July 30, 2025: United Way of Dane County launches 211 Wisconsin App in Spanish

United Way of Dane County launches 211 Wisconsin App in Spanish

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The next time you use the 211 information app, there are now resources available in Spanish.

United Way of Dane County launched the Spanish version this week. The app gives 24/7 live local resources to help residents in Dane and six other counites in Southern Wisconsin.

“When you look 5% factor to this, there are over 4,000 people in the Madison area that are Spanish speaking that want to be able to access resources and we want to make sure we can serve them,” Ed Wall, the director of 211 for United Way of Dane County.

The Spanish version of the app was developed with the help of Centro Hispano and a grant from PHMDC.

“Central Hispano right here in Madison contacted us and said a lot of people who want to use the app but only speak Spanish. We took that as something that we wanted to get done. We wanted to create a Spanish version,” Wall said.

The app was originally launched in October 2021. The 211 Wisconsin app was developed to broaden awareness of and access to community resources.

It connects people to resources like food pantries, housing, education, crisis lines and legal help.

If people do not have their own devices, there are 60 kiosks throughout southern Wisconsin for people to use. They can be found in schools, homeless shelters, food pantries and libraries.

Click here for a full list of 211 kiosks.

July 29, 2025: United Way launches Spanish 211 Wisconsin app for better service access

United Way launches Spanish 211 Wisconsin app for better service access

MADISON (WKOW) — United Way of Dane County has launched a Spanish version of the 211 Wisconsin App.

The move aims to enhance access to health and human services for Spanish-speaking individuals and families in the Badger State.

The app, originally launched in October 2021, has over 5,200 users statewide. Its Spanish version was developed with Centro, a local nonprofit, ensuring cultural and language needs are met.

“At Centro, we believe that access to information is a cornerstone of equity,” Karen Menéndez Coller, executive director of Centro Dane County, said. “This is how we build a stronger, more connected community for all.”

Renee Moe, president and CEO of United Way of Dane County, emphasized the significance of the new app.

“Expanding access to essential services for Spanish-speaking residents brings us closer to the vision of a Dane County where everyone can thrive,” Moe said.

July 30, 2025: United Way of Dane County launches Spanish version of the 211 Wisconsin app

United Way of Dane County launches Spanish version of the 211 Wisconsin app

United Way of Dane County and Centro Hispano have partnered to create a Spanish-language version of its community resource app, 211 Wisconsin app.

The app was launched in October 2021 by United Way to increase awareness and access to community resources. It has grown tremendously in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation, with now over 5,200 users across the state. 211 provides direct access to resources in various areas including bill assistance, housing, food, transportation, and more, for those in need.

As the realization of 211’s need grows, United Way now looks to expand its ability to serve communities through a partnership with Centro Hispano.

“This partnership with Centro shows the power of user experience design and collaboration to drive meaningful change,” said Renee Moe, president & CEO of United Way, in a press release. “After launching the 211 Wisconsin App, the most consistent feedback from nonprofit partners was the need for a Spanish version. Thanks to a grant from Public Health Madison & Dane County, that’s now a reality. Expanding access to essential services for Spanish-speaking residents brings us closer to the vision of a Dane County where everyone can thrive.”

July 29, 2025: 211 Wisconsin app launches Spanish version

211 Wisconsin app launches Spanish version

MADISON (WKOW) — More people now have access to essential community resources.

The United Way of Dane County announced a new feature in its 211 app that will allow a Spanish option to find health and human services.

The app launched in October of 2021 to help broaden awareness and access to community resources in the Badger State. It has helped thousands of users find essential services in their communities.

Ed Wall is United Way’s Director of 211 and says it took nearly a year to put the project together.

He says the public demand to add the language to the app was what drove the expansion of services.

“We love the app, but we need a Spanish version of it, because some of people coming in here do not speak English, and they want to be able to utilize the resources within 211,” Wall said.

July 29, 2025: United Way of Dane County Lanza la Versión en Español de la Aplicación 211 Wisconsin Para Ampliar el Acceso a la Comunidad de Habla Hispana

United Way of Dane County Lanza la Versión en Español de la Aplicación 211 Wisconsin Para Ampliar el Acceso a la Comunidad de Habla Hispana

Download PDF here

Madison, WI (29 de julio de 2025) – United Way of Dane County se complace en anunciar el lanzamiento de la aplicación 211 Wisconsin en español, lo cual representa un gran avance en la expansion al acceso a servicios humanos y a servicios esenciales de salud para personas y familias de habla hispana en todo el estado.

Originalmente desarrollada por United Way of Dane County y lanzada en octubre de 2021, la aplicación 211 Wisconsin fue desarrollada para ampliar el conocimiento y el acceso a los recursos comunitarios. Con más de 5,200 usuarios en todo el estado, la aplicación ha recibido más de 42,000 búsquedas de categorías y ha conectado a residentes del estado de Wisconsin con más de 38,000 servicios específicos. Ahora, con el lanzamiento de la versión en español, esta poderosa herramienta es aún más inclusiva, ya que apoya el segundo idioma predominante en el condado de Dane y en todo Wisconsin.

United Way of Dane County 211 brinda asistencia local en vivo las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana a los residentes del condado de Dane y las comunidades circundantes, incluidos los condados de Columbia, Sauk, Iowa, Rock, Green y Lafayette. Ya sea que busque alimentos, asistencia para el pago de alquiler, tratamiento para adicciones o servicios para adultos mayores, 211 conecta a las personas con la base de datos más completa y actualizada de servicios humanos y de salud en la región.

La versión en español de la aplicación se desarrolló en asociación con un socio local sin fines de lucro, Centro, un colaborador clave y defensor del acceso equitativo. Esta asociación garantizó que las necesidades lingüísticas y culturales de los miembros de la comunidad de habla hispana se integraran completamente en el diseño y la funcionalidad de la aplicación.

“En Centro, creemos que el acceso a la información es una piedra angular de la equidad”, dijo Karen Menéndez Coller, Directora Ejecutiva de Centro del Condado de Dane. “Asociarnos con United Way del Condado de Dane para ayudar a llevar la aplicación 211 Wisconsin a nuestra comunidad de habla hispana significa que miles de familias más pueden encontrar el apoyo que necesitan, en un idioma que entienden y en el que confían. Así es como construimos una comunidad más fuerte y conectada para todos”.

“Esta asociación con Centro muestra el poder de la colaboración y del diseño de experiencia de usuario para impulsar un cambio significativo”, dijo Renee Moe, Presidenta y Directora Ejecutiva de United Way of Dane County. “Después de lanzar la aplicación 211 Wisconsin, la retroalimentación mas consistente por parte de nuestros socios sin fines de lucro fue la necesidad de una versión en español. Gracias a una subvención de Public Health Madison & Dane County, 211 Wisconsin en español es ahora una realidad. Ampliar el acceso a los servicios esenciales para los residentes de habla hispana nos acerca a la visión de un Condado de Dane donde todos puedan prosperar”.

La aplicación está disponible para ser descargada en dispositivos móviles. Sin embargo, para garantizar que todos puedan accesar los beneficios que la aplicación ofrece, incluyendo aquellos que no tienen acceso a un teléfono inteligente o dispositivo, contamos con quioscos 211 disponibles en Centro y otros lugares públicos en el condado de Dane. Para ver la lista completa de las ubicaciones comunitarias de los quiosqos 211, visite: unitedwayofdanecounty.org

Para consultas de medios de comunicación y solicitudes de entrevistas, comuníquese con Adrienne Kramer, Gerente de Programas, Comunicaciones y Medios Digitales, de United Way of Dane County: Adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org o al (608) 504-6137.

 

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Acerca de Centro Hispano del Condado de Dane:
Como la organización sin fines de lucro líder que trabaja con la población Latinx en el Condado de Dane, Wisconsin —que incluye a Madison y las comunidades circundantes—, Centro cuenta con una trayectoria de más de cuarenta años elevando y fortaleciendo a las comunidades locales. La organización ha trabajado incansablemente para mantenerse al ritmo del crecimiento de la comunidad latinx en el condado, y actualmente brinda apoyo a más de 7,500 personas al año, con más de 20,000 horas de programación. Las iniciativas de Centro son algunos de los pocos programas bilingües y biculturales enfocados específicamente en servir a las comunidades latinx en el Condado de Dane, y la organización es un recurso clave para la ciudad, el condado, el estado y los distritos escolares locales. Además, colabora con más de cien organizaciones sin fines de lucro y empleadores en la región. Para responder a las crecientes necesidades de la comunidad latinx en el Condado de Dane, Centro ha triplicado el tamaño de su personal y duplicado la cantidad de programas que ofrece en comparación con hace apenas diez años.


Acerca de United Way of Dane County:
United Way of Dane County moviliza el poder solidario de nuestra comunidad para que todos puedan prosperar. Desde el avance de la salud y la educación hasta el fortalecimiento de los medios de vida y la resiliencia local, conectamos a las personas con las posibilidades. Con la misión de unir a la comunidad para lograr resultados medibles que cambien vidas, trabajamos en colaboración con organizaciones locales sin fines de lucro, empresas, líderes comunitarios, donantes y voluntarios para multiplicar el impacto y resolver problemas generales que ninguna persona u organización puede abordar por sí sola. United Way nos hace responsables a nosotros mismos y a nuestros socios por el uso efectivo de los recursos y los resultados medibles. Juntos, somos el poder de cuidar. Trabajando para todos. Visite www.unitedwaydanecounty.org para obtener más información.

July 29, 2025: United Way of Dane County Launches Spanish Version of the 211 Wisconsin App

United Way of Dane County Launches Spanish Version of the 211 Wisconsin App

Download PDF here

Madison, WI (July 29, 2025) – United Way of Dane County is pleased to announce the launch of the 211 Wisconsin App in Spanish, a major step forward in expanding access to vital health and human services for Spanish-speaking individuals and families across the state.

Originally developed by United Way of Dane County and launched in October 2021, the 211 Wisconsin App was developed to broaden the awareness of and access to community resources. With over 5,200 users statewide, the app has supported tens of thousands of category searches, connecting residents to specific services they need. Now, with the launch of the Spanish-language version, this powerful tool is even more effective – supporting the predominant second language in Dane County and throughout Wisconsin.

United Way of Dane County 211 provides 24/7 live, local assistance to residents in Dane County and surrounding communities, including Columbia, Sauk, Iowa, Rock, Green and Lafayette Counties. Whether searching for food, rental assistance, addiction treatment or services for older adults – 211 connects people to the most comprehensive and up-to-date database of health and human services in the region. The 211 App is available statewide in partnership with all call centers and United Way of Wisconsin 211.

The Spanish version of the app was developed in partnership with local nonprofit partner, Centro. This partnership ensured that the language and cultural needs of Spanish-speaking community members were fully integrated into the design and functionality of the app.

“At Centro, we believe that access to information is a cornerstone of equity,” said Karen Menéndez Coller, Executive Director of Centro Dane County. “Partnering with United Way of Dane County to help bring the 211 Wisconsin App to our Spanish-speaking community means thousands more families can find the support they need – in a language they understand and trust. This is how we build a stronger, more connected community for all.”

“This partnership with Centro shows the power of user experience design and collaboration to drive meaningful change,” said Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “After launching the 211 Wisconsin App, the most consistent feedback from nonprofit partners was the need for a Spanish version. Thanks to a grant from Public Health Madison & Dane County, that’s now a reality. Expanding access to essential services for Spanish-speaking residents brings us closer to the vision of a Dane County where everyone can thrive.”

The app is available for downloading on mobile devices. To ensure everyone can benefit, including those without access to a smartphone or device, 211 kiosks are available at Centro and other public locations across Dane County. To view the full list of community locations of 211 Kiosks, visit: unitedwayofdanecounty.org

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adrienne Kramer, Program Manager, Digital Media and Communications, United Way of Dane County at adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org or (608) 504-6137

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About Centro:
As the leading non-profit organization working with the Latinx population in Dane County, Wisconsin which includes Madison and the surrounding communities, Centro has a forty-year history of uplifting and strengthening local communities. The organization has worked tirelessly to keep up with the growth of the Latinx community in Dane County and now supports over 7,500 individuals annually with more than 20,000 hours of programming. Centro’s initiatives are some of the only bilingual/bicultural programs focused on serving Latinx communities in Dane County and the organization serves as a key resource for the city, county, state and local school districts and partners with over a hundred nonprofits and employers in the area. To meet the growing needs of Latinx in Dane County, Centro has tripled the size of its staff and doubled the number of programs it offers from just ten years ago.

About United Way of Dane County:

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever lives are impacted and well-being is at stake in our community, United Way is there. Our mission – to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives – is rooted in innovation and action. And through our network of caring connections, we solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. No matter the challenge, United Way’s comprehensive approach and community roots mean we can find a way forward. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibilities. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Visit unitedwaydanecounty.org to donate or learn more.

July 2025: Thank you to our Nonprofit Partners!

Thank you to our Nonprofit Partners!

At United Way of Dane County, we’re proud to invest in and partner with organizations and programs that align with our Plan for Community Well-Being – helping us close gaps and open opportunities so more Dane County families have what they need to thrive.

We know there are hundreds of great organizations in our community. But we’re better together! Because, together, we can address big-picture issues no one organization can solve alone. And we’re so grateful for every one of our partners!

When you give to United Way, you’re supporting this local network – and you’re multiplying your impact! Every dollar donated through United Way is a powerful catalyst, multiplying six times over to create lasting, meaningful change, right here in Dane County.

July 2025: You’re Invited to Day of Caring!

You’re Invited to Day of Caring!

Tuesday, August 19 | 1:30 - 3:00 pm | Breese Stevens Field

 Join us for our biggest day of volunteering! Day of Caring (formerly Community Kickoff) marks the start of Community Campaign season with family-friendly volunteer opportunities.

Learn about challenges in our community and create ImPacks and fill backpacks for local students and families. Bring your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors to be a part of the change. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Food Pantry Donation Drive

Bring non-perishable food to donate! These items will benefit individuals who are supported by local food pantries and nonprofits. When Dane County families have access to affordable, nutritious food, our whole community is healthier and stronger. Food security means improved health, more stability and sets the stage for future well-being. Most Needed Items: Breakfast Cereal, Oatmeal, Rice, Pasta & Pasta Sauce, Macaroni & Cheese, Canned Soup, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Canned Chicken, Canned Tuna

Volunteer Opportunities

We’ll create Paper Product ImPacks, Menstrual Hygiene ImPacks, Healthy Snack ImPacks and fill backpacks with school supplies to distribute to our community through our nonprofit partners. Many of these items are rarely donated and always needed. Food and nutrition assistance programs do not cover these essentials, so families may have to choose between paying for rent or buying necessities. Additionally, we’ll write Notes of Encouragement to include with ImPacks.

Thank You to our Sponsors!

July 1, 2025: United Way of Dane County Announces $22,450 in Micro-Investment Funding to Grassroots Organizations in Dane County

United Way of Dane County Announces $22,450 in Micro-Investment Funding to Grassroots Organizations in Dane County

Madison, WI., July 1, 2025 – United Way of Dane County awarded the 2025 Micro-Investment Grants distributing a total of $22,450 to seven grassroots organizations. These seven recipients lead community-centered projects aimed at advancing youth activities, strengthening community engagement and/or increasing a sense of safety in Dane County communities. Recipients include groups and organizations with an annual operating budget of $75,000 or less.

This unique funding opportunity was designed to support organizations outside of United Way of Dane County’s traditional investment cycle, allowing United Way to invest in innovative, grassroot responses to community needs to help address systemic inequities. This year’s recipients were selected by a dedicated Micro-Investments Task Force, made up of members of the Community Engagement and Inclusion Committee (CEIC). By supporting community-driven solutions, United Way of Dane County helps create a Dane County where every voice is heard, and neighborhoods thrive.

“These grants provide innovative funding for exciting programs led by leaders that aren’t yet able to apply for traditional investments. Organizations such as Literacy Network, Centro and Operation Fresh Start, started with microgrants and we know these grants can make a significant difference,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO, United Way of Dane County. “We are excited to be supporting these grassroots organizations strengthening Dane County by providing culturally competent community, education and youth services.”

Recipients of these Micro-Investment Grants include:

• The Determination to Succeed Back2Schools Summit – Area: West Madison

• Young Moms of Madison (YMoM) – Area: South and East Madison

• Midwifery Care Packages & Connections – Area: Dane County

• Hope Explorers Club – Area: Stoughton, Bayview Modular Home Community

• Freedom Love Acceptance Therapy – Area: Sun Prairie

• No Boundaries Dance TeamArea: South and West Madison

• Northside Planning CouncilArea: Madison’s North side within the Sherman Neighborhood

United Way knows that collective impact is the key to community well-being and the Micro-Investment Grant process is an example of working collaboratively with our community, network of local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to create solutions that address the most complex challenges that no single person or organization can solve alone.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Adrienne Kramer, Program Manager, Digital Media and Communications, United Way of Dane County at adrienne.kramer@uwdc.org or (608) 504-6137

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About United Way of Dane County:

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. True to our founding spirit, whenever lives are impacted and well-being is at stake in our community, United Way is there. Our mission – to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives – is rooted in innovation and action. And through our network of caring connections, we solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. No matter the challenge, United Way’s comprehensive approach and community roots mean we can find a way forward. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we connect people to possibilities. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

Visit unitedwaydanecounty.org to donate or learn more.

Building Community Through Purposeful Action

Building Community Through Purposeful Action 

For the past two years, Hannah Klusendorf has helped strengthen our community through service, leadership and connection. Her journey with United Way of Dane County began at a Women United Speed Mentoring event which left her feeling “connected, inspired and energized” by the mission and the incredible women involved. That spark led to deeper involvement and today she serves as Chair of our Personal and Professional Development Committee. 

In her role, she helps plan events that empower women to grow personally and professionally offering more than just resources and skills. “These events create space for connection, mentorship and inspiration,” she says. It’s that sense of meaningful connection that drives her commitment to causes like housing stability, early childhood education and financial empowerment. “I’m committed to strengthening relationships and partnering with others to create lasting community-driven change,” she adds. 

Volunteering has also transformed her personally. “It has deepened my understanding of the power of relationships in building a more connected, compassionate and resilient community,” she reflects. To her, philanthropic leadership means leading by example through purposeful action by giving time, talents and treasures to uplift those around her. 

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