February Thursday Three Newsletter

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Meet Heidi Thomas: Diving Headfirst into Community Impact!

We are excited to introduce Heidi Thomas as our new Community Impact Manager at the Oshkosh Area United Way. With extensive experience in development and program management, as well as a strong commitment to volunteering in our community, Heidi brings a dynamic energy and enthusiasm for making a difference in our area.

With a background in cultivating relationships, analyzing data, and strategizing innovative solutions in the for-profit sector, Heidi is ready to contribute significantly to our mission. Her diverse skill set, including strategic planning, resource management, and stakeholder engagement, will be invaluable in her new role. We are confident that Heidi's leadership and expertise will further enhance our impact and strengthen our commitment to serving the community.

Heidi has wasted no time diving in to assist with the collection of handmade projects from students at Vel Phillips Middle School. These projects, crafted as part of a Social Studies lesson on Martin Luther King Day of Service, will be utilized by two area organizations, aiming to combat social isolation in our senior communities. Follow our social media channels to discover more about this meaningful initiative.

Heidi is a graduate of UW-Platteville, a ferocious book reader, and resides in her hometown of Oshkosh with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Pictured above is Heidi Thomas of OAUW and Christopher Willems, Dean of Students at Vel Phillips Middle School.

Celebrating 211 Day: Connecting Our Community with Vital Resources

Did you know that 211 is a free, confidential helpline available across Oshkosh and the surrounding area? 211 Information Specialists are trained to ask the right questions, thoroughly assess situations, and remain non-judgmental to find the most appropriate resources available. Every call answered is handled with care, with the understanding that each call is not the same.

In 2023, Southern Winnebago County's top five referrals included:

Housing & Shelter
Transportation Assistance
Mental Health & Addictions
Utilities
Healthcare

National 211 Day celebrates the vital role of 211 helplines in connecting individuals and families with essential community resources and services. From accessing food assistance to finding shelter and mental health support, 211 helplines play a crucial role in ensuring no one is left behind.

Learn More>>

OAUW February Collection Drive – Give the Gift of a Healthy Smile

As OAUW continues its mission to boost the health and happiness of our community, and in celebration of February being National Children's Dental Health Month, we're on a mission to collect dental hygiene supplies for the young ones in our area. We're talking about floss, floss picks, toothbrushes, and toothpaste for kids of all ages!

These much-needed supplies will be shared with local programs in Oshkosh and beyond, ensuring bright and healthy smiles that boost self-esteem and sharpen focus in school.

You can drop off your donations at the OAUW office at 16 Washington Ave., Oshkosh, and let's make smiles sparkle.

Call (920) 235-8560 if you have questions or would like to confirm that staff will be available when you drop off your donations.

Learn More>>

Save the Dates for Upcoming Events in 2024

Be sure to add the following event dates to your calendar!!!

April 11 – Annual OAUW Celebration
April 15 – OAUW Emerging Leader Volunteer Opportunity
May 8 – Day of Caring Hosted by OAUW
June 7 – Golf to Give Charity Golf Outing Hosted by OAUW
August 12 – OAUW Emerging Leader Volunteer Opportunity
October 21 – OAUW Emerging Leader Volunteer Opportunity
December 7 – Race for the Light Hosted by OAUW

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Oshkosh Area United Way | 920-235-8560 | oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org

Oshkosh Area United Way is a 501(c)(3) charity.