UNITED
EVERY DAY
our community can thrive.
Fall 2024
UNITED EVERY DAY
Welcome to United Every Day.
United Every Day offers a new way to stay connected to the heartbeat of your community. Through stories, updates, and real examples of change, you’ll see how your contribution makes a difference in the areas of Health, Education, and Financial Stability.
Each of us can make a difference for a neighbor. But when we come together, we can create change for all. This is what it means to be United Every Day.
We are grateful for you! Your generosity—whether through gifts of time, resources, or support—helps build a brighter future for the Fox Cities. Every contribution, big or small, makes an impact where it’s needed most in our community. Our community’s needs are greater than ever. Your extra generosity can create change that uplifts everyone.
Thank you for being a vital part of your community and United Way Fox Cities. Together, we’re building a future where all can thrive.
GENEROSITY & PURPOSE
IN FOCUS
Q&A with United Way Fox Cities President & CEO Lisa Kogan-Praska
What do you love most about the Fox Cities?
The Fox Cities is truly a community in every sense of the word. Neighbors care about one another. We invest in what matters. We have a shared responsibility to make sure our community is the place you want to call home.
What motivated you to take on this role?
My journey with United Way goes way back! In my first leadership role, I served as a loaned United Way executive in Denver, which showed me the tremendous impact United Way has on communities across the globe. I’ve also had the privilege of working with organizations supported by United Way, where I witnessed firsthand how community generosity changes lives.
I believe strongly in the power of collaboration. This role allows me to combine my passion for nonprofit work with my commitment to creating community-level change. I’m inspired by the opportunity to work with a talented team and dedicated professionals who truly make a difference.
What do you wish people knew about United Way?
I wish everyone could see just how powerful United Way is in bringing diverse groups together to tackle our community’s toughest challenges. By leveraging the power of collective impact, we demonstrate that together, we can achieve far more than we could alone. This is the essence of United Way — by the community, for the community. By uniting our strengths and resources, we can create change that uplifts everyone.
GRATITUDE MIX
Enjoy our Gratitude Mix on Spotify featuring Elton John, Ray LaMontagne, Avi Kaplan, and more. This playlist is a curated collection of uplifting songs that celebrate the spirit of generosity and community.
Got a great song to add? Email us at hello@unitedwayfoxcities.org
STRONGER TOGETHER
Collaborating to bring hope and healing to the Fox Cities.
United Way Fox Cities is honored to walk alongside nonprofit organizations like Reach Counseling, which brings vital, specialized services to the Fox Cities. Hear more from Kristen Trimberger, Executive Director & CEO, as she shares how our collaboration enhances community safety and well-being.
“Our partnership with United Way Fox Cities plays a crucial role in Reach Counseling’s work and success, especially in our ever-changing world. United Way funding allows us to maintain our dedicated team, ensuring we can meet the increasing demand for our services.
With United Way, we can focus on impactful work by providing essential programs like prevention education, advocacy, therapy, and sex offender treatment. These services support survivors of sexual violence and help keep our community safe, allowing us to prioritize our mission over fundraising alone. This partnership not only empowers us to enhance our services but also helps connect us with local businesses and nonprofits, elevating the level of care we provide. Together, we’re making a significant difference in the lives of many.”
About Reach Counseling
Reach Counseling, based in Neenah, WI, provides comprehensive, trauma-informed support for survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and exploitation. Their services include crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, and prevention education, all designed to promote healing and empowerment. Reach works to prevent future abuse through public awareness initiatives and strong community partnerships.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
“Unity is strength… when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” — Mattie Stepanek
VOLUNTEER FOX CITIES
United Way Fox Cities is now teaming up with Volunteer Fox Cities to enhance the workplace campaign experience!
This collaboration means employees now have more opportunities to get involved through impactful, hands-on volunteer projects. By leveraging the expertise of our local volunteer center, we’re able to connect even more individuals to meaningful work that benefits local nonprofits.
We’re grateful for the continued support of our generous workplaces as we work together to build a stronger, more caring community for everyone.
KIMBERLY-CLARK EASTERN WISCONSIN DIAPER BANK
When the 2023 Diaper Check study revealed that 47% of families with children struggle to afford diapers, United Way Fox Cities and Jake’s Network of Hope responded together. By co-operating our Diaper Banks under one location, we’ve strengthened our ability to serve families across our communities.
Now known as the Kimberly-Clark Eastern Wisconsin Diaper Bank, this partnership allows us to combine resources, expertise, and efforts to create a more powerful response.
Thanks to our partners at VPI, Inc., we’re proud to remain at The Hub, continuing to provide essential items like diapers, period products, and adult incontinence supplies.
YOUR COMMUNITY - IN ACTION
Never miss an update! Follow United Way Fox Cities.
YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR UNITED WAY.
We’d love to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey to help United Way Fox Cities better serve our community. Your feedback is invaluable in guiding our efforts and making a difference together.
Eat Well for Life helps participants create their own recipes based on the American Diabetes Association Diabetes Plate method.
NOURISHING ROOTS
A Culturally Tailored Approach to Healthy Living
Doors are opening to better health through Eat Well for Life, a program of Be Well Fox Valley. This initiative uses food as medicine to empower individuals with Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes to manage their health through improved nutrition and lifestyle changes.
In August, the program launched its first cohort tailored specifically for the Hmong community, in partnership with NEW Hmong Professionals. Each week, 14 participants come together to explore healthy eating, cooking, and wellness. With support from a Hmong-speaking instructor, translated materials, and traditional Hmong recipes, the program is designed to be both culturally relevant and accessible. Participants also receive fresh produce provided by St. Joseph’s Food Program and local Hmong farmers.
Now halfway through the program, participants report feeling more energized and confident in making healthier choices.
United Way Fox Cities is proud to serve as the backbone organization of Be Well Fox Valley, where community efforts are breaking down barriers like language, cost, and transportation—making healthy living achievable for all.
30% of referrals were related to Housing and Shelter. Top housing concerns: rent assistance, low-cost housing, and shelters.
EVERY CALL COUNTS
211 is more than a helpline—it’s the community’s listening ear, revealing real-time needs and trends.
Free and Confidential: 211 connects people with local resources for housing, food, mental health, healthcare, and more.
24/7 Access: A real person from the Fox Cities answers every call, providing personalized support and guidance.
United Way Fox Cities 211 received over 10,000 calls from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, providing more than 15,000 referrals to connect community members with essential resources—often offering multiple referrals per call to best meet individual needs.
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The United Every Day newsletter is published quarterly. You can expect to receive the next edition.
