|
Be a Trailblazer
Every fall, United Way Blackhawk Region sends a mailer to individuals and small businesses, separate from workplace campaigns, to request financial support for the community campaign.
Here's our favorite excerpt from the September letter, "We spent some time thinking about what it means to be a trailblazer, and undoubtedly United Way fits the bill. Your local United Way, by one name or another, has served as a trailblazer in our community for 100 years. Trailblazers are thought of as pioneers … bold adventurers with a clear purpose - willing to trek through rocky or unknown territory in search of a better tomorrow. Trailblazers are thinkers and dreamers, not content with the status quo. They’re curious and innovative, forging a path for others to follow. Though daring and brave, they are not fearless. They are mindful of the course they take, understanding that a true path is one that can be traveled by many. And an ideal path is one that is accessible for all."
The direct mail distribution list grows when people retire, change employers, or opt to donate in ways other than payroll deduction. Click here to be added and receive the next edition, or simply click on the image below to read or print the letter.
|  | |
|
Announcing the 211 App!
At United Way, we know that an internet search doesn’t always cut it in times of crisis. And we’re here to help so that you don’t have to navigate the complicated network of social services alone.
The new 211 Wisconsin App makes it even easier to access the resources you need, right from your mobile device. Browse services anonymously or register to bookmark a list of community resources you may frequently use.
No matter how you choose to use it, the 211 app provides 24/7 local help to every person in our community. Download it today on Google Play or on the App store.
| |
|
From Hello to Help …
If you or someone you know needs help but doesn't know where to turn, you can call, text, or search United Way's new 211 app. Trained Specialists can connect you with a wide range of resources and services. Contact 211 to get expert, caring help with food, health care, housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services, childcare, crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, and more. 211 operators offer help 24/7/365 in more than 180 languages.
📲 Dial 211 from your cell or landline
📲 Or, text your zip code to 898211
📲 Or, download the 211 Wisconsin App
Reminder for Nonprofits & Service Providers
Listing your programs and services on 211 is free and open to any organization that provides health or human services to the community at large (do not have to be a United Way-funded partner).
Knowledgeable community resource specialists regularly update 211 service listings to ensure the database of more than 12,000 agencies and networks that serve Wisconsin is accurate. List or update your organization’s information by calling 211 or click here.
|  | |
Congratulations, DEFY Domestic Violence & John Pfleiderer!
United Way Blackhawk Region was honored to be part of DEFY Domestic Violence's 10th Anniversary, as well as a retirement celebration for Family Services' CEO John Pfleiderer. John retires this month after 24 years of dedicated service to Family Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois - a true trailblazer!
United Way and Family Services have traveled a path of partnership for decades. United Way's investment in the organization during John's tenure can be counted in the millions and in DEFY specifically, $1,039,567 over 20 years. Domestic violence survivors find an inclusive, dignified and resource-rich place to rest and reset at DEFY. And while this comes only through the work and diligence of an incredibly talented team, John’s leadership was the light that they followed.
Sheryl Sandberg said, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence." United Way Blackhawk Region Vice President Denise Peters-Kauihou adds, "John’s unwavering commitment to and passion for social change is part of the very fiber of this community. Even in his absence, the impact of his career will be felt in the same rooms where work toward equality is being done, where children are finding safe harbor, and where people are recovering from all means of trauma and injury. His impact will be in the toolbox they offer, filled with validation, resilience, empowerment and worth. In his absence and because of his presence, they will find hope for healing."
| |
|
UWBR in the News
As reported by WCLO,
Family Services of S. WI & N. IL, Inc. has been awarded a $100,000 grant from United Way Blackhawk Region for continued support of the domestic violence advocacy program, Defy Domestic Abuse Beloit. This funding will assist the program in maintaining operations and services to survivors residing in the program’s emergency shelter and in the community.
Kelsey Hood-Christenson, President and CEO of Family Services of S. WI & N. IL, Inc. states “We appreciate United Way Blackhawk Region’s support of our services and the many others they also help to bring to our community. We are honored to have partnered with United Way Blackhawk Region for several years and their continued support allows us to maintain our services to survivors of domestic violence while also pushing forward with new services to meet emerging needs.”
Read the rest of the article by clicking on, "United Way in the News."
| |
|
|
Employee Campaign Coordinators
Employee Campaign Coordinators (ECCs) - You're invited to join us for an "ECC Check-in" on November 15, 2023, between 1 and 3 p.m. at United Way Blackhawk Region. Drop in to discuss your campaign – successes, questions, and more!
Those interested in hosting their 1st United Way workplace campaign are also invited to attend. United Way staff and volunteer members of the Campaign Cabinet will be available to assist and coordinate with you, and light refreshments will be served.
Please enter the building via south side doors (facing Bodacious Shops).
| |
Congratulations to Terri Hess, the lucky winner of a "Game Day" gift basket on the 1st day of Cotta, LLC's United Way campaign. Cotta achieved 100% participation in the campaign from 2nd shift employees and exceeded their goal for this year. Thank you to Cotta, LLC and supporters like Terri for all you do to LIVE UNITED! | Congratulations to Joseph Anaya, the lucky winner of Hormel Foods' 50/50 Raffle to benefit United Way! Thank you, Joseph and our partners at Hormel, for your lonstanding support of vulnerable neighbors in the Blackhawk Region. | GIVE & WIN Sweepstakes posters are available to print and post. Please let us know if you would like any delivered. | |
Ecolab kicked off their workplace campaign with four presentations at two facilities and guest speakers from Community Action, Inc. and Family Services. To generate additional excitement during campaign season, Ecolab showcased the GIVE & WIN Sweepstakes top prize, a 2023 Chevy Trailblazer, inside their Roscoe facility. | |
Blackhawk Community Credit Union team members, Colleen Tilton and Kristin Holtz, filmed a video in front of the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer (top prize in the GIVE & WIN Sweepstakes) to draw and announce two winners for their United Way activities.
Thank you, Blackhawk Community Credit Union, for your generous support of those who need it most in our region.
| Kayser Chevrolet Buick GMC Janesville has been busy hosting special events (raffles, bake sales, football pools, popcorn sales, etc.) as part of their United Way campaign. Our workplace campaign partners know that having fun while also giving back to the community is a great way to build team morale and retain talent. Way to go, Kayser | |
|
Marketing Sponsors
Thank you to our annual Marketing Sponsors for underwriting the cost of promotional efforts. We appreciate your help to deliver United Way's message so donor dollars can be invested in programs and services that make our communities stronger.
| |
Media Partners
United Way's advertising and promotional efforts are made possible by our annual marketing sponsors' generosity and the in-kind support of local media partners.
| |  |
|
Leadership Circle Recognized in Annual Report ⭐
Donors who generously pledge $600 or more to United Way's community campaign are recognized in the Annual Report. Gifts may be combined with a spouse or significant other for recognition. These loyal donors comprise our "Leadership Circle," and levels include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Alexis de Tocqueville Society, and Game Changers.
| |
|
Accountability
United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. For another consecutive year, our sound fiscal management practices, commitment to accountability and transparency have earned UWBR top ratings from the nation's largest charity evaluators. UWBR adheres to standards set forth by United Way Worldwide and remains a member in good standing.
| | | | |
