Your Top 5 to THRIVE

July 2023

#1 Community Closet Opened Monday for in-Person Shopping!

Our Community Closet welcomed guests to a new and improved shopping experience Monday, July 10!

A ribbon cutting ceremony with the Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce is set for August 17 and additional improvements to the space are also planned in August.

The Community Closet will provide new and gently used clothing, at no charge, to those who express a need, without requiring an income verification.

This initiative aligns with our Bold Goal to lift 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033.

#2 Farm to Feast Dinner - Limited Seats Remain!

Kat Becker, owner and founder of Cattail Organics, loads up Farm to Family produce at her farm in Athens.

Join us for a produce forward, community style meal, to benefit The Marathon County Hunger Coalition at Whitewater Music Hall Saturday, August 12.



Enjoy a meal specifically curated by Red Door Family Farm and Cattail Organics, learn about our Farm to Family Produce program and see first-hand how we are connecting those that need it most, to fresh produce.

#3 Food Pantry Rolls into 400 Block

United Way’s Hunger Coalition held its first-ever Mobile Food Pantry Monday, June 19 at the 400 Block in downtown Wausau.

More than 100 guests were provided with fresh organic produce and a variety of dry goods. Supplies for the day were gone in three hours.

#4 $37,500 Awarded in Instant Impact Grants!

In May, United Way of Marathon County announced a new grant opportunity for nonprofits – Instant Impact Grants.

Those applying for the grant will receive a response within 10 days.

Since then, we have awarded $37,500 to four organizations. The Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area was awarded $7,500. The funds are being used this summer to help support the Club’s meal and snack program.

The Neighbors’ Place also received a $10,000 Instant Impact Grant to provide hygiene and cleaning supplies to guests.

Northcentral Community Action Program was awarded a $10,000 grant for their Emergency Housing Assistance Fund and New Beginnings was awarded $10,000 to support their Refugee Direct Assistance program.

#5 ICYMI: Meet Stephanie Schmitt

We're excited to welcome Stephanie to our team as the new Finance and Administrative Assistant!

She started Monday, June 12.

A true number cruncher at heart, Stephanie spent almost 10 years in corporate taxation for an airline before moving to the smaller nonprofit world.

Most recently, she spent more than eight years as the accountant for Peaceful Solutions Counseling. Stephanie and her husband have three children. She enjoys reading, family camping trips, and organizing any and all things that come her way.