Summer brings garden harvesting and United Way campaigning

It’s an exciting time of year. The weather is still warm and inviting for summer activities and preseason football is finally here, tempting me until regular season snaps begin. But one of the most rewarding things in August is the garden harvest. All of our hard work is starting to bear fruits and vegetables.

Gardening takes planning, preparation and a fair amount of patience. And as I look at my calendar for the year ahead, I can’t help notice the parallels between United Way’s work and the work of harvesting a garden.

People with green thumbs and farmers start their work by knowing their land. They know when to plant and how far apart the seeds and rows should be. United Way’s starting point is to stay informed about needs of the community. Volunteers review local program applications each spring and decide funding for those that address the Marshfield area’s most critical needs.

The objective for the garden often is to produce enough fruits and vegetables for canning or freezing for use over the winter. United Way’s objective is to create opportunities of a better life for everyone. To help achieve that goal, one strategy is to raise money through the community campaign.

Soon United Way Drive Chairs, staff and Partner Programs will visit your workplace. Fundraising events like brat frys, office mini golf or dunk tanks will be gracing companies across the Marshfield area. These events and activities are like the upkeep of a garden, weeding and pruning to keep the plants fruitful. Judging a decorating contest is way more fun than pulling weeds though.

Finally the time comes to pick the tomatoes, beans, peppers and cucumbers. These are the tasty results of months of hard work. The result of your contribution to the United Way campaign is just as fulfilling. It’s the smile of a child whose mentor helps her turn her life around. It’s a family who has some place to turn after a fire destroys their home. And it’s a man and woman who can stay in the home where they raised their children because of a budgeting class.

Like the amazing work of nature when vegetables grow from tiny seeds, a contribution to United Way has creates long lasting results in the lives of families, individuals, seniors and youth in our community.

Get involved: Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org or call 384-9992.

Contributed by Stacey Oelrich, United Way’s 2-1-1 Program Coordinator and Communications Director

Motorcycle enthusiasts ride for United Way

Power Pac’s Poker Run for United Way will bring together motorcycle enthusiasts to help create opportunities for a better life for everyone in the Marshfield Area.

Saturday, September 20 check in and registration begins 8 a.m. at the Power Pac, Inc. parking lot, located at 10599 Business Highway 13 South. Riders will receive a map of the route with 4-6 stops for the day.

The ride concludes at 4 p.m. when riders will meet back at Power Pac for a cook out, prizes and live entertainment. Don’t miss your chance to win a 2009 Yahama Zuma, drawing held at 6 p.m., must be present to win.

Pre-Registration price is $18 per person until September 19, at the door on September 20 cost is $20 per person. Proceeds benefit Marshfield Area United Way.

Click here to print a registration form. Mail completed forms to Power Pac, Inc. PO Box 340. For more information call Power Pac, Inc. at 387-1106.

Marshfield Area United Way funds 38 local programs addressing the most critical needs to provide the basic things families and individuals need for a good life. It is estimated that one out of four area residents uses a United Way Partner Program each year.

Be a part of change: Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED. To learn more about United Way, and how you can help create lasting change call 384-9992 or visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org.

Charlie Engle Running America for Youth Wellness

Courtesy of Tish McCutchen, United Way of America

Running America will start 09.13.08. On that day ultra-athlete Charlie Engle will begin a 45-day run from San Francisco to New York City, partnering with United Way to raise awareness of—and dollars for—children’s health and wellness, especially programs that target children’s obesity.

Obesity among children has nearly doubled in the last decade. More than 9 million children in the United States are either obese or overweight because today's children are not getting the necessary exercise and activity for good health. Charlie will be working with United Ways across the country to raise awareness about programs that help young people make positive nutritional and behavioral choices. It’s his way of living united and inspiring others to join the movement.
Charlie plans to run an average of 70 miles a day as he crosses the country, and he’ll pass through many United Way communities on the way. To see if your city is on the route, check out the Running America Google map.

Even if you’re not on the itinerary, you and your community can be part of this exciting venture and raise awareness about children’s health and wellness by tracking Charlie’s progress… raising dollars for mileposts along the route… or staging a companion run in your own community. Stay tuned to United Way Online for more information about Running America, including ideas about how you can join in.

In case you’re wondering if there’s any chance anyone can actually run 3,000 miles in 45 days (the record is 46 days 8 hours and 36 minutes), check out Running The Sahara, Charlie’s 2007 adventure.

Fill a Backpack, Fulfill a Dream

As July came about I found myself protesting the turning of the calendar. It can’t be July, I thought summer seems to be almost over, and I have so much to do. Before I know it I will be putting away the swimming pool, the sandals and gearing up for the beauty of fall. I can remember when I was a girl, and I thought summers lasted forever; the sweet lazy days really seemed endless.

At the next turn of the calendar, many children and their families will start thinking about school and all of the new beginnings this school year will bring. At the start of August every store will be buzzing with children wanting the latest and greatest backpack and supplies.
There are families who are unable to afford the required supplies every child needs to start the school year right. For some, the cost of preparing for school can stretch an already tight budget. But every child should and needs the opportunity to be prepared each school year. Having new school supplies may seem small to adults but to a child it can be everything.

You can put a smile on faces of area children whose parents couldn’t afford new materials. The Fourth Annual "Backpack + Supplies = Success” school supply drive will be held August 4 through August 15. This year’s city-wide drive is coordinated by the United Way Partner Programs: Marshfield Clinic’s Youth Net program and Marshfield Area Volunteer Center.
In 2007, 10 area companies donated nearly 400 backpacks full of supplies to children in need. They were distributed to individuals and elementary schools in Auburndale, Marshfield, Neillsville, Spencer, Stratford as well as Marshfield Middle School.

Marshfield Area Volunteer Center will accept donations from individuals for the backpack drive until Friday, August 15. Donations of backpacks, supplies or gift cards for the purchase of additional backpack supplies are welcome, and should be dropped off at the Volunteer Center, located at 101 West 29th Street, Suite 104 during business hours. The average cost of a backpack with supplies is $30, to receive a list of suggested supplies or for more information, call Sarah Krenn at the Volunteer Center at 384-9992 or e-mail unitedway.sarah@tznet.com.
If you need a backpack, call 384-9992 for a registration form. Registered families will be contacted at the end of August when backpacks are ready for pick up.

Sarah Krenn
Community Impact/Volunteer Center Coordinator
Marshfield Area United Way
P.O. Box 771
384-9992
unitedway.sarah@tznet.com

United Way spirit is community members caring for each other

Contributed by Andy & Kris Keogh, 2008 Drive Chairs

Marshfield Area United Way has asked us to lead the 2008 United Way campaign. This is a task we find exciting and gratifying and we look forward to meeting and talking with as many people as we can in the coming months. Our central Wisconsin community is for the most part a healthy, safe and peaceful place to live and work. This is because of our history of caring–people and families caring for friends, neighbors and community. We are honored and humbled to lead this community through another season of caring.

For the most part the Marshfield area is an ideal place to live. But there are among us many who have deep and fundamental needs. Our community must make sure none of us goes hungry, cold, sick, homeless or with any basic needs unattended.

In 2007 one of every four persons needed and used a United Way funded program; we all probably know someone whose life was thus personally touched and enriched. At any time it could be any one of us needing help. Our success in any United Way campaign is based on meeting the needs of all who find themselves in need.

When you think of our community as the “united whole” our communal health depends on the condition of each and every person living here. If one child goes without dinner it affects us all.

This is what is reflected in the United Way new tagline LIVE UNITED. While the tagline can be read as a suggestion or a request, we see it as stating a fact. No one lives alone. The only way communities can truly live well is by acknowledging that unity and caring are fundamental components of living well. A healthy community cares for its own.

Marshfield Area United Way has an outstanding history creating opportunities of a better life for everyone. We want to help maintain that history through our leadership. It seems likely the number of those needing help will be greater than ever in the coming months. And while we will probably feel some financial pinch, we need to help those for whom this financial strain is most drastic.

Contributions to this United Way help people in Marshfield, plus all of north Wood, southeast Clark, and southwest Marathon counties. When you’re asked to make a contribution this fall please be generous. Please care: Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED.

Andy and Kris Keogh are the 2008 Drive Chairs for Marshfield Area United Way. To learn more visit http://www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org/ or call 384-9992.

Of the people, by the people, for the people

By Paula Jero, Executive Director

The quote “…of the people, by the people, for the people,” kept surfacing for me as I participated these past couple of weeks in the process of allocating donations to United Way partner programs.

The “of the people” happened last fall when more than one hundred volunteers conducted the United Way campaign. It is when you as individuals, businesses and workplaces responded through donations and pledges to United Way. More than one million dollars was raised! What a significant accomplishment this community achieved.

The “by the people” is happening now, as volunteers from those same businesses and workplaces decide how the money raised should be distributed in our community. Applications from service providers in our community are carefully reviewed, and tough questions are asked and answered. Ultimately, difficult decisions must be made since the needs are always greater than the resources. As stewards of these dollars, this process allows the best alignment of our resources with the ever changing needs of our community.

The “for the people” is of course when needed services are provided. From birth to the end of life, United Way and its Partner Programs are here and responding to both everyday needs and unexpected events in our community. One out of every four individuals in our community relies on essential services provided by United Way Partner Programs. Meals are delivered to the elderly, the lives of youth are transformed, assistance is given after a fire, families are fed, shelter is provided to those with no housing, respite is given to those needing a break, women are given the support to leave domestic violence and the list goes on.

Ultimately, it is the “for the people” that drives the United Way process. It’s “for the people” that spurs volunteers to ask their co-workers and friends and neighbors for donations, It’s “for the people” that you commit your donations. It is also “for the people” that the volunteers review all of the applications, meet with all of the programs and make the tough funding recommendations.

And it is “for the people” that programs step up to meet the needs of our community. United Way is thankful that “of the people, by the people, and for the people” is at work in our community.

To learn more about Marshfield Area United Way and how you can Give, Advocate, Volunteer call 384-9992 or visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org.

Finding information is as easy as dialing 2-1-1

Every hour of every day, someone in the United States needs essential services—and the Marshfield area is no exception. A single mom is looking to secure adequate child care, a family is searching for social options for a disabled relative or an adult son needs help caring for his aging parents.

There is one place these three people and others can turn to get connected and get answers: United Way’s 2-1-1.

By dialing 2-1-1, you are connected to a trained and friendly operator who has a database of community programs at his or her fingertips to help you find what you’re looking for.

When you call 2-1-1 you receive confidential information or referrals to human services for every day needs or more complex problems. With an increasing amount of programs and services is available, it can often be confusing to know the right place to call. In many cases people end up going without necessary and readily available services because they did not know where to start.

But 2-1-1 eliminates the confusion, because there is information about resources like food banks, rent assistance, utility assistance, support groups, counseling, financial assistance, transportation information, respite care, independent living programs, child care, protective services and more.

School will be out in a couple of months and it’s a perfect opportunity for you to pick up the phone and utilize 2-1-1’s resources. You can learn about the range of age-appropriate activities for your children. This may include your local library’s hours and how to get involved in its summer reading program or details about summer camp options and other local recreation programs.

These services aren’t limited to only the Marshfield area. In February 2006, 46 percent of the U.S. population had access to 2-1-1 services. In January 2008, coverage has expanded to 76 percent. Twenty-four states have 100 percent coverage—including Wisconsin—with the rest in implementation stages.

Marshfield Area United Way and United Way of Inner Wisconsin partner to provide the Marshfield area 2-1-1 services, available 24 hours a day, everyday.

Get connected to the information you are looking for any time day or night by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.getconnected211.org.


Contributed by Stacey Oelrich, United Way’s 2-1-1 Program Coordinator and Communications Director

Finding information is as easy as dialing 2-1-1

By Stacey Oelrich, United Way's 2-1-1 Program Coordinator and Communications Director

Every hour of every day, someone in the United States needs essential services—and the Marshfield area is no exception. A single mom is looking to secure adequate child care, a family is searching for social options for a disabled relative or an adult son needs help caring for his aging parents.

There is one place these three people and others can turn to get connected and get answers: United Way’s 2-1-1.

By dialing 2-1-1, you are connected to a trained and friendly operator who has a database of community programs at his or her fingertips to help you find what you’re looking for.

When you call 2-1-1 you receive confidential information or referrals to human services for every day needs or more complex problems. With an increasing amount of programs and services is available, it can often be confusing to know the right place to call. In many cases people end up going without necessary and readily available services because they did not know where to start.

But 2-1-1 eliminates the confusion, because there is information about resources like food banks, rent assistance, utility assistance, support groups, counseling, financial assistance, transportation information, respite care, independent living programs, child care, protective services and more.

School will be out in a couple of months and it’s a perfect opportunity for you to pick up the phone and utilize 2-1-1’s resources. You can learn about the range of age-appropriate activities for your children. This may include your local library’s hours and how to get involved in its summer reading program or details about summer camp options and other local recreation programs.

These services aren’t limited to only the Marshfield area. In February 2006, 46 percent of the U.S. population had access to 2-1-1 services. In January 2008, coverage has expanded to 76 percent. Twenty-four states have 100 percent coverage—including Wisconsin—with the rest in implementation stages.

Marshfield Area United Way and United Way of Inner Wisconsin partner to provide the Marshfield area 2-1-1 services, available 24 hours a day, everyday.

Get connected to the information you are looking for any time day or night by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.getconnected211.org.

Like movies, United Way is a collaborative effort

By Stacey Oelrich, Communications Director

I have spring fever, but that doesn’t make the snow go away any faster. So, I find myself with the opportunity to dust off favorites from my DVD collection.

After watching a DVD, I always check back to the main menu to see if the film makers included special features. It is such a treat to see behind the lights, effects and editing to experience the journey taken in the film’s production.

If Marshfield area’s daily life was captured for the silver screen, United Way’s work has a chapter in these special features.

Marshfield Area United Way’s mission is to increase our community’s capacity to care for one another. Through this mission, it is our goal to provide individuals and families the building blocks to a better life. But like the movies, the final product represents only a fraction of the work.

Our work starts with identifying community needs and evaluating services during Vision Councils. Then these needs and results are taken to a committee that reviews program funding applications.

Like making movies, creating positive change in a community takes a huge collaborative effort. Our volunteers take the matter of investing contributor dollars very seriously. They make hard decisions to fund programs that address the Marshfield area’s most critical needs.

Funded programs work to get the heart of an issue, identifying the root cause. Their programming offers preventative measures as well as helps individuals and families work towards change.

You can see this change in our results. Youth are receiving a good start, building self-esteem and decision making skills. Families are gaining financial stability, learning to budget and working their way out of debt. Individuals and families are getting back on track through support and counseling.

So the next time you finish a movie, I encourage you to check those special features. Watch a commentary from the cast or a look at the technology of special effects. Remember the two hours you just experienced is only a fraction of the hard work.

Life in our community is the same. Take the time to enjoy the feature, but also to appreciate the efforts behind the scenes. United Way, volunteers and programs are working every day of the year to make the Marshfield area a better place to live and work.

To learn more about United Way’s results and how you can be a part of change visit marshfieldareauntiedway.org or call 394-9992.

Volunteers are the Heart of our Community

The value of volunteering was instilled in me by my Mother. I will be honest, in the beginning I didn’t want to help out by volunteering. We were volunteering for our Church and generally Mom signed me up to work with her. In most cases I made my reservations very clear. She once said “if you want to be a part of this Church and reap its benefits then you have to support it.” At the time I never knew how much of an impact it would have on me. In the end when it came right down to it, I enjoyed everything she signed me up for. And she was right, I got a warm fun fuzzy feeling when I volunteered.

Before long I began volunteering on my own in my high school years and into adulthood. I am now signing up my own children to work at the same soup suppers, at the same church, and yes, telling them the same thing my mother told me. It is my hope that I can pass on to them the personal value and importance my Mother gave to me. She had a beautiful point. No matter what you belong to or where you live, you are a member of a community and it is important to volunteer your time to support it.

Volunteers are the life blood of a community. There are many wonderful activities volunteers take part in everyday. They help many organizations, schools, churches function with daily tasks and special events. Whether you volunteer with your family, or alone, you are driving community results and making an impact in those you serve. The benefits of volunteers are really immeasurable and yes, priceless.

Take some time to think of people you know who help this community or an organization be. Many of them are your family, friends, co-workers or the person who is always volunteering at your organizations events. Please take the time to thank them and help the Marshfield Area United Way, Volunteer Center and the Marshfield News Herald by nominating these outstanding individuals and groups for Volunteer of the Year.

Marshfield area volunteers are the heart of our community making an impact everyday. Nominated volunteers will be recognized at our 12th Annual Volunteer of the Year Recognition Event, Tuesday, April 1, at the Marshfield Eagles from 4 – 5:30 p.m. Together we can say thanks and relish in the joy of being a community that is rich with people who care! Nomination forms and criteria are in today’s paper. You can also find it at: www.marshfieldareaunitedway.org or call 384-9992. Written nominations must be received by 4 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2008.

Contributed by: Sarah Krenn, Community Impact/Volunteer Center Coordinator

See the results everywhere

By Stacey Oelrich, Communications Director

As you wait in line for your morning coffee you hear a woman talking on her cell phone. She’s finally starting to work her way out of debt, and learning how to budget so she doesn’t have to live paycheck to paycheck.

At the office, the receptionist is concerned about her brother who was laid off and not sure how he’ll get his children dental care. You come home to a message on your answering machine. Your sister’s husband was violent towards her and she went to a safe place.

All of these situations have one thing in common: your friends, family and neighbors found help from United Way funded programs.

We’ve found that one in four people in the Marshfield area has used a United Way Partner Program. So, if you haven’t used one, chances are you know someone who has.

These programs shape our community with the work they do. They work to address Marshfield area’s most critical needs. Programs identify and get to the heart of each situation, so individuals and families can make lasting change instead of settling for a quick fix.

And their results are every where in the community. You can see the results in the full pantry of a family who previously went hungry. They were connected with Soup or Socks and were given help to make ends meet.

A family that lost their home to fire or natural disaster receives help from many programs in our community. But their first contact is American Red Cross (ARC). ARC also provides support and services to families who have service men and women overseas.

United Way programs give youth in our area confidence, mentor opportunities, safe activities and much more. The skills youth learn can help them throughout their lives to make good decisions. This is all possible because of the work of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts-Samoset Council, Camp Courage, Girl Scouts of Woodland Council, Lutheran Social Services, Pathway Partners, Spencer Kids Group, Stratford Homework Club and Youth Net.

And in 2008, United Way is funding five programs for the first time. These programs are Chippewa Valley Boy Scouts, bringing scouting opportunities to the Neillsville area; Family Resource Center, a program of Children’s Service Society; The Genesis Room, a program of Mary’s Place; Lifelong Learning Opportunities and Safe Exchange/Supervised Visitation, a program of Personal Development Center.

Your generosity reaches residents here at home by targeting the needs identified by volunteers in the community. Your contributions stay here in the Marshfield area, which includes North Wood County, Southwestern Marathon County and parts of Clark County.

Just as we say thank you to all United Way’s contributors, we recognize and thank all the people who work at and with Partner Programs. We’re proud of the work you do improving lives and strengthening our community.

The programs mentioned are only a few of United Way’s 39 funded programs. To learn more about these programs, United Way or how you can volunteer visit marshfieldareauntiedway.org or call 394-9992.

Gifts to United Way create powerful change

By Stacey Oelrich, Communications Director

When I picked up my mail the other day I was greeted by the usual suspects: credit card bill, cell phone bill, two or three pieces of junk mail and something from my alma mater, UW-Green Bay (UWGB). I followed through my familiar pattern. I tossed the junk, paid the bills and set aside the UWGB envelope for later.

When I eventually got around to looking at it, I saw it was a letter asking to support the University. I received a good education from UWGB and still carry lessons learned and memories of supportive professors and staff with me, so I pulled out my checkbook.

After signing my name to the check, I realized I also wanted to support where I started my undergraduate degree, UW-Marshfield/Wood County, plus I had already made my United Way contribution earlier this fall.

With the holidays right around the corner, I paused. Could I really afford the bills, the budget for my holiday expenses and all of these donations?

A question we are frequently asked is “I give to other organizations close to my heart. Why should I give to United Way?”

We all have many organizations where we invest time and money, but United Way is the one organization that gives individuals, families and our community the building blocks for everyone to have the opportunity for a quality education that leads to a stable job, an income that can support a family through retirement and good health.

Your gift to United Way works to address the most critical needs in the Marshfield area.
United Way funded programs don’t just give people in need a quick fix that will help for a day or get them through a month. They identify the heart of the issue and then help produce real, lasting change.

Mary is missing more work, but it’s because she has trouble reading. Her company is implementing a new system and she can’t understand the new manuals to help her learn the changes. She connects to a United Way program that improves her reading skills.

Alice and Dave’s rent is past due, but it’s not Christmas shopping that has them strapped for cash. They used credit cards for everyday expenses and are overwhelmed by their mounting debt. They find a United Way program that teaches them how to budget and make a plan to pay off the credit cards.

Your contribution goes to help these people and more. You may never know the people you have helped through your generosity to United Way. But there’s always the chance one day you’ll be the one whose life has been changed for the better because of your neighbor’s generosity.

Take a moment to reflect on all the blessings in your life, the sorrow and joys alike. Then, if you’ve received a letter from Marshfield Area United Way, take another look at it and decide how you can be part of powerful change. Make a contribution. Volunteer.

To learn more, visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org or call 384-9992.

Gamez raffle supports community

Did you miss your chance to get a PlayStation3 last year? Is the video game fanatic in your life sick of their current selection of games? Check out a raffle for a $400 merchandise certificate presented by Gamez of Marshfield.

Gamez, located at 1915 North Central Ave, is raffling a $400 merchandise certificate good towards purchase of any merchandize at the store, based on availability. This includes a PlayStation3, Xbox 360 with $50 worth of games and merchandise, a Wii with $150 worth of games or merchandise.

Tickets are $2 each or 6 for $10, available at Gamez or Marshfield Area United Way through December 15. The winner will be drawn Sunday, December 16, just in time for the holiday season.

Second Prize is a $50 merchandise certificate, limited to one winner per household. Proceeds will go to Marshfield Area United Way. For more information about the raffle, call Gamez at 389-2772 or email Gamezllc@lycos.com.

Working together is key to improving lives in the Marshfield area

By Stacey Oelrich, Communications Director

In the past month, United Way staff members and Drive Chairs have given 46 presentations, attended two Thank You events to wrap up workplace campaigns, shopped at book fairs and jewelry sales and visited a costume contest and decorating contest. But United Way’s business isn’t fundraising and special events alone, even though it may be when you most frequently see the staff in the community at this time of year.

Throughout the year, volunteers from all walks of life and human service organizations assess the community’s needs to identify the most critical needs affecting residents. One of these emerging needs is dental care for low income individuals and families.

Our Partner Programs from each Impact Area—Community & Basic Needs, Families & Seniors and Youth Initiatives—have reported finding dental care they qualify for makes a significant impact in the lives of the clients they see. When someone is experiencing dental issues, it goes beyond just having a toothache. It can affect the rest of their health, happiness and work or school performance.

Marshfield Area United Way does more than just come into businesses for workplace campaigns. In order to start addressing the dental need, United Way is working with a community leader, The Dental Clinic of Marshfield, to seek a solution for providing dental care to individuals on medical assistance and BadgerCare.

There is no quick fix to this problem, and United Way staff and volunteers first needed to understand the true scope of dental needs in our area. The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services reports there are an estimated 5,000 people on BadgerCare and medical assistance in Marshfield and the surrounding towns. In 2007, Ministry Dental Center, a United Way Partner Program, was able to serve 168 people, but still had more than 100 area residents on their waiting list.

In 2007, The Dental Clinic of Marshfield served 1800 patients on medical assistance or BadgerCare. To address the Marshfield area’s need, The Dental Clinic has coordinated an effort with Ministry Dental Center to reduce its waiting list of Marshfield area residents.

Ministry Dental Center sent a letter to area residents waiting for services, encouraging them to contact The Dental Clinic of Marshfield to see if they would qualify to receive care at its facility. This will allow qualified residents to receive services faster.

So when you see a United Way staff member or Drive Chair at a presentation or community special event, remember that United Way’s work goes beyond traditional campaign activities. It’s because of the extra efforts of businesses, like The Dental Clinic of Marshfield—outside of fundraising—that change happens. Your dollars are hard at work every day of the year, improving lives and building a strong community in the Marshfield area.

If you are interested in learning more about Marshfield Area United Way, volunteering or making a contribution, visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org or call 384-9992.

Costume contest brings fun into the workplace, raises money for community

We were treated to a Halloween Costume Contest at Marshfield Furniture.

What a sight to see: 23 employees from throughout the company put on their Halloween best and invited Drive Chair John Baur to judge the contest, as a special event for their workplace campaign.

First place went to a striking blond (Left). Chris said his costume was a collection of items left by a former girlfriend. He said he’d like to have worn high heeled shoes, but couldn’t find any with safety toes.

Second place went to Frosty the Snowman as portrayed by Carolyn. Hopefully Carolyn didn’t melt before the day was over!

Pictured below, a group shot of all the Marshfield Furniture employees who dressed up for the occasion.

From left: Standing: a jockey, Dracula's bride, a doctor, a striking blond, Marshfield Furniture's Mascot (a cardinal), laundry basket, Frosty the Snowman, Minnie Mouse, a faceless villian, a Roman goddess, the villian from Saw, an axe murder, a packer fan and the sheriff.

Kneeling: a pretty witch, a jester, a disco dancer, Ugly Betty, bedtime toddler, and "I woke up late today."

Great job everyone! We hope you enjoyed dressing up as much as we enjoyed visiting and seeing all the great costumes.

United Way grants emergency funds to feed area families

Shelves at Soup Or Socks (SOS) food pantry will be restocked soon, a relief for area families. In response to SOS’s shortage, Marshfield Area United Way took urgent action to grant emergency funds to replenish food supplies in the pantry.

At last week’s Vision Council, Cheryl Hartl, SOS program director, reported the use of her program had increased and supplies were steadily decreasing.

“We have had 200 more people using the pantry as compared to last year. Usage is up and supplies are down,” Hartl said at the Vision Council.

“I called Cheryl after the Vision Council and suggested she submit a grant request to receive supplemental funding to hold her over until upcoming food drives, said Sarah Krenn, community impact coordinator.

But as the week progressed and United Way staff continued discussing SOS’s need, it became clear that action needed to be taken right now.

United Way’s grant deadline is November 1 and Executive Director Kim Baltus and Krenn were concerned Hartl wouldn’t receive the money soon enough. After a grant is submitted, it needs to be reviewed by the Community Impact Committee and approved by the Board. A funding check wouldn’t be issued until the week of Thanksgiving.

“We needed to take immediate steps to ensure the program could continue to serve our residents,” said Baltus.

“Cheryl and I spoke about the program’s options, and issuing this emergency grant for $5,000 was the best way to address this need and get them through December 31, 2007. We didn’t want the program to continue in this deficit or run out of food again in late December,” Krenn said.

Marshfield Area United Way’s quick response to make a great community impact was because of the generosity of last year’s contributions to its annual campaign. To help United Way continue its work with programs in our community, like Soup Or Socks, you can contributed to its 2007 campaign by giving through your workplace, call the United Way office at 384-9992 or visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org.

Decorating heroes add flair and creativity to Figi's, Inc.'s campaign

Figi’s, Inc. employees broke out their creative sides for the department decorating contest. “Last year everyone did such a wonderful job, but after walking around to look at each department’s decorating … I had rewrite my speech (for tomorrow’s presentation)!”

Decorations this year were encouraged to follow the theme “Heroes Among Us” and incorporate United Way. After visiting all the locations, the Figi’s United Way committee, which served as judges, had a hard time choosing winners.

One department recreated Marshfield in cardboard (Right)--including the Figi's building, city hall, and buildings where United Way Partner Programs are located. A "bus" greeted us at the entrance to take the United Way tour (Left).

Marketing transformed their space into a Gallery of Heroes, complete with mood lighting, a snack for the judges and displays with real-life heroes in our country. (Left, Gallery of Heroes Sign at entrance of display).

Pictured at right, a display representing United Way Partner Program, Kiddie Kaboose. The department responsible for this display used their space to showcase many Partner Programs including: Girl Scouts, Youth Net, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way's 2-1-1 and more!

We were also treated to another type of gallery of heroes--but these heroes hit a little closer to home. The walls were lined with uniforms from service men and women related to the employees. (Left)

Another section of this area was dedicated to every day heroes such as nurses, firefighters, police officers and more. (Right)

Superheroes also made a couple appearances. In the Executive Offices, a display showcased 101 Ways to Care and familiar faces dressed as favorite caped crusaders. (Left)

Pictured at right, this department brought patriotism to their decorating with red, white and blue color scheme. Hanging from the ceiling is the name of each Partner Program printed on a card and the balloons have the name of the employees in the department. Hershey "Hero" candy bars were placed on the table. (It never hurts to bribe the judges with chocolate and other treats. Many of the departments embraced this idea.)

Accounting placed their employees in capes as well. Printed pictures were hung from the ceiling with a cape and name of a Partner Program on the shield. (Left) They also did a little homework and found each program's funding amount for 2007 and placed checks around the department depicting how much money goes to each program.

It was a creative and informational way to utilize the theme and incorporate United Way.

Another great idea many of the departments had were to collect donations of nonperishable foods for the local food pantry and United Way Program, Soup Or Socks. (Right)

Information Systems created a haunted spooktacular by closing off their space with black curtains and set a perfect atmosphere with spooky music and fog! Pictured at left, a skeleton demonstrates the importance of maintaining a good dental hygiene. Many of the Partner Programs received this haunted makeover including: Boy Scouts, Red Cross, Kiddie Kaboose and more!

Thank you Figi’s, Inc. and all the employees who participated in this fun, creative event! It was such a pleasure for United Way staff and Drive Chairs to visit these amazing transformed spaces.

Presidents present pies for generous giving

To sweeten their campaigns, two local bank presidents created some friendly competition. As a part of the pacesetter campaign, Drive Chair Kathy Rhyner, Community Bank President, of Associated Bank and Al Nystrom, Community Bank President of M&I Bank set a challenge to see which bank had the highest percent of employee participation.

It soon became clear that employees from both banks rose to the challenge with 100 percent participation.

To honor the challenge, Al wore a logo shirt from Associate Bank and Kathy donned a M&I Shirt and served their favorite apple pies to Associated Bank and M&I Bank employees at their Marshfield locations.

Al delivered his pies in style, using a little red wagon (pictured at left).

The ultimate winner is the community…each bank’s employees can feel good about their friends, family and neighbors benefiting from their generosity.

The Myth about Scouting

By Carlos Martinez, Ojibwa District Executive, Samoset Council, BSA
(715) 581-6311, carlos@samoset.org

One myth about Scouting is you have to choose between Scouting and other after school activities. You most defiantly would get the most out of our program if you were able to attend every meeting and outing, but it’s okay if you can’t. I know many kids who are only able to attend one event or more a year. Some stay signed up just so they can spend a week at summer camp every year. Sometimes that one positive Scouting outing is remembered for the rest of their life and has a bigger impact than you can imagine.

When parents and kids sign up for our program we tell them that we have two, two hour meetings a month. Depending on the Pack, Troop or co-ed Venture Crew you become involved with one of these two monthly meetings could be a fun outdoor or indoor activity. The other meeting is sometimes used to plan for the next meeting or to work on advancement or recognition.

The times are changing and so is Scouting. We now offer scouting programs that go on during after school programs. The three programs we have take place during the after school programs at Abbotsford Elementary, Spencer Kids Group and Sacred Heart Elementary School in Marshfield. These programs offer an opportunity for those kids who have parents who have such a hectic work schedule that they can’t get their son to a nighttime Scout meeting.

We hope that these kids have such a great time at the after school scouting programs that they will find the time to join a traditional scouting group that meets in the evenings. The traditional scouting groups are able to do much more with the kids than we can accomplish in our short time during the after school program, but a scouting experience at any level can go a long way in having a positive impact and a child’s life.

No matter how you are able to get your son involved in scouting the effort is well worth it in many ways. Boys who are in scouts are more likely than boys not in the program to earn better grades in school. This is especially true of those who have been Scouts for five or more years. Overall boys who are in scouting have an improved performance in academic and non-academic areas, particularly in athletic skills, science, reading, and math. Boys who are in scouts have better self-confidence, better leaders, more likely to be honest, have a stronger bond with their family, more successful in their career, more financially responsible, better environmental stewards, have an increased interest in physical fitness, attend religious service more often, and are more often involved in after-school activities such as sports, visual arts, or hobbies than are boys who have never been in Scouts.

There are many more benefits for youth and adults that get involved in Scouting. Don’t just take my work for it. Check out the website, www.scouting.org. On the left hand column click on “Research Reports” and then check out the “Values of Scouting” research report. I am a product of a scouting filled youth and I turned out far from perfect, but I wonder how many opportunities I would have missed out on if I had not been a scout as a kid. Please feel free to contact me if you have more questions regarding our great scouting program.

Companies have summer fun

Pacesetter companies Heritage Bank and Central City Credit Union embraced running their campaign early by holding special events that took advantage of the warm summer weather.

Heritage Bank held an Ice Cream Sale outside the bank.

Sundaes, made with care, were served with all the yummy fixings—sprinkles, fudge and strawberry toppings.

This even included “Drive Up Service” where employees helping at the stand would bring a sundae to customers in their vehicles. (Left)

What great service!

Central City Credit Union held brat fry’s, a garage sale and also set their employees up in a dunk booth to take a swim.

Katy Meier was one of the lucky tellers to experience the dunk tank.

At right, Katy looks on as someone lines up their shot.

Below left, Katy watches the ball sail in right before it connects with its target.

United Way invests excess dollars in community programs

This spring Marshfield Area United Way is able to fill existing funding gaps in seven United Way programs to help them better serve the community. This additional funding of $14,840 is available because funds raised by Marshfield Area United Way’s annual campaign results exceeded its total allocation budget for 2007.

Each spring, programs put together a packet detailing their program’s missions and goals, financials, how they help people and ways they are improving our community.

Volunteers from all walks of life review these packets, speak with program representatives and make recommendations to the Board of Directors to decide what funding the applicants receive. At the end of the process, there are programs each Review Panel recommends for additional funding, if United Way has the financial ability to do so.

Last year Marshfield Area United Way Board of Directors sought to address the growing needs of the community and Partner Programs by increasing the goal 4.5 percent over funds raised in 2005, to raise more than one million dollars. When this amount was met, the Community Impact Committee (CIC) went back to the recommendations made in 2006.

This supplemental program funding is directed to programs addressing the community’s most critical needs as outlined in Community & Basic Needs, Families & Seniors and Youth Initiatives Impact Areas. Funding will invest in many resources focusing on improving program outcomes and services such as more staff hours for outreach programs, gas vouchers for patients seeking dental care, in addition to vouchers for fresh produce and milk for food pantry participants.

“Because of the generosity of our community in the past two years, we have money to invest back into programs. In addition to our supplemental funding, United Way has approved several grants awarded earlier this month,” said Kim Baltus, executive director.

Evaluating community needs and working towards solutions is a year-round process. Programs submit progress reports with numbers served and any obstacles they are facing. Human service programs and community leaders meet throughout the year to share ideas and discuss community needs and solutions through Vision Councils.

“Serving our community is an ongoing process, and we need to remain aware of the changing needs of our area. We’re fortunate this year to have extra funding available and the CIC plans to meet monthly evaluating needs and making funding recommendations to continue investing in Marshfield area’s success,” said Sarah Krenn, community impact coordinator.

Marshfield Area United Way serves people living and working in the Marshfield area (northern Wood County, areas in Clark County, Spencer and Stratford). To learn more about United Way, get involved or volunteer during the impact process, call 384-9992 or visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org.

Spring blooms results in the community

With spring flowers in bloom and summer on its way, people are coming outside to landscape and plant flowers. Last weekend we picked out flowers and plants to put in hanging baskets and flower beds. I also cleared the brush off my herb patch in the backyard. It’s always exciting to see the new sprouts, but with new growth there also come weeds. The hours of hard work are rewarding once I can see the herb plants again.

Spring time at United Way calls for hundreds of volunteer hours, and they’re not spent tending a garden. Instead, people from all walks of life throughout our area give the community their time to help decide which programs will receive funding in 2008. Currently funded programs, as well as new ones, submit an application which includes mission, goals, budgets, results and number of people served in North Wood County, Neillsville, Stratford and Spencer.

These volunteers read the applications in-depth, taking time to learn about Partner Programs, our community’s needs and results accomplished in the previous years. It’s armed with this information that they evaluate applications and make recommendations. Everyone takes this role very seriously because they know they are trusted to make the decision that will make the greatest impacts in the community.

Impact means getting to the heart of a problem to create long lasting change in the lives of people and our community. United Way funding isn’t about throwing money at a quick fix. We want to find out why a situation is happening in the first place and set something in place to prevent it.

It’s like maintaining a garden; the weeds prevent my herbs from thriving. In order for the plants to get rain and sunshine, I need to get down on my hands and knees and pull out all the other weeds stealing the nutrients. This stops the problem temporarily. To prevent the weeds from coming back I need to lay down mulch to stop it from choking out the herbs again. And the results are healthy, flourishing plants.

It’s exciting to see results from the current programs and new initiatives they are undertaking. Have you seen the results? They’re everywhere in our community. Elementary students are receiving preventative dental care, youth of all ages are participating in after school activities and homebound residents are receiving daily hot, nutritious meals, to mention only a few.

We are working together to change lives and make the Marshfield area a better place for people to live and work. United Way programs and volunteers are addressing critical issues facing our family, friends and neighbors every day, during every month of the year … that’s what matters.

If you are interested in attending Vision Councils or volunteering talents and skills you would like to share with United Way or one of the Partner Programs call 394-9992. To learn more about Marshfield Area United Way’s Impact Process and how we’re at work in the community, visit marshfieldareaunitedway.org or email unitedway@tznet.com.

United Way grants emergency funds for water heater repair

You don’t think about how much you depend on hot water until your water heater isn’t working. Suddenly, washing dishes and bathing, normally a simple task becomes a laborious and stressful event.

Rosemary Huber and staff at North Central Community Action Program, a United Way funded program, knew they were running on borrowed time with the water heater at Capistry Town Homes. The 7-year-old water heater was repaired in November and started acting up again in January.

The staff would continually have to restart the heater when it would stop working to get it functioning again. “We had to baby it through, to keep it up and running,” Huber said.

Capistry Town Homes is an affordable housing complex in Marshfield that’s home to seven adults and eight children. Residents of this one story, handicap-accessible apartment building never knew if their water would be working that day.

Huber said hot water is a necessity, especially for this home. “We have a very tiny baby living there who needs daily baths,” she said.

House of Heating employees even helped get the heater running throughout the day and night when it would stop. “They were awesome about coming out to look at it—trying to find what was wrong,” Huber said.

But the final diagnosis was it would be cheaper to purchase a new heater rather than fix the current one again. That’s when Rosemary called Marshfield Area United Way. “It’s hard to maintain affordable housing and keep maintenance funds at a level to cover an emergency like this,” Huber said.

Huber requested an emergency grant to allow repair that would provide residents dependable hot water again.

The United Way Executive Committee reviewed the information about the heater’s history and price quotes Huber collected for new installation. It voted and granted one-time emergency funds.

“It seems to me that this is an immediate basic need that we should provide support for. Housing is one of the top priorities in emerging needs and this is one of the few sources providing this type of service,” said Marsha Barwick, board president.

Huber expressed her gratitude to everyone who was involved getting the new heater, which was installed shortly after her grant request was approved. “It means a lot to the residents, everyone’s efforts, getting us through to keep hot water,” she said.

“This is a great example of the Impact Process at work. There was an issue affecting our neighbors, we looked at the facts, worked together and the result is hot water for local families and children,” said Kim Baltus, executive director.

It wouldn’t have been possible without all of the people who work and live in the Marshfield area—from the volunteer hours of the Executive Committee, contributions and the dedication House of Heating showed providing a helping hand. Working together, we can accomplish more than any one program or person can do alone.

Mentoring program needs volunteers

Entry by: Amber Kiggens-Leifheit, Pathway Partners, Program Coordinator

Pathway Partners’ mission is “to expose high school students to nurturing relationships with caring adults and to the diversity of opportunities and experiences in our community. We feel that these experiences will enhance student’s life skills and enable them to make successful transitions to post high school education and employment.”

Students and mentors are matched according to similar interests, hobbies, or career paths. Pathway Partners has been mentoring students at Marshfield High School for 8 years, helping more than 540 students. We are a United Way Partner Program and also get funding from our bi-yearly fundraisers, Altrusa, Good Sheppard Lutheran Church and community donations.

The program is open to all students at Marshfield High School. We work in close collaboration with students with disabilities, students who are credit deficient and students at the Alternative High School. We have a wide variety of students, all ability levels, and many diverse interests. There are close to 100 mentor-student matches this year.

Our statistics show being mentored by an adult substantially helps students make career plans. 100 percent of the students mentored have graduated, compared to 96.3 percent of the student population at Marshfield High School. 78.5 percent went to college or technical school compared to 74.7 percent of their respective classmates.

Positive effects are seen in student grades, school attendance, behavior and reduced detentions. Other benefits include increased self-confidence, positive attitude and communication skills. In a recent survey, 100 percent of our graduates said they would recommend this program to younger students. Many commented the program improved their ability to talk with adults, offered them another perspective other than their parents and gave them confidence in their career choice so they were able to declare a major before entering college, saving them time and money.

The ratio of guidance counselors to students at MHS is 340:1. Students need more help than a guidance counselor with that kind of case load can offer. Mentors listen, give advice; often with a different perspective than the student’s parent. Mentors are an advocate for the students. A mentor’s goal is to see that the student is successful. You can never have too many people in the student’s corner.

Some studies have shown those students who are first generation; meaning that their parents have not gone on to higher education, especially benefit from a mentor who helps them to see possible alternatives. These young people do not know about all the possibilities that exist unless someone takes an interest in them. They often have trouble once they get to college, because they do not know what to expect. A mentor often helps students to reach for higher goals, encouraging them. Young women often need encouragement to strive for a higher goal.

The best way for the student to decide if they really want to pursue a career is to see first hand what goes on at a business or workplace. Mentors help students apply to colleges, wade through mountains of paperwork and apply for scholarships. Some mentors report their students really have everything figured out and they are more or less a sounding board, someone who can listen.

We ask that all mentors meet once a month for an hour with their student. Mentors could ideally work with the same student for the student’s whole high school career. Many mentors are still in touch with their students during college and afterwards, having made a long lasting friendship.

We need volunteers. We are looking for caring, responsible adult volunteers, who are willing to share their knowledge with a student. To volunteer call 387-8464 ext 384 or e-mail:
leifheita@marshfield.k12.wi.us.

Happy Hour for United Way

Gather friends and enjoy an evening out for United Way. Happy Hour for United Way, hosted by Sue Decker & guest bartender Jenny Sadauskas.

Thursday, April 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the Rose Bowl

Thursday, May 3 from 5-7 p.m. at Utopia Lounge, delicious food provided by Gianeselli’s

Wednesday, May 9 from 5-7 p.m. at Potsie’s

Volunteers hard at work during Impact Funding

Earlier this week, if you visited the United Way office, you would have been surrounded by stacks of packets and three ring binders. Yes, it’s time for our funding cycle, which means application packets from current Partner Programs and new programs.

Each year, programs put together a packet detailing their program’s missions and goals, financials, how they help people and ways they are improving our community.

Volunteers from all walks of life will review these packets, have an opportunity to speak with program representatives and then decide what funding the applicants receive. These volunteer teams will make funding recommendations and the board will review and allocate in May.

Because the campaign exceeded goal, the Impact Committee will look at needs and funding requests from last year’s application and give supplemental funding, additional to money granted for 2007, to current Partner Programs.

This isn’t the only funding process United Way has though. There are also grant opportunities in May, August and November, when funds are available. Venture funds are granted for new programs addressing community needs and supplemental funding for existing programs that have unforeseen costs.

We’re working together to touch the lives of your family, friends and neighbors throughout the Marshfield area who need help.

Companion Day Services connects children, students and seniors

By Sara Riedel, CSW, Companion Day Services Director, 715-387-4411

Taking care of a senior spouse, grandparent, parent or loved one, especially if he or she is in need of regular supervision and assistance, can be difficult. What do you do if you need to work during the week, attend medical appointments or just need time away to focus on yourself? Is your loved one able to stay at home alone? If not, Companion Day Services can help. We’ll look after your loved one when you are not able to. Let us help you get your life and the life of your loved one back.

Companion Day Services (CDS) is a Social Adult Day Service program. CDS is part of the Tiny Tiger Intergenerational Center opening soon in Marshfield. The center will provide three interacting services: child care, adult care and a Human Services Academy Charter School under one roof. The facility is designed to bring generations together to interact and support one another. We will provide “learning for all ages and care for all stages.” We will be the first in the nation to offer this combination of services.

CDS is designed to meet the needs of:
1) Adults who are recovering from a recent illness, injury or surgery
2) Frail or socially isolated adults living at home, alone or with a caregiver
3) Adults experiencing a decrease in physical, mental or social functioning (including those suffering memory loss).
Participants of CDS may be facing different challenges, such as loneliness, forgetfulness, depression or the frailties of aging. Others face obstacles like strokes, early Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, cognitive disabilities, Down’s Syndrome as well as other illnesses or injuries.

Participant needs will be met through our comprehensive programs designed to:
1) Help delay the progress of a participant’s existing disability
2) Preserve or improve the participants health and level of functioning
3) Maintain a participant’s level of independence
4) Establish an individual plan of care based on an assessment of personal needs and strengths
5) Assist with activities of daily living and personal care provided in a safe and secure environment
6) Provide nutritional meals and snacks.
7) Foster companionship through social interactions with other participants, children and students

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving more information about Companion Day Services, feel free to call Sara Riedel, CDS Director at 715-387-4411 or email at companionday@hotmail.com.

Thanks to our Marshfield Community for their support.

Impact Process produces results you can see across the Marshfield area

The campaign is over—but that doesn’t mean we’re not busy at United Way. The Impact Process is in full swing.

In January we met with the three Vision Councils: Community & Basic Needs, Families & Seniors and Youth Initiatives. The Vision Councils are comprised of volunteers from human service programs and other programs working day to day with the community—from teachers, police officials, housing leaders, etc.

In the community’s Impact Plan, there are two levels: Emerging Issues and Community Services. Emerging Issues are identified needs in the community that if not addressed, will have a negative impact in other areas that will affect our quality of life. Community Services are core issues and services that are the foundation of a healthy community.

Last fall, the Vision Councils evaluated the goals set in 2003 and progress that’s been made since then. They have taken their findings to update the priorities and emerging needs of the Impact Plan.

Community & Basic Needs and Families & Seniors:
· Add transportation as an Emerging Issue
· Collaborate to investigate needs in dental care

Youth Initiatives:
· Move Life Skills & Self Esteem to Community Services—because programs in our community have done a fantastic job addressing this former emerging issue by creating and expanding programming to serve youth in our community.
· Add Safe Activities for youth: birth to age 11
· Add Safe Activities for youth: ages 12+

The Vision Councils will investigate these issues throughout the year and work towards solutions to helping those in need throughout the Marshfield area.

It’s exciting to see results from the current programs and new initiatives they are undertaking. Have you seen the results? They’re everywhere in our community. Elementary students are receiving preventative dental care, youth of all ages are participating in after school activities and homebound residents are receiving daily hot, nutritious meals, to mention only a few.

This spring, we take these needs and results to Review Panels to decide funding for 2008. We are working towards providing for priority or emerging needs throughout our community, ensuring your dollars are spent carefully.

It’s an ongoing, always changing process—working all year long to provide the best services to care for our community.

If you want to be attend a Vision Council meeting or participate in the Impact Process contact Community Impact Coordinator Sarah Krenn at 384-9992 or volunteercenter@tznet.com.

4:02 on a Friday Afternoon

Happy Friday afternoon to everyone out there.... but of course if you're not reading this on a Friday afternoon Happy _________________ (insert day and time here).

It's almost 4 o'clock, and boy has this been an interesting week. We're wrapping up campaign and preparing for the Thank You event.

The office is embracing the New Year. Sarah is starting the Community Impact process, Jeanne is preparing for the audit (you should see her stacks!) and I'm familiarizing myself with my new computer and working hard to get the Thank You program done. I think I have put all the final touches on it--now it needs to be proofread a few times before I copy and put it together.

Reading through and typing names for the Marsh Society pages WAS NOT fun. When Jeanne and I proofread it, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't make (too) many mistakes.

The program isn't that big or special, but boy, it takes a lot of work to put together.

Of course, as one campaign comes to a close, we start planning for our new year. Sarah and I are going to work together to bring you the messages of Community Impact. I also want to revamp our web site. This was a goal of mine for 2006, but it didn't come to pass. We updated it more, though (that counts for something, right?).

Neither Jeanne or myself have any formal experience in Web design--so the thought of changing what we have is a scary one. But I feel a new web site would serve the community better and be easier for us to update and use.

There really are too many things to tell you about right now ... especially for 4:00 on a Friday afternoon.

But my New Years Resolution is to bring you blogs more frequently--so hopefully you'll be reading about all our adventures in the months to come.

Benefit Concert for United Way

Guitar soloists, Tom Vinnedge and Kurt Morgan Dovenbarger will perform a mix of traditional covers and original songs at a concert to benefit United Way on Saturday, December 2, 2006, at 7:30pm at the Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts in downtown Marshfield, WI.

Tom Vinnedge and Kurt Morgan Dovenbarger are local area residents who have recently relocated to the Marshfield area, bringing a wealth of musical experience with them.

Tom Vinnedge arrived in Marshfield from the Twin Cities. His recording credits include two LP’s. His first solo LP, "Lend Me Your Ear," was recorded at Orphane Records, and a second was recorded with Scarecrow Joe at Audio Images Studio in St. Paul.

Kurt Dovenbarger, a Marshfield native, resided in Madison and Milwaukee for the past 25 years. He has recently moved back to the area and will be performing locally.

A music school graduate, Kurt played professionally and taught private lessons in the Milwaukee area for 19 years. Working with a wide variety of bands incorporating rock, blues, country, wedding music, he has opened for such acts as Head East, Eddie Money, Joan Jett, The
Go Go’s. He is perhaps best known for his work with Three James Morgan, a Milwaukee-based rock band who released CD’s in 1999 and 2002. "There's no mistaking that these guys are ace players," exclaimed Scott Wooldridge, quoted in OnMilwaukee.com.

Kurt currently plays solo and duo acts and has established a teaching studio in Marshfield. He hopes to expand the music scene in the Marshfield area and is looking forward to meeting new musicians and local talents.

Tickets to the benefit event will be $5 at the door, with proceeds going to Marshfield Area United Way. Event sponsored by Success Realty. For more information call the Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts at 715-389-8999 or visit www.chestnutARTS.org. The Center is located in downtown Marshfield at the corner of Third Street and Chestnut Avenue.

Thank You! from everyone at United Way

We're making great progress this year ... and we couldn't have done it without everyone's help.

Thank you to:

Volunteers
Partner Programs
Board Members
Campaign Coordinators
Community Businesses
Campaign Volunteers
Supervisors who give us time to give presentations
Employees across the community who listen to our presentations
Everyone who's contributed so far ...

On behalf of the people who you have touched in the Marshfield area ... we thank you!

Click this link to view a special thank you card http://studio.unitedway.org/thanksgiving/

2-1-1 Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Have you had a community information question that you just couldn’t find the answer to? How many phone books did you page through? You could save all that time, just by dialing 2-1-1.

United Way’s First Call 2-1-1 celebrates its first anniversary, November 1, 2006. Residents of Adams, Clark and Wood Counties are connecting to answers by dialing this simple, easy to remember number any time of day, every day of the week.

Since rollout 2-1-1 has received 2,225 calls, up from 1,378 from last year, helping people get the information they need about health and human service programs in their community. Every call is free and confidential. When you dial 2-1-1 you will speak to a trained information and referral specialist who can help you break down the situation and find the answers you need.

Available 24 hours a day, everyday—2-1-1 provides benefit to our communities by tracking community needs and identifying unmet needs.

September 11, 2001, showed a need for community preparedness and reliable information source in time of a local or national emergency. This lead to a 2003 bi-partisan effort by Senators Hilary Clinton and Elizabeth Dole to encourage a national move to make information easily accessible through 2-1-1 call centers.

First Call for Information has been available in the Marshfield area since 1981. Throughout the years it’s been growing with community needs and the transition to 2-1-1 was the next logical step for the program to continue expanding to serve the community. A listserv for professionals, civic and social organization is now available to alert users of news and material that are available. To sign up, email 211resources@uwfirstcall.org or call 2-1-1.

So the next time you’re wondering about the hours of the senior center or looking for more information about childcare—pick up the telephone and dial 2-1-1.

With the support of Marshfield Area United Way, United Way of South Wood County United Way, Black River Country United Way, Heart of Wisconsin United Way, Adams County, Saint Joseph’s Ministry Health Care Fund, 2-1-1 is available for you to get or give help.

Campaign means waiting

Yesterday was our second count. A count is when we gather all the company envelopes that have been turned in to banks and our office, check and record what they have raised. We have two finance volunteers help our two staff members count the contents of all the envelopes. We record the contributions: how many payroll deductions, checks, cash, special events, count what's in the envelope, record it on the campaign envelope, count sheet and deposit slip. Then we double check everything.

Last year, at our third count, one company turned in a special event that had a lot of coins. Counting more than a $100 worth of coins leaves an impact on you. Jeanne and I laughed at our finance member groaning each time she made a pile of 100 pennies. We both had been there ourselves. And later that morning, we had to count that same bag of coins to make sure that we recorded the right number.

A count that takes a long time has the potential to be good ... or bad. Good because it means there were a lot of donations. Bad because we didn't balance--have the same amount on our sheets compared to money in.

After our counts, it's the waiting game. Then Jeanne comes back to the office to enter all the information, calculate percent increases and losses. After each count I send an update to our campaign volunteers who distribute envelopes to businesses and a press release to the radio and paper.

Yesterday I got the "shell" ready. I laid out the basic bones of the updates, wrote what I could. But now I wait.

We do more waiting then you might think during campaign. We start preparing for campaign season in February when we discuss our theme, ideas for the year. We work on the video and program funding is decided in April and May. June and July is the heavy lifting finding Pacesetters, preparing their materials and ordering our campaign supplies. August the Pacesetters start their campaigns and we begin presentations. I spend two or three months of this time researching, interviewing and writing articles.

But now, most campaigns have started. All the materials are ordered ... we're running out of some. Once we had about eight campaign presentations a week, now we're down to maybe two.

It's the waiting game. Waiting for campaigns to come in with totals, waiting for updates about who's down and by how much--or who had a spectacular year. Each day is different.

One Executive Director from a small United Way in Illinois said through our United Way listserv during campaign time each day was like Christmas morning. I never remembered Christmas being so stressful.

Campaign is exciting ... going into companies, meeting new people, seeing fun ideas and creative events. It's also heart warming to see the effort people bring to their campaigns and their contribution. Our communities really understand the good they do by contributing. We work very hard all year long--not just during September through December--making sure we're getting results and making positive change in our community.

But today, I wait.

Recognize and tribute those who’ve experienced domestic violence

By Personal Development Center, 384-2971

October is domestic violence awareness month—a time to recognize and pay tribute to the survivors of domestic abuse. They have overcome incredible barriers in order to find safety and a path to happiness for themselves and their children. We also remember those who lost their lives at the hands of their abuser.

So far this year we have been bombarded by headlines of the violent deaths in our area. This demonstrates how widespread the problem is and the seriousness of the crimes.

A pregnant woman was murdered by her abusive partner—a violent death, having a glass candy dish shoved down her throat.

The effects of domestic violence have a high cost: in human lives and impact in our community.

The Personal Development Center continues to feel the effects of the influx of domestic violence in the communities we serve. Through the second quarter of this year, the North Wood DV Program has served 245 victims of domestic violence through our crisis and transitional services, which is up 40 people from this time last year.

The Clark County Outreach Program has served 53 participants this year, which is an increase of 37.

We continue to be saddened by the stories of domestic violence victims and their children who live in fear in homes plagued by power, control and violence. Yet we are continually amazed by the strength and determination of the survivors who are able to find their way to safety and can begin to rebuild their lives. Their success is truly an inspiration to all of us and helps us continue our mission to create a community where violence has no place.

Dr. Phil references 2-1-1

Exciting news for United Way's 2-1-1.

Dr. Phil was working with guests who are working their way out of debt. Dr. Phil announced United Way's 2-1-1 as a country-wide resource for people looking for community information.

Follow this link http://drphil.com/shows/show/773/ to check out Dr. Phil's guests and other money-managing and debt control links. This reference is a great opportunity to let our nation know about their free, confidential inforamtion and referral number.

GoodSearch for United Way

You can raise money for United Way by the click of your mouse. As simple as that, no catches, no strings, no pop-ups, only results—by contributing to Marshfield Area United Way.

How? Just use GoodSearch.com as your default search engine. Powered by Yahoo!, GoodSearch was founded by a brother and sister team Ken and JJ Ramberg, who wanted to make it easier for people to support their favorite causes. The site is dedicated to their mother, who they lost to cancer.

It works like other search engines; the difference is GoodSearch shares the revenue it generates from advertisers. So, every time a user performs a search, a portion of those ad dollars go back into the community.

And if you’re wondering how much revenue can be generated by search engines overall, consider this. Last year, search engines reportedly generated close to $6 billion in revenue from advertisers.

Each completed search raises a penny for United Way. So, for example, if 500 people search two times a day during one year, Marshfield Area United Way would receive an estimated $3,650, to help improve lives and build stronger communities in the Marshfield area.

That means having more resources to address community needs that matter most. And you can keep track of our estimated earnings by clicking on “Amount Raised” once you select Marshfield Area United Way as your organization of choice. As of September 7, searches for United Way have raised $8.79.

The more people who use the search engine on behalf of United Way, the more money we earn. So please spread the word.

GoodSearch for United Way: Donate every time you hit search! Powered by Yahoo!
1. Visit www.goodsearch.com. Where it says “I’m supporting…” Type United Way and click Verify.
2. Scroll down and select United Way—Marshfield Area. Now Search and donate to United Way for free!
3. Download the toolbar, set www.goodsearch.com as your home page or add to your favorites.

Follow Microsoft and Mickey’s lead when it comes to program branding

Entry By Stacey Oelrich, Marshfield Area United Way, Community Relations Development Coordinator, unitedway.stacey@tznet.com

Quick—think about what ABC’s (the television broadcast company) logo looks like. Can you picture it? What about Disney? Or Starbucks? Chances are you can see these logos pretty clearly in your mind if you actually think about them. And there are probably hundreds of other symbols, words or graphics that you see in your day-to-day life that make you think of their corresponding company without giving it a second thought or much effort.

And that’s exactly what they want: to be instantly identifiable. Each of these companies have an entire staff working and researching on the best way to present their company.

They call it Branding, think of it as how you present your program in the community. Microsoft’s brand is worth 65 billion dollars. While a brand doesn’t directly generate revenue, it can influence if people remember your program.

Just like the supermarket, consumers pay more or go out of their way for name brand items. They do this because they recognize the name, trust or believe in the product and think it has benefits or a higher quality than its generic counterpart.

You can use these brand concepts to work for you. By choosing a logo, graphic or brandmark that represents your program and consistently using it, you are developing your brand. If you are a local office of a state or national organization (ex: our local United Way is under the parent organization of United Way of America) utilize the national logos, and find out what rules or regulations they require you to follow—this may already be a benefit of your membership dues. This takes a lot of the leg work away from your workload. Chances are, just like Microsoft, Disney and ABC, they used their resources to research, design and evaluate the most effective look and consistent message to present.

Your goal is to have an instantly recognizable logo that brings value to your organization. As people are “shopping” for programs, you’ll only benefit if they know your logo and trust your program. That’s why we ask you to include the United Way logo on your materials. We’re working towards a consistent, valuable brand—that you can benefit from.

If you don’t have a national affiliate you can brand your organization as well. Chose a logo, colors (around three, perhaps those in or that compliment your logo). Develop a logo that can be converted to black and white and grayscale for different printing projects.

Distinguish where you will place your logo: left, right, top, bottom? Once you decide, don’t change it! Don’t switch to green because you are sick of blue—this lessens the chance that people will immediately recognize your logo—which is working against your brand value.

It takes five different experiences to recognize and remember a logo or brand, and after this, people start developing a trust and relationship with your program’s branding. So as you’re getting sick of your logo or how you phrase your message, remember many people are hearing it for the first time.

Vision Councils connect to impact the Marshfield area

Entry by: Stacey Oelrich, Community Relations Development Coordinator

Last weekend, I went to my friend’s wedding in De Pere. We checked into the hotel, and one of the first things I did was pull out my laptop, pop in my WIFI-wireless card and connect to the hotel’s wireless network.

When I lived in Green Bay, we had a wireless network set up in our apartment. I thought it was absolutely brilliant that I could search for recipes as I was getting ready for supper in the kitchen or sitting outside on our patio to work.

I rarely missed an opportunity to unplug my laptop and wander around the apartment to talk, work or just be connected to all of these opportunities on the Internet.

Networks are important. But computers aren’t the only ones using networks to share information. Networking is a way to advance careers, and they also allow the community to connect.

Sometimes in this busy world of ours it’s hard to take the time to connect. These connections make such a significant difference in our daily lives and at United Way, we think it’s important to find the time to share information, foster relationships and work together to make the community a better place to live and work.

Marshfield Area United Way hosts Vision Councils as a part of our Community Impact Process. They are a gathering of people of all professions coming together to make change because they care about making an impact in our service area.

We ask these residents and professionals to assess needs of each of our Impact Areas, which is then taken to the Community Impact Committee that reviews funding applications of programs serving the community’s needs.

Vision Councils meet throughout the year, so we are able to keep a pulse on our service area’s emerging and priority needs. Each Vision Council focuses on a different Impact Area: Community & Basic Needs, Families & Seniors and Youth Initiatives.

It’s easy to become involved in a Vision Council; you just need an interest in the community to come to the meetings. Everyone’s input and ideas collectively help the group achieve goals, find solutions and go forward on projects that may not have been possible before.

During these meetings everyone shares information about what works, events that might be fun or beneficial, and problems they may have encountered. These leaders know they need accomplish real lasting change, not settle for quick fixes.

The Vision Councils’ setting encourages people to share ideas and talk through issues. This allows participants to see the situation from different perspectives and seek opinions.

We have found in all our technological advances, the good old-fashioned meeting still helps people gather information and build connections. Together, we can do so much more than any one of us can do alone.

Working together to change lives and make the Marshfield area a better place for people to live and work … that’s what matters.

To learn more about Vision Councils and when they meet, call Marshfield Area United Way at 384-9992.