Dear Friends:

When we choose to help, to contribute, to reach out, that’s when we create change in the Blackhawk Region. One moment of compassion and generosity makes it possible for anyone in our community to recover from a crisis, rebuild what was lost, to reimagine a new kind of future in 2022 and become a Champion for Change.

This #GivingTuesday, when you give to United Way Blackhawk Region, you will be helping people change their lives. Together we can:

Create strong starts for children
Through early education programs like Janesville Community Day Care and Community Kids, we make sure all kids have access to a high-quality education no matter their zip code. 

Provide safe homes and warm meals
We’re increasing our support for people experiencing homelessness and hunger in our community, especially as the need increased during COVID-19 and has remained high this year. For example, Salvation Army Rock County, Beloit Meals on Wheels and Family Promise of Greater Beloit are experiencing record numbers of families and elderly neighbors in need. 

Give more adults career training and support
The right training can help more people get hired, increase their income and improve their financial stability. Programs like Community Action’s Fresh Start and Fatherhood Initiative, both funded by United Way Blackhawk Region, help to connect workers with work that is meaningful and to jobs with a living wage. 

Increase access to health care
Resources like HealthNet of Rock County connected thousands of Rock County residents to critical health services and care in 2021. Every person in our community should have access to what they need to have a stable, healthy life—to thrive, rather than to just survive.

...and so much more. Are you ready to step up to the podium and be a Champion for Change? Please make a donation to United Way Blackhawk Region. 
Highest Charity Ratings
Again in 2021, United Way Blackhawk Region has attained the highest ratings possible from two, independent charity review organizations.

Charity Navigator
America’s premier independent charity evaluator, has awarded United Way Blackhawk Region four out of a possible four stars 7 years in a row. This score indicates that UWBR adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way.

GuideStar Exchange
United Way Blackhawk Region is again rated as a Platinum Participant by the GuideStar Exchange, the nation's first central source for evaluation of nonprofit organizations. GuideStar also serves to verify that donated funds go to where the donor intended.
When You GIVE to UWBR You:
  • Make healthy, affordable food more accessible
  • Provide shelter for people experiencing homelessness
  • Help people connect to 211, a critical helpline
  • Increase job training opportunities
  • Ensure access to quality child care
  • Support students working to graduate high school
  • Connect more people to mental health care services
Listen to 60 second interview(s) with United Way Blackhawk Region 2021 Community Campaign Co-Chairs Derek Hahn or John Wong, United Way CEO Mary Fanning-Penny, as well as messages from "Red Hot Ken Scott" and Gaia Gavin.

Special thanks to all our media partners, including WCLO/WJVL and Big Radio for helping us mobilize the caring power of community.