UNITED WAY OF SOUTH WOOD & ADAMS COUNTIES SUCCESS STORIES FOR 2025
These stories have been provided to us by the 2025 United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties Partner Programs. Names have been changed to preserve the identities of the subjects. Please feel free to use these stories for any promotional pieces you may have, such as newsletters, emails, payroll stuffers, etc.
SOUTH WOOD COUNTY
Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area
Career Closet of Wisconsin Rapids, Inc.
This spring, Career Closet of Wisconsin Rapids, a United Way partner program, provided several health care workers with scrubs for their jobs. Some were students just starting their careers while others were beginning a new stage of their lives. Whatever their situation, all required scrubs.
A man and a woman from Adams had just been hired at a nursing facility. The man was needing larger items. Career Closet was able to provide him with several tops and pants that had sports themes. He was pleased with the choices available for him. The woman was able to find several colorful scrubs in her size.
Career Closet also helps residents of a local halfway house. One woman with a new job in health care found several scrub sets, enough for a week. Another woman received interview clothes. They expect to see her again when she needs work clothes!
Career Closet has the pleasure of helping people who are making positive changes in their lives.
Childcaring, Inc. – Good Start Grants
A childcare program in Rudolph contacted Childcaring, Inc because a single mom of 3 had a lapse in childcare assistance through the state and now had a past due bill. Due to this unfortunate situation, the family was now responsible for their full childcare bill for the month of June, when they typically would only be responsible for a small portion. With some funds from Good Start Grants, a United Way partner program, Childcaring was able to help the family by making a payment that covered over 60% of their past due bill, resulting in only a minimum amount the mom was responsible for. The family and childcare center were extremely grateful that Good Start Grants were able to help with this unique circumstance.
Childcaring, Inc. – Provider Recruitment/Retention
A prospective childcare provider from Rudolph contacted Childcaring inquiring about the different regulations for family childcare. As a result of United Way funds, Childcaring staff were able to meet with her multiple times and walk her through the different regulations, along with providing Childcaring’s potential provider packet that teaches more about requirements for becoming regulated and who to contact. This childcare provider also attended one of Childcaring’s start-up sessions to learn more and ask questions about how to get the regulation process started. Currently, they are in the pre-licensing process. Through Childcaring’s childcare recruitment efforts, they were also able to award the childcare provider a $10,000 ARPA grant along with a $1,000 start up grant. This childcare provider was able to purchase fencing and napping supplies which are critical to meeting licensing health and safety requirements.
“I am beyond grateful for this funding and the opportunity to open my home as a safe and nurturing environment to impact children’s futures!” the childcare provider said, “These items were essential to meet licensing requirements and ensure a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for the children.”
FOCUS Family Backpacks
A local family utilizes FOCUS Family Backpacks. This family is food insecure and in need of a lot of support. Through the help of others in the community, this family was signed up for the backpack program to help address their food needs. Additionally, with continued support, the parent was able to secure employment, the child’s school attendance improved, and the parent was able to save up to purchase a vehicle. This is a huge improvement for the family and will allow the parent to continue working. With help from United Way funding, FOCUS Family Backpacks was a piece of the puzzle of support for this family, and they have expressed their appreciation for all the help.
FOCUS Food Pantry
When “Laura” first visited FOCUS a few months ago, she was homeless and struggling to find stability. She arrived seeking food and support from the United Way funded food pantry, but what she found was much more. After a few visits, Laura asked if she could volunteer at FOCUS. She helped stock shelves, sweep, and gained confidence to assist clients in the shopping area.
Recently, Laura thanked the FOCUS staff for helping her and for the opportunity to volunteer at FOCUS. She said, with tears in her eyes, “For the first time in years I feel like my life has purpose and value.”
Laura is currently working with another local organization awaiting keys for her new apartment and looking forward to this new chapter in her life. Her dedication has inspired staff and volunteers. Volunteering at FOCUS didn’t just fill Laura’s days – it filled her heart. It gave her a sense of belonging and the confidence that she longed for.
“FOCUS didn’t just feed me – it reminded me that I still had something to give and live for,” Laura added. Laura’s story is a powerful reminder that hope can be restored when people are given the chance to be part of something meaningful.
FOCUS Neighborhood Meals
The Wood County Human Services Department partnered with CW Solutions to operate The Adolescent Diversion Program (ADP). ADP is an 18-26 week intervention program whose mission is to reduce the number of youth who intersect with the youth justice system. A key component of ADP is community engagement through service and creative projects. In May 2025, FOCUS was presented a mural idea for the Neighborhood Meal Program dining room! They held a mural unveiling at the July 10th meal and youth participants were given certificates of completion of the program. Thanks to the creativity and collaboration of those involved in the program, this mural now stands as a daily reminder of the positive impact we can make when we work together. FOCUS is deeply grateful for their time, talent, and dedication, and proud to share this space with all who enter. Food, community, and giving back are at the heart of Neighborhood Meals, a United Way partner program.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes – South Wood County
A testimonial from Nicole, leader of Troop 2519 in South Wood County:
“When you told me how much selling the cookies teaches the girls I believed you, but I don’t think I fully realized it until we did it ourselves. I was so busy talking with everyone that the girls basically ran the entire booth themselves except I made the change. They took the orders, bagged the orders, tallied the orders, told them the amount they owed and the change that they were getting. And their tallies were completely on track. I couldn’t believe how much this has taught the girls! All of my daisies have come out of their shell with the cookie program and really take a lot of responsibility and most of all confidence to talk to others.”
Hmong American Center – Project "Kaj Siab" or "Happiness"
The elders felt loved when the ADRC staff came to HAC to host a Farmer's Market Distribution for the FUN Program. They felt like they were included as a part of the community even though they do not know of these resources they were appreciative that the ADRC thought of the FUN Program and brought the voucher program to them. This program help supplement their meals with produce/fruits as some of them are too old to garden anymore. A comment made in their native language from a FUN elder to an ADRC staff "Even if no one loves us thank you for loving us".
Nekoosa School District - Backpack for Kids
For the United Way partner program Nekoosa Backpack for Kids, their success story goes beyond the direct recipients of the program. This program has Academy students who do most of the work with the program. This year, two Academy students attended the United Way funding proposal interview. The students prepared a PowerPoint and presented the program to the committee.
Paul Liebherr, program manager for Nekoosa Backpack for Kids, said, “I was happy to share with them when we were notified that our application for funding for 2026 had been accepted. I am very proud of our Academy students. They take pride in serving our families through the program and do an excellent job in every aspect of program operations.”
North Central Community Action Program (NCCAP)
Opportunity Development Center, Inc. - Opportunity for Hope-Access for All
Interested in receiving mental health care, a community member with a commercial insurance plan and a high deductible wasn’t sure how to manage the cost. The first appointment would be $175, with follow-up visits around $150 – expenses that would count toward the deductible but still had to be paid out-of-pocket. This community member didn’t qualify for the sliding fee scale, but they also couldn’t afford the full cost of care. Like many in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population, they earned too much to qualify for traditional assistance but not enough to comfortably cover unexpected medical bills.
Thanks to United Way funding, the clinic was able to offer a discounted direct-pay rate – just $75 for the first appointment and $60 for each follow-up. This made care accessible and affordable, removing a significant barrier to treatment. Now, this individual continues to receive the care they need without the added financial stress. This is one of the many ways that those caught in the gap between financial hardship and eligibility for assistance are supported!
Park Place Adult Day Services, Inc.
Samoset Council, Scouting America – South Wood County
South Wood County YMCA - Membership for All
Lilliana’s parents utilized the South Wood County YMCA’s Membership for All program. This program, bolstered by United Way funding, provides affordable memberships. Because the membership was made accessible, Lilliana’s parents were able to register her for swimming lessons. She feared the water at first – she didn’t want to leave the wall or put her face in the water. Each week she participated, she became braver in the water. By the end of her swimming lessons, she was comfortable enough to float, participate in water games, and felt much more confident in the water.
Wisconsin Rapids Family Center - Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Emergency Shelter Program
Allie arrived at Wisconsin Rapids Family Center’s emergency shelter, carrying fear and uncertainty while her children looked to her for reassurance. Her journey was tough. Doubt in herself and past trauma made trust hard for her, and every step felt daunting.
Determined, she embraced the tools and advocacy offered to her through this United Way partner program. With 24/7 advocates by her side, she was never alone. The child custody battle brought overwhelming anxiety, forcing her to confront painful memories. Yet, with advocates even in the courtroom, she persisted. Grief and doubt crept in, but an advocate was always there to defeat negative self-talk. She reclaimed her confidence and found empowerment.
Support was extended to her children as well. The Children and Youth Services Coordinator helped them understand their trauma in a safe space and develop coping skills. With the DVHF coordinator’s help, Allie secured safe, stable housing.
Just four months after entering safe shelter, Allie had a job, her own home, new confidence, and a future filled with hope. Her children, now smiling freely, saw their mom as strong and unstoppable. The road was tough, but with the support of the Wisconsin Rapids Family Center’s staff and her sheer determination, Allie healed and flourished.
ADAMS COUNTY
Adams-Friendship Area School District – Community Learning Center (CLC)
The Adams-Friendship Area School District’s After School Program, a United Way partner program, allows students to have positive interactions with school staff. Over 95% of students reported that they have a positive connection with an adult in the building.
Central Wisconsin Community Action Council, Inc. – Crisis Rental Assistance
A local woman called Central Wisconsin Community Action Council needing rental assistance. She only receives $999 per month in Social Security, and in June two Medicare Premiums were taken out. This meant the woman was short $380 of her $700 rent. With support from United Way funding, they were able to provide crisis rental assistance to prevent eviction and keep her housed. Moving forward, she will be able to afford her rent now that she does not owe any back rent.
Central Wisconsin Community Action Council, Inc. – Food Pantry
During the first half of 2025, Adams County Food Pantry, a United Way partner program, has signed up many new customers each time they are open. Customers come from all walks of life; some are new to the area, some are homeless, and some are customers who have not used the food pantry for some time. 191 new customers signed up between January and June of 2025.
Volunteers at the food pantry are very kind, caring people who greet each customer with a desire to make them feel comfortable and welcome. Many of the customers feel very stressed out yet tell of how much they appreciate the help and support received at Adams County Food Pantry.
Faith In Action Adams County – Transportation Today
David is an Army Vietnam Veteran and is a retired Customer Service Manager for Bridgeport Machines of 29 years. He moved to Wisconsin and went to work for Adams County Health and Human Services as a Social Worker for eight years. In his retired life, David loves spending time outdoors and with his pets. Unfortunately, he has lost most of his eyesight due to glaucoma, which led him to reach out to a United Way partner program, Faith in Action.
Richard retired from Domtar Paper Co. where he was a Beater Engineer for 46 years. He’s currently very active in his church and community. Richard has been volunteering with Faith in Action since 2013.
These two gentlemen were matched through Faith in Action over two years ago. Richard helps David with transportation and running errands, like grocery shopping and laundry. They now enjoy visiting on the phone daily and doing their errands together as friends.
Faith In Action Adams County – Volunteer Coordination
Due to her health, Mary struggled to complete basic tasks around her home. She reached out for help and was referred to a United Way partner program, Faith in Action. During intake, the Program Manager sat and listened to Mary’s story. She explained that she needed help with housekeeping, clearing closets, and reorganizing her belongings. Her energy level was too low to tackle this project on her own.
The Program Manager made sure that she matched Mary with a volunteer that would be a good fit. The Program Manager reached out to Lisa, and Lisa was more than willing to help Mary. Luckily, Lisa loves to organize things. It was a match made in heaven. Lisa and Mary are great friends now. Lisa even added cutting grass to the list of things she helps Mary out with.
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes – Adams County
A testimonial from Samantha, leader of Troop 6283 in Adams County:
“We had a busy year earning safety badges, a Journey badge, donating supplies to schools, selling cookies, participating in holiday parades, visiting a planetarium, horseback riding and earning the flower badge by having a Florist visit our troop! We really loved going to Red Ridge Ranch in Mauston on April 25th for the horseback riding badge. The owner Cindy taught the girls all the basic care of a horse, then had the girls brush and feed the horses! We loved riding the horses on an hour trail ride through forests and fields!”
Scouting America, Samoset Council – Adams County
In Adams County, Scouting youth from Samoset Council, a United Way partner program, collected over 385 pounds of food to donate to local food pantries in the month of April. Every year, Scouts spend one Saturday placing door hangers on doors in their community. The following Saturday is spent collecting all the food and dropping it off at their local food pantry. The food pantries depend on the Scouting for Food annual food drive to keep their shelves stocked throughout the rest of the year.
South Wood County YMCA - Membership for All, Adams County
Bryce is a youth member of the SWC YMCA who goes to the Adams facility after school and during the day in summer. Bryce’s mom has struggled with addiction and works out with him. Having this membership allows Bryce to work out with his friends and mom without his friends knowing that he’s receiving assistance to afford this. The Membership for All program allows Bryce to experience the same membership as his friends at an affordable cost, thanks to United Way funding.