Category: Board & Staff

I became a new board member of the United Way less than a year ago.  This opportunity has been very educational and rewarding as I have had the privilege to meet so many committed individuals who support so many programs within our county.   This position has provided me exposure to partner agencies I have not routinely worked with before and a better understanding of the efforts they make on a daily basis to support those in need.  Further, this has provided the additional opportunity for future connections and collaborative efforts with partner agencies to further enhance linking services together for the benefit of the county.

This past month the United Way board has been finalizing the award for grant dollars to our partner agency with the proceeds from the annual campaign.  The decisions have been difficult due to the worthiness and the dedication of all the applicants and the programs they administer.  Each applicant provides so many positive and needed services within our communities.

Our analysis in reviewing these applications focused in on ensuring the applicants are strong stewards of the donations they are provided with and the programs are aimed at improving the health, education and/or financial stability of the communities which United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties supports.

It is without a doubt our partner agencies are passionate for the services they provide to our communities and those they serve.   These agencies provide programming ranging from providing transportation to those in need, to housing, financial counseling, medical and dental care, education resources, counseling and general human services support.  We look forward to seeing their outcomes and the impact they will make in 2018.

This month also saw the United Way launch its 5th Annual Pillar Grant opportunity.   These grants are for projects that are aimed at improving the three community strategic initiatives the United Way has adopted, which include Early Childhood Education, Mental Health & AODA Treatment and Job Readiness & Skills Training. Please visit the United Way website at www.uwjnwc.com to learn more.

Finally, the County continues to partner with the United Way to sponsor the Volunteermain.com platform to help connect and coordinate volunteers with many of our programs within the county.  Volunteers are a crucial part of the success of numerous organizations.  The goal of the County and the United Way is to make it as easy as possible for organizations to find volunteers, and for volunteers to find opportunities that work for them in giving back.  I encourage you to look at this resource if you looking to volunteer or have a need for volunteers.

Our County is truly lucky to have so many great community partners.  I am truly honored that I have been given this opportunity to serve on this great board to carry out the wishes of so many generous individuals, community groups and businesses in support of our strategic initiatives.

Ben Wehmeier
Jefferson County Administrator

Serving on the United Way Board of Directors has opened my eyes to the very best of our community.

As we work our way through February toward spring, partner agency interviews have begun. Coming so soon after the essential “wrap-up” of our annual campaign, I find myself in awe.

There are so many organizations and agencies helping to keep our friends and neighbors healthy, fed, housed, educated and safe. I sat in on the interviews for 13 of these agencies and each one of them is doing an incredible job of serving the members of our community. We have agencies providing job skills training, mental health and  addiction counseling, training “Big Sisters” or “Big Brothers” for youth in need of mentorship, providing families with the opportunity to learn together, providing transportation to people who need access to goods & services, giving access to medical & dental care to those of us who are uninsured, and helping to meet all of our basic human needs-up to & including providing housing, counseling, education, training & staples to the homeless or those escaping from an abusive situation.

Not only are we fortunate enough to have all of these organizations helping to build a stronger community, but we also have YOU-our thousands of donors, supporters and volunteers! Because of you, we are able to allocate much needed funds to these agencies- allowing them to continue helping our friends and neighbors build or re-build their lives.

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

Penny Ardelt, First Citizens State Bank
United Way Board Member