GOAL: IMPROVING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING FOR ALL.
OVER 190 VOLUNTEERS MADE AN IMPACT THROUGH STOCKBOXES, UNITED WE CAN, AND THE HEALTHY COMMUNITY COALITION IN 2025.
SENIOR SUPPORT
Seniors are the largest growing segment of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households. 52% of Wood County seniors and 49% of Adams County seniors live below the ALICE threshold. United Way's investment in partner programs helps seniors access the care and support they need - meaning they can retain a high quality of life while living independently as long as possible.
- 897 seniors in south Wood & Adams counties received support services through partner programs to improve their quality of life in 2025.
- Over 20,250 pounds of food was provided to seniors with financial need through the Stockboxes program in 2025.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health issues impact multiple aspects of a person's life, and delays in mental health treatment can lead to increased development of chronic co-existing mental and physical disorders. When people do not have access to affordable, quality mental health care in a stigma free environment, they are more likely to engage in potentially dangerous self-treatment (such as legal & illegal substance abuse).
- 1,161 professional mental health visits were made accessible through United Way funding in 2025.
FITNESS
Proximity to exercise opportunities, such as parks and recreation facilities, has been linked to an increase in physical activity. Regular physical activity has a wide array of health benefits including weight control, muscle and bone strengthening, improved mental health and mood, and improved life expectancy. United Way supports
access to these areas, regardless of income.
- 2,370 individuals received access to programs and services to improve physical fitness and well-being in 2025.
FOOD ACCESS
Many ALICE households, despite struggling financially, do not qualify for FoodShare benefits due to their income. United Way's investments in partner programs means food programs in south Wood and Adams counties have the resources and support to help ALICE families in times of need.
- In 2025, partner programs & Healthy Community Coalition partners provided community members access to food 61,734 times.
- 5,750 pounds of food were donated to local food programs from United We Can in 2025.
- 10,848 individuals received access to food from Adams County partner programs in 2025.
BACKPACK MEALS
Nearly 1/3 of financially struggling households report not having enough food for their children to eat. United Way helps ALICE families keep food on the table by investing in backpack programs which provide families with ingredients for weekend meals.
- 6,690 backpacks filled with weekend meals were sent home through backpack meal programs in 2025.
Source: Healthy Community Coalition, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties, United Way of Wisconsin ALICE Report 2025, UWSWAC Partner Programs, UWSWAC's Volunteer Data
SUCCESS STORY
Recently, a family lost the residence they were renting due to financial hardship brought on by short-term health issues. The family was able to find temporary housing outside their school district. Because of the nature of the housing, the family was technically homeless by McKinney/Vento standards. Once this happens, families are automatically placed on a United Way partner program that provides students with backpacks filled with food for the weekend. The family was grateful for the extra help during this crisis. Eventually, the health-related issue abated, and the adult family member was able to return to work and secure permanent housing. At that time, they contacted the district and asked to be removed from the program. They stated they were no longer in need of this resource and thanked the district for the support during this critical time.
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