Author: Brian Buckner

December 28, 2023: Together we can create more opportunities for Dane County neighbors

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Together we can create more opportunities for Dane County neighbors

  • By Pete Vogel | guest column

Every morning, I look at my wife and say, “Lori, time to wake up and try to make the world a better place today.” This affirmation guides us to be involved across the community and has led me to take on the important role of chairing United Way of Dane County’s 2023 Campaign.

With the end of the year just around the corner, I want to express my sincere gratitude to every person who has generously donated their hard-earned dollars to a worthy cause in our community. And I humbly request that you consider making an even greater difference with United Way of Dane County, the organization that mobilizes us to act together for greater impact. There’s still time to create opportunities for neighbors before we ring in 2024.

December 6, 2023: In season of giving, Wisconsin nonprofits face new challenges

Posted on by Brian Buckner

In season of giving, Wisconsin nonprofits face new challenges

By Jason Fechner Wisconsin
PUBLISHED 2:11 PM ET Dec. 06, 2023

 

MILWAUKEE — The newest edition of the Nonprofit Total Rewards Survey out of Dane County shows Wisconsin nonprofits are facing expanding challenges, in part, thanks to the economy, inflation and ongoing issues tied to worker retention.

“A lot of non-for-profit organizations are experiencing the many challenges that other organizations are facing coming out of the pandemic and with our tightened labor market,” said Rebekah Temple, vice president of human resources consulting with The QTI Group. “Wages have had to increase from what we used to see at around $15 per hour, now we’re seeing those have increased to around $17.70 per hour or $18 per hour just for entry-level jobs.”

An annual effort by QTI and the United Way of Dane County, this year’s analysis surveyed more than 60 nonprofit groups in and around Dane County.

November 13, 2023: United Way Fundraising Push for Housing in Honor of National Homelessness Awareness Month

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way fundraising push for housing in honor of National Homelessness Awareness Month

 Updated 

 

  • MADISON(WKOW) — United Way of Dane County is currently working to raise money for its housing efforts in honor of National Homelessness Awareness Month.

    “Having a safe and stable home is a launchpad towards well-being,” Communications Director for United Way of Dane County, Ashley Manthei, said.

    Manthei says United Way hopes to address homelessness at the root cause. That’s why they partner with organizations like Community Action Coalition (CAC).

    “We seek to transform all communities by fostering conditions where everyone can achieve social and economic security,” Casework Coordinator with CAC, Cielo Lazo, said.

    Lazo works directly with families to find stable, reliable shelter. Most recently, she was working with a woman named Rosa whose family’s apartment became infested with mites. Lazo says the infestation got so bad, Rosa and her kids started living out of their car.

    Read the full Article Here

October 19, 2023: United Way of Dane County Announces 211 Wisconsin App

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County launches 211 Wisconsin app

United Way of Dane County has announced the launch of its new 211 Wisconsin mobile application.

The 211 24/7 hotline already helps connect Dane County residents with available health and human services based on their individual needs. This new app will expand the program further by reaching a wider audience.

211 helps residents find resources for food insecurity, paying rent, addiction treatment, older adult services and other various challenges. The hope is that the 211 app will provide an easy and intuitive way to provide the same support to more people.

Users can browse the application anonymously, or register and bookmark community resources for later use. There is also a mapping feature to display nearby resources in relation to the user’s location.

Read the Full Article Here

October 17, 2023: New United Way App Connects Communities to Help, Resources

Posted on by Brian Buckner

New United Way app connects communities to help, resources

  •  Updated 
  • MADISON (WKOW) — A new app is making it easier for people to get around-the-clock help from the United Way.The United Way of Dane County 211 Wisconsin app can help users find food, rental assistance, addiction treatment and even health and human services resources.The resource isn’t just available for Dane County — the Columbia, Sauk, Iowa, Rock, Green and Lafayette county communities are also able to use it to find help.

    Ed Wall, director of 211, says the app does more than connect people to agencies.

    “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.”

    He said the app will let them reach more people who need help.

    The app is available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play. There are also kiosks that have the app on them so everyone has access to the resource.

June 18, 2024: TruStage Foundation Awards United Way of Dane County with $650,000 to Support Housing Strategies

Posted on by Brian Buckner

TruStage Foundation Awards United Way of Dane County with $650,000 to Support Housing Strategies

Madison, WI (June 18, 2024) – The TruStage Foundation awarded United Way of Dane County a $650,000 grant to support strategies centered around housing and economic mobility for our neighbors. This grant adds to more than 60 years of support and partnership.

“TruStage is committed to ensuring accessibility to a brighter financial future to everyone,” said Terrance Williams, President and CEO of TruStage. “Affordable housing is a key component to achieving that mission and one of two areas the TruStage Foundation has identified as being critical to economic mobility. It is an honor and a privilege to partner with United Way of Dane County to help those who require housing meet that need.”

“We’re grateful to TruStage for building on their commitment to the community and trust in United Way’s leadership through this inspiring grant,” said Paul Kundert, President and CEO of UW Credit Union, United Way of Dane County Board Chair. “Our community knows there is a housing problem. We at United Way are partnering to advance solutions. These funds fuel our financial stability work – helping more families and individuals find affordable, stable housing so they can focus on building happy, healthy and secure lives.”

“Rapid population growth has increased housing demand, the space between local wages and cost of living is growing and we’re seeing increased evictions and homelessness,” said Renee Moe, President & CEO of United Way of Dane County. “These funds will create opportunities for nearly 2,000 families through innovative partnerships and a strategic approach. We are grateful TruStage believes in United Way’s social impact leadership to multiply their dollars to address our community’s greatest needs.”

This grant will support the following United Way strategies:

  • Quality case management for housing-insecure families.
  • Rapid Rehousing to help families find housing quickly after homelessness.
  • Rent assistance and financial coaching to prevent eviction.
  • Financial coaching with BIPOC-led organizations, improving trust, understanding and effective approaches.
  • Home ownership readiness pathways.

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 caring power of our community by closing gaps and opening 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 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 Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

About the TruStage Foundation
The TruStage Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) that serves as the philanthropic arm of
TruStage. Efforts of the TruStage Foundation center on building equity in the communities where we live and serve. TruStage is a financially strong insurance, investment and technology provider, built on the philosophy of people helping people. We believe a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone, and our products and solutions help people confidently make financial decisions that work for them at every stage of life. With a culture rooted and focused on creating a more equitable society and financial system, we are deeply committed to giving back to our communities to improve the lives of those we serve. For more information, visit www.trustage.com.

June 17, 2024: United Way of Dane County Awards $25,000 to Local Organizations Supporting Harmony Apartment Residents

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way of Dane County Awards $25,000 to Local Organizations Supporting Harmony Apartment Residents

Madison, WI (June 17, 2024) – This spring, United Way of Dane County awarded 2024 Micro-Investment Grants. A total of $25,000 in grant funding was awarded to four grassroots organizations who are working on projects promoting engagement, healing and connection for residents of the Harmony at Grandview Commons Apartments.

Nine years ago, United Way’s Micro-Investments process was developed from community feedback and conversations among members of the Board of Directors and Vision Council, aiming to create an opportunity for grassroots organizations working to decrease racial disparities to apply for funding outside of United Way’s regular investment cycle. Through this process, we work to increase relationship building and address systemic inequities facing specific communities in Dane County.

This year the Harmony at Grandview Commons Apartments was selected as our focus after last year’s tragedy, where 15-year-old Kyesha Miller lost her life, and three other teens were injured after a shooting outside the apartment complex. A task force comprised of United Way Community Engagement & Inclusion Committee (CEIC) members and Harmony Apartments residents was created to make funding recommendations for programs supporting youth and family services at the apartment complex.

“As a member of United Way’s Community Engagement and Inclusion Committee, it’s exciting to see the United Way’s commitment to collective impact,” says Linda Ketcham, Executive Director of Madison-area Urban Ministry, Inc. “These grants are an investment in the health, safety and healing of the Harmony Apartments neighborhood. Guided by the residents of the neighborhood, the initiatives that will be provided will strengthen relationships, provide positive youth and family activities while helping support relationship building among neighborhood residents.”

“It was inspiring to witness the true passion that poured out of the Harmony Apartment residents during our micro-investment process,” said Keetra Burnette, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, United Way of Dane County. “I am confident that their resident-identified initiatives will achieve the goals they established.”

One-time grants of up to $5,000 were awarded to projects to achieve the following goals at the Harmony Apartments:

• Provide youth with constructive and engaging onsite activities.
• Strengthen resident engagement by building a sense of community among Harmony Apartments residents.
• Increase the sense of safety that Harmony Apartments residents feel in their neighborhood.

The House Urban Arts Initiative Dance Program –
semi-weekly dance instruction and emergent needs support for Harmony Apartment youth, ages 12-18.

Dream Camp –
A summer program providing male-identifying youth, ages 14-18, with mentorship, violence prevention training, goal-setting workshops and classes in creative expression.

Madison Gospel 5K Foundation –
It’s All About Family at Harmony Apartments – A series of activities for Harmony Apartment residents focused on engagement and promoting mental and physical well-being. Activities include painting for youth and adults, a Mosaic Dinner for two families who have lost children to gun violence and a Fall Festival.

More Than a Conqueror Resiliency Revealed to Prosperity –
a series of activities for youth and adults at the Harmony Apartments to build community, support mental well-being and promote life skills education.

Righteous Voice Mentoring Teens of Harmony –
bi-weekly, peer-led program promoting character building and connection for teen residents of the Harmony Apartments.

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, 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 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 caring power of our community by closing gaps and opening 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 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 Caring. Working for All. Visit www.unitedwaydanecounty.org to learn more.

Recapping Our Spring Conversation

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Recapping Our Spring Conversation

In mid-May, Tocqueville members gathered at Findorff and had an honest discussion about health disparities in our community, the progress we’ve made and the gaps that still exist.

The conversation was facilitated by Tocqueville Cabinet Chair Cheryl DeMars, and lead by our Community Impact Director of Health, Uchenna “Uno” Jones BSN, RN, CLC. Uchenna was recently honored as a BRAVA Women To Watch and in Madison365’s Most Influential Black Leaders for 2023 List. She shared the impact Tocqueville members are having in creating a healthy community through United Way, specifically through Youth Mental Well-Being Programs, Maternal Child Health Programs and Other Health Programs, in addition to her lived experience as a doula, a nurse and an executive director. Renee Moe provided context for how this fits into the entirety of United Way’s Plan for Community Well-Being.  

Many asked questions and shared ideas for propelling the work, and called on local experts in the room to help provide more context. We were grateful for the authenticity and vulnerability of those who attended.  

You can see a summary of the impact of United Way’s Health work here. 

Thank you to BMO for sponsoring and to Findorff for hosting.  

Member Spotlight: Mary and Mike Schlageter A Legacy of Giving

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Member Spotlight: Mary and Mike Schlageter, A Legacy of Giving

It’s said that philanthropy is learned. Mary and Mike Schlageter have experienced that over the generations. Both grew up in large families – Mike in Toledo, Ohio and Mary in Colby, Wisconsin – when the lessons of giving back were mostly through volunteerism and gifts of time. “Money was obviously pretty tight,” Mike recalls. “Our parents volunteered many hours with their city council, church and school communities.” 

The Schlageters have carried those lessons forward to their blended family of six adult kids (with four in-laws) and eight grandchildren. Mary has fond memories of volunteering with her sons, ensuring that Madison’s most vulnerable families had access to meals and other basic needs. Today her sons maintain their community service living in Madison and Milwaukee. Meanwhile, one of Mike’s daughters is a development director for a large nonprofit on the East Coast. 

After college, and into their busy careers while raising their families, Mike and Mary found that financial donations were how they could best give back. Mary graduated from UW-Eau Claire and spent nearly 30 years working in public utilities in facilities management. Mike’s 35-year career in investment management followed his degree from the University of Notre Dame. They became United Way Loyal Contributors through the ease of workplace giving and their employers’ endorsements. At Alliant Energy/Wisconsin Power & Light, Mary first ‘gave at the office’ in 1983 and was a regular Days of Caring volunteer. Mike led the way at Madison Investment Advisors. 

Their household joined the Tocqueville Society in 2002. “We continue to give to United Way,” the couple explains, “as we see first-hand their successes and believe them to be wonderful stewards of our charitable dollars.” Mike and Mary’s belief in United Way extends to future giving, too. When asked to establish a named fund in the United Way Foundation and to endow their support, they agreed to join the Tocqueville Legacy Circle. “We have put United Way in our estate planning, as we want their excellent work to continue well after we are gone.” 

While future needs are yet to be determined, Mary and Mike recognize the significant roles for collaboration, partnership and philanthropy today: “Like many places, divisiveness in the community can threaten to tear us apart. There is also a large gap between the haves and have-nots. To us, United Way tries to bridge these gaps and has had great success.” 

Even as the Schlageters give generously in retirement, they also have found that once again they have time to volunteer. “I decided to volunteer on the Tocqueville Cabinet,” Mike says, “as many potential members have faced the same decision-making process that we have gone through. We want to give back to a community that has been so good to us and our family, and who better to know the biggest needs than United Way?” 

We invite you to learn more about Tocqueville Legacy Circle and partnering with the United Way Foundation! Contact us at foundation@uwdc.org or 608-246-4399.