A new chapter begins with opportunity, support and connection. Through United Way’s re-entry strategies and partnerships, individuals returning from incarceration are gaining the tools and support needed for themselves and their families.

While incarcerated, Isaac participated in a work release program and was able to retain his job after his release. He also took part in Circles of Support and Journey Home through United Way partner JustDane. With the help of his Resource Specialist, he secured permanent housing and continues to attend Service Fairs to explore additional resources. Members of his Circles of Support have remained engaged since his release, regularly checking in on his progress. Isaac has now been employed for four years, maintaining a positive outlook and staying focused on achieving his personal goals.

At United Way, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live in an affordable, safe, stable home. By partnering with organizations like JustDane and investing in re-entry strategies like Journey Home and Circles of Support, we help individuals returning from incarceration like Isaac to secure employment and stable housing. We work together to reduce stress, strengthen families and empower people to build better futures, creating a more resilient community and a stronger local economy.

United Way of Dane County mobilizes the caring power of our community so all can thrive. We don’t do this work alone. We rely on our neighbors giving their time, talent and resources to strengthen our community and create lasting change together.

That’s why we’re inviting you to join us for Day of Action on June 21. On the longest day of the year, we encourage people across Dane County to come together in service to build a more caring, connected and thriving community for all.

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we’re looking ahead with purpose, expanding opportunities to serve and creating pathways for everyone to thrive. Across the country, United Ways and other community organizations are working to make 2026 a record-setting year for volunteerism – the largest mobilization of service in U.S. history.

Be part of the movement! Visit www.VolunteerYourTime.org to find opportunities near you and help show what’s possible when we take action together!

This National Volunteer Month, we’re proud to celebrate the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who work behind the scenes to support our mission and strengthen Dane County. By lending their time, talents and passion, our volunteers help United Way unite our community towards a common goal to build a better Dane County for all. 

To every volunteer who has stepped up to serve, thank you. Your generosity and commitment are making a lasting impact to help change lives. 

United Way of Dane County is the intersection where the community meets to change lives. One of the ways we do this is by engaging community members, nonprofit partners and local businesses in volunteerism. This mobilizes the caring power of our community to make meaningful and lasting change.  

The success of our Community Campaign would not be possible without a tremendous team of volunteers and leaders working behind the scenes. They are the bridge between workplaces and United Way’s mission.

The 2025 Campaign Cabinet, led by Kim Sponem, Summit Credit Union, provided inspiring leadership, creativity and commitment. Our more than 950 Employee Campaign Managers are true heroes, encouraging others and coordinating to keep workplace campaigns running strong. Council Members and Ambassadors for United Way’s donor networks (Tocqueville Society, Lead United, Women United and LINC for young professionals) are providing opportunities for people to lead in their careers and through their philanthropy.

On November 19, we were excited to host Community Celebration and welcome more than 500 community members to Monona Terrace. We celebrated our community’s generosity, giving thanks to our hundreds of partners for making real, measurable change possible in Dane County.

Thanks to you and more than 13,000 individuals and nearly 500 businesses in Dane County, we are on track to raise $17.5 million during our 2025 Community Campaign!

At United Way of Dane County, we mobilize the caring power of our community so all can thrive. We know there are a lot of great services and programs in our community, but we’re better together!

Thank you to our network of dedicated nonprofit partners who are doing incredible work every day to help our neighbors lead healthy, thriving and secure lives.

Thank you to those of you who make it a priority to give back outside of your workplace campaigns – whether that be through time or dollars.

Thank you to the campaign volunteers who mobilize the caring power of our community. 

Thank you to the business leaders who step up and encourage their employees to get involved – and to those employees who step up to meet the challenge. 

And, Thank you to our community leaders, families and those with poverty-related lived experiences for helping to increase understanding of community issues and inform solutions. Together, we are The Power of Caring. Working for All.

As the holiday season arrives, I’m reminded of what makes Dane County so special – the people who choose, every day, to care for one another. Whether you volunteer, donate, advocate, lead, or partner with us, you are a part of a community that believes in lifting each other up — and that is something worth celebrating.

This year brought both progress and challenges for local families. Many continue to balance rising costs, changing services and the stress of meeting basic needs. Our nonprofit partners are working to support them, stretching resources and adapting to greater demand.

Through it all, one thing remained constant – your generosity and commitment.

Because of you, 82,329 neighbors received the support they needed. Children are starting strong, in school and life, families are gaining the stability they need to thrive and individuals are creating pathways to long-term well-being. You are the reason individuals and families find hope, safety and thrive.

The holidays invite us to reflect, but they also inspire hope for the year ahead. As we look toward the new year, I’m inspired by the strength, collaboration and compassion I see throughout Dane County. Together, we will continue working toward a future where every person in our community has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for being part of this mission, for believing in the power of community and for sharing your light during this season and throughout the year. Wishing you and your loved ones joy and peace this holiday season.

As we approach the one-year mark of the December 16, 2024 tragedy at Abundant Life Christian School (ALCS), we hold the ALCS community in our hearts and reflect on the extraordinary compassion shown during one of its darkest moments. United Way of Dane County was honored to partner with the City of Madison and ALCS leadership to establish and administer the Abundant Life Christian School Emergency and Recovery Fund (ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund). 

Thanks to the generosity of 1,836 donors, the fund raised $621,570.26, with 100% of contributions distributed to Abundant Life Christian School to support the three critical priorities as identified by ALCS: assisting families who lost loved ones, covering medical expenses for those injured and providing mental health resources for the entire school community. Funds raised through the ALCS Emergency and Recovery Fund were requested by the ALCS Leadership Team and distributed in February, March and August. Additional funds received after the final distribution were also sent in October. 

This unified response reflects the deep caring within our community and United Way’s commitment to coordinating resources during times of crisis. We remain profoundly grateful to every donor and partner who helped ensure timely, effective support.    

As the day approaches, our thoughts remain with the Abundant Life Christian School community as they continue their healing journey. We respect their privacy during this difficult time, encourage patience and understanding and defer to the school for any questions specific to their ongoing needs and recovery.  

When Dane County families have access to affordable, nutritious food, our entire community becomes healthier and stronger. Food security supports better health, greater stability and lays the foundation for long-term well-being.

Right now, families across Dane County are struggling — calls to 211 are up 147%, and delays in FoodShare put 65,000 residents at risk — including children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities.

You can make a difference – when you donate to United Way of Dane County, 100% of your donation goes directly to addressing the greatest needs in our community – thanks to the powerful investment in the future of Dane County by the Dan & Patti Rashke (TASC) Family Foundation.

Your support strengthens the network that connects families to food and vital resources right here in Dane County.

Be one of the ones to change lives.