Category: Board & Staff

As most of you know firsthand, the pandemic has caused many of us to try new things.  Some good like learning a new hobby, some bad like making a sourdough starter.  What we all need to think about now is what can I do to help make a difference?  For United Way workplace campaigns, that is no different.

Due to social distancing guidelines or other added precautions, some events you normally run for your campaign might not be possible this year. This is where thinking outside the box can help.

Can’t speak to everyone all at once? At United Way, we have posters, signs and videos to help spread the message about your campaign.

Having trouble with event ideas? I have seen companies raffle off mask packages that were handmade by colleagues. You could have a mask competition to vote for your favorite mask. If masks aren’t a hot topic, you could look at raffling off something that encourages being outside like bag toss – an activity that naturally promotes social distancing.

While this sadly might be our new normal, it doesn’t have to mean running miserable campaigns. “Now more than ever” we need to help each other in our communities, because we are all in this together.

Start thinking and sharing ideas with your campaign manager to help come up with events that will work best for you and your company.

United Way appreciates your support!

Matt Yonke
United Way Board Member
HR and Safety Manager, HUSCO International

I have served on the United Way Board for several years and am so proud to do so!

At the beginning of the global pandemic, the United Way Board held some virtual meetings to see how we could best help people in our community.  Under the suggestion and guidance of our Executive Director, the Board decided to restructure the use of our pillar grant funds to create a COVID-19 Relief Fund, which would help support the local school districts in our area as well as two emergency financial assistance programs.

Speaking specifically for the School District of Fort Atkinson (SDFA), the funds have been used to help feed children in the community and to offset additional costs for children and parents. I am in a profession that deals with these children and I have heard from several parents about how wonderful the breakfast/lunch service program was that was delivered to their homes during the school closure!

In a time of need, the United Way is there to help and serve. I am proud that we were able to do this to help so many people. Thank you to all of those people that donated money to the United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund and gave us the ability to help others in the greater Fort Atkinson community.

Dave Geiger
United Way Board Member
Principal, Luther Elementary School (School District of Fort Atkinson)

In light of April having been Sexual Assault Awareness month, United Way board member, Penny Ardelt, reflected on what she has learned about resources available in our communities for sexual and domestic abuse victims.

Thanks to our local United Way Partner agencies, I have learned so much about services available in our community, the dedication of agency employees and volunteers, and the impact of programs like United Way 2-1-1, Ride United, Adult ESL and citizenship classes, recovery, job readiness, and so many other amazing programs.

With help for victims of sexual & domestic violence being a focus in our community this past year, I have also learned much about the type of services that our local agencies like PAVE and New Beginnings APFV offer. Because sexual & domestic violence has long been a subject that people don’t talk about, many of us have no idea just how badly these services are needed.

I would like to share some information with you:

On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.

One in 6 women and 1 in 19 men in the United States have experienced stalking victimization at some point during their lifetime.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. –

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2009/BJS10007.htm

Sexual assault is a serious and widespread problem. Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 67 men in the US have experienced rape or attempted rape at some time in their lives. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old. Sexual abuse includes engaging in sexual activities with a child, indecent exposure, child grooming, or using a child to produce child pornography.

According to RAINN (the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network):

• ​ Someone in America is being sexually assaulted every 92 seconds.
• 15% of female sexual assault victims are under age 12; 44% are under 18; and 80% are under the age of 30. (U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics)
• Almost 2/3 of rapes are completed by someone known to the victim.
• The effects of sexual abuse are long-lasting. Survivors are:
  • 3 times more likely to suffer from depression
  • 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide
  • 6 times more likely to suffer from PTSD
  • 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol
  • 26 times more likely to abuse drugs

According to the CDC (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):

• 1 in 7 people who experience domestic violence obtain a physical injury.            
• A 2011 nationwide survey found that 23% of females and 14% of males who ever experienced rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner, first experienced some form of partner violence between the ages of 11 and 17.

Obviously, this means that we all know several people who have been victims of abuse. The fact that abuse continues to happen so often serves to prove that not only do we need to talk about it, but we need to keep an eye on our friends, our families, and especially our children to watch for sign of abuse, and we need to know what to do in the event we suspect abuse.

. Domestic and Sexual Violence Resources:

PAVE 800-775-3785 (Crisis Line) or 920-887-3810
New Beginnings APFV (262) 723-4653
End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin 608-255-0539
Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault 608-257-1516
National Domestic Violence Hotline  800-779-SAFE (7233)
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network   800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline  866-331-9474
National Human Trafficking Resource Center 888-373-7888
LGBTQ Intimate Partner Violence Resource Line 414-856-LGBT (5428

Penny Ardelt
United Way board member

During this time of uncertainty and crisis, our communities have come together to support one another in special ways. It is times like these where we value the simple things such as family. Family is what gives us solace and brings us together, even when we cannot be together physically.

Here at Jones Dairy Farm, our family and extended family of employees are working hard to feed our communities and persevere, as we’ve done for over a 130 years. I’m grateful to be part of a company that sincerely cares and am thankful to all of my fellow colleagues dedicating their hearts to a bigger purpose.

Jones Dairy Farm is proud to be a partner of United Way. As a member of the United Way Board, I’m proud of the commitment and leadership United Way has taken to support our community during this unprecedented time. Our United Way has started a Covid-19 relief fund to help those in need and provide relief checks to local school districts and select United Way partner agencies. I admire how nimble the United Way is able to operate to quickly and effectively help those in our own backyard.

Lisa Caras
United Way board member
Marketing Manager, Jones Dairy Farm

As a new member of the United Way board of directors this year, I am honored to be part of such a thoughtful, supportive, and impactful group of individuals that give their time and talent to support the agencies that care for our communities.

This year I have learned more about the many fundraising and corporate campaign efforts that contribute to the United Way’s ability to support communities. It is clear that this support and advocacy for local agencies would not be possible without YOU. Your generosity and commitment to supporting your own community resources is evident in the continued grants and funding assistance that the United Way is able to provide each and every year.

Agencies throughout our communities are doing tremendous work for the betterment of residents and families. In addition to their caring and compassionate work with people, the agencies also spend a great deal of time diligently seeking funding opportunities to provide the best care possible.

Just as the awarding process for funding assistance was drawing to a close this year, the impact of COVID-19 hit our state. Without hesitation, your local United Way sought opportunities to assist. Knowing that the community needs will increasingly involve assistance with paying bills for utilities, rent, and basic needs due to uncertainties with employment in both the near and likely distant future, the United Way decided to divert funds typically devoted to Pillar Grants to provide COVID-19 support to communities instead. This decision allocates more than $20,000 over the next three months to help local organizations accommodate more urgent needs.

As our local communities work together right now in both visible and invisible ways to care for one another and do their part in stopping the spread of the COVID-19 disease, I am proud to be part of an amazing organization dedicated to lifting up the lives of the residents of our communities. In my corner of the community, my colleagues at UW-Whitewater are continuing to communicate transparently as well as provide a sense of normalcy as we all deal with an overwhelming amount of new information daily. I am grateful for all of you who reach out proactively in these times of need and uncertainty. It’s never been a better time to engage with your local United Way.

Lynsey Schwabrow
United Way board member
Chief of Institutional Research and Planning, University of Wisconsin – Whitewater

Over the course of my career, I have had the privilege of being a both a United Way Board member and past Campaign Chair.  The generosity of the community is incredible, keeping the United Way there for all of us.  The monies donated to the United Way are subsequently directed to organizations who demonstrate a solid need and an equally strong sense of fiscal responsibility.

Quarterly grant funding is allocated to Partner Agencies, listed on our United Way website.  These agencies participate in a stringent application and review process; where United Way Board and Community members truly treat these dollars as their own.  Special thanks to our Partner Agencies for their diligence and commitment to the programs funded through the United Way.

Pillar Grants, which provide funding on specific community projects and programs, focus on areas of impact.  Recipients provide detailed information which must meet specific criterion before allocations are awarded.  In 2019, ten pillar grant recipients received a total of more than $18,000 to assist with specific programs.

When the weather turns cold, we recognize that our fellow community members have a variety of needs.  One of our most important outreaches is Ride United, fully funded by the United Way, which provides FREE transportation to local food pantries, the Rock River Free Clinic, Community Dental Clinic and the Winther Counseling Lab.

As our new year approaches, let’s keep those in need in mind.  The United Way is truly active twelve months of the year, involved in both fundraising and granting allocations.  I am truly proud to serve as a Board Member for the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties, where we fully embrace the United Way theme.

Thank you for your generosity in supporting the United Way!

Nancy Alstad
United Way board member
Senior Director, Human Resources – Fort Healthcare

As the weather starts to get colder, the beauty of the season causes many of us to feel warmness in our hearts, and that is why this is my favorite time of year. For as long as I can remember, Christmas has been my absolute favorite holiday. I loved getting presents as a kid, what kid doesn’t?  But for me, the receiving has never been as exciting as the giving. There is no better feeling than finding the perfect gift for someone you love and getting to see the excitement and emotion when they receive it.  For this same reason, I have absolutely loved my time working with the United Way. Our United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth County gets to give “gifts” all year long and fills people with hope and joy. Is there a better job? I think not.

I want to share with you all my plans for after graduation, which is fast approaching on December 21^st. My goal is to find a job in the nonprofit sector with hopes of making as much of an impact on a community and its people, that Megan and the United Way does here. So with that I want to thank you all. Thank you to this community that has shown me how important it is to support your neighbor. Thank you to every contributor to the workplace campaign for their support of our 2019 campaign. Thank you to UW-Whitewater for allowing me this opportunity to grow my skills and find my passion. Thank you to our amazing board of directors for all of their kindness and help during my internship. Finally, a HUGE thank you to Megan for everything she has done. I cannot thank her enough for all her help during my internship. She has taught me so much during my six months with the United Way, but nothing more important than the impact one person can make in the lives of so many.  To all of you I cannot express my gratitude enough, THANK YOU!

I wish you all happiness, good health, and peace this holiday season!

Rachael Chupka
United Way Intern

I have been on the board for the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties for almost 3 years now.  I have always known that United Way is a great asset for any community.  Serving on the board has given me a whole new perspective.  The work that goes into any organization, like the United Way, is huge and it takes a great organizer to get that done.  We are fortunate to have Megan to take care of that for us.

With the many deserving organizations in our community it is sometimes difficult to determine which one of them you will donate your time and/or funds.  The United Way is here to assist you in determining what organizations are available and what their missions are.  This gives you a one stop shop to see what organization best align with your beliefs and where you would like you charitable dollars to go to.

Rest assured that all organizations that the United Way supports have provided an outline of how the funds they receive will be used and the groups that those organizations will assist with the funds.

During the Christmas season we all are preoccupied with our lives, making sure that our families have memories to look back on and smile.  I think it is important to remember that there are those that don’t have the luxury to be preoccupied as they struggle just to put food on the table and maintain shelter for their families.  This is the season of giving and I know we all do what we can in hope that we can take the spirit of the season and continue it through the whole year.

The United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth County is not only a great place for the community to go for help, but it’s a great place to find out where help is needed. It is great to have an organization that can help point the community in a direction where they can either give financially as they can or to find a place where they can physically do something for someone.

Wishing everyone a great Holiday season.

Kevin Paynter
Mortgage and Commercial Loan Officer and Whitewater Branch Manager, Fort Community Credit Union

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of running our 20^th annual United Way Chili Cook-Off. It was a tremendous success, and I enjoyed working with all of the participants, volunteers, and community members. Roughly 300 community members kicked off the holiday season with us at the Fort Atkinson Municipal Building which was transformed into a holiday wonderland complete with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Together we raised over $1500 for our 2019 United Way campaign. Running a successful event like this doesn’t happen on its own, it takes a village, and it is to that village, and all who are a part of it, that I would like to say thank you.

I was quick to learn that there is a lot of behind the scene work that goes into the Chili Cook-Off.  The Friday before our event I went to Festival Foods to pick up food, plates, banners, and spoons for Saturday night. I pulled up to the store and my car was immediately filled with the donated items by the kind Festival Foods employees. I then proceeded to the Municipal building where everyone there helped me unload my car and get things prepped for the big event. On Saturday, when I arrived at the Municipal building, I was greeted by set-up volunteers who helped me transform the space into a festive chili and holiday wonderland! Soon after, I checked-in the chili chefs who were so excited to be able to serve their unique chilis to community attendees. The event volunteers were next, and every single one arrived with a smile on their face and helping hands. Finally, hungry community members began to arrive, and the cook-off was kicked off! The event ran smoothly from the first bite of chili to the dissemination of the final award, and I have all of YOU to thank for that. Thank you for your support, your kindness, your generosity, and your help.

Yes, it takes a community to run a successful event like that. This is also reflective on our 2019 campaign. It takes all of us doing our part to make the 2019 campaign a success. With all of your help, we will be able to reach our goals and be successful. This in turn will allow us to distribute a record amount of funding to our service area. Like our Chili Cook-Off, a successful campaign would not be possible without the community support.

Again, thank you to everyone who helped, participated, and joined us at our United Way 20^th Annual Chili Cook-Off. I am grateful to be a part of this supportive and generous village!

Rachael Chupka
United Way Intern

“You know they’s lots o’ words that’s called fightin’ words. Some o’ them starts a brawl, no matter who they’re spoken to.” So says Ring Lardner in his 1917 Gullible’s Travels.

What are those them fightin words all about? Well, my fellow board members and I were discussing that very topic at our strategic planning session just a few months ago, as the word “fight” is part of our mission statement. It was my suggestion that perhaps this word should be reconsidered as it may be too harsh for people. Really, us “community minded” folks aren’t “fighters” we are peace makers, right?

Then, it hit me! (No pun intended, well maybe so).  Our United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties does fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community. And, you know, I can’t think of a better cause to fight for!  

To fight, says Webster, “is to put forth a determined effort” Well, all of us here at United Way of Jefferson County are doing just that and certainly not alone! Every year, our fearless donors raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to ensure our community can provide critical needs, support programs and stand strong for our stakeholders. Just visit our website https://uwjnwc.com/ and see how we are waging battle against evil forces such as poverty, homelessness and most sadly; the pain of community disconnect.

If we don’t fight for the vulnerable, marginalized and impoverished members of our communities…..then who will?

Robin Kennedy
VP of Mission Advancement, Opportunities Inc.