Impact in the Chippewa Valley

The Chippewa Valley really is one of the best places to be. We have so many caring community members who are always willing to step up and support their neighbors. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." We know many of you live to be part of the change, continually inspiring future change-makers and for that we thank you!

This month's newsletter intro is a farewell message from Andy Neborak, our departing Executive Director. As an organization, we are so appreciative of Andy's three years of dedication and leadership, we're a little biased but he's built a great team here. We're better because of the connections and collaborations Andy has helped bridge. Mostly, we'll miss his bad dad humor and ability to always find the silver lining. Wishing you all the best on your new adventure!

Recently we've spoken with Program Partners and took a deep dive into ALICE Report data. As a reminder, ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - earning above the poverty level but still living paycheck to paycheck. Now more than ever we need your help to lift the more than 18,000 Chippewa Valley households who fall into this category to a more secure future. There is serious eye-opening data here, along with tools to illustrate some of the greatest needs of the Chippewa Valley.

Are you still reading? If yes, we thank you! Continue on to learn more about Digital Equity collaboration with Feed My People Food Bank, our upcoming sale with Sunnydaze Decor, July's Impact Tour opportunity and much more.

Together we invest in the greatest needs of the Chippewa Valley and we appreciate your continued support!

Hello Everyone –

As my time as your Executive Director at United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on how fortunate I am because of what United Way has given me.

United Way has educated me about the many barriers people face when striving to reach their full potential. While that is a saddening reality, there’s hope because this organization has also taught me how many people and organizations are working tirelessly to support overcoming those barriers. Because the scope of United Way’s work and its partnerships are so extensive, I’ve gained a new perspective of what a thriving community should look like.

I’ve met a multitude of genuine and kind individuals over the past three years. Whether it’s donors, Program Partners, volunteers or staff, there’s a certain energy provided by constantly interacting with so many individuals who want to do the right thing for our communities. In a world that can be negative, scary and full of debate, the individuals associated with United Way provide a positive light.

In closing, I’d like to simply say thank you. My family and I appreciate the support you’ve shown me in this important role. We appreciate your support of a strong Chippewa Valley. We appreciate your partnership. Finally, I’ll thank you in advance for continuing to support our great team at United Way as they continue our important work. I look forward to continuing to support United Way. Together we can accomplish amazing things and I look forward to continued service alongside you in the years to come.

With gratitude,

Andrew Neborak

Executive Director

United Way of the

Greater Chippewa Valley

Shopping and supporting, we'd call that a win-win! We've partnered again with Sunnydaze Decor Outlet Store to raise funds to support our community initiatives in Health, Education, Financial Stability, Basic Needs and Digital Equity.

10% of all proceeds will be donated to United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley. Check out the sale on June 15 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and June 16 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Click on the button below for more info and to get connected with the Facebook event. Thanks to all in advance for supporting us!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE FACEBOOK EVENT!

Are you interested in being a part of the largest volunteer event in the Chippewa Valley? Click the link to learn about project requirements and helpful tips to make sure your organization and the volunteer team assigned to your project both have a great experience. Project submission due by June 22!

SUBMIT YOUR DAY OF CARING PROJECTS HERE!

Join us Saturday, June 17 at the Leinie Lodge for their Summer Kick Off! We'll be selling 50/50 raffle tickets, all raffle proceeds benefiting the Chippewa Valley.

FOR MORE INFO CLICK HERE!

Our neighbors and our friends need help. United Way is committed to connecting individuals with resources to ensure financial stability.

The new United Way of Wisconsin ALICE® Reports over One-Third of Wisconsinites Struggle to Make Ends Meet Financially.

Wisconsin households had difficulty affording basic necessities like housing, food, transportation, child care and internet access.

READ THE ALICE REPORT HERE!

GIVE TODAY TO HELP OUR NEIGHBORS!

Thank you Chippewa Valley! We donated over 68,000 pounds of food during this year's National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger event, supported by United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley.

Also, this year over $3,000 were donated, which will purchase 6,000 meals for Chippewa Valley community members in need. That's a huge impact!

Thank You Feed My People Food Bank for helping distribute this food in the Chippewa Valley!

Continuing to put our Program Partners in the Spotlight!

This is the fifth edition of our Program Partner Spotlight, we hope you're enjoying the opportunity to learn more about the organizations we work with. Our mission is to highlight a different Program Partner each month to build awareness as to what they do and how we, United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley (UWGCV), invest and collaborate with them. We're shining a celebratory light on the amazing programs and people who work humbly to support and strengthen our Chippewa Valley communities every day.

This month's Program Partner Spotlight is featuring Bolton Refuge House, Inc.:

When you support UWGCV, you are investing in collaborative, innovative, research-based and results-focused initiatives. These initiatives coordinate the work of local programs, service providers and community stakeholders in the Chippewa Valley. Together, we're working to solve our community's most pressing problems. Each Program Partner is funded under a specific initiative that is driven by a bold goal that keeps everyone working toward the same mission. Each month we'll talk about how the featured program fits into our initiatives.

BASIC NEEDS BOLD GOAL:

Chippewa Valley residents will have access to food, shelter and medical services in their time of need.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

Bolton Refuge House, Inc (BRH) Mental Health Intervention Programs provide confidential personal advocacy to victims who are seeking ways to improve their quality of life while developing skills to effectively manage life crises and challenges. The Mental Health Coordinator/Victim Advocate will aid individuals throughout their life span to identify unhealthy behaviors, teach positive coping skills, and work at ways to effectively manage daily challenges and crisis situations as they rebuild their relationships and self-esteem. BRH provides all services to victims of domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, dating violence and sexual assault and to children who have witnessed or been exposed to violence.

Farwell Facility-emergency shelter/24 hours crisis services.

We're here to give you an overview of what our program partners do to impact our communities. We asked them to answer a few quick and direct questions for better insight as to what they do, how they do it, how United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley (UWGCV) supports them, any immediate needs they may currently have and any other notes they'd like you to be aware of. Here's what Bolton Refuge House, Inc had to say.

Please tell us who you are and what you do to strengthen the Chippewa Valley:

Bolton Refuge House, Inc (BRH) creates a safe space through programs and services for all persons impacted by domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse and advocates for social change. BRH envisions a world in which all persons have the right to safety, dignity, respect and self-determination.

All persons have the right to feel safe and exercise control over their lives. Emotional and physical safety enables the work to begin. Respect begins where the other person is and recognizes the inherent dignity of the other. BRH is an extender of grace, recognizing the dignity of each person and the need of compassion and unconditional acceptance.

How does UWGCV strengthen your program?

UWGCV strengthens BRH program by offering support and connection with other program partners, community organizations/members, resources and information. BRH receives funds from UWGCV for both Basic and Health Services. These funds are critical to BRH in providing much-needed services to victims and their children.

What is your greatest

program need?

BRH is in need of volunteers to aid in the maintenance of the facility and to cover part-time victim advocacy shifts (with training to ensure readiness).

BRH is also in need of financial support. BRH relies heavily on Federal/State

Administration to secure funding. In 2023/2024 BRH will receive the hardest reduction in both federal and state dollars that has ever been seen, paralyzing the agency’s work. BRH will see a substantial reduction of $128,200.00 from the State of WI in 24 crisis support core services/emergency sheltering, leaving BRH with a deficit in this service area of $130,760.

Is there anything else you would like to highlight?

Crisis Intervention Services provide confidential personal advocacy at no cost to victims who are in need of immediate crisis and support services. Advocacy services are also provided to children who have been exposed to or witness abuse. To address the basic

needs of individuals, BRH provides emergency shelter in downtown Eau Claire. In addition to sheltering, BRH provides food, clothing, vouchers, safety planning, information and referrals. All services are provided to aid the individual and family with their immediate needs and to provide an opportunity to assist the individual in creating safety and stability in their lives.

For more information about

Bolton Refuge House, Inc

please contact:

Pat Stein

(715) 834-0628

P.O. Box 482

807 S. Farwell Facility

Eau Claire, WI 54702-0482

Or visit their website at www.boltonrefuge.org and follow their social platforms.

Thank you Bolton Refuge House, Inc for providing safe space, support and resources to residents in the Chippewa Valley who are in need.

our July Impact Tour!

The next tour opportunity is Thursday, July 18 in the afternoon. We'll share an agenda soon!

Impact Tours provide the opportunity to learn more about the issues affecting our community and how you can support the efforts of local nonprofits by donating to United Way.

For each tour, we visit multiple United Way Program Partners throughout the scheduled time. You'll get an up-close look at the amazing work that is being done right here in the Chippewa Valley.

DIGITAL EQUITY and FEED MY PEOPLE FOOD BANK WORK TOGETHER!

Our Digital Equity & Inclusion Initiative is partnering with Feed My People Food Bank to bridge the digital divide! Community members will have an opportunity to speak with a digital equity team member on Friday, June 23 from 10-11:30 a.m. in the HAC Conference Room during Feed My People’s pop-up food distribution times.

Digital equity team members can get community members connected to affordable and reliable internet service, devices, digital skills training and technical support during a pop-up food distribution event. We encourage community members to share their internet concerns and get connected!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DIGITAL EQUITY INITIATIVE.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our 34th Annual United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley Golf Tournament a success!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR GOLF THANK YOU VIDEO!

Helping others is proven to induce warm fuzzies. Don't believe us, try it for yourself!

Check out our new ULTIMATE ONLINE VOLUNTEER RESOURCE, ChippewaValleyVolunteer.com!

In collaboration with Visit Eau Claire, we’re able to bring local volunteer opportunities to one accessible digital platform. ChippewaValleyVolunteer.com is a one-stop shop when you’re looking to be a volunteer or to recruit volunteers.

Volunteer. Recruit. Visit Now.

VISIT CHIPPEWAVALLEYVOLUNTEER.COM NOW!