June 2025

#1 Number of Individuals Reaching Financial Stability Continues to Increase

As we continue to work on our bold goal to lift 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033, we are pleased to report that (so far) 4,443 have been lifted.

This change was made possible by the collective efforts of many in our community. Our mission of “Uniting to Thrive” is symbolic of what it takes for change to occur.

By mobilizing to address the needs of people in our community, we are all Uniting to THRIVE. To learn more about our bold goal read our 2024 Impact Report (published in 2025).

#2 Working to Close the Digital Divide, Providing Free Laptops

We teamed up with United Way Wisconsin and the Public Service Commission to provide free laptops to eligible community members – about 200 have been distributed.

United Way of Marathon County handed out 75 at ECDC Multicultural Community Center on May 1.

On May 19, 100 laptops were distributed to recipients at The Neighbors’ Place in partnership with Marathon County Social Services and North Central Community Action Program. 

This program is aimed at addressing Wisconsin’s digital divide, partly by supporting access to devices. It is made possible through a partnership with United Way of Wisconsin, under the CPF Digital Connectivity and Navigators Program Grant, offered by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.

United Way of Marathon County is a sub-awardee of the grant, meaning we will distribute laptops to eligible individuals, at no cost to them. 

#3 Pregnancy and Postpartum Resource Fair Attracted a Full House

Community Partners Campus was packed with informational booths, clothing, resources, and new or soon-to-be parents for the Pregnancy and Postpartum Resource Fair Thursday, May 22.

Families shopped a selection of baby and maternity clothes from our Mobile Closet and received infant care kits.

The event, in partnership with The Babies’ Place, also offered free diapers and informational booths with representatives from more than 15 agencies including WIC, Childcaring, Bridge Community Health Clinic, Healthfirst, and Nurse-Family Partnership. 

Clothing Drives

Kick off the summer with a clothing drive for The Community Closet. Currently, the closet is in need of kids' clothes sizes 3t to 16. If you would like to hold a drive at your workplace, please reach out to Carly Hanney at channey@unitedwaymc.org.

Donations can be dropped off at the closet Wednesdays from 1-4 p.m. or Fridays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

#4 Farm to Family Produce Box Is BACK, Our Garden Starts to Grow

Our Hunger Coalition’s Farm to Family Produce Program is back in full swing! On Tuesday, May 20, Retire United volunteers packed 100 boxes that went out for distribution at The Neighbors’ Place.

The number of boxes in the coming weeks will increase to 200. This unique program is years in the making. Coalition members have forged a strong partnership with Cattail Organics and Red Door Family Farm - the farms plan, grow, and harvest the organic produce.

The coalition purchases it, then volunteers carefully assemble it into boxes. Next, the coalition distributes the boxes to food pantries and local nonprofits.

Huge shoutout to Rocket Industrial for donating the boxes!

Our Garden Gets Ready to Flourish

Volunteers have been busy at Our Garden getting it ready to flourish this summer. The garden was expanded to provide more beds of food and seeds have been planted.

Our Garden is a demonstration and educational space. It's funded by sponsors, run by volunteers and the space is donated. This year's sponsors are Great Lakes Cheese Company and Slow Food Marathon County.

#5 Register for the annual Campaign Kickoff Event Set for September 4

Join us for our annual Campaign Kickoff event Thursday, September 4 at Northcentral Technical College.

Learn what it feels like to be a part of the ALICE population. Scenarios will come at you...will you be able to make ends meet?

Chat with others in your industry and share fun ways to engage employees in the campaign.

Hear about the impact your dollars are having, enjoy lunch, and grab some swag.

Calendar of Events

• Thursday, June 5 - Power of the Purse!
• Thursday, June 12 - Emerging Leaders Monthly Huddle
• Friday, June 20 - Day of Action Painting VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Save the Date

• Campaign Kickoff Event! Registration is Open