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Board Member Input – Reflecting on Sexual Assault Awareness Month

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

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United Way Issues Second Round of COVID-19 Relief Support Totaling $22,000

Fort Atkinson, WI – May 18, 2020 – The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties has issued their second round of COVID-19 relief support to five area school districts and two local nonprofit partner agencies.

 

“On March 31st, we issued our first round of COVID-19 relief checks totaling $9,530. We are so incredibly pleased that our second round of checks, sent on May 15th, totaled $22,000 in grant support to our local schools and two emergency financial assistance programs,” states Megan Hartwick, United Way executive director.  “We have been so overwhelmed by the generosity of our communities. Donations are continuing to come in, and we’re confident that our final round of support checks on June 30th will be our highest distribution.”

 

A total of $31,530 has been distributed thus far through the United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. Those funds have been allocated to the five school districts in United Way’s service area: School District of Fort Atkinson, School District of Jefferson, Whitewater Unified School District, Lake Mills Area School District and then Palmyra Eagle Area School District. Funds have also been distributed to the emergency financial assistance programs through Bethel House and St. Vincent de Paul of Fort Atkinson. One additional support check will be sent to each of these organizations on June 30th.

 

“We were able to get some support out quickly to these groups to help with the immediate needs they were seeing from children and families,” Hartwick states. “But we know the need for assistance is only going to increase over the next handful of months. We are so grateful to be in a position where we’ve grown our relief fund so that we can continue to provide funds to help these organizations provide longer term support to those in our communities who will need it most.”

 

The school districts are able to utilize the funds in whatever capacity is needed in order to best serve their students during the closure and through the beginning of the summer break. The emergency financial assistance funds will be available for individuals and families who are in immediate need of support to cover their living expenses.

 

“Our school districts are adapting on a daily basis to serve their students and they deserve any and all support they need to continue to do so,” Hartwick states. “Bethel House & St. Vincent de Paul of Fort Atkinson are in a strong position to reach those individuals and families who need immediate assistance to cover expenses like utility bills, rent, and clothing and groceries. Many families have been helped through the CARES Act, but we know there will be a huge increase in demand for support longer term.”

 

Donations towards the United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund will be taken through June 30th, when the last anticipated checks will be sent. No administrative fees are being taken by United Way, so 100% of all donations for this fund will be distributed back out into our communities.

 

“The support we have received has been so incredible,” Hartwick states. “I am so proud to lead this organization and am so proud to have grown up here and to now be raising my own family here. On behalf of United Way, and all the people we serve, thank you so very much to those who have generously supported our efforts to help strengthen our communities during this unprecedented time. We will continue to do all we can.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the United Way’s COVID-19 fund can visit the United Way website at www.uwjnwc.com and click on “Donate Today” to be taken to the donation page where full details are available. Donations can also be mailed to 734 Madison Avenue Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. For any questions, please contact United Way at 920.563.8880 or unitedway@idcnet.com.

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United Way Provides First Found of COVID-19 Relief Support

Fort Atkinson, WI – April 20, 2020 – The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties has issued their first round of COVID-19 relief support to five area school districts and two local nonprofit partner agencies.

 

“Last month, we announced that we were suspending our pillar grant funding for 2020 and would be utilizing those funds, approximately $20,000, to provide COVID-19 relief support to our communities,” states Megan Hartwick, United Way executive director.  “Since that announcement, we have received almost $17,000 in donations from community members, local organizations and business supporters.”

 

A total of $9,500 was distributed in the first round of checks issued on March 31st. Those funds were allocated to the School District of Fort Atkinson, School District of Jefferson, Whitewater Unified School District, Lake Mills Area School District and then Palmyra Eagle Area School District. Funds were also distributed to the emergency financial assistance programs through Bethel House and St. Vincent de Paul of Fort Atkinson. Additional support checks will be sent on May 15th and June 30th.

 

“We wanted to get some initial support out as quickly as possible,” Hartwick states. “But we also understand there are going to be ongoing, longer-term needs from many of our community members. So it was important that we structured our fund and our support in a way that it would continue over the coming months.”

 

The school districts are able to utilize the funds in whatever capacity is needed in order to best serve their students during the closure. The emergency financial assistance funds will be available for individuals and families who are in immediate need of support to cover their living expenses.

 

“Our school districts are the experts on the children in our communities, so we are so honored to support them in a way that helps them direct resources to those who they know are in need,” Hartwick states. “Bethel House & St. Vincent de Paul of Fort Atkinson already provide financial assistance to those in need, but the demand always heavily outweighs their available resources. We know our support funds won’t fully fill that gap, but we’re grateful to help them provide support to more families during this unprecedented time.”

 

Donations towards the United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund will be taken through June 30th, when the last anticipated checks will be sent. No administrative fees are being taken by United Way, so 100% of all donations for this fund will be distributed back out into our communities.

 

“I have been so humbled by the support we’ve received from community members, businesses and organizations so far,” Hartwick states. “Our United Way is very fortunate to operate in such giving, caring communities. We are asking anyone who is able, to please lend support right now – to any community effort. Whether through United Way, a local foundation, food pantry, school district, church or other nonprofit organization, please lend support if you are able.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the United Way’s COVID-19 fund can visit the United Way website at www.uwjnwc.com and click on “Donate Today” to be taken to the donation page where full details are available. Donations can also be mailed to 734 Madison Avenue Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. For any questions, please contact United Way at 920.563.8880 or unitedway@idcnet.com.

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Board Member Input – An Unprecedented Time

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

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Board Member Input – Joining United Way at a Critical Time

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

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United Way Providing Funding for COVID-19 Relief Efforts

Fort Atkinson, WI – March 18, 2020 – The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties has announced that it will be suspending its pillar grant funding for 2020 and instead utilizing those funds to support COVID-19 efforts across our communities.

 

“Our pillar grant funding opportunity has been so successful for our organization and allowed us to grow, attract new donors and start new partnerships,” states Megan Hartwick, United Way executive director.  “However, in light of the issues our communities are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our United Way felt it was crucial to use any funds available to us to support efforts to continue to care for those most in need during this time.”

 

A minimum of $20,000 will be distributed over the next three months to all five school districts in United Way’s service area (Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Whitewater, Lake Mills and Palmyra-Eagle), as well as to Bethel House and St. Vincent de Paul of Fort Atkinson – two partner agencies of United Way who currently provide extensive financial support to individuals and families. The first checks will be released on March 31st, with additional funds to follow on May 15th and June 30th.

 

“We believe it’s important to distribute some immediate funds to help our school districts and nonprofits in their current efforts,” Hartwick states. “But we also understand there are going to be ongoing, longer-term needs from many of our community members. So we’re making efforts to send additional funds over the next few months.”

 

The expectation is the funds will be utilized to help these organizations provide food, clothing, medications, hygiene items, rental & utility assistance and more to the children, individuals and families most affected by the current closures across our communities.

 

“The needs we are already seeing are only going to continue to grow over the course of many months,” Hartwick states. “We are asking any members of our communities who are able, to please lend support to any existing community effort. Whether through our United Way, a local foundation, food pantry, school district, or other nonprofit organizations, please give if you are able. We also want our donors to know that 100% of the proceeds raised for this fund will be directly allocated back to our communities.”

Anyone who would like to donate to the United Way’s COVID-19 fund can visit our website at www.uwjnwc.com and click on “Donate Today” to be taken to the donation page where full details are available. Donations can also be mailed to 734 Madison Avenue Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. For any questions, please contact United Way at 920.563.8880 or unitedway@idcnet.com.

 

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The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties’ mission is to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our communities. We do that by providing support to community programs, projects and local agencies that provide critical health and human services to those in need.  This network of helping services can be described as a “safety net” for those in our midst in need.  Whether it is transitional housing, literacy education, after-school programs and education, health and dental care, end of life care, mentoring programs, job training or disaster relief, the United Way identifies the greatest needs in our community and helps to fund agencies that can meet those needs.

 

For more information about our local United Way, you may visit the website at www.uwjnwc.com  or “like” the Facebook page at “United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties.”  For details regarding the United Way’s online volunteer tool, please visit www.volunteermain.com.

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United Way Pillar Grant Funding Opportunity Available Mid-March

The United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties is set to open its seventh cycle of pillar grant funding to our communities.  The application cycle officially opens at 9am on Monday, March 16th and closes at 5pm on Friday, April 17th, with grant allocation decisions announced by Friday, May 15th.

 

“Our United Way is so excited to kick-off our seventh year of pillar grant funding.  Since launching our pillar grants in 2014, we have allocated a total of $101,513 in pillar grant funding to 50 different community projects and programs, and we are eager to continue that support throughout 2020,” states Megan Hartwick, United Way executive director.  “Our pillar grants continue to be a very successful program for United Way, both in increased applications received each year and increased designated support from donors. We had another record-breaking campaign year in 2019, which has allowed us to continue to support this unique and impactful funding stream without taking support away from our partners and other community programs important to those in need.”

 

Pillar grants are a unique opportunity that differentiates from traditional nonprofit agency grants United Way provides, in that applicants do not have to be nonprofit organizations to be eligible for funding, although nonprofits are still able and encouraged to apply.  Consideration is open to any and all community members, organizations/groups, schools, etc. that may have a great community project idea or an existing program that they need additional funding for.  The main requirement is that the project must be aimed at improving the health, education and/or financial stability of the communities which United Way of Jefferson & North Walworth Counties supports. Specifically, all applications must focus on one of United Way’s three strategic impact areas – early childhood education, mental health/AODA treatment, and job readiness/skills training. Also, to ensure proper use of grant funds, pillar grant payments are made on a reimbursement basis after the receipt of paid invoices or on a direct invoice basis.

 

“Before our 2019 pillar grant season, we amended our pillar grant guidelines to better align with our three strategic initiative areas – areas which our community members told us they felt were the most important issues for us to focus on. So we now target our pillar grant support specifically to projects and programs that focus on improving early childhood education, mental health & AODA treatment and/or job readiness & skills training in our communities,” Hartwick states. “Last year, we provided just over $18,225 to ten programs focused in these areas, and we couldn’t be more pleased with and proud of the impact they have had and will continue to have in our communities.”

 

Some examples of past projects and programs that have received funding are: mobile railyard equipment through Fort Healthcare; scholarships for local children to participate in the Working for Whitewater’s Wellness Fit Kid Shuffle; improvements/additions to school and community gardens; Parents Cafes for Jefferson County Head Start; KIND News publication through the Humane Society of Jefferson County; a handicap accessible fishing pier at the Rivers Edge Nature Preserve, Women Who Care school-based behavioral health & school nurse training programs, the Whitewater Little Free Pantry, Recovery Support Center recovery coach training, Bethel House financial literacy curriculum development, a zen den at Fort Atkinson Preschool and Childcare, , an opiate awareness toolkit through the Jefferson County Drug Free Coalition, and many more.

 

“Our board of directors is always so impressed by the exciting projects and programs that we are fortunate to partner with through providing pillar grant support. We’ve been able to develop some incredible partnerships and have been so grateful to increase our community support and awareness in new and innovative ways,” Hartwick states. “We encourage anyone looking for additional support with funding and community outreach to apply for a 2020 pillar grant.  We are looking forward to offering additional support to our key strategic impact areas and continuing to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our communities.”

A copy of the 2020 guidelines and application can be found on the United Way website at www.uwjnwc.com.  All pillar grant applications must be completed online and log-in details can be obtained from the United Way office at 920.563.8880 or unitedway@idcnet.com.

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Board Member Input – A New Year, A New Opportunity to Help

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

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Intern Input – Favorite Time of the Year

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 21st. 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

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Board Member Input – Holiday Season at United Way

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