4th Quarter 2020 Newsletter
A Message from Our Executive Director

I want to take a moment to reflect on the word community. Here at United Way it is more than just a word – it represents home, safety, and a place of belonging. To have community is incredibly valuable to our overall wellbeing no matter our race, color, creed, socioeconomic status, sex, or location in the world.
 
As we stay in isolation, our sense of community is without a doubt affected and, for some, may even be in jeopardy of being lost all together. Without community, feelings of loneliness, sadness, and depression can creep in and negatively impact one’s quality of life.

To stay resilient, we naturally look for other occasions that generate a sense of belonging and connection.

United Way’s mission is to improve quality of life in our community. We accomplish this through the very essence of what it means to have community and live in unity. As we bring ideas, talents, and resources together by way of meaningful volunteer opportunities, strategic partnerships, and advocacy, we continue to ignite a sense of community. We LIVE UNITED. 

Please visit and share our refreshed COVID-19 Response page for tools and resources that will inspire resiliency. This is your United Way at work for you today so tomorrow is brighter for all. Thank you for being an important part of our community.

Warm regards,
Ashley Bender
(920) 682-8888
COVID-19 Basic Needs Relief Fund Impact

To date, thanks to the support of many generous donors and corporate partners, United Way Manitowoc County has raised $92,827 to support our COVID-19 Basic Needs Relief Fund in an effort to provide immediate relief and long term recovery funding to our community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In our last newsletter, we shared an update on the impact that was made through our first phase of funding - $22,150 that was awarded to 13 nonprofit organizations to provide immediate basic needs relief to their clients. To view the full phase one impact report, click here.

We’re excited to share the impact our second phase of funding. Our second phase of funding focused on recovery and ensuring that there weren’t any critical services lost in our community due to the pandemic. During this phase, we awarded 11 nonprofits $53,500. So far, over 12,639 individuals and 4,919 households were served! To view the full phase two impact report, click here.
New 211 Wisconsin Mental Health Resources

As part of our work focused on meeting basic needs, United Way Manitowoc County funds 211 Wisconsin, a free referral service that connects those in need to vital health and human services.

211 Wisconsin recently launched new online tools to help Wisconsinites get connected to mental health and substance use services and information. These new online tools include a mental health guided search, an online screening tool, and a health library with videos and articles on mental health and substance use topics. 
$90 for 90th Anniversary Fundraiser

Thanks to your support, we’re closer to reaching our $90 for 90th anniversary fundraiser goal – 90 people donating $90 to support our mission! If you haven’t yet made your $90 donation, there’s still time to take part in our 90th anniversary celebration! 

To be one of our 90th anniversary supporters, you can donate $90 on our website or mail a check into our office - 21 East Waldo Blvd before December 31. 
Volunteer this Holiday Season

If you’re looking to volunteer your time this holiday season, check out our Volunteer Connection Center – Manitowoc County’s Volunteer Hub! There you can find over 50 volunteer opportunities at a variety of local nonprofit organizations. You can choose from virtual and remote volunteer projects, as well as social distanced in person opportunities. Don’t forget to return to the Volunteer Connection Center often – new opportunities are added weekly!
Support United Way this #GivingTuesday

#GivingTuesday, the largest giving day of the year, is coming up on Tuesday, December 1. This #GivingTuesday, consider making a gift to United Way Manitowoc – a gift to fight for a future where everyone in our community can live the life they deserve.

You can give online or by mailing a check to our office – 21 E. Waldo Blvd. 

Thank You

Thank you Seehafer News for serving as our official 2020 media sponsor. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to continuing our partnership in 2021!
United Way Manitowoc County | 920-682-8888 | Email | Website