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.

Hebron House of Hospitality's Housing Support Services

Published 3/25/08 in the Booster All "Lucy" had was a few articles of clothing. She was afraid of the future and didn’t know where her next meal would come from. Then her probation officer told her about Housing Support Services, an Hebron House of Hospitality Program that receives funds from the United Way. First Housing Support Services provided "Lucy" with emergency shelter. Then "Lucy" enrolled in their 18-month transitional housing program and worked with "Jackie" to set and work on goals. Now she has a job, a place of her own (with a phone!), a driver's license and car, and has earned the trust of her family. "I got everything I needed. 'Jackie' showed me how," explained "Lucy" "She was always there for me. I don't think she's real sometimes, I think she's an angel." Thank you, Housing Support Services, for supporting people in crisis.

Boys & Girls Club Project Learn

Published 11/27/07 in the Booster "Molly", an 8-year old girl, was having trouble concentrating on her homework. Her study skills were minimal; she did not follow through and, in fact, didn't want to do her homework at all. At the Boys & Girls Club, "Molly" starting attending Project Learn 4 to 5 days a week to receive help with her homework. Project Learn, a program that receives United Way funding, provides homework help both one-to-one with an instructor and in small group settings. Over the months "Molly's" study skills, attention span, concentration and grades have all improved. Not only can she now do a 30-minute homework assignment in less that 3 hours, she even starts working on homework on her own as soon as she arrives. Has Project Learn helped "Molly" become a better student? Just look at her improved report card or ask her teacher who will tell you yes. Thank you, Project Learn, for helping develop successful children and youth by improving their study skills.

Threshold's Respite Program

Published 10/22/07 in the Booster A family in Washington County was blessed with a 4th child coming into this world in the spring of 2006. Their 2nd oldest child has significant and multiple disabilities. Respite, a Threshold program that receives United Way of Washington County funding, has helped this family not only bond with their newest child but also spend quality time with the all siblings in the family. Many times energy and focus are on the child with special needs and the siblings get pushed aside until later. Respite dollars have helped this family to spend time together as a couple and with the siblings while someone they know and trust care for their child with the developmental disability. Without this funding, a break like this from round the clock care of their child with significant needs would not be possible. Thank you, Respite, for strengthening families by enabling couples to take a break that will refresh them and provide quality time together and with all their children.

Donna Lexa's Community Art Program

Published 10/2/07 in the Booster "Joe", a young man with special needs suffered a breakdown that caused him to stop talking. As soon as his doctor determined that "Joe" was ready and able to participate in a group activity, his parents signed him up for art classes offered by the Donna Lexa Community Art Center. In addition to art instruction provided to peoples with disabilities, this United Way funded program also enables students to improve their social skills. Initially "Joe" sat alone and would only speak to his teacher in a very soft whisper. After a while one of the other students started working with "Joe" on making a mask. Another student started to refer to "Joe" as his buddy. Because of "Joe's" new friends and art teacher, he has learned how to handle his nervousness. In fact, he is now so comfortable with his art community that he will even stand up and dance during break. Thank you, Donna Lexa Community Art Program, for promoting self-sufficiency by enabling all people to participate in community art activities.

Youth & Family Project's Healthy Family Program

Published 9/18/07 in the Booster Sexually abused by her chemically dependent mother's boyfriends since the age of 4 and a former crack cocaine and heroine user herself, what type of mothering skills could you expect this 21-year old woman to have?  Thanks to the Youth & Family Project's Healthy Family Program, "Sandra" has a stable relationship with a nurturing and supportive older female who has shown her how to be a successful mother to her two children. Healthy Families, a program supported by United Way of Washington County, provides home visitation services to parents of newborns in Washington County who have risk factors known to be associated with an increased potential for child abuse and neglect.  "Sandra" received the support, education and mentoring she needed to become an effective mother while pursuing a nursing degree and planning her September wedding. Thank you, Healthy Families, for strengthening families by helping young women develop good relationships and get their life in order so that they can be a good parent.

Family Center's Serving Children Ages 4-12 Program

Published 8/28/07 in the BOOSTER Having two children later in life and becoming a stay-at-home mother after a 25+ year working career can be quite an adjustment. After she quit her job to stay at home and focus on her 2 and 6 year-old daughters, "Rosie" felt alone. That's when she discovered the Serving Families with Children Ages 4 - 12 Program at the Family Center, a program that receives funds from the United Way of Washington County. "Rosie" received information and support during parenting classes provided by the Family Center. She was able to get her questions answered and her concerns addressed both in and outside of class. "Rosie" reported that the parenting skills she learned were basic, understandable and relevant - and are already working in her house. Thank you, Family Center, for providing parenting classes that help to strengthen families.

Full Shelf Food Pantry's Food Distribution

Published 5/22/07 in the BOOSTER The "Smith" family was a client of the Full Shelf Food Pantry for a number of years because of limited financial resources. Because of the Food Pantry, a United Way of Washington County supported program, they were able to get meat, canned goods, dry goods, produce and dairy products to supplement their grocery budget. With the Food Pantry's assistance, the "Smiths" were able to make changes in their lives, becoming successful business owners, which enabled them to support the Food Pantry instead of needing support from it. The Smiths" now give back to the community by sponsoring food drives at their business and provide toys that are given to the children who are served by the Pantry. Thank you, Full Shelf Food Pantry, for helping people in crisis become successful, contributing members of our community.

Girl Scouts, Great Blue Heron Council

Published 5/15/07 in the BOOSTER Two high school senior Girl Scouts from Hartford wanted to help disabled individuals. Members of the Great Blue Heron Council of the Girl Scouts, a program supported by the United Way of Washington County, these two girls planned and carried out a unique, creative project that helped more than 100 disabled community members increase their independence, and smile a little wider. The two Girl Scouts designed and sewed bags for walkers and wheelchairs so disabled people could carry their belongings without risk of injury or having to ask others for help. Although their original goal was to make 100 bags, they ended up making 130 for every age level so no one would feel left out. Both girls reported that they gained greater self-confidence and realized how they could make a difference in the lives of others. They liked sewing the bags but said that it was interacting with their community members that they enjoyed most. Thank you, Girl Scout's Comprehensive Youth Development Program, for encouraging projects that both help young women to develop skills for success and the citizens in Washington County.

Hartford Blood Donors Club

Published 4/17/07 in the BOOSTER Are you willing to donate your time and your blood?  Students of the Hartford Union High School Student Council do, with the help of faculty and the Hartford Area Blood Donors Club, a program that receives funds from the United Way of Washington County. The Hartford Union High School is the only area high school that hosts three blood drives during the school year, typically one if February, May and December.  On average, 160 pints of blood is collected. At the December 2006 Blood Drive, they registered 176 donors who donated 150 usable units of blood.  They also collected 3 dual red blood cell donations and 2 platelet donations. The High School Student Council arrives at 6:00 a.m. to help with setup and finish up at 3:00 p.m. with cleanup.  The United Way funds help pay for refreshments which donors need after their donation. Thank you, Hartford Area Blood Donors Club, for building strong and healthy communities by giving teenagers the opportunity to donate their time and blood to others.

Salvation Army's Emergency Assistance Program

Published 4/3/07 in the BOOSTER During a hard, cold winter, it can be difficult for a single mom, struggling to reconnect to the work force after her husband filed for divorce, to pay her utility bills. Because of the Salvation Army's Emergency Assistance Program, "Patty" was able to have just enough of her utility bills paid to keep her from being disconnected. The Emergency Assistance Program, supported by the United Way of Washington County, not only provides financial resources to people in need, but also a compassionate ear and words of encouragement After several months, "Patty" was hired into a good job and able to get her life finances back in order. "The Salvation Army helped me and now I am able to give back as a thank you for helping me and my family," said this volunteer bell ringer this past Christmas. Thank you, Emergency Assistance, for helping people in crisis in such a compassionate way that they, in turn, are inspired to help others in need.

Boy Scouts, Potawatomi Area Council

Published 4/10/07 in the BOOSTER Earning his Eagle Rank, the highest rank in scouting, was always on of "Troy's" goals since he was a Tiger Cub in first grade.  "Troy" is a Potawatomi Area Council Boy Scout, a program supported by the United Way of Washington County. "Troy" learned many things on his scouting journey towards the Eagle Rank, including how to be a leader. "Troy" developed and directed a plan and managed groups of people to build panels for a hawk cage. He also taught other scouts how to safely use tools such a staple gun. As a Boy Scout, "Troy" learned many outdoor survival skills such as how to pitch a tent, start a fire, and purify water. The merit badges he earned taught him about many trades, job opportunities, and hobbies. He also feels that living by the Scout Oath and Law has and will help him become a better person. Thank you, Potawatomi Area Council Boy Scout's Comprehensive Youth Development Program, for helping develop successful children and youth.

Youth & Family Project's Runaway Program

Published 2/21/07 in the BOOSTER "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.

Lutheran Social Services' Adult Day Center

Published 2/13/07 in the BOOSTER The decision to place a family member in a nursing home is very personal, complex and frequently not shared with others outside the family. Thanks to Lutheran Social Services' Adult Day Center, this is a decision that one family did not have to make "Eleanor" has been a member of the Adult Day Center for two years, attending five days a week. While participating at the Adult Day Center, a program supported by the United Way of Washington County, "Eleanor" received assistance with personal care and bathing. This has allowed her to stay at home with her husband instead of going to a nursing home. Her husband has also been able to return to being a productive member of the community because he knows that "Eleanor" is cared for and receives the needed personal care he is no longer able to provide. Thank you, Adult Day Center, for supporting families by promoting self-sufficiency and allowing people to live with dignity as they spend time at a place they love.

American Red Cross' Armed Forces Emergency Services

Published 2/6/07 in the BOOSTER Imagine what it would be like to be in the military in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere overseas and not know that a loved, family member was sick or dying. In 2005, this is something nine military men and women in Washington County did not have happen because of the Armed Forces Emergency Services Program of the American Red Cross - Southeastern Wisconsin. "Sara" is one of the people they helped. While "Sara" was stationed in Hanau, Germany, her grandmother suffered multiple strokes and the reoccurrence of polio symptoms - she was dying. "Sara's" father contacted the Red Cross, asking them to notify military authorities of grandmother's deteriorating condition. After verifying an emergency existed, the Red Cross, who receives funding from the United Way of Washington County, helped facilitate the servicewoman's return to West Bend so that she could say goodbye to her grandmother. Thank you, Armed Forces Emergency Services, for making good things happen by supporting military families in Washington County.

Threshold's Respite Program

Published 1/2/07 in the BOOSTER Imagine never being able to go out to eat or a movie or bowling with your spouse.  This doesn't have to happen to family members of a child or adult with special needs living at home because of the Respite Program administered by Threshold. Caring for someone with a special need at home instead of placing them somewhere else is a loving choice made by many parents. Regardless of the amount of love, this type of choice can lead to marital stress and a higher risk of abuse and neglect if these family members never get a periodic break. Respite, a program supported by the United Way of Washington County, is a supportive service that gives caregivers time for themselves to revitalize and gain new perspectives. As one family receiving respite services reported, "Time to talk with my spouse, enjoy dinner or a movie or just run errands makes our lives less stressful, helping us to be better parents." Thank you, Respite, for strengthening families by enabling caregivers to have some time of their own.

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

Published 12/19/06 in the BOOSTER Art work plus parenting skills? That is the benefit one family experienced when a mother attended a parenting program offered by the Family Center of Washington County's Services for Families with Children Ages 4 - 12. One mother said that she marveled over the artwork her son produced at the Family Center of Washington County while she learned skills that changed both how she and her husband parented and how they lived together as family. Programming provided for Families with Children Ages 4 - 12, supported by the United Way of Washington County, introduces parents to the importance of daily routines, family traditions, family rules, empathy, age appropriate discipline and other important parent skills. Thank you, Family Center of Washington County, for helping strengthen families in a manner that enables parents to not only learn skills, but to be able to marvel at artwork created by the little fingers of boys and girls.

Boy Scouts, Bay-Lakes Council

Published 11/14/06 in the BOOSTER Today's youth face critical choices every day. The Comprehensive Youth Development Program of the Bay-Lakes Council of the Boy Scouts provides a framework for youth to make the right ethical and moral choices by providing one of the best leadership development programs in the United States. "Kevin" was a talented young man who, while working on his Eagle Scout rank, learned the importance of giving back to the community. "Kevin" directed the design and construction of a bridge over a creek in a West Bend park. In addition to planning and raising funds for this project, he demonstrated his leadership skills by supervising the work of 29 volunteers. Thank you, Comprehensive Youth Development, for using the funds you receive from the United Way of Washington County to serve our children and youth.

Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse's Intervention Program

Published 10/31/06 in the BOOSTER Where can you go if you or a loved one has an alcohol or drug abuse problem? In Washington County, the answer is to the Intervention Program of the Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse. The Intervention Program, funded by the United Way of Washington County, is designed to assist adolescents, families and senior citizens access services for themselves or loved ones who use/abuse alcohol or other drugs. "Betty" is one person who was helped in 2005. "Betty's" clergy person contacted the Intervention Program for assistance after "Betty" came to him concerned about her abuse of prescription medications. By working with an Intervention counselor, "Betty" disclosed her problem to her family and arranged time off from work in order to receive inpatient treatment at a hospital for detoxification. While "Betty" was in treatment, the counselor also provided education and support to "Betty's" husband and children. Thank you, Intervention, for building stronger and healthier communities by working with people with an alcohol or drug abuse problem.

Senior Citizen Program Activities

Published 10/24/06 in the BOOSTER "Mary" re-located to West Bend from Florida in order to be near to her family. Because she didn't know anyone else in Washington County, she was becoming lonely and depressed. The Department of Social Services referred her to the Senior Citizen Activities' Program Activities. When she was given a copy of their newsletter, The Good Life, "Mary" immediately became involved in crafts, music, monthly bingo and potlucks. Program Activities, a United Way of Washington County funded program, gave "Mary" a chance to get out and meet new people and form new friendships. Thank you, Program Activities, for helping build strong and healthy communities by providing Washington County senior citizens with activities that keep them involved and happy.

Citizen Advocacy

Published 10/17/06 in the BOOSTER 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.

American Red Cross-Southeastern Wisconsin's Housing Support Services Program

Published 10/10/06 in the BOOSTER Too often people fall through the cracks when they have no education, no job, and no place to live. Washington County is fortunate to have Housing Support Services, a program of the American Red Cross-Southeastern WI, to help these people. In 2005, Housing Support Services, a United Way of Washington County funded program, was able to help 48 (80%) of 60 clients who were facing eviction remain in housing. Twenty-seven of the 30 households in temporary shelter were also able to secure affordable housing within 60 days 90%). These clients gained skills in budgeting, problem-solving and good tenant activities to help them remain in housing.  "Kathy" is an example of a client Housing Support Services helped. "Kathy" was first referred to Housing Support Services almost two years ago while she was pregnant. The father of the baby was in and out of the household and "Kathy" had no income. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts and evictions, "Kathy" finally agreed to work on the skills she needed to become independent and successful. Housing Support Services worked in partnership with the Department of Social Services, the W-2 program, and Friends of Abused Families, to help "Kathy" get her GED, obtain a job, learn budgeting skills, break a cycle of emotional abuse, and obtain parent aid and speech therapy for her son. Thank you, Housing Support Services, for making good things happen by meeting basic housing needs in Washington County.

Big Brothers Big Sisters' Match Program

Published 9/7/06 in the KEWASKUM STATESMAN It can be hard to find enough "big brothers" for all the boys waiting to be matched with a volunteer mentor.  Because of this, the Match Program of Big Brothers Big Sisters provides activities for children waiting to be matched. "Sam" was a frequent participant in Big-for-a-Day activities of the Match Program that is funded by the United Way of Washington County.  Activities such as Halloween and Christmas parties, and a trip to Cedar Lake all helped "Sam" become more open and interact more with adults.  These activities also gave a new male volunteer the opportunity to see that he would be a good match for "Sam". Thank you, Match Program, for serving children by matching them with volunteer "big" mentors.