United Way of Dane County

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Author: Brian Buckner

December 10, 2024: United Way of Dane County 211 Achieves Inform USA Accreditation

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County 211 Achieves Inform USA Accreditation

 

Madison, WI (December 10, 2024) – United Way of Dane County 211 has received Inform USA (formerly known as AIRS) accreditation, after a rigorous 12-month review. The accreditation indicates we meet national standards and best practices for accurate, trustworthy care. 211 hosts the most comprehensive health and human services database in Dane County, making it easier for neighbors to find and access the resources they need during challenging times.

To achieve this accreditation, we underwent a five-phase process over the last year, including: a consultant’s report that addressed our agency’s compliance with national standards, a detailed review of our resource database, a secret shopper component, a survey of the organizations who are listed on our resource database, and a virtual site visit. This is the third time we’ve achieved this accreditation.

“We’re extremely proud of this hard-earned accreditation,” says Ed Wall, Director of 211, United Way of Dane County. “Our staff puts in the hard work every day to ensure as many of our community members as possible get connected to resources that can help – because no one should have to navigate the complicated network of social services alone.”

“United Way of Dane County 211 is the place to call in times of need,” says Renee Moe, President and CEO, United Way of Dane County. “This recognition proves how effectively our team maintains and supports this comprehensive and vital resource for our community. Whether you’re in need of food, housing, utilities assistance, addiction counseling or any number of other requests, you can call, text or use our app to connect with our dedicated 211 specialists. Through our campaign and generous donors, we work to ensure effective, coordinated services are available when neighbors call.”

Inform USA accredits approximately 125 agencies in the United States and Canada and is a 501c3 nonprofit agency. Accredited organizations include all type of information and referral providers, such as 211, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Specialty I&R, etc. The size of organizations range from two staff to over 100, and services are available in many parts of North America.

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.


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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.

December 6, 2024: The selfish case for selflessness

Posted on by Brian Buckner

The selfish case for selflessness

Why volunteering is good for you

It takes Ivy Corfis just a few minutes to walk from her downtown condo to the Capitol Lakes health center on West Main Street, where she volunteers every Monday morning. There she helps the volunteer coordinator and residents unpack fresh flowers to lay on the tables in the dining hall.

“It’s bright, it’s pretty,” says Corfis, who talks with the residents of the skilled nursing facility and sometimes reads to them. Sports is a mutual favorite for conversation.

Capitol Lakes is one of four volunteer gigs that Corfis has picked up since retiring in 2021 from UW-Madison, where she was a professor in the Department of Spanish & Portuguese. She had looked forward to retiring, with plans to do some writing in her speciality area, medieval literature. But she also wanted to branch out and get more involved in the community. She didn’t need a large house and yard anymore once her beloved dogs and cat passed away, so she moved downtown and looked around for places to volunteer within walking distance.

Her other volunteer work includes helping welcome visitors to the James Watrous Gallery in the Overture Center, ushering performances at Overture, and tending to two public downtown gardens with the Blair Street Gardens group.

She appreciates these opportunities to improve someone’s day — whether it is to make a theater-goer feel welcomed at a performance or to beautify the city landscape for residents and visitors. It pays personal dividends as well.

“The days when I volunteer — even if it’s two hours standing on my feet — you feel better because somehow now I’ve helped someone. You feel like you have made a difference.”

November 17, 2024: Empty Stocking Club is one of many toy giveaways in Madison. Here’s how you can help

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Empty Stocking Club is one of many toy giveaways in Madison. Here’s how you can help

Empty Stocking Club’s goal is to make sure every child experiences the joy of receiving a toy at Christmas. But this group doesn’t do it alone.

Empty Stocking Club, the charitable arm of the Wisconsin State Journal, is able to make so many children happy because of donations from readers and other community members. Donations can be made at emptystockingclub.com.

But not every parent who needs a toy knows about the program or can get to the Toy Depot. Empty Stocking Club works with other groups that help children at the holidays, too. Last year, 1,040 more toys were handed out through partner organizations.

There are several organizations in Madison that work to ease parents’ burdens and bring children happiness during the holidays and beyond.

“Our community is fortunate to have multiple programs dedicated to bringing holiday joy to children, each serving in a unique way to reach as many families as possible,” said Lynn Wood, executive direct of the Empty Stocking Club.

“The Empty Stocking Club focuses on providing families the chance to choose one special toy and one book for each child at a central location, while other programs offer different formats, such as distributing clothing, gift cards, or pajamas in a specific geographic area or to a specific community. Together, we collaborate to reach all children so each one can experience the magic of the season, recognizing families have different needs and access points.”

Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps Reserve program that for four years has partnered with United Way of Dane County, works with school districts and other organizations to identify children and families who need a hand. Last year, Toys for Tots helped 12,000 children up to age 14.

November 15, 2024: Donation to United Way is a gift to the community

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Donation to United Way is a gift to the community

The United Way of Dane County, long recognized for its work in combatting community problems, is in the midst of its 2024 fundraising campaign and needs your support now more than ever.

As its president and CEO, Renee Moe often points out that while Madison and the rest of Dane County are often cited as being among the best places to live and raise a family, nearly 11% of our population lives in poverty, enough to fill three quarters of the seats at Camp Randall.

United Way has traditionally served as an umbrella organization for most of the county’s nonprofits, a single place where individuals can make a donation that, in turn, is distributed to nonprofits that deal with specific causes and problems.

But what I like about today’s United Way is its efforts to locate the areas of greatest need and concentrate resources there — the achievement gap in our schools, the impact of homelessness on too many children, the racial disparities in health care, are but a few examples. As important, the agency follows through to assess how the programs are working in solving the problems.

It’s estimated that during 2023 some 73,000 residents of Dane County received assistance that was funded by United Way. That included early childhood programing that provided home visits to those with unique needs, reading assistance to those behind in school, income help for impoverished families, efforts to fight drug addiction, just for starters.

November 13, 2024: United Way of Dane County and Madison Community Foundation Collaborate to Build the Capacity of Nonprofits Serving the Greater Madison Area

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County and Madison Community Foundation Collaborate to Build the Capacity of Nonprofits Serving the Greater Madison Area

Madison, WI (Nov. 13, 2024) – United Way of Dane County today announced that it is joining Madison Community Foundation (MCF) as a Founding Partner for the new Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Nonprofit Center, providing ongoing annual funds to support the Center’s programming. This brings the Center closer to realizing its full potential for providing professional resources for nonprofit organizations in the Greater Madison area.

This investment deepens the long and growing collaboration between the two organizations in advancing a more vibrant and equitable community.

“Our organizations have been talking about this for a long time,” said Renee Moe, President and CEO of United Way of Dane County. “Cultivating a stronger nonprofit ecosystem and coordinating resources for greater impact comes right out of our strategic plan.”

“We’re honored to include United Way as a Founding Partner for the Goodman Nonprofit Center,” added Bob Sorge, President and CEO of MCF. “We both believe that collaboration is key to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the nonprofit field – and we’re reflecting that belief in our actions, by working together to make it happen.”
United Way is not using annual campaign resources for this gift. The commitment comes from an existing fund held at MCF that will be redirected to the Goodman Nonprofit Center. United Way’s support to the Center mirrors MCF’s support. Together with endowment gifts from the Irwin A. and Robert D. Goodman Foundation and Roots and Wings Foundation, these resources will provide the financial foundation for the nonprofit center, enabling it to rent space, hire staff and launch a professional leadership development program, an online resource library, and a calendar of professional development opportunities for the field.

“The programming for the Center will evolve and expand over time as additional endowed resources are raised to support that programming,” said Sorge.

Sharing a Long History, and a Vision for the Future

United Way and MCF have been serving Greater Madison for a combined 182 years. The organizations share similar visions for our community as a place where everyone who lives here thrives here, and function as strong partners that use complementary approaches to achieve this goal.

As part of this shared vision for the community, both MCF and United Way recognize the need to provide more professional support to the nonprofit organizations working in our community.

“Our investment in the Goodman Nonprofit Center is another way we can work together with MCF to support the nonprofits doing so much work for the people of Dane County,” Moe said. “The Center will help nonprofits become more effective, efficient and strategic. And it’s an honor to help extend the Goodman brothers’ legacy. Irwin and Bob continue to strengthen the community and nonprofits they loved.”

Wisconsin is one of only three states that does not have a statewide nonprofit association. The nonprofit center will help fill that void.

Laying the Foundations for Success

Nonprofits are essential to the well-being of the region and make up a sizable portion of the local economy — an estimated 11% of the workforce and billions of dollars in economic activity. The lack of a dedicated resource center leaves these organizations struggling to piece together the professional development they need to advance their missions and realize their full potential.

MCF will house the new center in a new suite of offices adjacent to MCF’s current offices in downtown Madison.

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About United Way of Dane County

United Way of Dane County mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From advancing health and education to strengthening livelihoods and local resilience, we harness the caring power of every neighbor to connect more people to possibility. With a mission to unite the community to achieve measurable results that change lives, we bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge, working 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.

About Madison Community Foundation

MCF works with donors and nonprofit organizations to engage Greater Madison in philanthropy to advance a more vibrant and equitable community. It serves more than 600 individual and 300 nonprofit fundholders, and in 2023, together with its fundholders, distributed $12.5 million into the community. To learn more visit www.madisongives.org.

About the Goodman Nonprofit Center

Building on MCF’s commitment to serving as a bridge between philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, the Goodman Nonprofit Center will support nonprofit organizations in becoming more effective, efficient and strategic in their work by offering training, resources and space for collaboration.

Contact:
Becki Fiegel, Communications Director
Madison Community Foundation
(office) 608-446-5934
(mobile) 312-320-3132
bfiegel@madisongives.org

Ashley Manthei, Director of Communications
United Way of Dane County
608-416-0401
Ashley.manthei@uwdc.org

October 31, 2024: United Way of Dane County seeing increase in 211 calls

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County seeing increase in 211 calls

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Calls to United Way of Dane County’s 211 helpline are increasing, and local organizations like Second Harvest Foodbank are also seeing the rise in demand.

United Way’s 211 helpline is a free and confidential service that connects people to hundreds of resources, from legal assistance to mental and physical health services.

“People are living on the knife’s edge in a lot of situations,” 211 Director Ed Wall said. “So they’re looking for help, they’re looking for resources to help them get by and we’ve seen substantial increase in our call demand looking for things like food, like rent, housing and utilities assistance.”

This year, calls for housing and food assistance are up 80% compared to last year at United Way.

Second Harvest Foodbank, which partners with United Way, is seeing that demand in action, according to Second Harvest Media and Public Relations Manager Kristopher Tazelaar.

“Food insecurity in Dane county right now is at its height. we’ve got almost 130,000 people right in our in 16 counties right here in Wisconsin who struggle with hunger,” Tazelaar said. “Over 40,000 of those are kids. so hunger exists, hunger is in your neighborhood. hunger is in your church, in your school, at your grocery store.”

Jay and Katie Sekelsky, 2024 Tocqueville Society Honorees

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Jay and Katie Sekelsky, 2024 Tocqueville Society Honorees

Gratitude, impact and hope.

That’s how Jay and Katie describe their 40-year partnership with United Way.   

 

No matter the day or event, Katie and Jay Sekelsky have a range of affiliations: parent, volunteer fundraiser, philanthropist, business leader, alumni and caring community member. Because of their involvement in all of those roles and the lasting change they’ve created in Dane County, the Sekelskys will now also be known as Tocqueville Society Honorees. On October 8th, we celebrated Jay and Katie at our annual Tocqueville Society Membership Dinner.  

“We believe that our lives have been enriched, by the giving of our time and treasure over the years,” Jay explained that evening. “We think giving, is both a privilege and a responsibility, and we are grateful to be able to do so.” 

Katie and Jay have been United Way of Dane County advocates since beginning their professional careers, in neonatal care and wealth management, respectively. They joined the Tocqueville Society in 2001 at the invitation of Londa and Walter Dewey, and have since endowed their support through our United Way Foundation and the Tocqueville Legacy Circle. Their volunteer roles and contributions have advanced United Way’s mission, creating family and community well-being for generations. “Jay and Katie Sekelsky have made a long term positive impact in our community,” reflects Londa Dewey, CEO of The QTI Group. “They effectively and loyally contribute time, talent and generous resources to a wide variety of community organizations, humbly and often without fanfare.” 

Their volunteer involvement is lengthy. Katie was an original member of United Way’s Women’s Initiative in 2004 and has volunteered for Days of Caring projects. Jay has chaired the Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Trustees. He has served on the Basic Needs Community Solutions Team, Housing Delegation, Board Revenue Committee among other roles. Jay and Katie’s philanthropy includes other community-wide gifts for annual and capital campaigns, endowments and volunteer service.  

As initial donors to United Way’s Affordable Housing Fund, the Sekelskys’ shared how they are acknowledging their Tocqueville recognition. “In the past, recipients of the Tocqueville award have given a gift to attendees or to United Way in some way.  In keeping with the theme of our talk – Impact, Gratitude and Hope – we recently made a new investment in the Affordable Housing Fund.  We hope it may inspire others to do so.  We would be very pleased if that were to happen.” 

Their generosity uplifts many in Dane County —from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (their shared alma mater) to nonprofit organizations in healthcare, housing and family stability. When Katie and Jay invest in a cause, others take notice! They’ve inspired donors to participate in capital campaigns, endowment funds and current impact. United Way has benefitted from their thought leadership, volunteer support and financial investments —public endorsement, behind the scenes giving, current support and planned gift commitments.  

Thank you, Katie and Jay, for a wonderful evening, your long history with United Way and your hopeful investments for our community’s future! 

September 17, 2024: Dane County’s 211 call center sees surge in demand for assistance

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Dane County’s 211 call center sees surge in demand for assistance

          • By: Jerel Ballard

MADISON (WKOW) – The United Way of Dane County and the 211 Call Center are seeing a significant rise in calls, with demand continuing to grow.

The 211 hotline is an essential resource for many in the greater Madison area. When someone needs help, they can simply make a phone call, and a dedicated team member is ready to assist.

“Calls could be anything from assistance with finding housing, assistance with rent payment, utility payment…finding food,” said Ed Wall, Director of United Way of Dane County’s 211 Program. “Food and housing are always our top two issues people need help with.”

Last year, the United Way of Dane County reported that 211 helped 27,000 people connect with 47,000 resources. Since the pandemic, the need for assistance has increased. While based in Dane County, the service also supports seven surrounding counties.

August 24, 2024: United Way of Dane County Kicks Off 2024 Community Campaign

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Kicks Off 2024 Community Campaign

 

Madison, WI (August 22, 2024) – Yesterday, United Way of Dane County officially launched the 2024 Community Campaign with a fun-filled Community Kickoff event at Breese Stevens Field.

550 volunteers joined us for an afternoon of family-friendly activities, empowering them to learn more about our community’s needs and work together to make a difference. The group wrote 1,000 notes of encouragement for local students and packed 3,000 paper product packs, which will be distributed to our nonprofit partners at Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Porchlight, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and WayForward Resources.

“Community Kickoff is always such an energizing event, “shared Larry Barton, President and CEO of Strang, United Way 2024 Campaign Chair. “Yesterday we really saw the caring power of the community come together to celebrate and create great impact. I’m optimistic that we can bring this energy forward and continue to have an engaging and successful campaign to raise much needed dollars for families across Dane County. We encourage everyone to participate to make our community as strong as it can possibly be.”

During the event, we announced this year’s fundraising goal of $17.3 million. The goal was built by analyzing community data, understanding the community’s greatest needs and responses, and leading conversations with hundreds of business and community leaders about how they want to support a coordinated approach to solving community problems.

“Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the United Way Campaign provided programing for more than 73,000 neighbors striving to lead healthy, successful lives,” shared Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished together, but we also know there’s still so much to be done. The needs of the community outweigh the resources available, and we’ve got a strategic approach to address those needs. Now, it’s going to take all of us to build a thriving community. That’s why we’re calling on every Dane County resident to continue to be a part of the change – you can be one of the ones to step up and help make a lasting impact.”

At United Way of Dane County, we mobilize the caring power of our community so all can thrive. By bringing together those who can help us close gaps and open opportunities in our community, we unleash the collective spirit of caring to solve whole problems. Together, we are a powerful force – and we’re built one person at a time. That is the Power of Caring. Working for all.

To learn more about our Plan for Community Well-Being and how you can get involved in this year’s campaign visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org. 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.

Thank you to our generous event sponsors: Strang, Breese Stevens Field, Madison Gas and Electric, National Guardian Life and WKOW. Additional thanks to our in-kind sponsors: Cherished Memories Photo Booth, Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland Council, Kona Ice, Pepsi-Cola of Madison and Schoep’s Ice Cream.



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.

August 23, 2024: United Way of Dane County kicks off community campaign at Breese Stevens Field with United Carnival

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County kicks off community campaign at Breese Stevens Field with United Carnival

United Way of Dane County kicked off its community campaign at Breese Stevens Field with its United Carnival on Wednesday.

United Way held a carnival to kick off its newest community campaign. The carnival saw 550 attendees who had the opportunity to engage in family-friendly fun, volunteer and hear about rising community needs United Way aims to address in the campaign. The goal for the campaign is to raise $17.3 million, but United Way wanted to hear what the community wanted to see from its efforts.

The slogan for the community campaign is, “Be one of the ones.” Renee Moe, CEO of United Way of Dane County, wants to move the conversation on community giving back to be centered on how people can really make a difference.

“Be one of the ones to care. Be one of the ones to step up if you’re feeling isolated or if you’re feeling like you’re not being heard,” Moe said. “Let us help connect the dots, get people proximate to your story and to ways that we can make a difference. That’s the call to action.”

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