2011 News Archives
- Local Swim Clubs Support Food Resource Center
- Wireless World Supports United Way
- Happy Holidays from United Way St. Croix Valley
- First National Bank of River Falls Sponsors Food Resource Center Shipment
- Verizon Wireless World Charity Weekend
- Holiday Online Auction to Benefit Those in Need
- United We Can Results
- Give to the Max and Double Your Impact
- United Way Invites Community to Join in Children's Book Drive
- Allina Supports the Food Resource Center
- Grace Place Featured in Pioneer Press
- Phillips Plastics Raises Money for United Way
- Virtual Kickoff Winner is Have A Heart
- United Way to Hold Contest to Combat Hunger
- United Way Kicks off 2011 Campaign
- United Way to Hold Virtual Campaign Kickoff
- St. Croix Regional Medical Center Receives Support to Begin Success By 6 Program
- Osceola Medical Center Joins Success By 6 Initiative
- United Way Online Auction Raises Money for Basic Needs
- United Way Distributes Funds
- Agencies Share Struggles, Successes at Food Resource Center Open House
- United Way to Hold Second Online Auction Fundraiser
- United Way Stands with the Families Affected by Tornadoes
- United Way Launches Give 10, Tell 10 Campaign
- Happy National Volunteer Week from United Way
- Local Nonprofits Launch Flood Relief Effort
- UW-River Falls Student United Way President Wins River Falls Community Service Award
- United Way's Response to Friday's Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Japan and the Pacific
- United Way Celebrates National Nutrition Month
- RESCO Contributes to United Way
- Holiday Give-A-Thon Exceeds Goal
Local Swim Clubs Support Food Resource Center
Hudson Area Swim Association (HASA) and River Falls Swim Club (RFSC) held a dual swim meet in Hudson on Dec. 20, 2011 and did a peanut butter drive for the United Way St. Croix Valley Food Resource Center. 86 jars of peanut butter were donated. Pictured left to right: Grace Schmidt, HASA swimmer and John Coughlin, United Way St. Croix Valley Executive Director.
Wireless World Supports United Way
Wireless World in River Falls designated United Way St. Croix Valley as the charity to benefit from a special three-day promotion in December. The entire proceeds from the sale of cell phone accessories were given to United Way. Employees also donated their commissions. Pictured from left to right are Scott Komorouski, John Coughlin, Teal Persinger and Kayelon Campbell.
Happy Holidays from United Way St. Croix Valley
All of us at United Way St. Croix Valley want to wish you a very happy holiday season, and to thank you for all your support this past year. Please click here for a holiday card from us.
First National Bank of River Falls Sponsors Food Resource Center Shipment
First National Bank of River Falls is the December 2011 Food Resource Center shipment sponsor. Pictured at the Food Resource Center are First National Employee Volunteers, left to right, Sue Langer, Jeff Johnson, Ken Osowski, Kaydi Peterson and missing from the photo Nicole Moscowitz. Also pictured second from left is United Way St. Croix Valley’s Executive Director, John Coughlin. Click here to read the full press release from First National Bank of River Falls.
Verizon Wireless World Charity Weekend
Verizon Wireless World in River Falls will be donating one hundred percent of its accessory sales to United Way St. Croix Valley Dec. 9-11.
"Giving back to the communities that we do business in is an important part of our company’s philosophy and this is a great organization that is working to unite communities, focus resources and inspire people to improve their lives,” says District Manager Jeff Schwab.
Click here to read the full press release from Wireless World.
Holiday Online Auction to Benefit Those in Need
United Way St. Croix Valley is launching our first ever Holiday Online Auction Dec. 5-11 with a twist on the traditional auction. In addition to offering fun affordable items on our eBay site, we will also be offering bidders the chance to raise money for those in need.
For example, one night for a mother and child at Grace Place will be offered for bidding at $25. Of course, you can bid as high as you'd like to provide even more help! You can also donate in someone's name and we will provide you with a card to give them for the holidays.
For more information, contact ksmith@unitedwaystcroix.org.
United We Can Results
Throughout the month of October, organizations participated in United Way St. Croix Valley's United We Can contest to help end hunger in the St. Croix Valley and to kick off United Way’s fundraising campaign. Each organization used nonperishable food, paper products and personal care items to create a unique sculpture. The items were donated to the organization's local food pantry upon completion.
United Way asked each organization to submit a photo of its sculpture before donating it so participants could be recognized for their creativity and more. The final award was the People’s Choice, which was voted on via United Way St. Croix Valley’s website Nov. 7-Nov. 11.
United Way St. Croix Valley would like to thank all participating organizations for donating more than 1,000 food, paper and personal care items to food pantries throughout the area.
Congratulations to the United We Can winners:
- People’s Choice – Somerset Elementary School; Runner Up – New Richmond Middle School
- Most Creative – Tie between New Richmond Middle School and Somerset Elementary School
- Best Promotion of Your Business or School – Tie between Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and Hudson Chamber Morning Leads Group
- Best Use of the “Live United” Message – Hudson Prairie Elementary School
Give to the Max and Double Your Impact
United Way St. Croix Valley has a $10,000 matching grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation to match new or increased contributions, which will be available to those donating on Give to the Max Day November 16. To donate online on Give to the Max Day, please visit http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Uwscv. We are excited about GiveMN.org's annual event and hope to show everyone United Way St. Croix Valley's online support. Please note it is not necessary to donate online for us to receive the match.
United Way Invites Community to Join in Children's Book Drive
United Way St. Croix Valley launched a Children’s Book Drive Oct. 17, running through Nov. 18. Donations of new and gently-used books for children ages birth to age six are requested. United Way St. Croix Valley will distribute the books to families in need throughout St. Croix and Pierce counties. United Way St. Croix Valley ran its Polk County book drive in September and October.
“One of the things research shows is the importance of reading to your children at an early age. In support of this, United Way St. Croix Valley is collecting new and gently used books for distribution through local food pantries, WIC, parent educator home visits, and other avenues as appropriate,” said John Coughlin, United Way St. Croix Valley Executive Director.
“The time parents spend in simple interaction with their children, as happens when parents read to them, is incredibly important in a child’s development. We invite the community to join in our efforts,” he said.
The following locations are drop sites for the United Way Book Drive:
- New Richmond Elementary Schools
- Somerset Elementary School
- River Falls Elementary Schools
- E.P. Rock Elementary School, Hudson
- Greenfield Elementary School, Baldwin
- River Crest Elementary School, Hudson
- Associated Bank, Hudson
- Hudson Bagel and Coffee, Hudson
- First National Bank of River Falls – River Falls
- First Bank of Baldwin
For more information contact Linda Lia at 715-377-0203 ext. 105 or lia@unitedwaystcroix.org.
Allina Supports the Food Resource Center
Allina Hospitals & Clinics recently contributed $2,500 to sponsor a truckload of food for the United Way St. Croix Valley’s Food Resource Center. Allina staff also volunteered to help distribute the food to local pantries on Tuesday, October 4. “We know food insecurity is a real problem right now, and this is a great way for us to support food shelves throughout Western Wisconsin,” explained David Miller, president of River Falls Area Hospital. “The United Way is able to turn our $2,500 contribution into about $10,000 worth of food, which they then distribute throughout the region.”
Pictured (L to R) are Kristen Novak, Beth Nelson, Tracy Dierks Smith and Pam Heinzen, Allina; and John Coughlin, United Way.
View photos of Allina staff and Coughlin with representatives from the River Falls and Woodville food pantries.
Grace Place Featured in Pioneer Press
Grace Place and several United Way St. Croix Valley-funded agencies are featured in an Oct. 1, 2011 Pioneer Press story on the growing problem of homelessness in western Wisconsin. The Conde family, whose story appears in our 2011 Campaign film, is also featured in the article. Click here to read.
Phillips Plastics Raises Money for United Way
“In partnership with Xcel Energy, Phillips Plastics Corporation took part this year in the sale of CFL bulbs. This is a win-win situation for our people and local charities. Our people are able to purchase energy efficient bulbs that last 4-8 times longer than traditional bulbs and save 75% of overall light usage costs. Proceeds from this sale go to local charities. We decided to donate proceeds from the sale from both the New Richmond facility and the Hudson facility to United Way St. Croix Valley,” Bol said.
Pictured from left to right: Jill Ellestad, Phillips Plastics Corporation; John M. Coughlin, United Way St. Croix Valley Executive Director; Mary Ellen Bol, Phillips Plastics Corporation
Virtual Kickoff Winner is Have A Heart
We are excited to announce the winner of our special $1,000 grant in our Virtual Campaign Kickoff is Have A Heart!
Have A Heart is one of United Way St. Croix Valley's funded agencies in the Promoting Health and Independence category. It is a nonprofit that provides services such as weekend respite care, home care, adult family home placement and adult day programming for children and young adults with developmental disabilities.
Located in River Falls, Have A Heart has been in operation for 14 years, and in 2010 provided 640,680 minutes of respite care services. Have A Heart is state licensed and certified, and all staff are trained onsite.
Have A Heart's mission is "to provide relief and support for families with developmentally disabled loved ones; preventing or delaying out-of-home placement." For more information, please visit http://www.haveaheartinc.org.
To choose the Virtual Kickoff winner, we assigned each vote for every agency a random number and used an online random number generator to choose one of the numbers. In all, 223 total votes were cast for the 21 participating nonprofits. Thank you to everyone who voted!
United Way to Hold Contest to Combat Hunger
As part of its 2011 Campaign, United Way St. Croix Valley is holding a contest to support United Way’s goal of ending hunger in the St. Croix Valley. The contest, United We Can, will feature organizations and businesses building sculptures of nonperishable food, paper products and personal care items to compete for prizes in categories such as “Most Creative” and “Best Promotion of Your Business or School.”
The competition will run throughout the month of October. Organizations must register with United Way by October 7, and they have all of October to complete their sculpture. To further encourage community participation, there will be an online vote for the “People’s Choice” award in the beginning of November.
Last year, the contest engaged a variety of organizations from schools to businesses to clubs. More than 3,500 food, paper and personal care items were donated to food pantries throughout the area at the close of the contest. “We had great participation last year and the food really helped local pantries stock their shelves. The contest is a fun way for organizations to lend a hand to their neighbors who need help putting food on the table,” United Way St. Croix Valley Executive Director John Coughlin said.
United Way’s 2011 Campaign will run September 12 through November 18. The annual campaign will fund United Way initiatives and approximately seventy local agency programs serving Pierce, Polk and St. Croix County residents.
To sign up for United We Can, visit http://www.unitedwaystcroix.org/campaigntoolkit.html. For more information on this year’s campaign, contact Linda Lia at 715-377-0203 ext. 105 or lia@unitedwaystcroix.org.
Pictured is New Richmond Middle School's United We Can winning entry for 2010.
United Way Kicks off 2011 Campaign
United Way St. Croix Valley will launch its 2011 Campaign on Monday, September 12. The annual fundraising appeal, which funds United Way initiatives and more than seventy local nonprofit programs and services serving Pierce, Polk and St. Croix County residents, will run through November 18.
“The words ‘programs and services’ don’t adequately reflect what we do together. Gifts from individuals and businesses change lives,” said John Coughlin, United Way St. Croix Valley Executive Director. “Neighbors, like 89 year old Pat, can stay in their homes because you and volunteers from Interfaith Caregivers help her. You helped nine year old Grant be prepared to succeed in school because of early support for him and his family from the Family Resource Center,” he continued.
The strength in the United Way impact is magnified by many people working together to create lasting change in our community. The ongoing mantra of “Live United” challenges residents to realize that when we work together, the results are remarkable.
United Way St. Croix Valley relies heavily on employee giving through workplace campaigns. “Our proximity to the Twin Cities means that many local residents commute and it is very important that they remember to designate our local United Way when they give at work,” said 2011 Campaign Co-chair Linda Robertson.
“Our partners on the front lines are reporting that there are more families on the edge. Donations this year are especially needed to help your neighbors who still need food, housing and other services. With the community’s support, families will be helped in times of crisis; children will have the tools to become happy, healthy adults; and seniors and those with disabilities will receive the support they need,” Warren Schneider, Campaign Co-chair, said.
During campaign kickoff week, United Way St. Croix Valley is holding a contest where people can go onto their website at www.unitedwaystcroix.org/kickoff2011 and vote for their favorite United Way-supported 501(c)3. There will be a random drawing to determine which agency will win $1,000 towards its work.
Pictured is the United Way St. Croix Valley 2011 Campaign Cabinet from left to right: Co-Chairs Warren Schneider and Linda Robertson, Sue Obermueller and Cindy Jahnke
United Way to Hold Virtual Campaign Kickoff
United Way St. Croix Valley will celebrate the launch of our annual fundraising campaign by holding a virtual kickoff and one United Way-funded agency will win $1,000 to help achieve their mission!
During the kickoff week, September 12-18, you can go onto our website and vote for your favorite United Way-supported 501(c)3. Each vote an agency receives will give it one chance in a drawing to win the $1,000. So, the more votes a nonprofit receives, the better opportunity it has to win.
All you have to do to vote is fill out a short survey at http://www.unitedwaystcroix.org/kickoff2011. The agencies that will be participating in the kickoff and are hoping for your votes are as follows:
2011 Virtual Kickoff Participating Nonprofits
- Endeavors Adult Development Center
- Turningpoint for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence
- West CAP
- Our Neighbors' Place
- Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley
- Youth Service Bureau
- Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County
- Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin
- Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys
- Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties
- Anu Family Services
- Courage Center St. Croix
- St. Croix Valley and River Falls Area YMCA
- Center for Independent Living for Western Wisconsin
- FamilyMeans
- Moms and Dads Against Meth
- Youth Action Hudson
- The Salvation Army/Grace Place
- St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity
- Assistance & Resource Center
- Have A Heart
St. Croix Regional Medical Center Receives Support to Begin Success By 6 Program
Left to right: Kathy Johnson, SCRMC OB Director; Margaret Escabi, FRCSCV Marketing/Fund Dev.; Laura Jensen, SCRMC VP Pt. Care; John Coughlin, UWSCV Exec. Dir.; Jason Englebretson, Bernick’s; Jason Bernick, Bernick’s; Betsy Byker, FRCSCV Parent Educator/Program Coordinator; Patty Draxler, FRCSCV Exec. Dir.
United Way St. Croix Valley Board President, Steve Snell of Osceola said, “We are very pleased that a $10,000 grant from the Bernick’s Family Foundation and a partnership with St. Croix Regional Medical Center will bring the Success By 6 initiative to communities in Polk County.” United Way launched the initiative in St. Croix County in 2005 to help ensure that every child enters school ready to succeed. The early childhood development program involves hospitals, schools, nonprofit and government agencies and the business community.
“The Bernick family is honored to uphold our tradition of supporting the communities that we serve. The Success By 6 initiative plays an important role in supporting early childhood development throughout the St. Croix Valley,” stated Jason Bernick, Director of Corporate Affairs.
There are two key elements of the new hospital partnership. A trained parent educator from Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley will meet with parents at prenatal classes and at the hospital following the birth. The same staff member will lead Baby and Me parent-child play groups throughout the year at SCRMC. "Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley is thrilled to be a partner in this project connecting families with that support,” said Executive Director Patty Draxler. “St. Croix Regional Medical Center is very grateful for the funds to be able to offer this program to the many patients and families we serve," said Laura Jensen, Vice President of Patient Care.
"United Way St. Croix Valley is convinced that the best way to bring about long-term positive change for communities is to make sure that every child enters school ready to learn and graduates from high school,” said Executive Director John Coughlin. “Our partnership with the St. Croix Regional Medical Center and Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley means that families will be supported right from the start,” he continued.
Communities can have the most positive impact on their future by investing in the early childhood years. Arthur Rolnick, Retired Senior Vice President and Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, has studied the issue and concluded that any community economic development plan should have early childhood development at the top of the list. Rolnick has said, “The return on investment for high-quality, well-funded early childhood development programs is extraordinary, resulting in better working public schools, more educated workers and less crime. The 12% or more annual return on investment far exceeds the return on most projects that are currently funded as economic development.”
Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley (FRCSCV) was founded in 1998 to offer free early childhood development, family support, and parent education resources. All of FRCSCV’s services are free and available to any family with children from birth to age six in Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties. More information is available at www.frcscv.org.
Bernick’s is a fourth-generation family-owned business, providing full service beverage, vending and food service solutions to the Central Minnesota area since 1916. The company is headquartered in Waite Park, Minnesota, and has facilities in Barnum, Bemidji, Brainerd, Duluth, Minneapolis, and Willmar, Minnesota; and Dresser, Wisconsin. For more information on Bernick’s, visit www.bernicks.com.
The mission of United Way St. Croix Valley is to unite communities, focus resources and inspire people to measurably improve lives in Western Wisconsin. Information about United Way’s Success By 6 initiative is available at www.unitedwaystcroix.org/success_by_6.htm.
More information on SCRMC’s programs is available at their website, www.scrmc.org and on their Facebook page.
Osceola Medical Center Joins Success By 6 Initiative
Success By 6 representatives include, from left: Jamie Tinney, OMC; Patty Draxler, FRC; Jeff Meyer, OMC; John Coughlin, United Way; Betsy Byker, FRC; Jason Bernick, Bernick’s; Margaret Escabí, FRC; and Jason Englebretson, Bernick’s.
The Birth Center at Osceola Medical Center has joined with the United Way St. Croix Valley and the Family Resource Center to bring the Success By 6 program to the area.
The program strives to provide children up to age six and their parents with emotional and social development opportunities to allow them to successfully grow and learn, according to John Coughlin, Executive Director of the United Way.
The Birth Center will play host to the portion of the Success By 6 program that addresses children up to one year old and their parents. The cornerstones to this portion include providing a parent educator for a newborn’s parents and a class series called Baby & Me.
The parent educator, from the Family Resource Center, will be available to visit with parents both before and after birth to present information about a variety of topics, from newborn development to reading baby’s cues.
The Baby & Me classes will be weekly play and discussion hours for parents and their infants up to 12 months. Topics include reading brain development, baby sign, taking care of mom, nutrition, separation anxiety and family traditions. Moms and babies can join the group at any time and attend as many sessions as they'd like. These free classes begin Sept. 22, 5 p.m. at OMC, one mile south of Osceola on Wis. Hwy 35.
Funding for this project has been made available through a grant by the Bernick Family Foundation. According to Jason Bernick, director of Corporate Affairs, “The Bernick family is honored to uphold our tradition of supporting the community in which we serve. The Success By 6 initiative plays an important role in supporting early childhood development throughout the St. Croix Valley.”
Coughlin said that “United Way St. Croix Valley is convinced that the best way to bring about long-term positive change for communities is to make sure that every child enters school ready to learn and graduates from high school.”
Foundations for later learning are laid down in the first few weeks and months of life when children experience their most rapid physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth, according to Patty Draxler, executive director of the Family Resource Center.
“Children aren’t born with instructions and parents are looking for support,” she said. “This project is unique in that our parent educators have the opportunity to meet with families offering support and options for learning in the most important role of their lives – parenthood. Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley is thrilled to be a partner in this project connecting families with that support.”
Registration and additional information about Baby & Me classes is available at the Family Resource Center at 715-684-4440 or frcscv.org.
United Way Online Auction Raises Money for Basic Needs
This year’s United Way St. Croix Valley online auction fundraiser raised $1,228.40 to support programs that provide basic needs such as food and shelter. The auction ran from June 6 to July 18 and featured items donated by more than 40 local businesses and community members.
Fifty-eight items were up for bidding over the course of the first five weeks, and the final week featured a last call for purchases on a first-come first-serve basis at discounted prices. Items for sale included Green Bay Packers memorabilia, Milwaukee Summerfest tickets, a boat cruise on Lake Mallalieu and a variety of gift certificates.
United Way St. Croix Valley extends its thanks to the businesses and individuals who donated to the auction:
In-Kind Donors
- Adonai Salon
- Bob Smith's Sports Club
- Cedar Lake Speedway
- Christine's Jewelry
- Cold Stone Creamery of Hudson
- Dave Smith
- Econofoods of River Falls
- Family Fresh Market of Hudson
- Fox Run Golf
- Frontier Trails
- Get Clean, Get Organized
- Green Bay Packers
- Guthrie Theater
- Healing Waters QiGong
- Home, Kitchen and Bath
- Inspiring Actions
- John and Christine Weigel
- Kate Smith
- Kelley Frame & Fine Art Gallery
- Knoke's Chocolates
- La Rue Marche
- Lady Katherine
- Mark Keller
- Mary Planten-Krell
- Matt Kenseth Fan Club
- McDonald's of Hudson
- Milwaukee Admirals
- Milwaukee Brewers
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Milwaukee Summerfest
- Nita Dusek
- River City Stitch
- Riverway Consulting
- Saint Croix National Golf & Event Center
- SOS For Youth
- Sweet Butter Cakery
- The Dweebs
- Trollhaugen
- University of Wisconsin Athletics
- Warren Schneider and Linda Robertson
- Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
- Yellow Lake Golf Course
Financial Donors
- Brant and Carol Worrell
United Way Distributes Funds
The United Way St. Croix Valley Board of Directors recently approved the distribution of funds raised through the 2010-2011 annual campaign. “Our donors made it possible for United Way to continue strengthening communities in western Wisconsin,” said Executive Director John Coughlin. “Funding is going to support important programs and initiatives in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties,” he continued.
United Way continues to focus on three initiatives in addition to providing funds to nonprofit agencies: United Way’s Food Resource Center, Success By 6 and Shelter for All. United Way St. Croix Valley Board President Steve Snell said, “Our top priority is to continue providing strong support for area homeless shelters and the local food pantries during these tough economic times.”
United Way St. Croix Valley awarded $682,844 in grants to support close to 70 nonprofit agency programs and services. United Way and its Citizen Review Panel volunteers allocate the funds to create lasting impact in the categories of: Basic and Emergency Needs; Children and Families; and Health and Independent Living. An additional $34,766 will go to specific agencies designated by the donors. The total distribution will be $717,610. United Way’s overall benefit to the community this year will be about $875,000 when food supplied by the Food Resource Center is taken into account. The Center distributes about 200,000 pounds of food annually. The food is distributed to area food pantries, shelters and senior dining sites.
Agencies meeting Basic and Emergency Needs will receive $234,725. Programs for Children and Families will receive the largest distribution totaling $292,569. Support for programs that improve Health and Independent Living will total $122,925. Agencies in Burnett and Washburn Counties will receive $32,625 in grants and $14,401 in donor designations from funds contributed by area residents, businesses and the owner and employees of Nexen Group in Webster.
United Way St. Croix Valley will continue to raise funds until it is time to begin the fall appeal. United Way is currently running its eBay online auction, which raised more than $3,500 in last year’s auction. See United Way’s website for further information www.unitedwaystcroix.org.
The mission of United Way St. Croix Valley is to unite communities, focus resources and inspire people to measurably improve lives in western Wisconsin.
| Agency | Donor Designated | Grant | Purpose |
| Basic and Emergency Needs | |||
| American Red Cross – St. Croix Valley Chapter | $31 | $13,000 | Emergency Food and Shelter |
| American Red Cross – Western Wisconsin Chapter | $1,000 | Emergency Food and Shelter | |
| Assistance & Resource Center | $22 | $3,000 | Emergency Assistance |
| Clear Lake Area Community Center | $1,775 | Food Pantry | |
| Community Referral Agency – Welcome Home Shelter | $44 | $2,500 | Domestic/Sexual Violence Services |
| Family Pathways | $1,500 | Food Pantry | |
| Hunger Prevention Council of Pierce County | $5,000 | Food Pantry Services | |
| Love Baskets – Roberts | $95 | $1,500 | Emergency Assistance |
| Operation HELP | $34,000 | Emergency Assistance | |
| Our Neighbor’s Place | $1,200 | Hotel Vouchers | |
| St. Croix Co. Public Health | $850 | Emergency Medical Care | |
| St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity | $4,900 | Affordable Housing | |
| St. Croix Valley Sexual Assault Response Team | $221 | $15,000 | Sexual Assault Services |
| The Salvation Army – Emergency Assistance | $20,000 | Emergency Assistance | |
| The Salvation Army – Grace Place | $1,357 | $32,000 | Emergency Housing |
| The Salvation Army – Serenity Home | $170 | $7,000 | Emergency Housing |
| Turningpoint | $235 | $30,000 | Domestic/Sexual Violence Services |
| United Way Emergency Funds | $10,000 | Emergency Assistance | |
| United Way Food Resource Center | $28,500 | Food and Operations | |
| West CAP | $18 | $22,000 | Emergency Assistance |
| Sub-total | $2,193 | $234,725 | |
| Children and Families | |||
| Amery School District | $876 | Youth Programs | |
| Anu Family Services | $88 | $8,500 | Treatment Foster Care |
| Baldwin-Woodville Schools – Viking Middle ASCEND | $18 | $2,508 | Youth Programs |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Wisconsin | $553 | $16,700 | Youth Mentoring |
| Boy Scouts of America – Northern Star Council | $276 | $13,000 | Youth Programs |
| CESA 11 Head Start | $510 | $1,425 | First Books |
| FamilyMeans | $65,000 | Mental Health Counseling | |
| Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley | $3,975 | $52,300 | Parent Education and Support |
| Girl Scout Council of MN and WI River Valleys | $13,000 | Youth Programs | |
| Hudson Elementary Schools – Angel Fund | $139 | $4,405 | Angel Emergency Fund |
| Hudson High School – Peer Helpers | $6,000 | Peer Mediation | |
| Kinship of Polk County | $22 | $5,000 | Youth Mentoring |
| Lutheran Social Service of WI and Upper MI | $95 | $8,700 | Mental Health Counseling |
| New Richmond Area Centre | $309 | $10,000 | Youth and Family Programs |
| New Richmond Starr Elementary – F.R.E.E. Books | $976 | Reading Program | |
| New Richmond High School – SPARK | $976 | Peer Tutoring | |
| New Richmond High School – Student to Student | $976 | Peer Mediation | |
| Pierce County Public Health | $1,900 | Parent Education and Support | |
| Positive Alternatives | $6,200 | Teen Crisis Counseling | |
| Restorative Justice of Northwest Wisconsin | $50 | $1,000 | Victim Impact Panels |
| S. O. S. for Youth | $9,850 | Teen Prevention Theater | |
| Somerset Elementary School | $35 | $313 | Youth Programs |
| St. Croix Central Schools | $1,489 | Kids Club Emergency Fund | |
| St. Croix County Public Health | $221 | $250 | Childbirth Classes |
| St. Croix Falls High School – LAUFF II | $1,200 | Peer Mediation | |
| St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program | $5,375 | Victim Impact Panels | |
| St. Croix Valley YMCA – Hudson and River Falls | $20,000 | Youth and Family Programs | |
| United Way Success By 6 | $15,000 | Program Implementation | |
| YMCA – Camp Icaghowan | $800 | Camp Scholarships | |
| Youth Action Hudson | $50 | $7,850 | Youth Programs |
| Youth Service Bureau | $11,000 | Youth Counseling | |
| Sub-total | $6,341 | $292,569 | |
| Health and Independent Living | |||
| Adoray | $111 | $17,150 | Hospice Care |
| Aging and Handicapped Transportation | $2,750 | Vehicle Maintenance and Repair | |
| AIDS Resource Center of WI | $85 | $700 | Health Services |
| Amery Area Senior Center | $22 | $1,000 | Senior Center Programs |
| Amery Regional Medical Center – Volunteer Partners | $500 | Diabetes Education | |
| Avanti Center | $4,175 | Camp Avanti | |
| Bridge for Youth with Disabilities | $1,017 | $1,000 | Disability Services |
| Center for Independent Living for W. WI | $11,350 | Disability & Transportation Services | |
| Courage Center – Courage St. Croix | $66 | $26,250 | Disability Services |
| Endeavors Adult Developmental Center | $6,000 | Disability Services | |
| Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin | $376 | $250 | Epilepsy Services |
| Free Clinic of Pierce and St. Croix Counties | $10,000 | Clinic Operations | |
| Have A Heart | $10,000 | Respite Program | |
| Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County | $199 | $8,000 | Senior Volunteer Program |
| Moms and Dads Against Meth – Butterfly House | $500 | Treatment Center | |
| New Richmond Community Education – ADDRP | $1,500 | Disability Services | |
| St. Croix Co. Aging & Disability – Day Away Clubs | $34 | $3,400 | Caregiver Support |
| St. Croix Co. Aging & Disability – Interfaith Volunteers | $44 | $1,600 | Senior Volunteer Program |
| St. Croix Co. Aging & Disability – Senior Center Board | $22 | $12,000 | Senior Center Programs |
| St. Croix Valley Disability Coalition | $3,800 | Disability Services | |
| Westfields Hospital – Meals on Wheels | $1,105 | $1,000 | Meal Delivery Program |
| Sub-total | $3,081 | $122,925 | |
| Other | |||
| Burnett and Washburn County Agencies | $14,401 | $32,625 | |
| Designated to Other United Ways | $481 | ||
| Designated to Unaffiliated Agencies | $8,269 | ||
| Total | |||
| Grand Total | $34,766 | $682,844 | = $717,610 |
Agencies Share Struggles, Successes at Food Resource Center Open House
FRC Open House attendees listen to a speaker
United Way St. Croix Valley's Food Resource Center Open House was held Friday, May 20 to celebrate three years of operation.
The event featured speakers from United Way funded agencies St. Croix County Aging & Disability Resource Center, West CAP and The Salvation Army/Grace Place. The speakers explained the struggles faced by those they serve and how United Way St. Croix Valley funds directly benefit their work in the community.
To view photos from the event, click here. To read Hudson Star-Observer's story on the open house and the history of the Food Resource Center, click here.
Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the first Food Resource Center Open House a success!
United Way to Hold Second Online Auction Fundraiser
United Way St. Croix Valley will be running its second online auction throughout June and July. All proceeds generated by this year’s auction will be used to support programs that provide basic needs like food and shelter.
Each week from June 6 to July 15, United Way will post new items and services donated by businesses and organizations on eBay. United Way anticipates more than 70 items up for sale over the course of the auction, including a one-week timeshare stay at Christmas Mountain in Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee Summerfest tickets, Green Bay Packers memorabilia, and a dinner and boat cruise for four on Lake Mallalieu.
You may visit United Way’s eBay page directly at myworld.ebay.com/unitedwaystcroixvalley to see what is currently for sale or visit www.unitedwaystcroix.org and click the link on the homepage.
United Way’s inaugural online auction was held last summer and raised more than $3,500 for local programs. United Way is hoping this year’s auction will raise even more to benefit programs in St. Croix, Pierce, Polk, Burnett and Washburn Counties.
For more information on the online auction, contact Kate Smith at 715-377-0203 ext. 103 or ksmith@unitedwaystcroix.org.
United Way Stands with the Families Affected by Tornadoes
Update May 24, 2011 from United Way St. Croix Valley - Our thoughts are with those affected by this weekend's tornadoes in Minneapolis and Joplin, Missouri. Our friends at the Greater Twin Cities United Way have partnered with The Minneapolis Foundation and GiveMN.org to raise money for North Minneapolis recovery. Please visit GiveMN.org for more information and to donate.
From United Way Worldwide:
United Way Worldwide offers its deepest sympathy to the people affected by the spring storms and tornadoes that caused wide-spread destruction across several states from April 26-28. In the wake of natural disaster, United Ways engage in long-term recovery efforts to ensure a bright future for affected communities.
Read more and get information on how you can help those affected here.
United Way Launches Give 10, Tell 10 Campaign
Otto Bremer Foundation Offers $5,000 Match
United Way St. Croix Valley is conducting its Give 10, Tell 10 fundraising campaign April 21 through May 20 to help close a shortfall in last fall’s campaign. This year, the goal will be to raise $5,000 from the community. The campaign encourages community members to donate $10 to United Way and then invite ten of their friends to do the same.
“Give 10, Tell 10 is all about the power of grassroots fundraising and the power of people coming together for a common goal,” said United Way St. Croix Valley Web and Marketing Associate Kate Smith. “We hope this year’s grant from the Otto Bremer Foundation will encourage people to participate even more.”
Matching Grant Available
United Way St. Croix Valley has a multi-year grant from the Foundation that includes a matching component. Part of the match has already been met but $5,000 is still available to match donations made to the Give 10, Tell 10 campaign. “The Otto Bremer Foundation grant means that anyone who has not donated to United Way St. Croix Valley within the past 12 months can have their donation matched dollar for dollar and that current donors can make another gift and have it matched,” said Executive Director John Coughlin. “We are so grateful to the Otto Bremer Foundation for this opportunity and encourage everyone to help us meet our goal.”
Join Us for a Celebration
The money raised through this special campaign will provide for basic needs such as food and shelter. To celebrate the close of the campaign, United Way St. Croix Valley will be holding an open house at its Food Resource Center on May 20 at 3 p.m. Representatives from the local shelters and food pantries will be invited to share the stories of the challenges faced by the families they serve. Refreshments will be provided, and the Give 10, Tell 10 campaign total will be announced. The Food Resource Center is located at 612 Badlands Road in Hudson.
For More Information
For more information about the campaign, call 715-377-0203 or email ksmith@unitedwaystcroix.org. You may mail your donation to United Way St. Croix Valley, 516 Second Street, Suite 214B, Hudson, WI 54016 or donate online at www.unitedwaystcroix.org/give.html.
Happy National Volunteer Week from United Way
National Volunteer Week 2011
April 10-16
During National Volunteer Week, we'd like to say thank you for volunteering to improve the education, income and health of your community. By giving of your time, you're creating opportunities for a good life for all. Thank you for reaching out a hand to one and influencing the condition of all.
Looking for a new volunteer challenge? We're recruiting one million readers, tutors, and mentors to help ensure that every child succeeds in school. There is something for everyone with passion and commitment to get things done. Learn more about how you can get involved at www.liveunited.org/volunteer.
Local Nonprofits Launch Flood Relief Effort
United Way St. Croix Valley has teamed up with the St. Croix Valley Foundation in the launch of the St. Croix Valley Area Flood Response Fund. For all of the details on the fund, as well as how you can get assistance if you have been affected by the flood, click here. We thank the St. Croix Valley Foundation for their effort and cooperation in launching this initiative.
UW-River Falls Student United Way President Wins River Falls Community Service Award
Student United Way of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls President Liz Stolte was awarded the 2011 River Falls Youth Emerging Legend Community Service Award at the River Falls Community Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Breakfast.
The award recognizes those under 21 who are either living or attending college in River Falls and have shown exceptional leadership as well as provided community service to the River Falls community. As UW-River Falls Student United Way President, Stolte has organized projects such as a school supply drive for River Falls schools and United Way agencies, trick-or-treating for canned goods, visiting senior citizens, painting United Way agency Turningpoint, caring for foster animals and helping children in the slums of Kenya through another project of the former Student United Way faculty advisor.
Stolte has also volunteered as an Americorps Vista at the Eastside Boys and Girls Club in St. Paul, where she and the other volunteers read to hundreds of children during the summer of 2010. Stolte then developed a presentation about starting a volunteer reading program and presented it to other Student United Way leaders at the annual Student United Way Leadership Retreat at United Way Worldwide in Washington, D.C. this past September.
Stolte was nominated for the service award by United Way St. Croix Valley staff member Kate Smith. Said Smith about Stolte’s work with United Way, “Liz has been an inspiration to her peers by leading the Student United Way and encouraging them to make a difference. The organization now has more active members than ever before, and I don’t doubt a huge reason for that is Liz’s enthusiasm for service.”
For more information about the Student United Way of UW-River Falls or United Way St. Croix Valley, call Kate Smith at 715-377-0203 ext. 103.
Pictured is Student United Way President Liz Stolte with her 2011 River Falls Youth Emerging Legend Community Service Award.
United Way's Response to Friday’s Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Japan and the Pacific
Update March 17, 2011 - We’ve all been shocked and moved by the images and stories coming out of Japan following last week’s earthquakes, tsunami, and now, nuclear crisis. Conditions are deteriorating, and United Way Worldwide is determined to support the Community Chest of Japan, a part of the United Way worldwide network.
We know the Community Chest of Japan has established a fund, but chaos and difficulty inside of Japan are presenting a challenge to them for setting up a website where people can give direct donations. United Way Worldwide is now accepting contributions on our website for the Community Chest of Japan, and the funds will be directed to the Community Chest of Japan through United Way’s International Donor Advised Giving (IDAG) program.
Link to donate: http://liveunited.org/japan
Link to blog for more information: http://liveunited.org/blog/entry/you-can-make-a-difference.-support-the-people-of-japan and http://unitedway.org/worldwide/
The hearts and minds of the United Way movement around the world are with the people of Japan. With communications disrupted by the disaster, we were finally successful on Saturday in connecting with Central Community Chest of Japan. They are safe, but they have not been able to contact all of the local Community Chests in disaster-stricken areas. Central Community Chest of Japan is convening local Community Chests to create one central fund and are collaborating with government, local businesses and other NGOs to coordinate response on the ground.
As soon as we have solid information about the central fund, we will immediately provide this information to the United Way network. We are not activating the United Way Worldwide disaster fund but will direct to the local fund. The Community Chest of Korea has already committed $500,000.
Here are the ways we are helping now:
- Until we have an electronic link to the local disaster fund, individuals or organizations wanting to make donations to disaster efforts of greater than $5,000 can donate to United Way’s International Donor Advised Giving (IDAG) program – http://worldwide.unitedway.org/IDAG
- As there are hidden costs and complications associated with contributions of goods or services, we discourage unsolicited product donations
- Those trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan are directed to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizen Services toll free from within the U.S. at +1.888.407.4747, from outside the U.S. at +1.202.647.5225 or on their website – http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html
We’ll keep you posted as more information is available.
United Way Celebrates National Nutrition Month
Join United Way St. Croix Valley in celebrating National Nutrition Month this March by submitting to our Healthy Recipe Online Cookbook. United Way is spreading awareness about nutrition because one of United Way's three main focus areas is health.
Get nutritious meal ideas for your family from your friends' and neighbors' submissions. Recipes will be accepted throughout March and posted as they are received. To submit your recipe, email Kate Smith.
RESCO Contributes to United Way
As John Coughlin, Executive Director of United Way St. Croix Valley presents RESCO with a certificate for their efforts, Karen Homeier, VP-Finance & HR of RESCO presents John with a “big” check for $6,000 representing the employees' contributions to the United Way for this year’s campaign. Read the full press release.
Back row, from left to right: John DeGraff, Cindy Brown, Ryan Hilke, John Schreifer, Todd Paulson, Teena Gonsior, Johnny Larrabee, Rose Knutson and Company President, John Knutson.
Holiday Give-A-Thon Exceeds Goal
United Way St. Croix Valley's first online Holiday Give-A-Thon, held during the month of December, exceeded its goal of $2,000, raising a total of $2,122.
The total includes a $1,000 match from fundraising processor Razoo, who matched the first $1,000 raised dollar for dollar.
The money raised through this fundraiser will go towards the United Way Food Resource Center's December food shipment, which has provided food to hungry families this holiday season.
United Way St. Croix Valley thanks the Holiday Give-A-Thon fundraisers and donors for making this project a success.