has volunteered 4014 hours of service with Aspirus Hospital, Catholic Charities Warming Center, Mobile Meals and the Therapy Dog Program.
Carol Pasnecker has primarily volunteered 4074 hours of service with RSVP, and United Way Volunteer Connection.
Randall Redman has volunteered 4221 hours of service with Habitat for Humanity.

Congratulations and thank you for your dedication to our community.

5th Annual Smack Hunger

United Way Emerging Leaders is hosting the 5th annual Smack Hunger event on May 15. For the second year in a row, they will be preparing bags of trail mix to be distributed to local food pantries. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 15, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in Multi-Purpose Building 2 at Marathon Park. If you would like to support the effort to provide a healthy snack to children and families in our community, please make a donation to help pay for supplies and materials. It's easy to do online!

Addiction Recovery Helpline Available

In 2017, 916 people died in Wisconsin due to opioid overdose, more than the total number of deaths in car crashes. In addition, thousands of people are addicted or abusing drugs and alcohol on a daily basis. In late 2018, the Department of Health Services launched the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline. 2-1-1 Call Centers across the state are managing the Helpline, which is available to everyone. People can call with questions about addictions to all substances, including alcohol, whether they are struggling with an addiction themselves, or are concerned for a family member or friend.

Between Oct. 22, 2018, and April 1, 2019, call centers statewide have answered 2,356 requests for drug addiction treatment and recovery services. Locally, United Way's 2-1-1 has handled 101 requests for help, including a call from Donna.*

“Donna” learned about the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline from a friend and called to see if she could get help overcoming meth use. She inquired about inpatient treatment services that accepts BadgerCare. Upon assessment, the Specialist provided Donna with referrals to programs that may be available to her.

During a follow up call, Donna shared that she contacted the referral given and is now in a sober living house. She feels she is getting the help and support she needs to begin her journey to overcome her addiction.

People can contact the Helpline by dialing 2-1-1 or 833-944-4673. They can also log online for more information and to search for resources on the public database.

*name changed to protect identity.

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Volunteers Review Funding Proposals

The deadline for organizations to request United Way funding for 2020-22 was March 15, and 45 program proposals were received by United Way. The total funding requests are approximately $850,000 more than the anticipated available funding, based on current funding levels.

Over the next few months, more than 40 community volunteers, serving on three impact teams will be reviewing the program proposals. Each team focuses on one priority area – Education, Health, or Financial Stability. In addition to reviewing the proposals to determine which programs will best meet community needs, team members will conduct site visits and meet with program representatives to clarify the proposals. Once their review is complete, they will recommend funding levels to the Impact Cabinet. That group of volunteers will do further review and then make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors. Final funding decisions are approved by the Board.

By the end of this process, approximately 80 community members will have been part of the Impact Funding Process. This review process is a critical part of the oversight United Way provides to ensure that your gifts are being used as effectively as possible to impact priority needs in the community.

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