UNITED IS THE WAY
Care becomes action.
Action becomes impact.
Impact becomes lasting change.
WHAT YOU MADE POSSIBLE
2025 Gratitude Report
THANK YOU FOR SHOWING UP FOR THE FOX CITIES
- A call to 211 leads to food on the table.
- Affordable childcare makes it possible to maintain a steady income.
- Access to counseling makes it easier to show up each day.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
YOUTH OPPORTUNITY
Helping young people reach their full potential
-
$2.35M Invested -
24,869 Children & youth supported -
28 Programs
-
13 Agencies
HEALTHY COMMUNITY
Improving health and well-being for all
-
$2.44M Invested
-
59,040 Individuals supported
-
30 Programs
-
18 Agencies
FINANCIAL SECURITY
Creating a stronger financial future for every generation
-
$1.1M Invested
-
7,111 Individuals supported
-
17 Programs
-
14 Agencies
COMMUNITY RESILIENCY
Addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow
-
$1.25M Invested
-
13,803 211 Calls
-
31,660 211 Referrals
-
931,453 Diapers distributed
STORIES
GROWING & BELONGING
Tyler’s Story
United Way has always mattered to me, but now I see the impact in a personal way. My daughter has autism, and through programs she has built skills, made friends, and played sports with kids who share similar experiences. These programs support her where she is, and that has meant so much to our entire family.
MORE THAN I KNEW
Kelly’s Story
United Way has always been something I believed in, but I never fully understood the impact. As I looked deeper, I realized how many programs had touched my own life. My sister is a person with an intellectual disability, and over the years, organizations and resources have helped my family through some of our most stressful times. Those supports gave us a break, an outlet, and something to rely on when we needed it most.
PARTNER PERSPECTIVE
Nicole, Bridges Child Enrichment Center
United Way has always been something I believed in, but I never fully understood the impact. As I looked deeper, I realized how many programs had touched my own life. My sister is a person with an intellectual disability, and over the years, organizations and resources have helped my family through some of our most stressful times. Those supports gave us a break, an outlet, and something to rely on when we needed it most.
EMPOWERED FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE
Norma’s Story
United Way made a real difference in my life. I joined a Spanish-language Eat Well for Life program to better manage my health, and I learned how to read food labels, exercise at home, and access resources like food pantries my family still uses.
Having the program in Spanish helped me truly understand what I was learning. My A1C improved so much that I no longer need medication, and now I am proud to help others find support.
UNEXPECTED JOB LOSS
LC’s Story
When my wife lost her job, we went from a stable income to relying on family just to get by. We cut back on everything, and even our kids began to notice, offering to sell their toys to help.
We still had bills, medicine, and everyday expenses that did not go away. It made me wonder how someone survives without family or support. It can happen to anyone at any time, and every person is facing something, even if you cannot see it.
Partner Perspective
Pillars
United Way Fox Cities funding helped expand street outreach at a critical time. As more neighbors experienced homelessness, Pillars added another team member and served 30% more people, connecting 201 individuals to housing.
This flexible support allowed outreach to happen when it mattered most, helping some neighbors move directly from the street into stable housing and avoid shelter altogether.
THE POWER OF 211
What Callers Share with Us
“First time calling for food, thankful.”
“3 months sober, called 211 to celebrate.”
“I’m in the hospital. I can’t pay rent, and I can’t pay my phone. I needed help so badly, and you were the first people to actually help. I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”
“211 helped my son get rent deposit assistance so he could move out of the motel he was living in.”
ONE LESS WORRY
A Family’s Story
Before receiving diapers, we often had to take advances on my husband’s paycheck just to afford them, creating a constant cycle of trying to catch up.
Since receiving support, that stress has been lifted. It has made a meaningful difference for our family and shown our children the impact of giving back to the community.
MORE THAN JUST A LAPTOP
A Dad’s Story
I am a single father to an amazing daughter, and I was not able to afford a laptop for her. With support, I was guided through each step of the process, and the team made sure everything was ready to go.
My daughter loves it and uses it every day. I am so grateful for the help and the difference it has made for our family.
KIMBERLY-CLARK EASTERN WISCONSIN DIAPER BANK
One in four parents experiencing diaper need miss work or school because they do not have enough diapers to leave their child at childcare.
IMPACT STACKS UP
In 2025, the Kimberly-Clark Eastern Wisconsin Diaper Bank distributed 931,453 diapers. Stacked together, that would rise nearly 19,500 feet into the air, about 18 Eiffel Towers tall, or nearly 39 Woodward Communications radio towers. Behind that impact is a network of support. VPI provides warehouse space, distribution partners help get diapers to families, volunteers repackage bulk donations into family-ready bundles, and donors make it all possible.
In 2026, the Diaper Bank marks 15 years of serving local families. Since 2011, it has helped meet a basic need that is essential to a child’s well-being and a family’s stability. Each month, an average of 1,553 children receive diapers, and 623 people receive period supplies. That adds up to more than 18,000 children and 7,000 individuals each year.
That impact continues to grow. As part of a national 15-year milestone, the National Diaper Bank Network partnered with Huggies to donate 15 million diapers in 15 days, with 225,132 of those coming directly to this community.
LEAD UNITED
LEAD United is a community of changemakers committed to making a difference across the Fox Cities. Through fundraising, education, and hands-on volunteering, members build meaningful connections, gain hands-on experience, and take action on critical local challenges.
TRIVIA FOR GOOD
In their first-ever fundraiser, LEAD United raised $6,000 to help our neighbors thrive! Trivia For Good brought together 29 teams for some friendly competition to make a difference.
DAY OF CARING
After a 20-year hiatus, Day of Caring returned to the Fox Cities. More than 100 volunteers supported six local nonprofits, completing projects that help agencies focus on what matters most — serving families and neighbors.
Save the date and jump in on our next Day of Caring: May 20, 2026.
DEEP DIVE
LEAD United members participated in two Deep Dive days to better understand some of our community’s most pressing challenges: mental health and well-being. Conversations explored mental wellness across all ages, how everyday language can unintentionally reinforce stigma, and what community programs need to meet growing demand.
“The Deep Dive truly changed how I talk about mental wellness, and I now continue to catch myself avoiding words that can stigmatize. Simple shifts in language can make a big difference in reducing stigma and creating understanding.” – Jada Leonard
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR $1M+ CORPORATE PARTNERS
