At United Way, we believe every family deserves a safe, stable place to call home. That’s why we convene partners from across our community to identify solutions and invest in resources that help families achieve housing stability.

For Norah, a devoted mother of two young children, safety became her top priority. After experiencing ongoing emotional and physical abuse, she made the courageous decision to leave an unsafe domestic environment to protect her family. While it was the right choice, starting over brought uncertainty and the risk of housing instability.

Through support made possible by United Way’s investment in YWCA’s Family Housing Stability, aligned with the financial security strategies of our Plan for Community Well-Being, Norah and her children received critical assistance during this challenging time. Funding helped cover relocation expenses, security deposits and essential household items, allowing the family to quickly move into safe housing. For her children, it meant having their own beds, a secure place to sleep and the stability they needed to begin healing.

In addition to financial assistance, Norah received compassionate case management, guidance and connections to community resources. With that support in place, she could focus on caring for her children and rebuilding a sense of normalcy for her family.

Today, Norah and her children are safely housed and settling into a new community. Through the Plan for Community Well-Being, United Way invests in solutions that prevent homelessness and promote housing stability, working together to create a stronger community for all.

Please note that names and photos for this story have been changed to protect the privacy of those featured.

Over 200 people registered for Lead United’s Small Plates, Big Impact: A Flannel & Fireside Soiree event. Attendees gathered at Barnwood Events on October 29 for conversation, community and a touch of fall-inspired fun while celebrating the difference Lead United members make across Dane County.

We couldn’t do our important work without the support of our many partners – and this is our way of saying thanks. Thank you for all you do to spark change across Dane County.

Tuesday, December 8 | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Monona Terrace | 1 John Nolen Drive

As we enter colder months, we are reminded of the importance of coming together to support our neighbors and strengthen our community.

Jeff Tubbs, Executive Vice President at Findorff and the 2026 United Way of Dane County Campaign Chair, has seen firsthand how a commitment to giving can create lasting change. Inspired by his family’s tradition of service and Findorff’s long history of community investment, Jeff describes United Way as “the great connector,” bringing together donors, volunteers and resources to address our community’s greatest needs and create long-term impact.

As this year’s campaign draws to a close, we invite you to watch Jeff’s story and consider making a gift to help build a stronger Dane County. And to everyone who has already supported this year’s campaign, thank you! Your generosity shows what’s possible when our community comes together!

The 2026 Tocqueville Society Membership Dinner on October 6 at Four Winds Farm was one for the record books.

With our highest attendance since 2014, this year’s gathering was filled with excitement, meaningful connections and a shared commitment to strengthening Dane County. The energy was palpable from the moment guests arrived. In fact, by the time everyone was seated, we were happily bumping elbows, a reflection of just how much our Tocqueville community has grown.

The evening began with a reception honoring new members, generously sponsored by Heckmann Financial. As the sun set, guests gathered on the patio to reconnect with friends, welcome new faces and enjoy the beautiful fall evening.

During the reception, Tocqueville Society Chair Jessica Schwantes recognized the 40 individuals and families who joined the Tocqueville Society in the past year. Their generosity and leadership are helping United Way of Dane County expand its impact and invest in solutions that help our neighbors thrive. Reaching 40 new members was a tremendous accomplishment, and we’re setting our sights on achieving that milestone again this year.

Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on what makes the Tocqueville Society so special: a community of people who don’t simply give, but who inspire others to get involved. As several speakers noted, nearly every new member joins because someone in the room started a conversation, extended an invitation or shared why philanthropy matters to them.

The evening’s highlight was the presentation of the 2026 Tocqueville Society Award to Sheila and Kevin Conroy, whose nearly two decades of leadership, generosity and community service have left a lasting mark on Dane County. In remarks from United Way President & CEO Renee Moe, guests heard stories of the Conroys’ commitment to education, economic opportunity, volunteerism and community-wide solutions. From helping launch emergency relief efforts at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to championing long-term investments that strengthen local systems of support, Sheila and Kevin exemplify the values at the heart of the Tocqueville Society.

Accepting the award, Kevin shared personal reflections on his family’s commitment to service, the role United Way has played in shaping his own philanthropic journey and the responsibility we all share to create opportunity for future generations. His remarks served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins when people are willing to step forward, engage deeply and work together.

The evening also celebrated the broader impact of the Tocqueville community. Members reflected on lessons learned through this year’s events, recognized volunteers and longtime members and recommitted themselves to ambitious goals for the year ahead, including raising more than $6 million and welcoming another 40 new Tocqueville members.

Most of all, the dinner was a celebration of what happens when generous, thoughtful people come together around a shared purpose. The record-setting turnout, the warm welcome for new members and the enthusiastic response to the evening’s call to action all underscored the momentum building within the Tocqueville Society.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening so memorable. Together, we are continuing a tradition of philanthropy, leadership and community impact that grows stronger every year.

The Leading with Heart Award recognizes individuals and households who give with their whole hearts. They have gone above and beyond in their commitment to community and demonstrate the many ways leadership giving can create impact. These honorees represent different paths to deeper impact, from philanthropy and advocacy to connection and leadership. Their stories remind us that there is no single way to make a difference.