Thank you, Jan Porath!

 

Our sincere and lasting gratitude goes to Jan Porath who served as a member of the UWGCV team for over 12 years and as Executive Director for 9 years.  While she served, UWGCV made two remarkable changes: Chippewa County United Way and Eau Claire County United Way merged into a single Chippewa Valley agency and increased intention and focus, known as the Community Impact Model was put in place.

Chippewa Valley volunteers and nonprofit partners together with United Way staff are deeply grateful for her time and service to the organization.  Please listen to a few voices who echo the thoughts of many.

“Jan has shown a tremendous amount of support for our community by supporting and developing collaboration opportunities. We want to acknowledge her advocacy for initiatives supporting children being ready for school. The Education Advisory Council is deeply appreciative for her leadership and dedication." Laurie Haus, Chair - Education Advisory Council, Academic Services Coordinator – Literacy, Eau Claire Area School District.

“I have always appreciated Jan’s commitment not only to the UWGCV, but also to the community at large. She is driven by helping others, and we look forward to her continued success with her new endeavors.” Bruce Ommen – Past Board Chair, President – Ayres Associates, Inc.

“Jan has always been a source of support for the volunteers. She demonstrated knowledge about the community, and during conversations at meetings she was excellent at both listening and guiding. I was very appreciative of her patience in helping us to arrive collectively at a decision on a certain course of action. I've always seen the work of the United Way as work that ties together various community efforts to advance the common good. Jan's work with United Way donors, staff, volunteers, and Program Partners was especially exemplary.” Marc Goulet, Chair – Basic Needs Advisory Council, Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Interim Associate Dean of Students at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

“Jan’s service and commitment to United Way will always be appreciated.  Her work with community partners has helped Chippewa Valley communities realize improvements in basic needs met, and improved mental health, financial stability and education.” Angela Weideman, Immediate Past Board Chair, Chippewa County Public Health Director.

"As both an annual campaign chair and a board member, I worked with Jan on several projects through the years. Her commitment to United Way, and more importantly the needs of the Chippewa Valley, has been an asset to the UWGCV. Jan worked tirelessly to help make our community better. I certainly join a large number of people in thanking Jan for her service to United Way, including the large number of silent neighbors who benefited from her work." Peter Farrow, CEO at Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire.

Thank you, Jan!