October 2025

#1 Senior Citizens in Marathon County are ALICE

We all know people who are ALICE - earning more than the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford the rising cost of basic needs where they live.



Typically, the ALICE population earns too much for assistance.

The ALICE population also includes senior citizens living on fixed incomes – like 97-year-old Wausau resident, Merlin. The latest 2025 ALICE data forecasts that individuals living on fixed incomes will continue to struggle.

We fund programs that lift community members to financial stability. Consider making a gift today to help us reach our bold goal to lift 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033. We've made it simple. You can donate here or through your workplace campaign.

#2 Investing $1.7 Million into the Community

We are pleased to announce our investment of $1.7 million dollars into 29 community programs that focus on relieving the financial burden on households in the county, starting in 2026 and continuing through 2027.

In addition, there are 11 nonprofits that will receive funding for the first time. Our funding priorities focus on accomplishing our bold goal – to lift 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033. Those priorities are Basic Needs, Childcare, Behavioral Health, and Employment & Income.

#3 United Way Distributes $254K in grants from Otto Bremer Trust

United Way of Marathon County distributed $254,000 to six local nonprofits.

The funding comes from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund, and the Otto Bremer Trust chose the United Way of Wisconsin network as its philanthropic intermediary.

The six nonprofits receiving funds are the Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area, Marathon County Literacy Council, Bridge Community Health Clinic, The Women’s Community, Wisconsin Judicare and Woodson YMCA.

Statewide, United Ways facilitated the distribution of $2 million from the fund.

#4 Mobile Community Closet Stops in More Rural Areas This Summer

In an effort to reduce barriers to basic-need items like clothing, we’re proud to report that our Mobile Community Closet rolled into more rural areas this summer than the previous year.

A total of 700 individuals were served with free clothing from our Mobile Community Closet.

This May through August, the mobile closet made appearances in Edgar, Abbotsford, Spencer, Mosinee, Community Partners Campus, Head Start in Wausau, John Muir Middle School, and Bridge Community Health Clinic. For the remainder of the year, plans include return visits to Abbotsford and Mosinee.

As coordinators start planning for next year’s schedule, they take into consideration ALICE and 211 data. The latest 2025 ALICE data identified Athens as an area of concern, which means residents there could see the mobile closet set up shop in the future.

#5 16th Annual Turkey Trot Registration is OPEN!

Grab your running shoes, your dogs, and your best turkey gear!

Secure your spot in the 16th annual Turkey Trot! Last year's 5k run/walk raised a record $86,000 and attracted 2,200 participants.

This annual, family event is the largest fundraiser for the United Way Hunger Coalition. For more than 15 years, community members have supported the work of the Hunger Coalition by running and walking to give back.

Calendar of Events

• Thursday, October 2: Emerging Leaders' Compete for a Cause
• Wednesday, October 8: The Great Carrot Harvest #2 (Volunteers needed)
• Thursday, October 9: Mobile Community Closet at Abbotsford
• Tuesday, October 14: Lunch & Learn Yoga, Hosted by Women United
• Wednesday, October 22 – Saturday, October 25: Make a Difference Day Leaf Raking VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Save the Date

Thursday, November 6: Exclusive Summit League Member Celebration

Monday, November 10: Retiree Summit