NEWS & Updates
APRIL 2024
Community Partners Appreciation Luncheon
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebration at our 2nd Annual Community Partners Appreciation Luncheon this past Wednesday. Congratulations to our 2023 Partners who received special recognition for their incredible contributions to United Way Manitowoc County:

  • Lakeside Foods – 2023 Workplace Partner of the Year
  • Seehafer Broadcasting – 2023 In-Kind Partner of the Year
  • Lakeshore Technical College – 2023 Sponsor Certificate of Appreciation
  • Justin Herman – Board Member of the Year
  • Sarah Yancey – Volunteer of the Year

Special thank you to Autumn Ridge Golf Course for once again hosting the event.

A warm thank you to Tina Prigge of Vagabond Creative Studio for photographing the event.

Save the Date for next year's event: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Anne Smith of Lakeside Foods accepted the award for 2023 Workplace Partner of the Year.
Seehafer Broadcasting was awarded 2023 In-Kind Partner of the Year.

(Pictured left to right: Ben Peters, United Way's Director of Impact Strategies; and Genesis Wilda, Craig Dillon, and Ian Schebel of Seehafer Broadcasting.)
Heidi Soodsma of Lakeshore Technical College accepted the 2023 Sponsor Certificate of Appreciation.
Justin Herman of Bellin Health accepted the award for 2023 Board Member of the Year.
Sarah Yancey accepted the award for 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Sarah played a role in launching the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Early Childhood Education Advocacy
Advocacy Day 2024
United Way and their partners were boots on the ground in Madison on April 16 advocating for improved early childhood education supports.

(Pictured are United Way's Executive Director, Ashley Bender, and Director of Impact Strategies, Ben Peters.)
Coffee & Conversation: Early Childhood Education
On April 18 United Way - in partnership with The Chamber of Manitowoc County, Progress Lakeshore, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry and the Manitowoc-Two Rivers YMCA - hosted a Coffee & Conversation on Early Childhood Education.

The morning included the "No Small Matter" film screening and discussion on the concept of an Early Childhood Education Community Fund.
United Way Day of Action 2024

Friday, June 21
Event Sponsors:
Every year on or around June 21, United Ways across the nation mobilize volunteers during a global day of service to give back to their communities.

This event is a great opportunity for friends, family, and workplace teams to sign up for a project and make a difference!

Day of Action projects will be available at nonprofit organizations throughout Manitowoc County. Here's what the day looks like:

  • 8:00am - Volunteers will gather at the United Way office for a light breakfast and kickoff

  • 8:30am - Volunteers will depart for their project sites

  • 12:00-12:30pm - Volunteers will return to United Way for lunch and to chat about their experience (optional)

Nonprofits are currently submitting their projects. Stay tuned to United Way's website and social media for our registration announcement on May 1!
Meet Lakeshore Technical College's "Lenny the Leopard" at the kickoff!
Spring Volunteer Fair
United Way is hosting a Spring Volunteer Fair on Thursday, May 16 at Lester Public Library in Two Rivers.

Everyone is welcome to stop in to learn about the participating nonprofits and their volunteer opportunities:

  • Aurora at Home Hospice
  • Board on Aging & Long-Term Care
  • Boys and Girls Club of Manitowoc County
  • Felician Village
  • Froedtert/Holy Family Memorial Hospital
  • Grow It Forward
  • Hope House of Manitowoc County
  • InCourage
  • Two Rivers Senior Center
  • Wisconsin Maritime Museum
  • United Way Manitowoc County

Click on the flyer image at the right to download and print - hang in your organization or pass out to family, friends and coworkers!
Ride United Program Paused
The amount budgeted ($49,500) for our first year ran out earlier than planned and unfortunately the program is temporarily paused.

We learned, however, Ride United is making an incredible impact especially for those living paycheck to paycheck or experiencing homelessness. A recent success story includes a past guest of The Haven (local men’s homeless shelter) who struggled to access consistent transportation, hindering his ability to job search. Access to Ride United improved his ability to job search and eventually secure employment. Gaining employment meant consistent cash flow and the ability to save up for an apartment. The gentleman now has his own place and is no longer living at The Haven.

Many other stories like this demonstrate that transportation is a critical basic need and a key factor to improving lives. Our board and staff are working hard to secure additional funding, but we need the community’s help.
In Every Issue:

Volunteer Center Newsletter

Did you know that United Way is the Volunteer Hub for Manitowoc County?

Talk United

Talk United is a weekly, 5-minute program with WOMT Radio that airs every Tuesday morning at approximately 11:20am.

Hello Lakeshore with United Way
The Hello Lakeshore Podcast with United Way is hosted by Craig Dillon of WCUB Radio and Ashley Bender of United Way Manitowoc County. Each week Craig and Ashley chat with a different nonprofit in Manitowoc County.

Podcasts air every Friday and can be found here or on Apple Podcasts.

Are you a nonprofit that would like to be featured on the program? Call United Way at 920.682.8888.