These stories brought to you by the United Way of Washington County in Wisconsin demonstrate how non-profit agencies are improving people's lives in Washington County.  Because of privacy issues, the names of the person who was helped has been changed. The donations raised during campaign will be used in 2011 to fund over 30 programs offered by 21 United Way partner agencies that provide services to Washington County residents, here at home, when it matters most.

American Red Cross - Disaster Services

No one had to notify volunteers and staff of the American Red Cross of Washington County that they were needed at the fire at the Stonebridge Road apartment building in West Bend. They rushed to the scene as soon as they saw smoke in the sky, some arriving within minutes after the blaze began. Ultimately, twenty-one Red Cross volunteers arrived to provide comfort and assistance to the people who were left homeless by a fire. The Red Cross provided emergency food, clothing, and medication funding for each of the 60 building residents, including three nights of housing for those families who had nowhere else to turn. Volunteers spent time with each family, addressing their needs, offering comfort, and providing information about services available to them – they even helped reunited rescued pets with their anxious owners. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Disaster Services offered by the American Red Cross of Washington County Chapter, a program that makes a difference in the lives of residents of Washington County during a disaster.

American Red Cross - Healthy & Safety

It is not every day that a grandson can save his grandfather's life, but that is exactly what "Kyle" did (his name has been changed to protect his privacy). "Kyle" put the CPR training he had received from the American Red Cross to good use at a family birthday party. "Kyle's" 82 year-old grandmother was pounding unsuccessfully on her husband’s back when he started coughing and gasping for air. "Kyle" calmly moved his grandmother out of the way and performed the Heimlich maneuver on his grandfather, saving his life. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Health & Safety offered by the American Red Cross of Washington County Chapter, a program that teaches people how to save lives.

American Red Cross - Services to the Military

At 9:44 a.m. the pregnant wife of a U.S. Army Corporal contacted the American Red Cross of Washington County to say that she needed to reach her husband. There was a problem with her pregnancy and doctors were planning to induce labor at thirty-eight weeks. She believed her husband was stationed in Tikrit, Iraq. By 9:57 a.m. a Red Cross hotline employee was on the phone with the woman, verifying the information she had provided, and asking for her doctor’s contact information. During the next several hours hotline staff had multiple contacts with the physician and dispatched information to Tikrit. Within minutes of that message, staff learned that the baby's father was not in Tikrit and they were directed to the Baghdad jurisdiction U.S. Army. They were then redirected to Kuwait and finally to Balad, Iraq, where they located the father. The father received the Red Cross message the day after his wife had first placed her call and was soon on a plane back to the states. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Services to the Military offered by the American Red Cross, Washington County Chapter, the only program the U.S. military works with when there is a family emergency.

Big Brothers Big Sisters' Match Program

"Daniel" (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy) does not have many male influences in his life. His father is absent, and while his grandfather lives nearby and is supportive, he is not able to play with "Daniel" or take him places. "Daniel's" mother enrolled him in the Big Brother Big Sister Match Program because "Daniel" did not have the confidence or ambition to try new things or get involved in sports. "Daniel's" mom worried that he only wanted to play video games and lay around the house. In January 2009, "Daniel" was introduced to his new Big Brother, "Justin". Because "Justin" shared "Daniel's" mom's concerns, he encouraged "Daniel" to learn to play basketball. The two of them went to basketball courts to shoot baskets, dribble, and learn the rules of the game. "Justin" also took "Daniel" to a couple of Bucks basketball games with tickets provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters. Within months "Daniel" had the confidence to try out for his middle school basketball team, something he would have never done before meeting "Justin". "Daniel" made the team, had a great first game, and even scored for the team! At the one-year anniversary of the match, "Daniel's" mom reported that "Daniel”" improved in self-confidence, demonstrated by his ability to express feelings, make decisions, have hobbies and interest, and in his hygiene and appearance. Of his Big Brother, mom says "Justin" is consistent and responsible, someone "Daniel" can count on. "Justin" is a good role model and is showing her son how to be a good and solid man. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Match Program offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program that makes a difference in Washington County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Volunteer Training Program

"Bill" and "Linda" (whose names have been changed to protect his privacy) entered Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a Big Couple ready to mentor a child together. July 2008 they were matched with 13-year old Little Brother "Rick". Together they went on long bike rides, did woodworking projects and other fun things. 13-year olds can be a challenge, particularly with a demanding high school schedule, activities and the responsibilities as the oldest child at home. That, with mixed messages from "Rick's" mom resulted in some anxiety and frustrations. "Bill" and "Linda" were able to turn to Big Brothers Big Sisters' Volunteer Training Match Support Specialist for help and coaching. During frequent long phone conversations, they were reminded that their Little Brother "Rick" needed their example to help guide him in dealing with this issue and those he might face in the future. They were coached to focus on what they could control and how they could best help their Little, even if they could not change his home situation. Because of the Volunteer Training Program, this match settled into a pattern of activity acceptable to everyone involved and is continuing to day. >P> Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Volunteer Training offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters, a program that makes a difference in Washington County.

Boys Scouts, Bay Lakes Council - Comprehensive Youth Development

"Casey" (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy), a member of Troop 721, decided he wanted to help keep our rivers and waterways as clean as possible. For his Eagle Scout service project, he developed a plan of action to clean up and spray paint 300 storm drains along a river. "Casey", with the help of other members of his troop, the community and representatives of the DNR, inserted "Dump No Waste" signed next to each storm drain. This project took over 30 hours of planning, seeking permission, securing the materials and rounding up the manpower to get the job done in a noticeable and professional manner. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Comprehensive Youth Development offered by the Boy Scouts-Bay Lakes Council, a program that makes a difference in Washington County by enabling young men to develop useful, leadership and project-management skills.

Boy Scouts, Potawatomi Area Council - Comprehensive Youth Development

"Keith" (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy), a recent Germantown High School graduate, honed is leadership skills as a Potawatomi Area Council Boy Scout. He started as a Den Chief his first year of Boy Scouts, learning how to interact, lead and teach Cub Scouts useful skills. Advancing to Boy Scouts, he became a patrol leader. "Keith" encountered many obstacles throughout his Scouting career, from the freezing below zero temperatures when snow flies outside your tent to the times he wished his sleeping bag was waterproof. These challenges taught "Keith" skills that could not be obtained in studying a textbook or in a class. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Comprehensive Youth Development offered by the Boy Scouts-Potawatomi Area Council, a program that makes a difference in Washington County by teaching young men how to overcome obstacles and learn from personal experiences.

Boys & Girls Club's Youth for Unity

In the past, diversity in Washington County could probably be described as whether a person was a Catholic, Lutheran, or some other denomination. As communities have grown, there has been an influx of families with diverse backgrounds. "Laynda" (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy), a 7 year old African American, initially had a hard time relating to other children in Jackson. Staff at the Jackson Boys & Girls Club took a special interest in "Laynda" and recruited other children to join in group games and discussions about people's similarities and differences offered through the Youth & Unity Program. One day "Laynda's" Dad came early to the Boys & Girls Club and quietly watched his daughter interacting with other 7 year olds. The next day he called to thank the Boys & Girls Club for taking the time to help his daughter because he had noticed a difference in her behavior not only at home but also at school. He was particularly pleased that "Laynda" was now happy because of the friends she had made. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Youth for Unity offered by the Boys & Girls Club, a program that makes a difference in Washington County.

Casa Guadalupe Education Center - Latino Leadership

Recently arrived from California, "Julia" (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy) was staying with a friend and looking for work in Washington County. Her friend suggested she visit the Casa Guadalupe Education Center because the staff is bilingual, bicultural, and would help "Julia" at no cost. At Casa Guadalupe "Julia" was given an English language evaluation and placed in an appropriate class where English composition and grammar were stressed ("Julia's" English was somewhat difficult to understand even though she had worked in various service companies in California). After one year with Casa Guadalupe, "Julia" transferred to MPTC for more advanced English Classes. Even though she was a resident alien, living legally in the U.S., "Julia" had never applied for full U.S. Citizenship because she thought the citizenship test would be too hard to pass. With the support of staff from Cass Guadalupe, "Julia" is now an American citizen working in Washington County in customer service. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Latino Leadership Program offered by Casa Guadalupe Education Center, a program that makes a difference in Washington County by helping Latinos become active, contributing members of their communities.

Donna Lexa Community Art Center - West Bend Art Classes

"Stephanie" (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy) may have physical and cognitive disabilities but that does not stop her from trying new things. She is a creative woman who, if she doesn't care for how an art project is to be done, comes up with an inspired new way to do it. "Stephanie" used to be inhibited and rarely communicated with others. Because of her participation in the Donna Lexa art classes, she now enjoys interacting with others in the class and is a wonderful positive influence to others. Other students in the class have achieved similar, personal benefits of self-expression, independence and social interaction while creating art that is meaningful to them and others. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to West Bend Art Classes offered by Donna Lexa Community Art Center, a program that makes a difference in Washington County by encouraging those with disabilities to express themselves artistically and explore their own creativity. The result is awesome artwork!

Family Center - Services for Families with Children Ages 4-12

"Judy" (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy) who home schools her kids and thinks the Family Center is a fantastic local resource for socializing and connecting with other families in the area. "We visit the Family center on almost a weekly basis for programs and to check out books to read over the next week," stated "Judy". "I have also taken the Nurturing Parenting course for parents of children ages 4-12 and will be signing up for more because it has had such a powerful impact on my ability to parent in a positive manner." Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Services for Families with Children Ages 4-12 offered by the Family Center. This is a program that makes a difference in Washington County by helping parents learn ways to become more patient with their kids and to create effective family rules and consequences.

Friends of Abused Families - Emergency Shelter & 24-Hour Crisis Line

"SM" (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy) made a phone call to Friends of Abused Families after her husband was arrested for domestic battery. During this call she received emotional support and assistance in planning for safety upon her husband’s release from jail. When the physical violence escalated, "SM" entered the Friends shelter at the age of 85, after raising 7 children and surviving a 62-years marriage. Because of a history of daily emotional abuse, physical and sexual violence, "SM" learned about the cycle of violence, the power and control wheel, the generational cycle of abuse, and what she could do to change her life. Within 6 weeks "SM" had filed for divorce, established independent housing, and made community connections for support and resources. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Emergency Shelter & 24-Hour Crisis Line offered by Friends of Abused Families, a program that helps break the cycle of domestic violence and abuse here in Washington County.

Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast - Youth Development

The Girl Scout Camp Silverbrook just outside of West Bend is a special place in Washington County where nearly 2,000 girls and adults will "camp" this summer and participate in nature-based activities. At the "Girl Scouts Mothering Earth" event, Girl Scouts use 12 laptops donated by GE Healthcare and worked with partners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify aquatic invertebrates in Lucas Lake at Camp Silverbrook and learn more about water quality based on the organisms discovered. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Youth Development offered by the Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast, a program that makes a difference in Washington County. It enables girls to not only experience the out-of-doors and participate in land stewardship activities but also to develop the leadership skills of team-building, decision-making and communication.

Hebron House of Hospitality - Housing Support Services

As winter was approaching, "Paul" (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy), needed shelter because he could not afford housing after he lost his job. “Paul”, a single man, had been living in a storage unit that had no heat, plumbing, or electricity. Hebron House of Hospitality provided him with a bed, food, and a warm place to sleep. Staff at Hebron House helped "Paul" establish a plan of action that addressed identified goals, needed supports, and barriers that impacted his ultimate goals of acquiring permanent house and employment. They helped him access mental health services, health care, transportation, food, and reliable information about other available resources. The result? Within 36 days "Paul" had full-time employment, permanent housing, and access to the services he needed. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to House Support Services offered by the Hebron House of Hospitality, a program that makes a difference to those who are homeless in Washington County.

Interfaith Caregivers - Caregiver Program

"Edith" (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy), was an 88 year old woman who had recently moved to Washington County. Her son called Interfaith Caregivers to find someone to visit her because he was very concerned about what this move would do to her. The Interfaith volunteer who quickly made friends with "Edith" says she has benefited from the visits as much as "Edith" has. Interfaith volunteers can act as another set of eyes and ears to help family watch for potentially dangerous situations. In previous years Interfaith volunteers have found seniors who had fallen in their homes or shown signs of poor health and been able to get them help. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Caregivers Program offered by Interfaith Caregivers, a program that makes a difference in the lives of senior citizens in Washington County.

Interfaith Caregivers - Medical Transportation

No World War II vet should have to take a commuter bus to get to his appointments at the VA Hospital in Milwaukee, but that was exactly what "George" (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy) had to do. In the snow and cold, "George", who uses a cane, had to find a way to the Washington County Express Bus stop and then make two other bus connections to reach the VA Hospital. That was before he discovered Interfaith Caregiver's Medical Transportation Program. Both "George" and his son who was visiting from out of town had tears of joy and gratitude as they talked about the camaraderie "George" now enjoys with his Interfaith volunteer drivers. Because Interfaith volunteers drive "George" to his VA Hospital appointments, he gets to his medical appointments in safety and no longer is exhausted after them. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Medical Transportation offered by Interfaith Caregivers, a program that enables our veterans live a more self-sufficient, dignified life in Washington County.

Lutheran Social Services - Adult Care Service

Imagine moving from the small, Illinois farm where you had lived for the past 50 years to be closer to your children and then have your husband come down with cancer. This is what "Margret" (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy) experienced. On top of all that, "Margret" also suffered from dementia. "Margret" began going to Lutheran Social Services Adult Day Center because her daughter and son-in-law both worked and her husband was not strong enough to care for her. Staff soon learned that "Margret" loved church music and to tell stories about her life on the farm. They were able to help get "Margret's" medication adjusted and encourage her to join in Bingo and other social activities. They also helped her through her grief when her husband died. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Adult Day Center offered by Lutheran Social Services, a program that makes a difference in the lives of older, frail Washington County residents and their families.

Senior Citizen Activities - Program Activities

After 55 years of marriage it's hard when your wife suddenly dies and you are left alone. Not only did "Tom" (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy) have to adjust to the loneliness, but he also had to learn to do the grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning and laundry that she had done. Even though his children helped with what they could, "Tom" felt useless and, at times, incompetent. Then he starting going to the Senior Citizens Activity Center. The Senior Center provides one meal a day at a reasonable price and numerous activities to join. The first group "Tom" attended was the Men's Coffee Klatch where he met men with similar stories. They helped him realize that others had gone through the same things and that, in time, he would learn all these new responsibilities. "Tom" still misses his wife dearly, but with his new friends and activities at the Senior Center, he looks forward to getting out each day. This has improved his attitude about life, his worth, and the activities and learning opportunities help keep his mind alert and active. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Program Activities offered by the Senior Citizen Activity Center, a program that provides friendships, self-worth, and life enhancing activities to senior citizens in Washington County.

Threshold - Early Intervention

Your bags are packed, the baby's room is decorated, the car seat is installed, and you are prepared to welcome into the world a new member of the family. Then there are complications during delivery and an unknown developmental future makes the welcoming of the baby a bittersweet time. "Mitchell's" (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy) mother brought him to Threshold's Early Intervention Program because of muscle tightness, limited mobility, and overall development delays. These conditions were attributed to seizures "Mitchell" began having directly following his birth. The initial goals for "Mitchell" focused on meeting typical motor milestones such as sitting, crawling, and walking. As he got older, it was determined that "Mitchell" also needed therapy services that focused specifically on the use of his arms and hands. Later therapy to work on chewing, early language, and play skills was added. Mom and Dad worked diligently with "Mitchell", making therapists' "exercises" a natural part of daily activities. His family is enthusiastic about his progress, focusing on specific things that "Mitchell" is now able to do that had been a challenge for him. Even though "Mitchell" still struggles with getting his body to work the way he wants it to, at 20 months old, he demonstrates such drive and perseverance that his parents are kept busy trying to catch up with all the new things he can do! Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Early Intervention offered by the Threshold, a program that helps children born with developmental delays develop to their fullest potential.

Threshold - Respite Program

Five years after their child with special needs was born, because of the Respite Program his parents were finally able to get away for a weekend to celebrate their 10th anniversary. They started Saturday by taking their other kids to a water park, something different and special for them. The parents then sent the kids home and spend some together-time reconnecting. Respite not only provides a needed break from the daily caretaker’s role, it also connects families to valuable community resources. One special resource is Respitality – an all paid two-night stay at the Hilton in downtown Milwaukee, including parking and waterpark passes. Your support of the United Way of Washington County provides funding to Respite offered by the Threshold, a program that makes a difference to residents in Washington County caring for family members with special needs.

Youth & Family Project's Runaway Program

"Sandy" was 16 when she initially contacted the Runaway Program at the Youth & Family Project. She was in crisis, struggling with self-identity and purpose after living through a series of sexual assaults. The Runaway Program, supported by the United Way of Washington County, provides advocacy and crisis intervention services for runaway and youth in crisis between the ages of 12 and 17 in Washington County. While working with a program counselor, "Sandy" was able to sort through feelings of hurt, self-blame, shame and hopelessness to find the strength to remember and eventually report the sexual assaults. These assaults had occurred when "Sandy" was between 12 and 15 years of age by a male, adult family member. After making these reports, "Sandy's" persona began to reflect a higher level of self-esteem, self-care and a revival of dreams for the future. Thank you, Runaway Program, for helping teenagers develop into successful people instead of becoming just another runaway.

Citizen Advocacy

Moving into your first apartment and struggling with a budget is a challenge for most people.  It can be particularly challenging for people with developmental disabilities. Citizen Advocacy, a United Way of Washington County funded program, matches members of the community to advocate with a person with a developmental disability such as "Gregg". Since being introduced to each other two years ago, "Gregg" and his advocate "Frank" have accomplished a lot. "Frank" has been "Gregg's" mentor, and support. "Frank" includes "Gregg" in family meals, gets him out to go bowling and the movies, and stayed with him after he had surgery. When "Gregg" moved into his first apartment, not only was "Frank" there to help, but "Frank's" adult son and a friend helped, too. To "Gregg", "Frank" is just like a father because "Gregg" knows that "Frank" cares and will be there for him whenever he needs help or an answer to a question. Thank you, Citizen Advocacy, for helping build strong and healthy communities by offering individual solutions that enable people with developmental disabilities to be included in the community.