For media inquiries or questions, please contact:
Ashley Reynolds, United Way of Dane County Director of Communications
email: ashley.reynolds@uwdc.org mobile: 608-416-0401
To learn more, download the full press release here or read the executive summary here.
Madison, WI (May 19, 2021) – In a press conference on Wednesday, United Way of Dane County announced a new mobilization plan, outlining strategies to meet evolving healthcare needs in our community.
As a result of a year of planning and work, United Way’s Health Community Solutions Team (CST) of volunteers found that, while our community remains a top place to live, raise a family and retire, that is not typically the case for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Southeast Asian and people of color (BIPOC) in Dane County. In fact, after reviewing data from the County Health Rankings Report, the Dane County Community Needs Assessment and other sources, they found significant gaps in quality of and access to care between the white and BIPOC populations in Dane County.
“The evidence is clear, and the need is urgent,” says Jesi Wang, Chair of the Health CST and CEO of MetaStar, Inc. “Our BIPOC neighbors are not receiving the health care and support they deserve – and that is not because we have a lack of quality care or programs here in Dane County, but rather a lack of equitable access and culturally safe experiences. That is why my colleagues and I on the Health CST have recommended strategies for United Way that focus more specifically on families and individuals who are experiencing poor health outcomes due to long-standing racial disparities.”
To learn more, download the full press release here or read the executive summary here.
Happy National Volunteer Month! At United Way of Dane County, we couldn’t do our important work without volunteers! To celebrate all they make possible, we’ll be shining a light on a few of our most dedicated community volunteers this month – the 2020 Community
At United Way of Dane County, we are incredibly saddened by last week’s attacks in Atlanta. We hold the victims’ families and our Asian American community here at home and across the country in our hearts during this difficult time.
The increase in violence towards the Asian American community since the start of the pandemic is unacceptable. And it goes to show that racism truly is a public health crisis. If these challenging times have shown us anything, it’s that there are many among us who are hurting – and we stand by you all. As our President & CEO, Renee Moe, so truthfully put it in her personal statement:
“United Way believes Black Lives Matter, knows that Hispanic/Latinx community members have been amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic, that Indigenous, Asian, LGBTQ+ and disabled community members are often invisible while at the same time facing significant exclusion and hatred, and that all low-income community members (who are majority white) face education, housing, income and health barriers. And, we know that we need each other to have a strong community, build understanding and make progress.”
At United Way of Dane County, we’re working hard to address hurt and suffering by working to provide access to the building blocks of well-being – education, financial stability and health supports. We have the experience, relationships and knowledge to do this work. But we can’t do it alone.
We’re calling on each and every one of you to do the hard work with us. Face your biases and the realities of your privilege (no matter what they may be), and challenge yourself and those around you to treat all with compassion and humanity. Channel your hurt, pain and disappointment into nurturing and supportive actions. Because while the issues sparked by centuries of racism and the resulting inequities might not be our fault, they are our responsibility. And it’s up to us to change how we treat each other.
At United Way, we will do our part by continuing to bring the community together to tackle the root causes of our toughest issues, and fight to change the systems that enable inequities in our community. And, we will continue to build relationships and trust to foster compassion and the ability to live and work together. The strength that holds us together is community. Together, we are The Power of Many. Working for All.
Will you join us?
Thank you, United Way volunteers!
2020 Campaign Celebration
United Way of Dane County is Dedicated to Fighting Family Homelessness
A Message From our CEO, Renee Moe, to Live United
In November 2020, allegations of misconduct within the United Way Worldwide (UWW) organization came to light by way of national media. Coverage around UWW shed light on complaints from former UWW employees regarding harassment and discrimination and, as a result, the UWW board hired an external law firm to conduct an investigation.
Earlier this month, that investigation was marked complete and found “no actionable harassment, discrimination or retaliation,” but noted culture and policies should be addressed. In response to those findings, Brian Gallagher, CEO of United Way Worldwide, has decided to step down, effective March 1, 2021. UWW is also setting up a task force to address culture.
While we do not know the specifics of the allegations, we want to reaffirm where we stand on the issue of discrimination. At United Way of Dane County, any type of harassment, discrimination or misconduct is met with zero tolerance. We firmly believe that all employees should be treated fairly and with respect, and we take pride in fostering an environment in which people feel comfortable and supported in the work they do to advance our mission.
Our local United Way of Dane County is an independent 501c3 with our own governance structure, separate and autonomous. We are governed by a local board compromised of Dane County community leaders. We pay membership dues to United Way Worldwide that support things like national market research, assistance obtaining grants through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program and professional development resources. Our fees are minimal and have historically paid for themselves through the support and benefits we’ve received in being part of a global network.
As the pandemic continues on and we’re faced with many of the same challenges as last year, United Way of Dane County remains focused on tackling Dane County’s toughest issues in the areas of education, income and health. Over the past year, we’ve been so inspired by this community’s ability to come together and work towards real change. If these hard times have shown us anything, it’s that we truly are the Power of Many. Working for All. And we will get through this, together.
If you have questions on this topic, please reach out to Ashley Reynolds, United Way of Dane County Director of Communications, at 608-416-0401 or Ashley.reynolds@uwdc.org.
Happy National Volunteer Month! At United Way of Dane County, we couldn’t do our important work without volunteers! To celebrate all they make possible, we’ll be shining a light on a few of our most dedicated community volunteers this month – the 2020 Community
A message from Renee Moe
A Message from United Way of Dane County’s CEO (June 12, 2020)
New report detailing financial hardship in Dane County
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – The ALICE, asset limited, income constrained, employed, report released by United Way reveals that 30 percent of Dane County households struggled to make ends meet before COVID-19. Read more
Built upon the foundation of Rosenberry Society and Key Club, Lead United is a new, unified network of community-minded individuals who Lead United in their workplaces, in our community and through their philanthropy. Lead United is about taking action to promote equity and support a Dane County where everyone can succeed in school, work and life.
Lead United members are invested, compassionate and focused on understanding Dane County’s critical issues and creating real, measurable change. Join by making an investment of at least $1 a day ($365 per year).
Additional benefits of membership include connections with other leaders, special events, curated volunteer engagements and opportunities to support your professional and personal development.
What Can We Do?
Response to Community Unrest Over Racism, Police Use of Force, Protests and Riots
June 10th, 2020 – Rotary Club of Madison Meeting-
Guest Speaker is Fellow Rotarian Renee Moe
“Calls to United Way’s 211 information and referral helpline have skyrocketed in recent months, with calls increasing over 300% at the peak of the pandemic. Our 211 team has been working to connect people to critical health and economic services – food, diapers, rent, employment, healthcare – many for the first time.” Read More
A Recap of our 2020 Working for All Webinar Series With the COVID-19 pandemic putting restrictions on in-person events in 2020, we had to get
Join the #GivingTuesdayNow Movement Show the Power of Many. Working for All. Facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin Today is #GivingTuesdayNow! A special day for giving and
Facebook Instagram Twitter Linkedin United Way of Dane County COVID-19 Response 96 applications, $3.4 million requested. Decisions announced week of 4/20 As of Friday, United
United Way invests $19M to help tackle Dane County’s toughest issues Thanks to the incredible generosity of more than 25,000 individual donors, more than 2,600
Nominate someone in your life for a Community Volunteer Award For 30 years, volunteerism in its many forms has been celebrated across Dane County at
A letter from United Way’s 2019 Board Chair, Fritz Grutzner: Did you know that children make up a quarter of all homeless people in Dane
