Your Top FIVE to THRIVE

June 2024

#1 2023 Impact Report Released, Highlights Efforts Working to Reduce Barriers

Take a look at our collective work last year to support our BOLD goal to lift 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033.

Our Impact Report features how we are working to improve access and reduce barriers. We are all UNITING TO THRIVE.

#2 Joining Forces for a Bigger Impact in Edgar

Our Mobile Community Closet and Marathon County Hunger Coalition’s mobile food pantry joined forces and took over the parking lot of Edgar Elementary School on May 23.

Guests were able to get free clothing and food, including fresh organic produce, all in one place. Oliver, 7, was so excited about his new sneakers he showed off his “new shoe dance.” See video.

The Mobile Community Closet will roll into Mosinee and setup at Community Center of Hope on Tuesday, June 11 from 1-4pm.

#3 Making an Instant Impact with ECDC In More Ways Than One

Riziki poses for a photo while shopping at our Community Closet. This mother of six from the Congo, is receiving services from ECDC as she transitions to life in the United States. ECDC received $10,000 from our Instant Impact grant program and will use the funds to create welcome kits for families and individuals like Riziki.

ECDC Wausau recently received a $10,000 Instant Impact grant from United Way to create welcome kits for refugees.

The kits include a number of items including a cell phone for banking and reaching out to family through apps, gift cards for medicine and other items.

In addition, our Community Closet also serves refugees with free clothing for themselves and their family members.

Watch the video to hear ECDC Executive Director Janice Watson talk about how the funds will be used.

#4 Emerging Leaders Grant Recipient Displays True Leadership

7th grader Braysen Hesse, pictured far right, poses for a photo with classmates while holding some of the supplies that were donated to his garden project at John Muir Middle School. Braysen was the only student who received an Emerging Leaders school grant last year. Braysen is already showing impactful leadership skills and a willingness to work hard.

We wanted to share an update on Braysen Hesse – a 7th Grader at John Muir Middle School who was the only student awarded an Emerging Leaders School Grant in 2023.

After receiving the $100 grant, Braysen said he planned to reach out for donations for soil, seeds and other supplies.

That’s exactly what he did! Braysen wrote letters to companies, and the response was amazing. A National company even asked if he would be interested in creating a mobile garden.

#5 United Way Endowment Support Needed Services

When a community member decides to leave a planned gift to United Way of Marathon County, they are ensuring that future generations will be able to have access to services like 211.

The money earned from the interest of the endowment allows United Way of Marathon County to continue to provide information and referral services to our local community 24/7, 365 days a year.



In 2023, United Way 211 answered 4,796 requests for help from Marathon County residents, providing 10,854 referrals to community services. 

Calendar of Events

• Thursday, June 6: Power of the Purse by Women United
• Tuesday, June 11: Mobile Community Closet in Mosinee
• Tuesday, June 18: Emerging Leaders Leadership Launch Session with Michael Loy
• Friday, June 21: Day of Action (Sign Up!)

Register for Our 2024 Campaign Kickoff

• REGISTER TODAY! Thursday, August 29: 2024 Campaign Kickoff Event