Category: Press Releases

December 19, 2023: United Way of Dane County Calling on Community to Participate in End-of-Year Giving Campaign

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Calling on Community to Participate in End-of-Year Giving Campaign

Madison, WI (December 19, 2023) – On September 18, 2023, United Way of Dane County kicked off the 2023 Community Campaign, announcing a goal of $18.1 million for Dane County neighbors. This goal fuels nonprofits across Dane County doing critical work to respond to poverty, pandemic effects and instability. We have raised $9.6 million and need your help. We’re calling on every Dane County resident to make a year-end gift to help us create more opportunities for our neighbors.

“At United Way of Dane County, we know there are a lot of great services and programs in our community. But we’re better together,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “When you give to United Way, you’re amplifying opportunities for children to succeed in school, adults to get good-paying jobs, families to have affordable housing and everyone in our community to have access to quality health care. In short, you’re helping to uplift family well-being – making our community a better place to live, for all.”

For more than 100 years, United Way has evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. And we’re innovating forward with the Plan for Community Well-Being – a plan built with our community, for our community. This vision for a brighter future focuses on increasing individual and family well-being so that everyone in Dane County can lead healthy, thriving and secure lives – making our entire community stronger and better positioned to thrive.

But, while we’re confident in the progress we’re making with our partners in the areas of education, income and health, we know needs far outweigh the resources available. Too many people are struggling to meet their basic needs, and too many kids are falling behind in school. In fact:

  • 10.8% of our population lives in poverty (58,000+), which would fill ¾ of seats at Camp Randall.
  • Only 42.9% of third grade students are reading at grade level, which would fill The Sylvee with kids who are reading at or below basic levels.
  • Food and rent assistance calls are up 80% over this time last year.
  • Rent prices in the Madison area are increasing faster than any other of the nation’s top 100 cities.

“United Way coordinates efforts across the community, collaborating with hundreds of local nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, families and donors to address big-picture issues no one person or organization can solve alone,” says Pete Vogel, President and CEO of Vogel Bros. Building Company, 2023 United Way Campaign Chair. “When United Way doesn’t meet their campaign goal, the whole community feels it. Less dollars in means less dollars multiplied to help real neighbors lead healthy, thriving lives. So, this holiday season, I encourage you to give – any amount you can, according to your means – to help us reach our goal and build a brighter future, together.”

There’s still time to make a difference! Please consider making a tax-deductible, year-end gift before midnight on December 31 so we can create more opportunities for real families right here in Dane County.

Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more and make a donation today. For media inquiries and/or to schedule an interview with members of our campaign team, please contact Ashley Manthei, Director of Communications, United Way of Dane County at (608) 416-0401 or Ashley.manthei@uwdc.org.

 

About United Way of Dane County:

For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

October 17, 2023: United Way of Dane County Releases 211 Wisconsin App

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Releases 211 Wisconsin App

Madison, WI (October 17, 2023) – Earlier this morning United Way of Dane County held a press conference officially launching their new 211 Wisconsin App. This app was developed to broaden the awareness of and access to services in our community.

United Way of Dane County 211 provides 24/7 live, local assistance to every neighbor in Dane County and nearby communities (including Columbia, Sauk, Iowa, Rock, Green and Lafayette Counties). From finding food to paying rent, or connecting to addiction treatment or services for older adults (and so much more), 211 hosts the most comprehensive health and human services database of curated agencies in Dane County and across Wisconsin, and provides real-time, up-todate information on needs. Last year alone, United Way of Dane County 211 made 41,176 referrals to community resources and spent 170,500+ minutes serving clients.

“211 does so much more than connect people to agencies,” says Ed Wall, Director of 211, United Way of Dane County. “Our specialists are trained to identify root causes of a client’s problem – and provide callers with a wide range of available resources that meet all their underlying needs, not just the one that prompted the call, text or email. And the development of the 211 Wisconsin App enables us to reach more people who need services – allowing us to support more individuals and families who are working to lead healthy, happy and thriving lives.”

With over 18 months in development and testing, the 211 Wisconsin App is poised to increase access to the thousands of 211 resources available. The app can be downloaded to your mobile device. And, for those who do not have access to a mobile device, we’ve placed kiosks around the county to help make sure 211 services are accessible for everyone. See here for a full list of community locations that have a tablet installed.

“Our center is so fortunate to be one of the partner agencies that will house one of the new 211 kiosks,” says Arturo Ambriz, Executive Director, Lussier Community Education Center. “We feel that it will be heavily utilized as it will be prominently displayed at our lobby creating more interest on what 211 is and offers. Currently folks who use 211 at our center are recommended to do so by our amazing staff or word of mouth. With it being so user friendly, a wide range of individuals with varying technology backgrounds will be able to use it. Additionally, it will allow a bit of discretion for users by bypassing the need to ask for help in-person, which is a barrier in itself.”

The app was developed by United Way of Dane County and is meant to be very intuitive. From the welcome screen, the user is invited to browse anonymously or to register and bookmark the community resources that they may frequently use. We have also created a mapping feature that will show the user’s location and the resources closest to them.

The development and launch of this app was made possible by an extremely generous donation of $250,000 made by longtime donors Phil and Kit Blake. Additionally, United Way of Dane County has partnered with the other seven 211 centers in Wisconsin to assist in a state-wide rollout of the app. This collaboration helps ensure real-time help and resources are accessible to every Wisconsin resident in need.

“United Way of Dane County is proud to curate the most comprehensive health and human services database in our community, and to provide a caring, helping voice at the other end of the phone when neighbors need help,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO, United Way of Dane County.

“By partnering with the other centers across the state through the rollout of the 211 Wisconsin App, we’re enabled to make resources more readily available to every Wisconsin resident! That said, we know the needs far outweigh resources currently available. Please support your local United Way campaign by making a donation to help ensure that quality services are available when people call,” Moe says. “When more people have access to resources that they need in times of crisis through 211, and a coordinated approach to address the toughest human issues through United Way’s Plan for Community Well-Being, our entire community is better positioned to thrive.”

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

About United Way of Dane County:

For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

September 18, 2023: ‘We’re all about collective impact’: United Way of Dane County kicks off community campaign

Posted on by Brian Buckner

‘We’re all about collective impact’: United Way of Dane County kicks off community campaign

  • WKOW.com.  |  Grace Houdek  |  Sep 18, 2023 United Way of Dane County kicked off its community campaign Monday with its United Carnival.

At the event, people could play games, win prizes and enjoy all sorts of food. Renee Moe, president and CEO of United Way of Dane County, said making it a carnival shows you can have fun while making a great impact.

“We really want to make sure that we’re teaching all of our community about giving, and sometimes philanthropy or volunteerism. They aren’t things that people know a lot about,” she said. “When you can show a community coming together and supportive others being a part of the greater good, it’s an opportunity to help teach and grow our community strengths.”

Moe said bringing people together this way can make waves in the community.

“United Way, we, really have a multiplier effect because we have great relationships,” Moe said. “We know a lot of folks, we listen really intently to the community, we’re able to multiply impacts.”

Read the Full Article Here

June 8, 2023: United Way of Dane County Awards $25,000 in Micro-Investment Funds to Local Grassroots Organizations

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Awards $25,000 in Micro-Investment Funds to Local Grassroots Organizations

Madison, WI (June 8, 2023) – On June 7, 2023, United Way of Dane County awarded 2023 Micro Investment Grants. A total of $25,000 in grant funding was awarded to six grassroots organizations working to advance racial equity and/or social justice for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Southeast Asian or individuals and/or families of color in Dane County. Recipients include groups and organizations with an annual operating budget of $50,000 or less.

“These grants provide innovative funding for exciting programs led by leaders of color that aren’t yet able to apply for traditional investments. Organizations such as Literacy Network, Centro Hispano and Operation Fresh Start, started with microgrants and we know these grants can make a big 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 health-focused services.”

Recipients of these grant dollars include:

  • Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP
  • Backyard Mosaic Women’s Project
  • BLIPS (Black Leaders in Plain Sight)
  • Cultural Treasure
  • Miss Grand Hmong’s Scholarship
  • Reimagining Full Spectrum Doula Services

United Way knows that collective impact is the key to community well-being and the microinvestment grant process is an example of working collaboratively with our community, network of local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors, volunteers and families to address big picture issues that no one individual or organization can solve alone.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact Karen Burch, VP Community Engagement and Marketing, United Way of Dane County at (608) 246-4366 or karen.burch@uwdc.org

About United Way of Dane County: For 100 years, United Way of Dane County has mobilized the caring power of our community to create lasting change for multiple generations. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors, volunteers and families to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

May 3, 2023: By Youth For Youth Group Awards $36,447 to Local Youth Programs

Posted on by Brian Buckner

By Youth For Youth Group Awards $36,447 to Local Youth Programs

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

Madison, WI (May 3, 2023) – 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 Institute of Positive Youth Development, awarded $36,447 to 13 local youth programs and projects.

BYFY’s funding priorities for 2023 were focused on mental and physical health, school programming and student support, youth experiencing poverty, youth experiencing food insecurity, youth experiencing homelessness, climate change, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and immigration.

“The By Youth For Youth program is a great way to engage the next generation of community leaders right here in Dane County,” says Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “By working together to help identify and fund solutions to real issues our community is facing, these inspiring teens are learning how to collaborate, communicate effectively and accelerate results. All in order to help build community well-being.”

“By Youth For Youth is a one-of-a-kind youth program, and the City of Madison is proud to partner with them,” said Satya Rhodes-Conway, Mayor of Madison. “BYFY puts decision-making power in the hands of young people in real and structural ways, allowing participants to fund other youth programs, preparing them to be community leaders and participate in policy-making and funding decisions. BYFY supports young people in understanding and exercising the power they have to better their communities.”

Funding highlights:

Rooted – Eggcellent Chicken Coop: Thanks to generosity from the City of Madison supporting S.T.E.M. related youth projects, $5,000 goes toward the Badger Rock urban farm and youth garden educational chicken coop program. Youth will engage in hands-on learning about caring for and managing the chicken coop to provide organic eggs at a low cost to residents to address food security needs.

Bayview Foundation – Youth Advocacy & Support Program: $3,000 goes toward providing lowincome BIPOC and LGTBQ+ youth gender-specific spaces and activities to discuss youth issues and build community with their peers.

Avicenna Society of Madison – Afghan Kabul Cuisine Startup: $3,000 goes toward funding a Afghan cuisine startup restaurant that will help address poverty, food insecurity and employment opportunities for Afghan refugee youth in the Dane County area.

Full List of Funded Organizations and Programs:

  • Dear Diary of Madison – Students for Students
  • Cultural Connections Inc. – Club Express/Silk Screen Project
  • Bayview Foundation – Youth Advocacy & Support Program
  • McFarland Youth Center – Care Package Backpacks for the Homeless
  • Rooted – Eggscellent Chicken Coop
  • Memorial High School – Latinos Unidos/Latino Festival
  • Sun Prairie Westside Elementary, Student Safety Ambassadors – Empowering SP Students to Stop the Bleed
  • Madison East High School – Computer Lab Art & Photography
  • Briarpatch Youth Services – Teens Like Us/Briar Attire
  • Waunakee High School – Investing in Future Educators
  • Avicenna Society of Madison – Afghan Kabul Cuisine Startup; Aid to Afghan Children & Families; Libyan Refugee US Citizenship Needs

About By Youth For Youth:

By Youth For Youth (BYFY) is a volunteer committee of Dane County high school students that make investment decisions for youth-led programming and initiatives in Dane County. BYFY members identify critical public health 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, 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.

About United Way of Dane County

For more than 100 years, United Way of Dane County has led in mobilizing the community to address our toughest issues and spark lasting, generational change. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we are committed to being a catalyst for inclusion and systemic change – working collaboratively with local nonprofits, businesses, community leaders, donors and volunteers to solve big-picture issues no one person or organization can address alone. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All. And we invite every Dane County resident to be a part of the change we all wish to see. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.