A Monthly Update From UW Valleys

UW Valleys has named Randy Morrissette II as its new Executive Director following the retirement of Steve McCarthy.

Morrissette brings more than 25 years of leadership experience and a strong commitment to public service, including his role on the Hudson Common Council, where he currently serves as Council President.

As UW Valleys continues building momentum across Western Wisconsin, Morrissette will focus on strengthening partnerships and advancing community driven solutions across the region.

Beginning March 1, 2026, the UW Valleys Diaper Bank will begin distributing diapers in Pepin County through the Family Resource Center of Buffalo and Pepin Counties in Durand. This expansion increases access to essential diaper supplies for families and strengthens support for caregivers across the region.

By growing our network of distribution partners, UW Valleys continues working to ensure families have reliable access to basic needs that support child health and well being.

FNC Bank is hosting a diaper drive for the UW Valleys Diaper Bank through March 28. Donations can be dropped off at their locations in Dresser, Hudson, New Richmond, and Somerset.

UW Valleys has released the 2025 211 Impact Report.

211 is a free, confidential helpline that connects people to local resources for housing, food, and utility assistance. In 2025, 211 provided 8,397 referrals across our six county region. Housing was the top need at 44.3 percent.

When Brian’s rental home burned down, he called 211 unsure where to turn. A Community Resource Specialist helped his family get emergency shelter, access food and clothing, and connected them to resources for a new home.

Read the full report to see how 211 serves as a trusted first call for help in our community.

Registration is underway for Give Big Valleys, the 24 hour online giving event hosted by UW Valleys. Nonprofits can still sign up and begin preparing for a powerful day of generosity across our region. Save the date for Tuesday, April 28, 2026, and join communities throughout Western Wisconsin in making a big impact.

Registration is open until April 17, 2026.

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys is continuing its partnership with United Way of Wisconsin and the Otto Bremer Trust to help direct critical funding to nonprofits serving our region.

Through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund, United Way of Wisconsin will administer $4 million in grant funding to support organizations responding to urgent community needs. Participating United Ways across the state, including UW Valleys, will help connect this funding to local nonprofits working in areas such as food, shelter, low-income healthcare clinics, disability services, and school based mental health.

Watch for more information in the coming weeks about the grant application process!

Starting February 1, round up your purchase at Marketplace Foods in Menomonie to support the Winter Wear Open House. Hosted annually each fall by Marketplace Foods with support from UW Valleys, the event provides free coats, hats, gloves, and boots to community members in need.

Special Thanks to MarketPlace Foods!

• ROUND UP at MarketPlace Foods, Menomonie - February 1 to March 31, 2026
• FNC Bank Diaper Drive - March 2-28, 2026
• Give Big Valleys - April 28, 2026
• Day of Caring - October 1, 2026

UW Valleys Mission

United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Western Wisconsin.

Serving Burnett, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties, we unite people and resources to tackle our region's most pressing challenges.