Summer looks and feels a little different this year. United Way of Marathon County is committed to the health and safety of our employees, volunteers and the community. We are continuing to work remotely in creative, innovative and virtual ways. With the recent growth in cases of COVID-19 and our ability to work remotely, we determined that there was not a compelling reason to return to the office. We will continue to monitor the situation and establish a new target for our phased in return.

 

We are asking employees to wear masks and maintain physical distancing when possible. We continue teleworking, virtual meetings, and limited office contact. We are limiting non-essential business travel and discouraging large gatherings. Please contact any of our staff by phone or email for more information. 

The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery are horrific events. We must look into our hearts and feel emotions we don’t want to feel and look at issues that are uncomfortable and painful. At United Way, we join our community in feeling sadness, anger and disgust.  

 

United Way of Marathon County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. We also strive to LIVE UNITED. This term means that we unite people and organizations to improve lives now and into the future. Earlier this year, the 12th edition of the Marathon County LIFE Report was released. This report highlighted Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging as a Call to Action for our community. The report showed, based on the LIFE Survey:

 

These survey responses are upsetting and require action. Current events only amplify our need to come together as a community, to be better, to listen and learn, be open-minded and make changes that positively impact our entire community. Now more than ever, a Call to Action has never felt more real and necessary to stand up for racial justice.  Our communities of color deserve better. 

 

These issues are not easy and can force all of us to push outside of our comfort zone. At this time, as a community, we must act and work together. I hope you join us in the fight for equality, embracing diversity and belonging for everyone in our community.

 

United Way of Marathon County is canceling the 2020 CommUnity Fest originally scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Marathon Park. In conjunction with local health officials, we are working to slow the spread of the person-to-person transmission of COVID-19, particularly those who are most vulnerable to infection and severe disease. We are following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and have postponed events, meetings and gatherings.

 

Meet Krista Mischo, our Volunteer Engagement Coordinator who has been with United Way since 2012. As a former elementary education teacher, she has a strong commitment to youth and a connection to United Way’s focus areas of education, financial stability and health. Krista grew up in Wausau where her first job was at Susie’s Custard in Schofield in the 80’s. She spent many years in the Appleton area raising her family and being involved in United Way. She moved back to Wausau and loves reconnecting with the community and the generous and caring people. Outside of work Krista likes to run, bike, bake, sing and read.

 

United Way Retire United has found easy to follow YouTube videos which explain how a beginner can use Zoom and Microsoft Teams to stay connected with friends. Sheltering in place and social distancing can be lonely, particularly for the older population.