UWBR Announces COVID-19 Action Fund Grants - Round 5
United Way Blackhawk Region proudly announces its latest round of COVID-19 Action Fund grants equating to $19,240. Thus far, United Way’s COVID-19 Action Fund has awarded $103,651 to local health and human services providers.

The following nonprofit programs/ agencies were awarded a COVID-19 Action Fund grant:

  • $10,000 to Latino Service Providers Coalition for operational support of the coordinator position, facilitating response to the needs of the local Latinx population.
  • $5,040 to Family Promise of Greater Beloit to provide additional motel vouchers to serve the homeless population in and around Beloit.
  • $4,200 to Head Start to provide for the purchase of supplemental food, diapers, formula and other supplies for more than 120 Head Start families.

Click below to continue reading the media release.
Three new members elected to UWBR Board of Directors
The volunteer board is responsible for setting policy and providing strategic leadership that aligns with United Way’s mission and meets the standards of United Way Worldwide.

“We are pleased to welcome Kayla Hiller, Leslie Hulick, and Tim Oswald to United Way Blackhawk Region’s Board of Directors,” said Board Chair Tom McCawley. “Each member brings unique skills and expertise to United Way’s fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in our community. We are grateful to all volunteers who know the value of what it means to live united.”

To view the full roster of United Way's 2021 Board of Directors, click here. You may also read the media release and announcement of the new appointees below.
Kayla K. Hiller, Nowlan & Mouat
Originally from South Dakota, Kayla Hiller grew up in Pierre and attended the University of South Dakota. With a goal of becoming an attorney since middle school, Hiller graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1997. She moved to Janesville upon accepting a position with the Nowlan Law Firm where she has practiced for almost 24 years. Hiller focuses on helping clients with estate planning, real estate, and business matters. She is deeply dedicated to the community, having served on numerous boards and volunteering on behalf of a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the United Way Blackhawk Region Campaign Cabinet. In her spare time, Hiller enjoys cycling, hiking, swimming, travelling with her husband David, and socializing with friends and family.

Leslie Hulick, Blackhawk Community Credit Union
Leslie Hulick is the Vice President of Administration at Blackhawk Community Credit Union (BHCCU). She oversees the Marketing and Human Resources Departments, as well as leading projects and initiatives to benefit BHCCU membership. She joined BHCCU in 2013 after working for the City of Janesville as HR Manager for eight years. Hulick earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2002. She is a proud graduate of the Rock County Leadership Development Academy, is a Certified Public Manager through the University of Wisconsin and has held a Professional in Human Resources certification for 13 years. Hulick’s advocacy for United Way began when she joined BHCCU and over the past several years she has volunteered for the campaign, on community grant review panels and has taken on the role of Day of Caring Volunteer Coordinator. Hulick was born and raised in Milton, and still calls it home today. She lives in the house her grandparents built more than 40 years ago with her husband, Al, and their sons, Grant and Bennett.

Tim Oswald, Fairbanks Morse
Tim Oswald is the Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) for Fairbanks Morse in Beloit. Oswald started his position with Fairbanks in June 2020. Prior to this role, he was the SVP of HR for Springs Window Fashions and spent 11 years with Regal Beloit Corporation where he held a variety of HR Leadership positions, ultimately leading their team as CHRO. Oswald earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and his MBA from the New York Institute of Technology. He has also spends considerable time volunteering. He has been a youth basketball and baseball coach, former President of Friends of the Riverfront and currently volunteers as an assistant coach for Parkview boys’ basketball. Oswald and his wife Jennifer have three children: Tyler, Trey and Taytum.
Equity Challenge
We invite you to join us and sister United Ways across Wisconsin in the 21 Week #EquityChallenge - an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and communities.

Sign-up to receive a weekly email starting Monday, Feb. 1st through Monday, June 21st. Each week's message will have information, links to articles, videos, and more about a specific topic. The challenge is to spend time each week learning and getting a better understanding of the equity issues we face in Wisconsin.

You can participate solo or form a small group to discuss weekly topics. Access to discussion guides and other resources will be provided throughout the challenge to help facilitate conversation.
Attention Funded Partners:
The application for United Way Blackhawk Region's 2021-2023 Community Grant cycle is now open for currently funded Program Partners. Deadline for submission is noon on Friday, Feb. 26 via e-CImpact. Partner Programs with new executive leadership or questions, please contact UWBR Vice President Denise Peters-Kauihou at 608.314.8424 or via email.