Winter 2025
UNITED EVERY DAY
Connecting Hearts, Building Community
It’s almost 211 Day on February 11th . . . 2/11. (See what we did there?)
This edition of United Every Day highlights 211, a 24/7 helpline that connects people in our community to critical resources like utility assistance, elder care, mental health support, and so much more. I’m especially proud that we operate a local 211 call center right here in the Fox Cities, where every call, text, or chat is answered by a real person who listens with care and responds with tangible solutions.
We also share other exciting updates—including a new staff member, new engagement opportunities with LEAD United, and more!
I’m so grateful for generous donors like you who make services like 211 possible. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected community. Thank you for being part of this life-changing work.
With heartfelt thanks,
Lisa Kogan-Praska
President & CEO, United Way Fox Cities
SUPPORT 211
Make a difference with a gift that honors the helpline our community counts on. Whether you give $2.11, $21.10, or $211, your donation ensures 211 is there 24/7 to provide hope and help when it’s needed most.
Your generosity:
• Feeds a family in crisis by connecting them to food resources.
• Removes barriers to opportunity by arranging transportation to job interviews or medical appointments.
• Saves lives by guiding someone toward recovery from addiction.
Every dollar you give empowers 211 to answer the call and change lives in our community.
Will you help today?
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to serve my community through United Way.”
STAFF UPDATE
WELCOME BETH CLAY
Vice President of Community Impact
We are excited to announce that Beth Clay has joined United Way Fox Cities as our new Vice President of Community Impact!
Beth brings a wealth of experience, having spent the past decade as the Executive Director of NEW Mental Health Connection and previously leading NAMI Fox Valley. Her expertise in community health and building strong partnerships will be key as we continue to strengthen the Fox Cities.
In her new role, Beth will focus on identifying and addressing evolving needs, using data to guide funding priorities, and leading efforts that move us closer to our community impact goals. We are happy to have her on the team and look forward to all we can accomplish together.
Introducing
2025 looks bright with LEAD United, a new engagement group designed to empower the next generation of changemakers in the Fox Cities. Through advocacy, fundraising, investing, and volunteering, LEAD United provides hands-on opportunities to create lasting change.
This year, LEAD United will focus on improving mental well-being—one of our region’s most pressing needs.
ABOUT
211 is a national, statewide, and local network of care that ensures no one has to face life’s challenges alone. By dialing 211, callers are connected to a real person who listens, understands, and guides them to agencies and organizations that can help.
Over a decade ago, United Way Fox Cities recognized the need for a local 211 call center. A local connection helps people get the right help faster from specialists who truly understand our community’s needs. For United Way, it provides valuable insights to make sure we’re supporting the issues that matter most.
In 2024, United Way Fox Cities’ 211 call center responded to 13,677 calls and provided 29,694 referrals. With your support, 211 continues to help thousands of individuals and families access critical services.
Did You Know?
211 is available in all 50 states and plays a vital role in National Disaster Response, connecting people to life-saving resources when it matters most.
This past summer, when severe flooding impacted parts of Manawa and the Fox Cities, 211 was there to help. Our call specialists connected families to emergency shelters and resources, while also working alongside state and county officials to help assess the damage and coordinate response efforts.
How Callers Get Connected
In 2024, most callers were repeat users (3,068), followed by those referred through word of mouth (1,403) or community agencies (683). Others find 211 through web searches or other sources (4755).
IMPACT
2024 CALL CENTER DATA
13,677 CONTACTS | 29,694 REFERRALS
TOP 5 NEEDS OF 2024
FIVE YEAR TREND
Over the past five years, housing and shelter have remained a consistent and critical need in our community. While requests for healthcare spiked in 2020 due to the pandemic, call volumes have since stabilized, with housing, mental health, and basic needs like utilities and food continuing to play a significant role.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CALL
The 211 call center at United Way Fox Cities is INFORM USA certified – a gold standard for the information and referral (I&R) sector. Our specialists undergo careful training and continually update their skills and resource databases to address the evolving needs of our community.
MEET CHRIS
Chris is a dedicated 211 call specialist serving through the Be Well Fox Valley AmeriCorps program at United Way Fox Cities. Every day, she’s on the front lines, connecting callers to the support they need. Read on to see how Chris embodies the spirit of 211 and United Way.
What motivated you to become a 211-call specialist?
I’ve always loved the idea of being a truly good human being. This job gives me the chance to show empathy, provide resources, and follow through to ensure the community is cared for.
What have you learned about the Fox Cities?
Our neighbors circle around daunting issues every day. I’ve learned to truly see the needs of others, and that compels me to give my personal best during those moments—when I’m the hope someone is reaching for. I’m driven to do more research, ask more questions, and find alternatives. These might not be spelled out in my job description, but I believe it echoes something deeper—that they found someone who truly cares.
What moments show how the 211 service can make a real difference?
I find myself feeling satisfied and joyful when I can say “yes” to someone’s request—whether it’s for a food pantry, car repairs, financial help, support for aging and disability, or holiday assistance. Some callers are moms who just need someone to talk to and think through their next steps. Others are reentering society from all walks of life, doing everything they can to stay on the right path. People are simply trying to get by and find happiness at the same time.
SAFE AT HOME
211 and Rebuilding Together Fox Valley Partnership
Rebuilding Together Fox Valley, a valued United Way Fox Cities partner agency, works with 211 to connect callers to essential fall prevention and safe housing work. Chip Wood, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Fox Valley, shares how our impact grows when we work together.
“211 is an essential partner for Rebuilding Together Fox Valley, referring homeowners to our fall prevention and safe housing work. 211 ensures that those seeking help qualify for our services, while reassuring callers of our agency’s legitimacy. Many community members have had unfortunate experiences with repair companies—projects poorly completed, excessively expensive, or even paid for but never finished. Our trusted services are free to all qualified applicants, thanks to our generous funders.
A powerful example of this partnership is Kathy*. After suffering a fall due to her complex health conditions, Kathy called 211. Her health challenges caused frequent falls and hospitalizations, significantly impacting her quality of life. Kathy’s home became harder to navigate, with a step separating key areas and a bathroom lacking grab bars. Activities like walking through her home and bathing were daily struggles as she relied on a cane and her husband’s help.
211 referred Kathy to Rebuilding Together Fox Valley, and within two weeks, her home was a safer place to be. We installed grab bars in the bathroom for stability, a shower chair to make bathing easier, a toilet riser for safety, and nightlights throughout her home to prevent tripping. Rebuilding Together was able to provide Kathy with the stability she needed, greatly reducing her risk of falls, and enhancing her family’s safety, independence, and comfort.
Grateful for the support, Kathy praises Rebuilding Together Fox Valley’s services and encourages others to seek assistance when they need it. She and her husband plan to remain in their home for life, with modifications like grab bars playing a crucial role in achieving this goal. They deeply appreciate the impact of these services—not just in their lives, but in the broader community.”
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
About Rebuilding Together Fox Valley
Rebuilding Together Fox Valley ensures income-qualified neighbors can live in safe, healthy, and accessible homes through no-cost home modifications and repairs. Volunteers and staff work together to enhance safety, reduce fall risks, and improve accessibility, fostering better physical health, mental well-being, and stronger community connections.
YOUR COMMUNITY - IN ACTION
Never miss an update! Follow United Way Fox Cities.
Want to receive the print edition of United Every Day by mail? Sign up now!
The United Every Day newsletter is published quarterly. You can expect to receive the next edition.
Please call 211