|
As winter melts away and spring awakens, we’re reminded that change is full of possibility. March is a time of transition — longer days, fresh beginnings, and renewed energy for the work ahead.
Just as nature blooms, so does our endless commitment to improve lives and build stronger Chippewa Valley communities by bringing resources together to advance the common good.
Whether it’s through community outreach, new initiatives, or simply reconnecting with our supporters, this season brings exciting opportunities to grow together. Thank you for being part of this journey — let’s make this spring a season of impact and renewal!
#UnitedIsTheWay ✨
|
|
|
International Women's Month
- Celebrated from March 1st to March 31st
- Honors women's contributions throughout history
International Women's Day
- Celebrated annually on March 8th
- Celebrates women's emancipation and draws attention to the barriers women have faced and continue to face every single day
Women’s History Month started as a small but powerful celebration in Santa Rosa, California. In 1978, the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women launched “Women’s History Week,” aligning it with International Women’s Day on March 8. The idea quickly gained momentum, inspiring communities nationwide to join in. By 1980, a coalition of women’s groups and historians, spearheaded by the National Women’s History Project (now the National Women’s History Alliance), successfully pushed for national recognition. Their efforts paid off when President Jimmy Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation, officially designating the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week.
This grassroots movement laid the foundation for the month-long celebration we know today! Let's celebrate all of the amazing women who came before us and who are paving the way today ❤️
|
|
|
Looking for a fun way to spend your time, networking, with people who also care about philanthropy? Emerging Leaders are your people! This dynamic group is designed to help participants increase their leadership impact in their organization, the social sector, and the community at large. In Emerging Leaders, you will discover, grow, and be energized. You will move forward with new resources and approaches for your unique leadership and personal journey.
Our Emerging Leaders are collaborative, great teammates, and good communicators. They seek others' input and opinions, use it to shape their ideas, and generate consensus. They have strong soft-skills and have emotional intelligence when it comes to dealing with others.
|
|
|
When you support UWGCV, you are investing in innovative, research based and results-focused initiatives. These initiatives coordinate the work of local programs, service providers and community stakeholders in the Chippewa Valley. Each Program Partner is funded under a specific initiative that is driven by a bold goal that keeps everyone working toward the same mission.
|
|
|
Basic Needs Bold Goal
Chippewa Valley residents will have access to food, shelter and medical services in their time of need.
|
|
Organization Description
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (WDEOC) was established on June 6, 1966, under the Economic Opportunity Act to support families and individuals in Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, and Trempealeau counties in West Central Wisconsin. Our mission is to alleviate poverty-related conditions and create opportunities that empower individuals to achieve economic and social advancement.
WDEOC collaborates with individuals and community organizations to enhance the quality of life for all. The agency is governed by a Board of Directors representing the counties we serve.
As part of the Community Action network, we are committed to changing lives, fostering hope, strengthening communities, and making America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves—and each other.
|
|
|
Some of the Western Dairyland Housing Services team preparing to head out for the semi-annual Point in Time Count, working to identify and support unsheltered community members in need. Their dedication helps connect individuals experiencing homelessness with vital resources and assistance.
|
|
|
Point in Time local volunteers, including Julian Emerson, Wisconsin Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez, and Wisconsin Interagency Council on Homelessness Director Mike Basford, braved the cold as they prepared to search for unsheltered community members. Their dedication helps ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness are counted and connected to vital resources.
|
|
|
UWGCV's role in strengthening this program
United Way Greater Chippewa Valley strengthens our programs by actively listening to our needs, collaborating with us, and providing essential support. Their partnership enables us to better serve Eau Claire’s homeless and housing-challenged residents, ensuring they receive the assistance and resources they need.
Greatest need(s) for this program
Volunteers Needed: We are seeking volunteers to assist with painting, cleaning, moving individuals into homes, participating in our semi-annual Point in Time Count, and helping with the general upkeep of our housing units.
Donations Appreciated: We welcome donations of essential items, including personal hygiene supplies, cleaning products, paper goods, and household essentials such as towels, pillows, kitchen supplies, and small appliances.
Your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Thank you!
Key Takeaways for this organization
Western Dairyland remains committed to addressing the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in our community. Our programs focus on preventing homelessness, providing shelter for families, supporting chronically homeless individuals, and helping youth secure safe, permanent housing opportunities, among many other services.
While we may not have identified all of our collaborative partners in our grant application, we actively work alongside numerous agencies to create a comprehensive network of support. A key highlight of our efforts is the spirit of partnership and collaboration, ensuring that together, we can better meet the needs of our community.
|
|
Eau Claire volunteers, including Chris Hedlund of Hope Gospel Mission, Anna Cardarella of Western Dairyland, Lucas Kohls from Sojourner House, and others, ventured into the cold winter air to search for unsheltered community members. Their efforts help ensure that those experiencing homelessness receive essential supplies, resources, and support.
|
|
Want to learn more?
Visit their website at www.westerndairyland.org
Jeanne Semb
715-836-7511 Extension: 1141
jeanne.semb@wdeoc.org
Western Dairyland EOC, Inc.
Eau Claire Office:
418 Wisconsin Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Main Office:
23122 Whitehall Road
Independence, WI 54747
Stay connected with them:
|
|
|
Device Distribution
The United Way Greater Chippewa Valley Device Distribution Program has a goal of providing affordable computers to individuals, families, students, and workers. This program provides eligible households with a refurbished computer. We have options for Windows 11 devices ($40) or Chromebooks (Free).
Please note: Chromebooks require access to the internet or hotspot for the devices to work.
Computers are limited to one per household. You must be a resident of Eau Claire County or Chippewa County. The devices distributed through United Way are sold “as is” and have been inspected by the supplier and United Way team.
Please complete ALL FIELDS below to the best of your knowledge to determine if you qualify for this program.
If you have questions please email DigitalEquity@uwgcv.org or call 715-834-5043
Due to higher device requests than normal, we currently have a waitlist. By filling out this form, you will be added to our device waitlist. We will do our best to pair you with a device ASAP!
|
|
Did you know we offer a Digital Navigator Program?
This program assists community members in using the Internet, Smart Phones, Computers, and much more. This service is 100% free and open to ALL residents of Chippewa and Eau Claire Counties. Digital Navigators will meet with residents who wish to further their digital skills and become more confident with using the internet.
|
|
|
Keep up to date with all of our future United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley events. Find multiple ways to get involved and give back! We hope to see you at our upcoming events listed below:
|
|
36th Annual Golf Tournament ⛳️
Monday, June 2 2025 | Lake Wissota Golf & Events
Tell your boss you're taking Monday, June 2 off for a great cause (and a beautiful day of golf). Join us as we support the Chippewa Valley with our annual Golf Tournament.
Sign up link goes live next month!
- $200.00 / Golfer
- 4 Person Teams
- 9:00am Registration
- 10:00am Shotgun Start
- Raffle + Silent Auction
- Heavy hors d'oeuvres + Cash bar
All Sponsorship, Raffle Prize and Silent Auction inquires can be sent to Nick Swartz at nswartz@uwgcv.org 🤝
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Stay Connected! #UnitedIsTheWay
|
|
|
|
|
|
