Author: Brian Buckner

May 9, 2025: How will AmeriCorps cuts affect Wisconsin students? Some see cuts, shutdowns ahead

Posted on by Brian Buckner

How will AmeriCorps cuts affect Wisconsin students? Some see cuts, shutdowns ahead

A few weeks ago, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay junior Jasmine Puls was at her AmeriCorps job at the Girl Scout Reaching Out program, preparing for a trip to a local elementary school, when she got an email marked “URGENT.”

“Out of nowhere, we just got an email that we were being shut down, and that they tried to appeal it but that it was non-appealable, and that there was nothing they could do,” Puls said. “We were literally given no warning.”

Seven staff members lost their jobs “within 10 minutes,” including Puls. They weren’t alone: Statewide, about 430 AmeriCorps workers found themselves out of work after the federal Department of Government Efficiency made cuts to their programs.

Reaching Out focused on connecting students in underserved communities — often due to financial or language barriers — with outdoor education and life skills, according to assistant program and inclusion director Brittany Pyatt. Many other AmeriCorps programs offered similar services, providing students in need with tutoring and engagement services.

May 2025: Participate in the Women United Brunch Silent Auction

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Participate in the Women United Brunch Silent Auction

We are excited to host a silent auction as part of this year’s Women United Brunch! More than 70 local businesses, volunteers and other supporters have generously donated items for our online silent auction. Items include hotel stays, activities and memberships, restaurant gift certificates, fine jewelry and goods, baskets from local businesses and more – there’s something for everyone! All proceeds support strategies and programs that help more women achieve financial security.

Check out our digital catalog and get ready to start bidding! You can participate in the silent auction even if you are not able to the attend the Women United Brunch on May 16 – you can be the winning bidder from wherever you are! Your generosity supports a Dane County where all women can succeed and reach their potential.

Participate in the Silent Auction

May 2025: 2024 Community Impact Report

Posted on by Brian Buckner

2024 Community Impact Report

With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, United Way is committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – but we couldn’t do our important work without you!

Despite the ongoing challenges we face as a community, you stepped up in 2024 to help us reach our goal of raising $17.3 million – and we’re so grateful!

Our Community Impact Report celebrates the remarkable success you made possible for more than 82,000 neighbors – and showcases just how much change we can make when we come together.

Read the full report here

May 2025: Reimagining Support for Students – With You by Our Side

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Reimagining Support for Students – With You by Our Side.

They are not just students — they are our future leaders, artists, scientists and changemakers. But right now, hundreds of bright young minds are at risk.

With the recent loss of the federal AmeriCorps grant, hundreds of Dane County students have lost access to the tutoring support that helped them believe in themselves, build confidence and envision a future full of possibility.

For most students, tutors were more than academic helpers – they represented trusted adults and mentors. They were the ones who showed up consistently with patience, kindness, encouragement and belief that every child deserves a chance to learn, grow and to be seen.

This academic year, 1,032 students were matched with 178 volunteer tutors thanks to 27 tutor coordinators. Student attendance rates, feelings of self-confidence and literacy and math scores measurably outperform their peers. For nearly three decades, our signature AmeriCorps programs, Elementary Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections, have been supporting students and their teachers. Close to 23,000 trained community volunteers and AmeriCorps members have provided critical literacy and math tutoring to more than 113,000 local students.

In the absence of AmeriCorps, we will work alongside our school district partners, school families and tutors. We are committed to continuing this critical support to advance our Plan for Community Well-Being Youth Opportunity and Academic Success goals. We will once again evolve our programs — to preserve a generation’s future – supporting the vision that all students read at grade level, pass algebra and graduate.

Your gift today is more than a donation – it is a signal of hope and investment in continuing effective tutoring this school year and beyond. Together, we will keep Dane County’s youth learning and experiencing their community’s belief in their futures.  Donate at www.unitedwaydanecounty.org

May 2, 2025: DOGE hits Dane County as AmeriCorps program funding terminated

Posted on by Brian Buckner

DOGE hits Dane County as AmeriCorps program funding terminated

Sudden termination of AmeriCorps funding in Wisconsin has left hundreds of young service workers jobless and disrupted vital services across schools, nonprofits, and community health programs. The cuts eliminated the jobs of 430 active AmeriCorps members in Wisconsin, including 69 in Dane County, and halted programming at more than 300 sites statewide.

The AmeriCorps members worked in schools, clinics, homeless shelters and other direct service agencies.

Serve Wisconsin, the state agency that oversees AmeriCorps programs in Wisconsin, learned at about 6:20 pm Friday that all funding for AmeriCorps programs was terminated effective immediately because the programs no longer “aligned with agency priorities.”

The AmeriCorps website lists the agency’s priorities as disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and supporting veterans and military families.

Serve Wisconsin executive director Jeanne Duffy said the cut will also affect about 680 service workers scheduled to work in summer programs.

May 1, 2025: Letter | AmeriCorps cuts affect thousands in Wisconsin

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Letter | AmeriCorps cuts affect thousands in Wisconsin

  • Bob Shogren

    Wisconsin National & Community Service Board

Dear Editor: At 6:20 p.m. Friday, April 25, we received notice that federal grants for the 25 active AmeriCorps programs in our state board’s portfolio were being terminated immediately, as well as planning grants for five organizations to develop programs through the Volunteer Generation Fund.

Closing these programs would halt service at more than 300 sites across Wisconsin, including schools, medical clinics and nonprofit organizations, as well as harming the hundreds of AmeriCorps members currently serving.

If these grant terminations take effect, thousands of students will suddenly lose tutoring and support programming. Hundreds of people with substance abuse disorders will lose their recovery coaches and thousands of people will lose programming at health clinics and organizations throughout Wisconsin.

Services provided to homeless youth and individuals with disabilities will be greatly reduced and hundreds of nonprofits will lose support in serving their communities. Planned conservation projects and summer programming for children that families depend on will no longer take place.

In the Madison area, this will eliminate service through nine AmeriCorps programs, including United Way of Dane County’s Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections, Partners for After School Success, Easterseals Wisconsin, DPI Farm to School, and several more organizations.

Contact your members of Congress to let them know these grants need to be reinstated. To find their contact information, click here.

April 30, 2025: By Youth For Youth (BYFY) Awards $26,130 to Local Youth Programs

Posted on by Brian Buckner

By Youth For Youth (BYFY) Awards $26,130 to Local Youth Programs

High school leaders review and identify grants that will benefit youth-led organizations and youth programs

Madison, WI (April 30, 2024) – The By Youth for Youth (BYFY) committee, a collaborative program through the Dane County Youth Commission, United Way of Dane County, the City of Madison Community Development Division and UW-Extension Dane County’s Positive Youth Development Institute, awarded $26,130 to 10 local youth programs and projects.

BYFY’s funding priorities for 2025 were focused on addressing poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, immigration, positive sense of self/self-image, mental health resources and services, family violence and sexual assault.

“By Youth For Youth participants are the next generation of community leaders and make a real difference in our community,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “These amazing teens learn about the challenges facing our community, collaborate and effectively communicate to accelerate impact and change lives. We are proud to be part of this partnership to convene Dane County’s youth leaders.”

“These projects are a powerful reminder that our students are not just future leaders—they’re leading right now,” said Cynthia Green, MMSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning. “From addressing food insecurity to promoting cultural pride and sustainable practices, they’re creating real change in our schools and neighborhoods.”

Funding highlights:

“Middleton Meals Matter”, Middleton High School: This organization collaborates with local businesses to host food drives and fundraisers, which are then delivered to the WayForward food pantry. Fully led by youth, with both its board and volunteers comprised of students, Middleton Meals Matter seeks to address food insecurity by not only increasing youth community involvement but also enhancing the resources and financial support available to local food pantries that serve youth in need

“Imagine Club”, Oregon High School: This program focuses on menstrual equity and providing period products free of charge to students at Oregon High School. The program will work to reduce stigma related to menstruation, minimize the amount of time that students spend out of class/school and will serve students who lack access to adequate housing and personal care products more easily afforded by those who have stable living conditions and steady income.

“Equity Symposium”, MMSD West High School: This proposal will fund an event that offers over 50 workshops led by students, leaders, scholars and artists pioneering equity initiatives in the community. Students will gain an increased understanding of social issues they care about and awareness of equity work in the Madison area to inspire them to take action themselves.

Full List of Funded Organizations and Programs:

  • Memorial High School (MMSD): “Mid-Winter Meals”
  • MSCR/Meadowood Neighborhood Center: “Kitchen Wizards”
  • Mendota Elementary (MMSD): “Mendota Market Expansion”
  • Scholars Who Succeed Club at White Horse Middle School (MMSD): “Self-Care Center”
  • Middleton High School: “Middleton Meals Matter”
  • Rooted, Inc: “Season Extension”
  • Oregon High School: “Imagine Club”
  • West High School (MMSD): “Equity Symposium”
  • Happy Feet of Madison: “Happy Feet”
  • Lake View Elementary (MMSD): “Hmong American Day”

2024-2025 BYFY Committee Members:

  • Aditya Behara Middleton
  • Adriana Villagomez La Follette (MMSD)
  • Amelia Kozler Cambridge
  • Andry Negovani Memorial (MMSD)
  • Angie Barrera-Gonzalez La Follette (MMSD)
  • Arjuna Grady Verona
  • Audree Brunke Memorial (MMSD)
  • Dahjenae Lavell La Follette (MMSD)
  • Diego Miranda-Naxi La Follette (MMSD)
  • Emma Granquist Cambridge
  • Esther Ko Memorial (MMSD)
  • Faith Waefler Belleville
  • Hanshika JaiPravinKumar Sun Prairie West
  • Jana Alhuniti Memorial (MMSD)
  • Laylee Farrar Cambridge
  • Kobe Ni Waunakee
  • Lily Johnson Sun Prairie West
  • Olivia Morsbach Edgewood
  • Reya Khatri Middleton
  • Rishab Kotte Sun Prairie West
  • Rishith Umesh Sun Prairie West
  • Ruitan Luo Sun Prairie East
  • Ruth Bawithadim Sun Prairie West
  • Sophia Downs Cambridge
  • Suin Lim Memorial (MMSD)
  • Uriel Nikiema Edgewood
  • Yesenia Villagomez LaFollette (MMSD)

For media inquiries and/or to schedule an interview, please contact Ashley Manthei, Director of Communications, United Way of Dane County at (608) 416-0401 or Ashley.manthei@uwdc.org.

###

About By Youth For Youth:

By Youth For Youth (BYFY) is a volunteer committee of Dane County high school students that makes investment decisions for youth-led programming and initiatives in Dane County. BYFY members identify critical issues impacting youth in Dane County, establish funding priorities, review grant proposals and recommend funding from County and City grants to support projects developed and implemented by youth to serve youth.

Three sponsors provide the funding for BYFY projects: United Way of Dane County, Dane County Youth Commission and the City of Madison Community Development Division. United Way of Dane County is the fiscal agent for both City and County funds. University of Madison-Wisconsin Extension provides administrative and programmatic oversight in partnership with the City of Madison and United Way of Dane County.

About United Way of Dane County

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community to close gaps and open opportunities so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we work collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to multiply impact and solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

Lighting the Way: Energizing Women at Madison Gas and Electric

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Lighting the Way: Energizing Women at Madison Gas and Electric

At the heart of Madison Gas and Electric’s commitment to community and connection are two women: Carolyn Schurch and Jane Rossing, co-chairs of the company’s women’s employee resource group (ERG): Women’s Network. For Carolyn and Jane, the drive to empower women is both personally and professionally motivated. Whether through mentorship, advocacy or simply sharing their experiences, they believe in the power of women helping women.  

That belief became action in November 2023 when the two collaborated to launch Women’s Network. What began as an idea quickly grew into a thriving employee resource group with over 60 members. Monthly gatherings promote personal and professional connection, while quarterly events focus on women’s health and development. 

“Madison Gas and Electric places a strong emphasis on community involvement,” said Carolyn and Jane. “We feel proud to be part of a culture that prioritizes giving back.” 

For Carolyn and Jane, philanthropic leadership is about giving money and more. “It’s about being intentional, having a strong belief in the cause and being thoughtful with where and how we contribute.” That ethos guides their work with the Women’s Network and in the community. 

Their efforts have been bolstered by their partnership with Women United at Work, a peer support network for local ERG leaders that has provided guidance and strategic support as they built their ERG from the ground up. “It provided us with a clear framework to move from a rough concept to a fully formed group. We also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and connect with other local ERG leaders – whether it’s networking, exchanging ideas or offering support.” 

Employee Resource Group leadership is often taken on by employees in addition to their full-time positions and responsibilities. Women United at Work partners leverage United Way’s planned activities so they can better balance their workloads and provide meaningful staff engagements…all while ensuring the most critical community needs are met.  

Personal and professional development events provide thoughtful time and space for staff at companies like MGE to set and achieve goals, while staff can connect with and build a supportive network of women who care about their community.  

Interested in Women United at Work? Click here.

Loyal Contributor Spotlight: Mark Koehl

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Loyal Contributor Spotlight: Mark Koehl

Many of our Tocqueville members started their journey with their very first professional paychecks, sparking a lifelong commitment to philanthropy.  

On June 10, we’re hosting our annual celebration for Loyal Contributors, those who have been making life-changing contributions to United Way for over 25 years. Many of our Tocqueville members started their journey with their very first professional paychecks, sparking a lifelong commitment to philanthropy. The impact of those collective investments has made local families, nonprofits and our entire community measurably and meaningfully stronger.  

Mark Koehl is one such loyal contributor, making his first gift to United Way of Marathon County in 1982 through his workplace giving campaign at Wipfli. He recalls starting his gift thanks to encouragement from leadership within the workplace. When Mark moved to Madison, he was invited by leadership at Wipfli to join Tocqueville.  

After 20 years of Tocqueville membership, Mark sees giving as essential to the ability of United Way to continue to meet the greatest needs in Dane County. He said, “I have been very fortunate in my life and see Tocqueville as a small means of paying back.”  

Mark and his wife Jessica Schwantes have both spent their lives in Wisconsin and made it a priority to give back to the community they love. All of the activities of the community and all of the friends he’s made, make Dane County the best place Mark has lived and the place he will always call home. Mark understands that while Dane County is a great community, there are many of our neighbors who are in need of assistance with basic needs of housing, health care, education and food. Both Mark and Jessica appreciate the strategic approach United Way takes to address difficult community issues and increase the impact of their gifts. 

Mark and Jessica have also held a variety of volunteer roles at United Way. Mark started volunteering with United Way on an allocations committee in Appleton, eventually becoming leader of allocations when he joined the Board. He also served on the Board at United Way Fox Cities. Since moving to Dane County, he’s served on both the United Way of Dane County Foundation Board of Trustees and the United Way of Dane County Board, serving as Treasurer. Today, Mark serves on the Finance Committee, Equity Committee and the Affordable Housing Fund Committee. Jessica is the current Tocqueville Cabinet Vice Chair.  

As Mark shared, “when everyone in our community can live the best life they desire, then the entire community is better.” 

Thank you to Mark and all our loyal contributors for making such a transformational impact in our community. 

April 30, 2025: State joins lawsuit to block Trump administration cancellation of AmeriCorps

Posted on by Brian Buckner

State joins lawsuit to block Trump administration cancellation of AmeriCorps

A coalition of 25 states, including Wisconsin, sued the Trump administration Tuesday to block the cancellation of AmeriCorps programs across the country.

The cancellation has upended plans at more than two dozen organizations in Wisconsin that have engaged AmeriCorps members in community service work, and stranded scores of participants in the midst of one-year stints in the program.

“I was completely blindsided,” Parker Kuehni told the Wisconsin Examiner on Tuesday. The University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate with a degree in global health was in his second year with AmeriCorps, working at a Madison free health clinic and preparing to start medical school in June when he learned Monday morning that the program was canceled.

Created by Congress in 1993 as the Corporation for National and Community Service, its official name, AmeriCorps has deployed community service workers across the country in the decades since. AmeriCorps members are usually recent college graduates who join the program for a year or two. They teach in schools, assist with disaster relief and take on a host of other roles.