Want to have an enjoyable time while supporting local nonprofit agencies? Go to the Agency Events page to see what is happening in Washington County.

Free Prescription Drug Discount Cards "During this period of economic downturn, I am pleased that United Way has free prescription drug discount cards that are available to Washington County residents," stated Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director. "This can be a big help to individuals who do not have any prescription drug coverage." The prescription drug discount cards are being distributed free of charge nationwide by the FamilyWize Partnership and participating United Way agencies. Discounts are provided by and available only at participating pharmacies. "These discount cards require no enrollment and have no activation fee," continued Laura. "They can be used as often as needed. People who do not have prescription drug coverage average a 20% savings using the discount card." To obtain a discount prescription card, call or stop by the United Way of Washington County between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. The office is located at 120 N Main, Ste 210, in West Bend. The office phone number is (262) 338-3821. For additional information and a list of participating pharmacies, go to http://www.familywize.org

United Way Honors John Dedrick At its annual Award Event held May 6, 2009, United Way of Washington County recognized and thanked donors and volunteers who contributed to the 2008 fund raising campaign.  The funds raised during the campaign are being used to support 34 health and human service programs provided by United Way's 19 partner agencies, services that measurably improved the lives of Washington County residents.  "We thank the donors who contributed $1,072,138 to the United Way of Washington County 2008 campaign," stated Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and United Way Board President.  "Dollars are hard to come by in these difficult times.  The success of the 2008 campaign is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the quality of the programs we support, and the tireless efforts of our volunteers." "We thank the hundreds of volunteers who spent thousands of hours raising funds that go directly to helping those in need in Washington County," continued Todd.  "When you support United Way, you 'Give at Home.'  You help your neighbors in crisis, help strengthen families, help develop successful kids, help promote self-sufficiency and help build a strong and healthy community.  The money stays here and helps those who need it most.  Every dollar you give helps make Washington County a better place to live.   Your work and your donations are investments in the community." A highlight of the Award Event was the announcement of John "Rocky" Dedrick as the 2009 Clifford A. Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award recipient.  Since 1988, this award has been given to individuals in Washington County who demonstrate a long-term commitment to volunteer leadership in the human service area.  "A leader leads by example, both personally and professionally," according to Andrew Gumm, the 2008 Cliff Nelson Leadership Award Recipient.  "Rocky Dedrick is a leader that has made a significant impact on the quality of all of our lives in Washington County." A graduate of West Bend High School, Rocky and his wife Julie raised four daughters here in Washington County.  Upon graduating from Drake University in 1961, Rocky began his career at West Bend Mutual insurance Company as a Special Agent.  Rocky worked his way up through the company, becoming the President of West Bend Mutual Insurance in 1982.  In 2000 he became the firm's CEO and Chairman of the Board. Rocky provides volunteer leadership to numerous nonprofit organizations, including the West Bend Urban Redevelopment Corporation, Digestive Disease Center Board of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Ozaukee Washington County Land Trust Advisory Board, West Bend Friends of Sculpture Committee, West Bend Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board, and the Chair of the Museum of Wisconsin Art’s Capital Fund Drive.  Rocky has also been on the University of Wisconsin Athletic Advisory Council and on the Board for MJM, Inc.   "I am really excited about being selected for this award because Cliff Nelson was a mentor to me in so many ways," Rocky told the group.  "A favorite quote and inspiration for both Cliff and I is one by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  '…To leave the world a little better … to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded'." "A turning point in my life was when I was the United Way Board President," continued Rocky.  "That year I visited each of the United Way agencies.  Although often underpaid and underappreciated, the real compensation these staff people received was the difference they were able to make in the lives of the people they served." The Volunteer Leadership Award is named in honor of prominent West Bend resident Clifford A. Nelson, known for his outstanding volunteer and leadership efforts on behalf of human services, civic and arts organizations in the community.  John "Rocky' Dedrick joins an impressive roster of past Award Recipients: 1988 Cliff Nelson 1999 Rick Edwards 1989 Joan M. Pick 2000 Thomas R. Bast 1990 Robert J. Steiner 2001 George E. Prescott 1991 John F. Rozek 2002 Doug Ziegler 1992 John B. Tortinus, Jr. 2003 James W. Kieckhafer 1993 Judie Lewis 2004 Ray Lipman 1994 Helen Hillman 2005 Mo Josten 1995 Bernard C. Ziegler 2006 Bob Rolfs 1996 Vic Albiero 2007 Charlie & Gaytha Hillman 1997 Sharon S. Ziegler 2008 Andrew Gumm 1998 Jerry & Nancy Mehring 2009 John Dedrick

United Way Elects New Board Officers & Officers

New United Way Leader Urges Washington County Residents to "Give at Home" "I am proud to have the opportunity to lead the United Way of Washington County this year," stated Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and newly elected United Way Board President.  "I am grateful for Carole Klotz's dedicated work as Board President last year, as well as the hard work of our Executive Director, Campaign Chair, Board Members, staff and community volunteers who spend thousands of hours helping the United Way of Washington County fulfill its mission." "I am optimistic about this year's campaign," continued Martens.  "We are so fortunate to have Tony Warren from West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company, return as Campaign Chair and Ric Leitheiser from M & I, serving as Campaign Vice-Chair.   These community leaders understand the needs of Washington County citizens, and care enough to take enormous amounts of time out of their busy lives to help." Martens spoke at the United Way of Washington County's annual meeting held on February 25th.  At that meeting new Board members for 2009-2010 were introduced and officers elected. Officers elected include: President Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney; Vice President Ann Schulz, Approved Home Mortgage; Secretary Kelly Tighe, West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company; and Treasurer Rob Johnson, Kettle Moraine YMCA.  Board members elected to a first three-year term include Julie Gabelmann of ASQ, Bob Gannon of Richards Insurance, Rob Johnson of Kettle Moraine YMCA, Mary Kannenberg of Aurora Health Care, Ric Leitheiser of M&I Bank, Warren Simmons of Broan-NuTone, and Randy Spaulding of Spaulding Clinical Research. Board members elected for a second three-year tem include Lisa Esser of First National Bank of Hartford, Sue Garman of Westbury Bank, Fr. Jeff Haines of St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, and Mike Sterr of Coldwell Banker. Tom Bergerud of The Threshold was elected to serve a two-year term as an agency representative on the board. Board members who continue to serve include Marcia Arndt of Moraine Park Technical College, Patti Harmann of Slinger High School, Shelly Humphrey of Serigraph, Carole Klotz of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly, Ernie Koch retired, Lisa Krenke of Friends of Abused Families, Scott Lopas of WTKM Radio/WTKM Tours, Todd Martens -Washington County District Attorney, Prudence Pick Hway of Pick Heaters, Michael Schilling of M&I Bank, Ann Schulz of Approved Home Mortgage, Kelly Tighe of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company, Tony Warren of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company, and Dave Weaver of June Tailor. Departing board members recognized include Jim Boldt of Broan-NuTone, Jay Fisher of Boys & Girls Club, Doug Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Law Office, Tom Hostad of Broan-NuTone, Josie Minskey of Downtown West Bend Association, and Connie Stieber of  M&I Bank. "It was an honor to serve as the 2008-2009 United Way Board President," said Carole Klotz of Klotz's Piggy Wiggly.  "During this past year our United Way was able to strengthen relationships with both our donors and partner agencies.  I feel our new focus on educating the public about human service needs and resources to meet those needs will enable United Way to be even more effective in helping to improve the lives of Washington County residents."

United Way Celebrates Its 2008 Campaign "United Way of Washington County made some serious changes in 2008 in order to rebuild relationships with donors and partner agencies and forge new relationships. One of those changes was the selection of Laura Giesenschlag as its new Executive Director," stated Carole Klotz, Owner of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly and the 2008 United Way Board President. "The success those changes brought about has resulted in a significant improvement in where we are today compared to where we were a year ago." "2008 was a year of rebuilding during hard economic times," according to Tony Warren, CEO of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company and the 2008 Campaign Chair. "Some of the money raised in 2008 comes through the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and the United Way of America. We had those figures at Celebration time last year but this year those figures will become a part of the 2009 campaign. As of tonight, we raised $1,070,343 which is 93% of our 2008 campaign goal." "I am optimistic about Washington County and its great United Way organization," continued Warren. "There is a lot of good news from the 2008 campaign. We've re-established relationships and created a new spirit of camaraderie and communication within the community. Despite layoffs, more than 93% of the companies donated more than what they had in 2007. Because I see a bright future with great opportunities ahead, I've agreed to continue as the Campaign Chair for 2009." "I, too, believe in the great people who live in Washington County and the mission of United Way in helping friends, families and neighbors," explained Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director. "The work done by our partner agencies and the support provided by past campaign chairs and this year's campaign volunteers are truly impressive. And I am excited about the opportunity to work on the 2009 campaign with my good friend Tony Warren." The donations raised during this year's campaign will be used to fund 35 programs offered by 20 United Way partner agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crisis, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency.

United Way Campaign Offers Gift of Hope

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped with the 2008 United Way Campaign this year. I am the Executive Director for the United Way of Washington County and took over the position at the end of last May. I have worked in Washington County for 5 years and would like everyone to know that in all of the areas I have worked in Wisconsin, Washington County is the most rewarding area I feel blessed to work in. Everyone in this county is always friendly and proves that they are vested in the good of their community. I would like to share a little bit about myself so that you can know when you meet me that I truly believe in the work United Way does for the county and this is not just my job. To help others and make a difference is very important to me. It is very easy to go about life and forget how truly blessed we are at times. We can think we have it bad, but there is always someone who has it worse. Fourteen years ago my eyes were opened to what it is like to be someone looking for help and not knowing where to turn. I spent thirteen years in and out of Children’s Hospital with my son who has had many medical issues that have not been easily diagnosed. After the first year of feeling helpless, my husband and I started a support group called "Uniting Tube-Fed Children". I have spent many hours looking at others waiting for a diagnosis, trying to figure out how to pay bills, where they can turn for assistance when insurance doesn't cover therapy, and hoping for miracles. I still run the support group and every year we have over 1,000 attend an annual picnic at the zoo. We celebrate life, help others who are struggling, but most of all make sure both the children and parents do not feel they are alone. This has made me choose my jobs carefully because I want to help others and make sure that those who are lost can be found. The United Way of Washington County does this by supporting agencies through funding to help those who truly need it. When I talk to companies or individuals I can truly tell them that their investment in this county is immense. If you are struggling at this moment and do not know where to turn please contact us and we will try to help you in any way we can. At this time the United Way is at 90% of goal and we need to reach 100% by December 31st. I am asking that anyone who can give even $1 consider giving to the United Way to help us reach our goal so that we can support the residents of Washington County who truly need our help. If you are a business and can give any kind of corporate donation, we would truly appreciate it! My son's favorite word is "Hope" because when you have hope nothing is unattainable! You may never meet the people you are touching through your donation but you will be thanked through their prayers. I hope this holiday season reminds us all of how lucky we are and what truly is the meaning of Christmas! If you are able to help us reach our goal, please send your donation to: United Way of Washington County, P.O. Box 304, West Bend, WI 53095. You may also contact us at 262-338-3821. Happiest of Holidays- Laura Giesenschlag, United Way of Washington County Executive Director

Element of Art Night Event Tony Warren, CEO of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company and 2008 United Way Campaign Chair, along with Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director, thank Nicolette Kearns, owner of Healing Elements Day Spa "We are thankful for the successful fundraising event hosted by the Healing Elements Day Spa," stated Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director. "This is the first year they have held this event which benefits the United Way of Washington County. It was a great night of beautiful art, good food, and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Healing Element’s new day spa facility." Seven artists were featured at the Element of Art Night event. Money was raised for United Way by a silent auction and a donated portion of sold gift certificates. Food was also collected for the Full Shelf Food Pantry. United Way used this event to gain additional visibility for the programs they help fund. In addition to tables with brochures from each of its partner agencies, representatives from The Threshold and Big Brothers Big Sisters were available to talk about their programs. Art work from Donna Lexa Community Art Program, creative art classes for adults with disabilities, was also displayed. The donations raised during this year's campaign will be used to fund 35 programs offered by 20 United Way partner agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crisis, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency. "The timing of the Element of Art Night was great because we're in the middle of our campaign," said Giesenschlag. "Events like this give us the opportunity to educate the public." There are several easy ways to donate to United Way. If your employer has a United Way campaign, you can do it through payroll deduction. You can also send your donation directly to United Way at P.O. Box 304, West Bend, 53095. Or, if you prefer, you can donate online at the United Way website, unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

United Way Launches New Indicator Website

On October 31st, United Way of Washington County held an event to launch the new Indictor Project website that United Way developed in partnership with UW-Extension's Applied Population Lab. Over thirty community leaders, including Washington County Government's Doug Johnson (Administrative Coordinator), Mike Bloedorn (Department of Social Services), Jim Strachota (CCSA), non-profit agency Executive Directors, and business leaders such as Carole Klotz (Piggly Wiggly), Julie Tonkowitz (AT&T) and Patricia Kashmerick (Community Memorial Hospital) were in attendance to learn more about this new community data website. "This new website is the culmination of an initiative started over two years ago when representatives from more than 50 organizations met to discuss the need for this type of data source," explained Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director. "The planning team's objective was three fold: 1) to provide the community with objective statistical information that could be measured over time; 2) information and links that could increase the abilities of organizations and agencies to justify need, design programs, identify benchmarks, track changes, and improve evaluation of expected outcomes; and 3) present information in a format useable for grant writing, research and to make funding and programming decisions." The Washington County Indicator Project is an easy-to-use, centralized, web-based compendium of community indicator data. The array of demographic and local human service needs data available will be useful to nonprofit organizations, businesses, funders, donors, government, students and anyone else interested in local community needs and trends. Community-level information is available as easy-to-use community profiles, tables and maps. There are also links to other data websites. To visit the Indicator Project website, go to www.washcoip.org  or www.washingtoncountyindicatorproject.org. "It used to take considerable time to collect data to for grant applications and to make decisions on allocating scarce resources," continued Calabrese. "With the data and links available on the Indicator Project website, many agencies can better demonstrate the level of need for program services and funders such as United Way will have additional data upon which to base funding decisions." A computer training class on how to use the new Indicator Project website will be held at UW-WC on Wednesday, November 7 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Individuals interested in attending should contact Karin Westerlund, United Way Community Impact Coordinator, at 262-338-3821 or kwesterlund@unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org

Give Where You Live

MAKE YOUR DOLLARS COUNT WHERE YOU LIVE! Do you live in Washington County but take the bus or drive to Milwaukee to work?  Help your friends, family, and neighbors in need in Washington County by giving your dollars to the United Way of Washington County. How does your donation to United Way of Washington County help?  Funds raised through our United Way's 2007 campaign will support 37 health and human service programs to improve the lives of Washington County residents.  Working closely with United Way, 20 member agencies offer community solutions to meet community needs. Here are some of the ways your investment in the United Way of Washington County will be put to work next year, when it matters most: SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN CRISIS:  In 2008, Emergency Shelter, a program of Friends of Abused Families, will provide over 2,000 nights of shelter for victims of domestic violence.  In addition to having a safe place to stay, these women and children will receive counseling, food, legal assistance, personal care items, and referrals to community resources and support groups. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES:  Almost 150 adult caretakers, including parents in jail, will attend weekly support group sessions offered by The Youth & Family Project's Parents Anonymous Program.  After learning how to improve their parenting skills, these individuals will incorporate positive parenting skills into their daily lives. DEVELOPING SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN & YOUTH:  In 2008, approximately 4000 Washington County youth will participate in alcohol, tobacco and drug free events organized by the Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse's Prevention Program.  Over 90% of youth surveyed will report not using alcohol in the last 30 days. BUILDING STRONG & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES:  During 2008, over 700 individuals and families will be connected with volunteer opportunities that meet their needs and interests because of the Volunteer Center's Volunteer Connection online volunteer referral system. PROMOTING SELF-SUFFICIENCY:  Senior Citizens will enhance their lifestyle and find new friends by participating in the programs and activities offered by Senior Citizens Activities.  Program Activities available include creative art and craft classes, massage therapy, card games (including sheepshead and cribbage), exercise classes, musical practices and performances, Red Hat Groups, and day trips. When you invest in United Way of Washington County, you help your community respond to disasters and everyday needs like homelessness and youth development.  With the promise of results, right here, right now, your investment in United Way changes lives right where you live. Here are 3 ways you can put your United Way investment to work where you live: Donate online at  www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org Send your money or pledge directly to United Way of Washington County at P.O. Box 304, West Bend, WI 53095 Write in "United Way of Washington County" as a Donor Choice on a Milwaukee United Way pledge card