Category: Board & Staff

This month I had the honor of performing one of my favorite duties as chair of your United Way Board and signed the 2019 Partner Agency Agreements. This act was the culmination of a three month process to thoughtfully and responsibly distribute your donations. On December 3^rd 2018, your United Way Director began taking applications from nonprofit agencies in Jefferson and Northern Walworth counties for board and community review. When the application process closed on January 18^th, 33 local agencies had applied.

In February, we invited community members to help us interview all of those agencies. It is a remarkably humbling experience – there are so many wonderful programs in our community! In March, the Board held our annual allocation meeting, where we once again go over the applications, look at the financials and history of the requesting agencies, and do our very best to distribute your donations where they will work the hardest to strengthen our community.

This is the best, and the most difficult, part of serving on the United Way Board. Every single organization that applied is doing WONDERFUL things for our communities, but we can’t fully fund every agency that serves you. Thanks to your generosity, your United Way had a record setting campaign this year and we will be able to give more help to our neighbors, our friends, and our community than ever before.

In the end, we sent out 30 Partner Agency Agreements!

Think of that – the dollars that you donated are going to help THOUSANDS of people through the work of 30 agencies right here in our very own communities.

I hope that warms your heart as much as it does mine.

As always, I am truly humbled, and I thank you for entrusting me with the stewardship of your donations.

Penny Ardelt,
United Way Board Chair
Customer Service Supervisor
First Citizens State Bank

Every February, our United Way has the honor of reviewing the applications from local nonprofits applying for grant funding, and then also sitting down with each of them for an interview.

This year, we had 33 applicants, all which provide incredible services and bring tremendous value to our communities. To say that our United Way board of directors has a tough task ahead of them determining grant allocations would be a drastic understatement. Each year, I continue to be more blown away by the tremendous work of these lean but mighty organizations.

People often ask me if it’s ever difficult that a good portion of my job is spent fundraising (aka, asking people for money). It’s always really easy for me to answer “no, not at all” and that’s mostly because of this annual process. When I have the opportunity to sit down with over 30 local organizations that are making such a difference in our communities, providing such crucial services to those in need, and helping to level the playing field so that everyone in our towns has the ability to thrive… well, that makes fundraising very easy. Because I know the funding is important and I know how much it is needed.

What is it needed for, you might be asking? Well here are just some of examples of what United Way grant funding helps our local nonprofit partners provide:

• scholarships to low-income families for early childhood education
• medical and dental care to low-income and uninsured individuals, families and children
• ESL, GED, computer literacy and citizenship classes
• legal advocacy services for victims of domestic or sexual abuse
• emergency assistance for housing, utilities and food
• job preparation, financial literacy and family budgeting lessons
• affordable mental health services
• sober living environment and recovery counseling
• opportunities for families to connect with one another and their communities
• early childhood literacy programs
• creative outlets for those with barriers or disabilities
• activities focused on confidence, leadership skills and courage for young girls
• mentorship, after school programs and youth empowerment services
• services for end of life care and to help residents remain in their homes with dignity
• financial assistance to families to help with the costs of their child’s extracurricular activities
• lessons for children on nutrition, healthy habits, and the importance of being active

It’s pretty amazing to know that all of this work – and SO much more – is happening in our communities every day. People are working tirelessly – everyday – to be there to support families, individuals and children who are in need of assistance.

So for those in our communities who think there isn’t enough being done, I encourage you to look harder, get more involved, and offer help yourself. Although our nonprofit partners are doing an amazing amount of work, they are also limited by their resources and capacity. They can always use more support from more community members.

And to end, on behalf of United Way, I can’t begin to thank our supporters enough. Every donation we receive puts us in the honored position of being able to help support all of those services listed above. We’re so proud of our partners and grateful to be a small part of their work.

With sincerest thanks,
Megan Hartwick, United Way executive director

I have been on the board for the United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties for almost 2 years now.  I have always known that the 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.

Serving on the board has allowed me to opportunity to listen to many organizations that the United Way supports and see the work that they also put in to make a difference.  This has been one of the highlights in my service.  I have also had my eyes open to the great need that our community has.  Every community has those that need help in one way or another but since I have served on the board and heard the presentations of the various organizations I have been amazed at the number of people that they serve.  Prior to serving on the board I knew that there were people in our communities that needed assistance I was however unaware of the extent of the need.

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, and I hope that we can take the spirit of the season and continue it through the whole year.

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is a great place for the people of our area to go to not only for help but to find out where help is needed and to 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
Consumer, Mortgage and Commercial Loan Officer, FCCU

As a United Way Board Member, I am constantly amazed at the generosity of our community. And at Fort HealthCare, where our mission of “Improve the health and well-being of our communities” is truly our culture, the generosity and engagement of our employees is truly a gift. Our campaign energy is amazing!

Team members have donated over 50 silent auction items—everything from a day on the golf course outing, to “cut your own Christmas trees,” to pet care and other themed baskets – and of course, lots of chocolate! There have been multiple “jeans days” scheduled, which permit  team members to don a Packers Jersey and jeans for a small monetary donation to the United Way.

Employees have engaged in various fundraising events — all with proceeds going to the United Way campaign. New to this year’s activities are our friendly competition of Penny Wars, a Family Movie Night, and bids for a Packers football donated by the Green Bay Packers GIVEBACK program. All of these efforts have been creative and fun team-building ways that our workforce has come together to raise funds supporting the United Way.

My roots with the United Way go way back. Growing up, I witnessed my parents leading by example, supporting the initiative. In my early twenties (just a few short years ago!) I witnessed the generosity of the United Way first hand, when a close friend received much needed assistance through the organization. I have never forgotten the kindness and charity of that United Way Ambassador, or the United Way itself.

As my way of giving back, I have served as Campaign Chair frequently throughout my career, which gives more back to me than I could ever provide to a campaign! There are times when we are able to contribute, and other times when we are the recipients, who may someday wish to contribute. The United Way is there for all of us.

Our special thanks is extended to our Executive Director, Megan Hartwick, for attending our Leadership meeting to help kick-off this year’s campaign. Megan shared the United Way video and special stories showing the impact of Ride United and other United Way solutions that remind us of how the campaign so generously supports our community members.

I am truly proud to serve as a Board Member for the United Way of Jefferson and North Walworth Counties, where we truly follow the LIVE UNITED theme. Thanks to the United Way for its 75 years of support!

Nancy Alstad
Senior Director of Human Resources, Fort Healthcare

Happy Campaign Season!

Here at Festival Foods, we strive to show our support for the United Way in various ways. During our 2 week campaign, we allow our associates to purchase and wear United Way t-shirts in lieu of their normal uniform attire. This is a small thing for most, but when working in retail and the service industry, this really shows the company’s support of the United Way as a whole. In addition to our pledge forms that give our associates the option to give a one-time donation or a bi-weekly payroll deduction, we also added a few extra fun games to inspire involvement in the campaign. The first game is Penny Wars!  Every department has a container for associates to donate pennies or other change. Pennies count as positive and silver coins count as negative. The department with the highest positive balance at the end of the campaign will be awarded with a prize.  Secondly, we have our Pie in the Face game. Similar to Penny Wars, every Department Manager has a container at the Service Desk for guests and associates to put donations into. At the end of the campaign, the top 3 managers with the most money in their jar will receive a pie in the face (in front of the store where guests can join in on the laugher, of course.) Last but not least is our bike raffle. Guests and associates can purchase tickets towards the bike that is on display in the front of the store. This is not only a great prize donated to us but also a great way to get guests involved to share their support of the United Way.

When I joined the United Way Board of Directors almost two years ago, I knew very little about the United Way and how it operates. This experience has not only been eye-opening to see all of the great things United Way helps with around our local community, but it also gives me great talking points and knowledge to spread with the 150+ associates working with me here at Festival Foods.

Cory Krisher
Store Manager, Festival Foods Fort Atkinson

Hello United Way friends!

Can you believe it? Our campaign has launched! It is such an exciting time of year for our fine organization, our community partners, and of course, all of our United Way friends!

As a board member for the past two years, I have been blessed to experience firsthand all of the lives touched by our United Way of Jefferson & Northern Walworth Counties. However, I am also fortunate to be a part of an organization that has participated in the United Way Corporate Campaign for over 20 years and that has given me an entirely different perspective as well.

Winston Churchill says it best, “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life”.

Through serving on the board and supporting the corporate campaign, United Way has been a part of my “life” that has been truly inspiring and revealing. Please consider this “life making” moment to join the campaign.

Robin Kennedy
VP Mission Advancement, Opportunities

As a United Way Board Member, I am very appreciative of the community of Fort Atkinson and the ability of citizens to support the United Way.  Many work places offer ways to help employees contribute to the United Way through payroll deductions.  This is an easy manner to contribute to a greater cause and helping people in need in Jefferson & North Walworth Counties.  I hope people will consider donating to the United Way and join in on their workplace campaigns.  One of the reasons I love living in Fort Atkinson is the people….they are amazing, caring and always will to help others.  Please consider donating to your United Way work place campaign this fall!

Dave Geiger
Principal, Luther Elementary School (Fort Atkinson)

I am a new board member for the United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties, and I am honored to serve this organization. To me, United Way is about providing equitable access to opportunity for all of our people, whether it be through early education, promoting well-being, job training, or something as simple, and yet essential, as transportation. The preamble to the U.S. Constitution states “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…promote the general Welfare”, our pledge of allegiance talks of “liberty and justice for all” and Emma Lazarus’ poem at the Statue of Liberty says “Give me your tired, your poor…send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Giving through United Way allows us to work toward achieving the founding ideals of our nation, fulfilling those promises we made to each other, and lifting one another up that we may all “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”.  In short, it is about being neighborly, and helping each other.

Too often we lose sight of that ideal of equality in our effort to carve out a life for ourselves, and those in need are left behind. The United Way pillar grants help restore some of that access. Programs like Jefferson County’s Community Outreach/Wraparound and the Recovery Support Center’s Train the Trainer Recovery Coaches will provide life-saving support and addiction recovery for community members who may not otherwise be able to afford it. St. Coletta’s Genesis Project and the Jefferson County’s Literacy Council’s Communication Skills for Employment Workshop will provide job training to improve opportunities for populations that may otherwise be neglected. Whitewater LEADS will provide the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to any child in the community, opening up new worlds and ideas and promoting literacy. Other supported programs promote healthy eating and outdoor activity, financial literacy, and social and emotional learning, all things focused on increasing the well-being of our community.

Many of the donors to United Way are people from the middle walk-of-life, people who hold jobs that are enough to get them by and provide for their families, but know that life can be unpredictable and understand the value of a helping hand. Not everyone has a family that can lend support in times of trouble or has the expertise to plan a path forward. I had an older brother with learning disabilities who went off the rails when faced with imminent graduation from high school. My parents were at a loss as to how to proceed; when I got involved with United Way, my mother told me it was United Way that provided a solution and enrolled him in a program that could provide him with the support and training he needed to make that transition. Many of us are indebted to United Way in ways we don’t even realize, and by supporting United Way programs either through contributions or volunteering, we are paying back the helping hand of our community.

Kristen Burton
Outreach Operations Manager, University of Wisconsin Whitewater

What do you enjoy about your board membership?

Being a board member is a wonderful experience that I fully enjoy.  It gives me an opportunity to help ensure the funds from our local community are used in ways that our local community wants.  It’s a great opportunity to work with other organizations and people that are looking to improve and strengthen our community as well.

What are you most proud of that United Way is involved with?

I really enjoy that our United Way is able to be involved with so many great programs and organizations.  I am most proud that we try to make an impact on several key pillars (health, education, and financial stability) in our community.

Why does your company run/support a United Way campaign?

HUSCO likes to be involved with organizations that focus on education, health, and well-being.  We have several different activities throughout the year to support United Way (Walking Tacos, Silent Auction, and Parking Spot Raffle to name a few)

What do you want more people in our communities to know about our United Way?

I wish more people knew about all the resources that our United Way offers: ways to help out, volunteer, pillar grant projects, and more.

Why should people support our local United Way?

Unless designated otherwise, we keep it all in our community.  Our board goes through a very rigorous screening process to ensure all of the funds are going to the right organizations that align with our mission statement and create true value added in our community.  United Way is one of the most prominent non-profits in the area, with very little overhead.  Our board is made of local community members so they have a vested interest in improving our local community.

Matt Yonke
HR Manager, HUSCO International

April is national volunteer month.  A month dedicated to honoring the volunteers in our community as well as encouraging new volunteerism.

Volunteer!  Make a differences in someone’s life!  Give back to the community that you live in!  Character, Compassion, Caring…sound like three C’s you would like to instill in your Children?  Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes and there is no better way to impart these values than by displaying them.

Not sure how?  Check out www.volunteermain.com.  This is a free volunteer platform supported by the United Way.  Search for opportunities by date, agency or area of interest.  It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Karie Martin
Human Resources Director, Jones Dairy Farm
United Way Board Chair