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GOAL: HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL.
OVER 130 VOLUNTEERS MADE AN IMPACT THROUGH GREAT BOOK GIVEAWAY, STUFF THE BUS, READING MENTORSHIPS, AND THE YOUTH OPPORTUNITY COALITION IN 2025.
CHILDCARE ACCESS
For many ALICE families, low wages and non-traditional work schedules mean before and after school care is necessary, yet unaffordable. United Way's investment in partner programs helps ALICE families bridge the gap - meaning more families with financial need can access safe, trustworthy wrap around care.
- 1,021 children received before and after school or summer enrichment through partner programs in 2025.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
ALICE families don't have the means to enroll in many youth programs, leaving children behind their peers and without valuable life skills. United Way's investment in partner programs provides sponsorships to ALICE families - meaning youth have access to mentorships and skill-building programs.
- 622 youth benefited from programs teaching leadership, life skills, and healthy social development in 2024.
- 750 students with financial need received free school supplies through Stuff the Desk in 2025.
PROVIDER SUPPORT
The need for childcare far outpaces the number of available childcare slots. United Way's investment reduces barriers and provides resources to new programs, helps providers become regulated, and ensures training opportunities to improve safety & quality of care.
- 36 providers received support and assistance through partner programs in 2025 to increase access to childcare.
LITERACY PROMOTION
In 2024, 31% of Wisconsin fourth graders achieved proficiency on the national assessment. Students with low literacy are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Literacy impacts school success, job readiness, health outcomes, and economic productivity. United Way and Women United invests in local childhood literacy.
- 5,458 books mailed to children in south Wood and Adams Counties through Women United and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in 2025.
- 1,012 books were provided to children through Great Book Giveaway 2025.
- $9,675 was invested by Women United in 10 literacy programs at local elementary schools in 2025.
Source: Forward Literacy, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties, United Way of Wisconsin ALICE Report 2025, UWSWAC Partner Programs, Women United, Youth Opportunity Coalition
SUCCESS STORY
The hours between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM represent a critical gap in affordable childcare in the community. For many single-parent households and working families, this window is a source of immense stress. United Way partner programs offer children a safe space when they need it.
One student’s family represents why the flexible scheduling offered by a United Way partner program is a game-changer. Since his parents work irregular shifts, the family was stuck paying for childcare even when he didn’t attend to ensure they had childcare for those few days needed. That was not affordable or sustainable for the family, especially since they needed a safe place just two days a week – some weeks only one.
Because the partner program allows students to attend anywhere from one to four days, this student’s family could bridge their childcare gap without the stress of a full-time commitment. Even with his part-time schedule, he still felt welcome and that he belonged.
This shows that by staying flexible, the partner program can support more families and ensure the 200+ students like him always have a seat at the table. United Way funding makes spaces like this available to students throughout south Wood and Adams Counties.
