United Way of Inner Wisconsin
Inner Focus, Spring 2010
- A quarterly publication of the United Way of Inner Wisconsin
- To recieve our newsletter electronically, click here and specify "Inner Focus."
What's New:
- The Help for Hard Times has been updated! The Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County, United Way of Inner Wisconsin and United Way’s 2-1-1 have again joined forces to print and distribute the Help for Hard Times Guide. To receive your copy, click here to download a PDF or call the United Way office at 715-421-0390.
Calendar:
- April 13, 2010 - The Volunteer Recognition Breakfast will be held at the Hotel Mead at 7:45 am
- April 18-24, 2010 - National Volunteer Week
- May 8, 2010 - National Association of Letter Carrier’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
- May 21, 2010 - United Way Night at the Races, Golden Sands Speedway; Gates Open - 4:30pm; Time Trials - 6:30pm; Racing - 7:45pm
FamilyWize Cards Available at United Way
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- The FamilyWize® card enables people to receive discounted pricing on prescription drugs. It can offer immediate savings on prescription drugs at participating pharmacies for people that have no health insurance; or for prescription medicine not covered by health insurance, Medicare or other benefit plans. This is not health insurance, nor is it intended to replace insurance. Anyone can use it; there are no age or income restrictions.
- Simply present the FamilyWize® card with each prescription at a participating pharmacy at the time of purchase. Your cost will be the discount price with the FamilyWize® card, or the pharmacy’s usual and customary retail price, whichever is lower. You can save an average of up to 30% or more.
- The goal of the FamilyWize® partnerships is to reduce the cost of medicine by $100 million. The savings is provided by the 53,000+ participating pharmacies that have agreed voluntarily to accept prices that are close to the prices they make available to large insurance companies and employers. To learn more, visit www.familywize.org.
- In 2009... south Wood County residents saved $8,166, or 27% by using the FamilyWize®
Prescription Discount Cards!
United Way Stories of Success
- Your donation to United Way of Inner Wisconsin makes a tremendous impact on our communities. Here is just one example of how you are helping our local neighbors in need through United Way...
- "On a September day, the Wood County American Red Cross responded to a house fire in Nekoosa. The family consisted of two adults and two children. The home was a total loss, meaning no clothing, food, personal items, toys or contents. Everything they owned was destroyed. The American Red Cross issued comfort kits and quilts, arranged short term housing, and gave them a client assistance card which enabled them to go to the store of their choice and purchase clothing. Follow up continued for the next few days as they moved from a hotel into an apartment."
- United Way of Inner Wisconsin partners with local agencies such as the American Red Cross to help fulfill basic needs. You are helping others in our community. Thank you!
Volunteer Recognition Breakfast
- By Amy Neumann, United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s Volunteer Center Coordinator
- Mark your calendars! The 19th Annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast will be Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at the Hotel Mead and Conference Center. Registration begins at 7:15 a.m.; breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m. with the program beginning at 8:00 am. We will be recognizing our communities’ most valuable asset, our volunteers!
- The cost is only $6.00 per person, a portion of which is being underwritten by our sponsor. Due to the low cost provided, non-profit organizations can use the Volunteer Recognition Breakfast as a great way to treat their volunteers. Please download a registration form from www.uwiw.org and return to the Volunteer Center by April 6, 2010. We hope to see you there!
The Volunteer Recognition Breakfast honors all volunteers in our community and serves as a kick off to the week long celebration of volunteers during National Volunteer Week, which begins April 18-23rd. The Volunteer Center serves as the conduit for volunteers wanting to get connected to non-profits in need of volunteers. If you would like to donate your time please call the Volunteer Center at 715-421-0390.
Changes at United Way's 2-1-1
- By Kimberly Raap, United Way's 2-1-1 Director
- I am very excited to announce the upcoming transition of 2-1-1’s current antiquated database to a seemingly flawless web based server. As we embark upon this new
challenge we are also working toward yet another goal, becoming a fully functional state 2-1-1 program. - United Way’s 2-1-1 is experiencing several positive changes. Such changes not only improve the functionality of the call center but also have a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.
- Our new database was created by RTM Designs, located in South Carolina. The database is more commonly known as ReferNET. 2-1-1 Call Centers all across the nation - as well as other information and referral service agencies - are currently using ReferNET. I have had the opportunity to explore the functionality of the program and have found it to be very user friendly. In addition, users have the unique ability to connect to the system from remote sites. I find this feature to be extremely important in case of a disaster or internal computer failure.
- Our planned release date is tentatively scheduled for March 30, 2010. During the next few weeks my staff and I will begin “cleaning” up the data that has been transferred to the new system. It is absolutely vital the information contained in ReferNET is the most up-to-date and accurate as we are only as good as our data!
- This transition is a pivotal period for United Way’s 2-1-1 as well as other 2-1-1 call centers across the state. Once fully implemented, the new technology will improve the overall functionality and service of the call center. This is a positive change leading to a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Hope House Makes A Difference
- By LaShawna Vick, Hope House of South Central Wisconsin's Program Manager
- Hope House of South Central Wisconsin is the domestic violence and sexual assault agency that covers Sauk, Columbia, Adams, Juneau and Marquette Counties. Hope House provides emergency shelter and advocacy to victims, and provides education on issues related to domestic and sexual violence to all community members.
- The shelter and resource center is located in Baraboo, but advocates meet with victims throughout their five-county service area in libraries, clinics, churches, and courthouses. The 5-bedroom shelter is for women and any children they may have. A Children’s Advocate provides specialized services for children and works with parents and schools to minimize the effects of domestic violence and homelessness on children. Hope House also provides services to male victims; for housing needs, they utilize a motel voucher program.
- Hope House provides a 24-hour confidential helpline (608-339-8196) for anyone needing information or resources surrounding issues related to abuse and violence. In addition to the helpline, Hope House provides counseling, safety planning, legal help (restraining orders, family law clinics), accompaniment and assistance obtaining medical attention, and referrals. A support group for victims is operated in all five counties; the Adams County support group is on Thursday afternoons.
- The community education program includes presentations and trainings to schools, churches, community organizations, and businesses. The Community Education Coordinator has presented to students at Adams Friendship Elementary School on bullying and internet safety; to students at Adams Friendship Middle School on internet safety and sexual harassment; and to students at Adams Friendship High School on healthy relationships, dating violence, and sexual assault.
- Other education programming includes written materials, monthly e-bulletins, educational displays and booths, and awareness events and projects. Hope House works closely with the Adams County Coordinated Community Response Team, (which is made up of law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other professionals looking to support victims) hold perpetrators accountable, and raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence.
- United Way of Inner Wisconsin is proud to provide funding to Hope House’s Emergency Shelter Program, so victims of domestic violence in Adams County can have a safe place to go.
2009 Annual Reports Are Now Available
- To get a copy of the United Way of Inner Wisconsin 2009 Annual Report, click here to download a PDF, or call 715-421-0390 to have one mailed to you. You can also stop into our office to pick up your copy.
- Two of our newest additions to the Annual Report are: a listing of the 2009 Loyal Contributors, and a recap of the 2009 Campaign Award recipients. Additionally, you will find year-end messages from our 2009 Board President Sue Budjac, our 2009 Campaign Co-Chairs Mike and Dawn Spranger, and our CEO Tari Jahns.
- Our 2009 Leadership Givers, Legacy Guild, 2009 Employee & Company Contributors, 2009 Partner Programs, 2009 Board of Directors and 2009 Financials are also listed. Check out our Annual Report to see if YOU are in it!
Our 2010 Board of Directors
- President, Nan Taylor, Ministry Health Care; Vice President, Rob Goggins, Domtar Industries; Secretary, Steven LaVallee,Adams-Friendship Area Schools; Treasurer, Dale Bikowski
- Sue Budjac, Mid-State Technical College; Tom Cahill, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC; Don Carlson, Domtar Industries; Randy Dhein; Deb Edwards, Paper City Savings Association; Jeanne Fehrman, Town of Grand Rapids; Lynn Hansen, Solarus; Kurt Heuer, Wisconsin Rapids Police Department; Greg Jerabek, Nash Podvin Law Offices; Wayne Johnson, Nekoosa Public Schools; Elizabeth Moran, Mid-State Technical College; David Mueller; Mark Skibba, Riverview Hospital Association; Dawn Spranger, First Weber Group; Char Vander Meulen, Moundview Memorial Hospital.
United Way of Inner Wisconsin's Summer Reading Program Book Drive
- Please donate new or gently used books for ages birth to 12 years.
- Book drive is from March 15 - April 30, 2010
- READING IN THE PARK: A “local celebrity” will be reading at local parks in June, 2010. After each event, EVERY CHILD will receive a FREE BOOK to take home!
- BOOKS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT:
- United Way of Inner Wisconsin, 351 Oak Street, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494, 715-421-0390
- Adams Friendship Area School District Administrative Offices, 201 W. 6th St., Friendship, WI 53934, 608-339-3213
- United Way Night at Golden Sands Speedway, May 21, 2010.
United Way's 2-1-1
- Help is just a 3-digit phone call away. Dial 2-1-1 to get connected to community programs:
- Basic needs assistance
- Family services
- Financial assistance
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children and elderly services
- Physical and mental healthcare
- Support Groups
- Free, confidential and non-emergency service. Available 24 hours a day, everyday.
- www.getconnected211.org.