Quarter 2: Health
Greetings,

We have now finalized our 2017 campaign results. I want to thank you for all of your support this past year. We are very grateful for your generosity and commitment as we have been assessing the health of our organization. We have undergone internal restructuring and are finalizing new approaches to addressing issues around education, income, and health in Manitowoc County. I am confident our asset-based approach to collective action and results-based accountability will enable us to come out stronger and more effective in helping to address the basic human needs for safety, satisfaction, and connectedness.

The 2017 campaign raised $290,500 in pledges from 1,130 generous donors and volunteers, like you. This money is being invested in calendar year 2018 to honor fulfillment of grants awarded in 2017, support 2-1-1 information and referral, volunteer services, issue advocacy and education, coalition work, and launching the 2018 campaign.

As we are in the midst of our transformation, we couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities. Our focus will be intentional. We have been committed to supporting people who are income-constrained and to remaining relevant to donors and the community for nearly 100 years. We are committed to doing the same for the next 100 years. We’re doing this by building on our strengths, evolving our business model, adding new capabilities and staying focused on issues.

For quarter 2, we want to draw your attention to the connection between health and community engagement. We’re proud of the work we continue to do together. And rest assured, we won’t stop fighting until every person in Manitowoc County has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Living United –
Tania Spofford, MS-OCL
Executive Director
United Way Manitowoc County

Volunteering Makes You Feel Healthier
Volunteering has been proven to have numerous health benefits. Research shows that volunteering has many mental and physical health benefits. Volunteering helps improve your mood, makes you feel healthier, increases your sense of purpose and reduces your stress levels. Volunteering can also give us a deep sense of happiness, both immediately and long term.

  • 76% of people who volunteer say that volunteering has made them feel healthier.
  • 94% of people who volunteer say that volunteering improves their mood.
  • 96% of people say that volunteering enriches their sense of purpose.
  • 95% of people who volunteer say they are helping to make their community a better place.
  • About a quarter of people who volunteer say that volunteering has helped them manage a chronic illness such as depression.

Learn more about the benefits of volunteering and Project Helping here.
Volunteer Opportunity
Day of Action: June 21st
Every year on June 21 st , United Ways across the nation mobilize their communities to give back to the community. This day looks different in each community and can vary from year-to-year. This year, United Way Manitowoc County would like to send teams of volunteers nonprofit organizations and lend a helping hand.

If you are interested in volunteering, please take moment to fill out this short form to get on our Day of Action Mailing List: click here . Please call the United Way office at (920) 682-8888 if you have any questions. 

United Way Tools
FamilyWize
When you have a health issue, how do you know where to go for treatment?

Our partner FamilyWize breaks down how to determine if you should visit your primary care doctor, urgent care, or the ER. 

Impact
Volunteer Highlight: Sherry's Story
"I have had acute anxiety disorders for as long as I can remember. 12 years into my professional career, I realized I could no longer handle them on my own. With the proper diagnoses and with the help of medication and therapy, I was able to manage them although they are always with me. In 2015 I retired from my 36 year career in the corporate world, where I had multiple responsibilities as well as mounting stressors and deteriorating health problems. 

I decided I had to remove myself from the situation and take care of myself. I heard about Painting Pathways from a friend and former board member. I’ve always had an empathy and desire to support others dealing with mental health issues and joined the Clubhouse three months after retirement. I come in a couple times a week, where I work on statistics and other clerical work and have made many good friends. I am extremely thankful to be in a low-stress environment and to be part of something I am passionate about. I value the sense of community we have, the opportunity to feel useful and the mutual support we members have for each other. I am proud of the opportunities we offer to others."

We are so thankful for volunteers like Sherry who care about the health of the Manitowoc County Community. Her story highlights just one of our amazing community partners, Painting Pathways, but the impact of volunteering is universal.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, contact our Community Impact Manager Ashley Bender at 920-682-8888 or ashley@unitedwaymanitowoccounty.org.

United Way Manitowoc County | 920-682-8888 | Email | Website