Greetings!

As the United Way’s new executive director, I am both honored and delighted to be joining you in our shared commitment to building a better future for our community. I am inspired by the resilience and generosity of the individuals and organizations who support United Way's mission of improving the health, education, and financial stability for everyone in our four-county service area. Our work focuses on ALICE in particular--please take a moment to meet ALICE if you’ve not already done so.
 
I am grateful for all we have already accomplished together, and I am excited to continue this important work with all of you. Thank you again for your dedication and support, and I look forward to sharing our progress with you in the months to come.


In partnership,

Steve McCarthy
UWSCV Executive Director
ALICE in the Crosshairs
The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health and economic crisis, upended life as we knew it three years ago. It claimed the lives of millions and unleashed a storm of competing economic forces – a phenomenon rarely seen. How did our state's most vulnerable ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families fare financially?

United Ways across Wisconsin have partnered with United For ALICE to launch its newest report, “ALICE in the Crosscurrents,” which illustrates the impact of the pandemic’s competing economic forces on financially struggling households. Read the Report: United4ALICE.org/ALICE2023
Save the Date!
Save the Date *DATE CHANGE*
Walk, Roll & Read - July 21, 2023

Walk, Roll & Read events bring families and children together at local parks to enjoy a nature walk with story tents and children's activities along the way. Hosted by United Way's Success By 6 program and community partners, Walk, Roll & Read provides an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and children to enjoy a walk through the woods, read and participate in fun activities together, and learn more about community resources. 

All children in attendance are able to select a brand new book of their choice to take home donated by United Way.
UWSCV in Action
St. Croix Health supports UWSCV Diaper Bank

Last month, United Way St. Croix Valley partnered with St. Croix Health on a community-wide diaper drive to help families in need.

We are thrilled to report that, thanks to the generosity of our community, we collected 2,218 diapers and 56 packages of baby wipes. A very special thank you to the Frederic Clinic who won a friendly competition amongst the clinics and collected more than 700 diapers!

Pictured: UWSCV's Success by 6 Director, Betsy Byker, delivered diapers and wipes to the Burnett County Family Resource Center.

Thank you to our community partners and all of the generous community members that showed up for children and families in need last month!

Learn more and donate today to the UWSCV Diaper Bank: https://lnkd.in/grVZdvY
Staff Spotlight: 211 Resource Manager

My name is Emily and I am an Information & Referral (I&R) Specialist with 211 St. Croix Valley. I started an internship with 211 in September of 2020 while I was in my senior year of my social work degree at UW-River Falls. I was hired as a staff member in April of 2021 and have been with United Way since!

211 is such an important and vital resource for our community. We hear from callers every day who say that they had no idea that 211 existed but they are thankful to have a central point to call when they need help. 211 I&R Specialists have an in depth knowledge of the community and the resources that are available, and I am thankful for the connections we have been able to make with agencies in the area who take the time to provide us with information about what they do and how they can help. Talking with others who have the same passion for our community is just one of the rewarding parts of the job.

It’s not uncommon for us to talk with someone who says it was hard to reach out and ask for help because they’ve never had to before. But that is exactly what we are there for and what assistance programs in the community exist for. We will always thank you for calling and validate your feelings about the situation you are in.

Hearing from those who were able to get help from the agencies in our community reminds us of the importance of 211 and why we exist. Whether it’s stopping an eviction, keeping electricity on, or connecting someone to mental health and/or substance use resources, 211 plays an important role in reminding those that there is help out there and waiting. We are always happy to help and connect you!
Volunteers Needed for UWSCV Diaper Bank
Calling all volunteers!

As our United Way St. Croix Valley Diaper Bank expands into Pierce county, we need a group of dedicated volunteers to help us get diapers to babies in need!

There are multiple ways to support this critical work. Contact Betsy Byker, Success by 6 Director, at Betsy.Byker@unitedwaystcroix.org or 715-245-1593 to learn more and sign up today.