United Way Blackhawk Region — May 2026 Community Update

Healthy Community | Youth Opportunity | Financial Security

Organization News

SAME MISSION. NEW HOME.

United Way Blackhawk Region has relocated — a move that reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability and ensuring every dollar goes further for our community. Services continue without interruption.

OUR NEW ADDRESS

101 N. PARKER DRIVE
JANESVILLE, WI

Open house details coming soon — we'd love to welcome you to our new home!

A Message from Leadership

THIS COMMUNITY SHOWS UP — EVERY SINGLE DAY.

In my first months leading United Way Blackhawk Region, I've witnessed something that continues to inspire me: neighbors helping neighbors, nonprofit partners stepping up, and community members like you making it all possible.

"Your support helps ensure that resources remain available and responsive to evolving needs. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community."

— Dr. Dennis Pauli, Interim President & CEO

Whenever there is a need in our community, United Way Blackhawk Region is here — listening, responding, and taking action alongside you. Thank you for being part of this shared effort.

Welcome to the UWBR Team

NEW FACES. FRESH ENERGY. SHARED PURPOSE.

We're excited to introduce two new members of the United Way Blackhawk Region family who are already making a difference:

SUE MURRAY

COMMUNITY IMPACT DIRECTOR

Sue brings deep nonprofit leadership experience and a passion for building partnerships that create real, lasting change. Her background in affordable housing compliance and community impact management means she's ready to connect the dots — and open doors — for more people across our region.

MICHELLE ADKINS

MARKETING & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Michelle brings a creative eye, a strategic mind, and a deep commitment to community. With experience in nonprofit marketing, event management, and engagement strategy, she specializes in bringing ideas to life in ways that connect people and amplify impact.

Staff Update

THANK YOU, DENISE

After 16 years, Denise Peters-Kauihou retired from United Way Blackhawk Region at the end of April. Over the course of her tenure, she witnessed and contributed to real growth — from the unification of two regional United Ways into what UWBR is today, to the shift toward a community impact model that continues to guide our work.

We are grateful for the foundation built over these 16 years and excited for what lies ahead. We wish Denise all the best in this well-deserved retirement.

Out in the Community

LEARNING, NETWORKING & CONNECTING

UWBR Team at the Stateline Nonprofit Summit

Stateline Nonprofit Summit
April 24, 2026

Our team had a blast on April 24th getting out in the community to network, learn, and engage at the Stateline Nonprofit Summit, hosted by Beloit Cares.

Events like these are a reminder of the incredible network of people across our region who show up, share knowledge, and strengthen the fabric of our community together.

United Way Blackhawk Region is proud to be part of a community that invests in connection — because stronger relationships mean stronger outcomes for everyone we serve.

Save the Date

DAY OF CARING & CAMPAIGN KICKOFF

Join us for a morning of celebration, community, and impact. Details coming soon — mark your calendar and stay tuned!

Community Resiliency · Storm Recovery

CALL 211.
GET CONNECTED.
GET HELP.

When Our Community Needed Help — 211 Was There.

On April 17, tornadoes and flooding swept through the Blackhawk Region. Within hours, our 211 specialists were at work — answering calls, identifying needs, and connecting families with the support they needed to move forward.

From the first hello, someone in crisis reaches a real person. Not a recording, not a menu. A trained specialist who listens, finds the right resources, and follows through — because together, we are stronger than any storm.

📞 DIAL 2-1-1

LEARN HOW 211 HELPS

211 connects our neighbors to thousands of local resources — free, confidential, available 24/7 in more than 180 languages.

Thank You to Our Community Partners

STRONGER TOGETHER: UWBR FUNDED PARTNERS

Every day, our funded nonprofit partners show up for our neighbors — providing meals, shelter, healthcare, education, and so much more. Their dedication is what makes lasting change possible across the Blackhawk Region.

We are proud to stand alongside these incredible organizations and the communities they serve. Thank you for the amazing work you do every single day.

Stay Connected

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Want to keep up with everything happening across the Blackhawk Region? Follow us on social media for the latest news, stories, events, and updates — right in your feed.

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

How United Way Blackhawk Region Shows Up for You

🤝

CONNECTIVE

We bring a comprehensive approach to every challenge in our community.

👂

RESPONSIVE

We actively listen and swiftly respond to the needs of our neighbors.

🌐

SCALABLE

We share knowledge and scale impact — locally and as part of a global network.

TOGETHER, WE CAN CREATE CHANGE FOR ALL.

Every act of generosity, advocacy, and service moves our community forward.

GIVE

ADVOCATE

VOLUNTEER

YOUR TRUST. OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

At United Way Blackhawk Region, every dollar you entrust to us is managed with transparency, integrity, and a commitment to maximizing community impact. We follow standards set by United Way Worldwide and are recognized by leading charity evaluators — including a 4-Star Charity Navigator rating and Candid Platinum Transparency 2026 — for strong fiscal management.