Sign me up for updates. Sign up now

May 18, 2021 Newsletter

Dear United Way Friends and Partners:
 
As my time as United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley Board Chair winds down, I’m reflecting on all that has transpired. It’s been surreal to say the least! Nothing like changing Executive Directors in the midst of a pandemic to add to the uncertainty and excitement. As I think about it all, one word comes to mind: “PROUD!”
 
I’m extremely proud of the UWGCV’s ability to quickly pivot as the pandemic unfolded and continue supporting our Program Partners and those in need throughout the Chippewa Valley. The Interim Executive Director Karen Hebert, our new Executive Director Andy Neborak, the entire staff, UWGCV Endowment Board, Board of Directors, Impact Councils, Campaign Cabinet, various committees and all of the many volunteers joined forces and worked tirelessly this past year to move work from office-based to home-based, to develop and implement the COVID Recovery Grants, to allow program partners flexibility in using funds and relaxing reporting timelines … I could go on and on. Bottom line, UWGCV was there living its mission to keep improving lives and building a stronger Chippewa Valley by bringing resources together to advance the common good.
 
I’m proud to pass the torch to our excellent Vice Chair Kyle Darley. I’m proud to remain part of the board as Past Chair and to be fortunate enough to continue being part of UWGCV and the impact work to improve the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of the Chippewa Valley.
 
I’m proud to work for Xcel Energy. They believe strongly in being a good community partner and encouraging employees to be part of boards, committees and community organizations. I also enjoy volunteering alongside my co-workers; from participating in the annual United Way Day of Caring to helping at food pantries and attending nonprofit fund raisers. I’m blessed to have a job that allows me to use my passion for helping others and giving back as part of my career.
 
I’m also proud of my family. The support my husband Pat and my boys provide allows me to be busy, to spend hours away from them volunteering and helping. And of my parents for setting the example early on in my life of what being part of a community really means.
 
I’m extremely proud of all of you … our donors and business partners. Without your generosity, none of this could happen. I hope you are proud as well. Proud of UWGCV. Proud of your contributions – of time and talent as well as financial. Proud of your community and all that happens to ensure it’s a wonderful place to live and work.
 
I leave you with a quote from Audrey Hepburn:
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
 
 
Julie Thoney
United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley Board Chair
 
 
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT GRANT APPLICATIONS?
 
Interested in the top community health priorities for the Chippewa Valley? Find out where issues like Drug Use, Mental Health, and Healthy Nutrition rank. Check out the 2021 Community Health Assessments using these links for each county!

 
Join us in chalking your neighborhood for
Mental Health Awareness Month!
 
Mental Health has been in the top 3 health concerns in the Chippewa Valley, according to the Community Health Assessment. 1 in 5 people are living with a mental illness. Share your story and together, we can destigmatize mental illness.
 
Stop by our office at 3603 N Hastings Way, Suite 200, Eau Claire, WI 54703 to pick up a free bag of chalk and celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month with us!
 
If you can't make it to our office, look for the green bucket at the Augusta Library Gardens (behind the Augusta Public Library) and Foster Park in Fairchild!
 
Join our team! We're hiring for the
Director of Resource Development.
 
Please click here to apply
 
Call (715) 834-5043 with questions.
 
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VOLUNTEER GUIDE
 
 
Want a printed copy? Please call (715) 834-5043.
 
 
United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. That work calls us to confront the challenges and disparities in our communities and state. In each pillar of our work – Health, Education, and Financial Stability, which we recognize as the building blocks for a good quality of life and strong community – Wisconsin residents face disparities along racial and ethnic lines.
 
 
Click here to view our 2019-2020 Annual Report
 
REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 7, 2021!
 
This issue of Impact in the Chippewa Valley is sponsored by:
 

THE LATEST