GOAL: CREATING A STRONGER FINANCIAL FUTURE FOR EVERY GENERATION.
OVER 490 VOLUNTEERS MADE AN IMPACT THROUGH DAY OF CARING, FINANCE AND INVESTMENT CHALLENGE BOWL, AND THE FINANCIAL SECURITY COALITION IN 2025.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The ALICE report is a means to define and understand the individuals and families working hard but not earning enough to afford basic living needs.
Assistance with housing & shelter was the most common need recorded by our local 211 Contact Center in 2025. United Way's investment in partner programs provides ALICE households with resources to find & afford safe, stable housing - and in many cases, avoid eviction.
- 2,179 calls were answered by our local 211 contact center regarding housing and emergency shelter in 2025.
- 929 community members received assistance from partner programs to avoid eviction in 2025.
- 27 volunteers participated in the Homeless Point in Time Count in January & July 2025.
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
35% of Wood County and 42% of Adams County households are struggling - despite most of these households earning income above the Federal Poverty Level. Less than 1/3 of Wisconsin's struggling households have
emergency savings. Unable to save, ALICE households may be one unexpected expense or emergency away from spiraling into poverty. Basic financial education is necessary to reach financial stability and independence.
United Way's Financial Security Coalition established the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl event, driving student interest & engagement in financial education.
- 114 students from local high schools participated in the 2026 Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl.
CHILDCARE
At a cost of thousands per child each year, childcare is unaffordable for many ALICE families. For ALICE families who may not qualify for Wisconsin Shares, United Way's investment helps bridge the gap - meaning children who need it most get quality care, and parents remain in the workforce.
- 3 families received childcare aid through partner programs in 2025 and were able to stay employed as a result.
- 2,339 hours of quality childcare were provided through a partner program in 2025 allowing parents to remain employed.
SHELTER
Victims of domestic violence often have limited assets as a result of abuse, which makes it extremely difficult to leave and obtain safe housing. United Way's investment helps provide safe shelter to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - which can mean the difference between life & death.
- 112 victims of domestic violence received safe shelter through a partner program in 2025.
TAX SAVINGS
- $971.56 was the average return received by individuals in south Wood and Adams Counties who filed for free with MyFreeTaxes in 2025.
Source: Financial Security Coalition, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties, United Way of Wisconsin ALICE report 2025, UWSWAC Partner Programs, UWSWAC’s Volunteer Data, United Way’s 211
SUCCESS STORY
When SS reached out to a United Way partner program, she was doing everything she could to stay afloat. She held a steady job and paid her bills on time whenever possible. But rising housing costs, utility bills, and everyday expenses had begun to outpace her income. One unexpected car repair pushed her budget beyond its limit, and she soon found herself facing eviction. SS was overwhelmed. She worked hard, rarely asked for help, and worried about what would happen if she lost her home. Through funding provided by United Way, the partner program was able to step in at a critical moment. Staff worked closely with SS to understand her situation and quickly provided rental assistance to cover her past-due balance. This support allowed SS to remain in her apartment and avoid homelessness. The partner program connected her with budgeting resources and community support to strengthen her financial stability moving forward. With stable housing, SS was able to focus on her job, family, and future. She has since caught up on her expenses and continues to work towards long-term stability. She often shares that the assistance came “right when I was about to lose hope.” Thanks to United Way funding and the partner program’s commitment to supporting working families, SS was able to overcome a temporary setback and remain safely housed.
