Author: Brian Buckner

April 21, 2024: Confronting disparities in Black maternal health

Posted on by Brian Buckner

Confronting disparities in Black maternal health

  • By Naette Yoko Lee (Kirilova), Ph.D.
  •  Updated 

In 2019, I gave birth to my first child. As a first-time mother, I was anxious and afraid, but I was also excited and very well prepared. By the time I arrived at my hospital’s labor and delivery unit that morning, all illusions of a natural birth had vanished. As many women can attest, the pain of childbirth is as universal as it is staggering. So, I was surprised when, in between mind-bending contractions, an L&D nurse leaned over me and said, without any kindness in her voice, “If you don’t quiet down, we won’t give you an epidural.” I was stunned, but I was also in pain and afraid. As a graduate student researching the Rhetoric of Race, I knew the concepts, the arguments, and the statistics to explain what I was experiencing. I knew that I was less likely to be believed or treated well because of the color of my skin. But I also knew that I needed the hospital’s help, and that was not the moment to stand and fight. I did my best to be quiet.

March 5, 2024: United Way’s 2023 Community Fundraising Campaign raises $16.8M

Posted on by Brian Buckner

United Way’s 2023 Community Fundraising Campaign raises $16.8M

United Way of Dane County’s 2023 Community Fundraising Campaign raised $16.8 million thanks to over 16,000 individuals and 500 businesses across the county.

On Friday, United Way of Dane County hosted a Community Celebration with more than 500 community members at the Monona Terrace.

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.