Your Top FIVE to THRIVE

October 2024

#1 New ALICE Data Reveals Marathon County Rate Has Increased

The latest 2024 ALICE Report has been released – the ALICE rate in Marathon County has increased. Marathon County is now at a 34% ALICE Rate, increasing from our previous 29%.

The cost of basic needs continues to outpace wages. While wages have increased for many, the cost of living has increased even faster.

Single-Female-Headed Households (with children) continues to have the highest rate of ALICE in our overall population, rising to an alarming 64%

ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed and reflects community members that are working, earn more than the federal poverty level, but not enough to cover basic needs in Marathon County. View Report.

#2 Women United & Emerging Leaders Prepare to Invest in Community

John Muir Middle School student Braysen Hesse is being interviewed by Jimmy Sadowski from television station WAOW. He was awarded an Emerging Leaders school grant last year to build a raised garden at school.

Women United and Emerging Leaders are once again investing in the community with their grant programs.

Last year, Women United granted more than $100,000. These grants are geared towards nonprofits that work to lift women, their families and the community to financial stability. The application deadline is November 1.

Funds raised at the annual Power of the Purse auction are used to support the grants.

Emerging Leaders are also currently accepting applications for their school grants. Last year, recipient Braysen Hesse made headlines as he was the only student to apply for and receive a grant.

The grant is open to applicants serving seventh through twelfth grade students. The application deadline is October 18.



Dollars from "Compete for a Cause," an annual fundraiser of Emerging Leaders, are used to fund these grants.

#3 Give & Win Sweepstakes Prizes!

Donate at least $1 per week during our fundraising campaign and you are automatically entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to win one of the amazing prizes above.

Prizes are not funded by United Way – they are funded by sponsors. Thank you to our sweepstakes sponsors!

UMR/A United Healthcare Company

The Dirks Group

EO Johnson Business Technologies

#4 15th Annual Turkey Trot - Registration is open!

It's time to sign up for the 15th Annual Turkey Trot!

Gather your friends, your family, your coworkers, your kids and your dogs and run the streets of downtown Wausau. Money raised from this event allows United Way’s Hunger Coalition to continue their local food work.

Plus, tune into 95.5 WIFC to win a pair of tickets. Radio host Belky (a Turkey Trot regular) will be holding contests where the winners will each receive two tickets to the annual event.

#5 It's Mental Health Awareness Week & 211 is Here for You

Mental Health Awareness Week takes place every year during the first week of October. It was established in the U.S. in 1990 to recognize efforts by the National Alliance on Mental Illness to educate and increase awareness about mental illness.

211 is a free and confidential service that connects you with local programs and services. Simply dial 211 on your phone. Anyone can call 211 to find resources, discuss problems, or explore treatment resources. 211 can also be accessed through text message, chat, an online database and an app.

Calendar of Events

• Saturday, October 5: Walk with Women United
• Wednesday, October 9: The Great Carrot Harvest with the Hunger Coalition
• Wednesday, October 16: Women United Lunch & Learn Building Resilience "How to Keep Your Cool at Work."
• Saturday, October 23-26: Make a Difference Day Raking Event (volunteers still needed)

Save the Date

• Thursday, November 28 15th Annual Turkey Trot. Get Your Tickets!