Our Projects and Initiatives

United Way of Inner Wisconsin

Projects and Initiatives

Developmental Assets

The Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets® are common sense, positive experiences and qualities that help influence choices young people make and help them become caring, responsible adults.

Search Institute’s research indicates that Developmental Assets powerfully influence adolescent behavior—both by protecting young people from risky, problem behaviors and by promoting positive attitudes and choices.
At United Way of Inner Wisconsin, we distribute the Assets of the Month to area school districts for use in monthly newsletters to parents.
To learn more, click here.

FamilyWize

United Way of Inner Wisconsin distributes the FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card, which has helped south Wood and Adams County residents save thousands of dollars on prescription drugs.
Any organization who distributes information to at-risk populations can request these cards to be put on display. The cards come in packs of 100 with an attractive display holder. Simply call 715-421-0390 to receive these cards for your business or organization.

The card can also be downloaded and copied as often as needed. For more information, click here.

Help for Hard Times Guide

The "Help for Hard Times Guide" is a collaborative effort between United Way's 2-1-1, United Way of Inner Wisconsin and the Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County.
This guide is for people who may be going through a tough time and need help understanding the resources that are available to them. It asks questions such as "How do I apply for unemployment?" or "Where can I go for clothing?" then lists a number of local resources that can help.
To learn more about the Help for Hard Times Guide or to download a PDF of the guide, please click here.

Stuff the Bus - South Wood County

Every year Stuff the Bus collects school supplies during "Lunch by the River" and distributes them to needy children in the community at Lincoln High School.
Stuff the School Bus - Stuff the Desk is a collaborative effort of: local non-profit, school and government entities..

United Way of Inner Wisconsin has been an integral part of this annual event since the first-ever Stuff the Bus event in 2008. United Way staff are members of this committee, helping to plan, promote and recruit volunteers for Stuff the Bus and Stuff the Desk. United Way of Inner Wisconsin also sponsors Stuff the Bus to be a Lunch by the River.
To learn more, please click here.

Stuff the Bus - Adams County

Every August, a school bus donated by the Adams-Friendship Area School District drives to area businesses who had a school supply drive and volunteers "stuff the bus" with donations that are later distributed to needy children at the Adams County Community Center.

At United Way of Inner Wisconsin, we knew the number of children living in poverty, and wanted to do something about it. We partnered with existing programs in Adams County - the Community Services Program, Health and Human Services, and the Adams-Friendship Area School District - to begin the first ever Stuff the Bus in Adams County in 2009.

Summer Reading Program - Great Book Giveaway!

United Way of Inner Wisconsin is dedicated to "closing the literacy gap." So every year we distribute new and gently used books to children during the Great Book Giveaway!.
During the Giveaway, local volunteers read books to children; then each child can select one book to take home to keep!
Research has shown that reading to children, even babies, can have a tremendous effect on their development. “Reading to young children is critical to their overall development.

Children learn social-emotional, cognitive and critical thinking skills by being read to and by learning to read,” said Kelly Borchardt, Executive Director at Child Care Resource and Referral of Central Wisconsin. “Every child deserves high quality children’s books!” Click here for more information.