When people are able to find decent jobs, provide for their families and save for the future, they and their children are more likely to enjoy healthy lives and succeed in school. Everyone benefits, because financially stable individuals and families lead to a more competitive workforce and a stronger community.
Financial Security Impact Areas:
We work with several organizations that are providing a direct impact on financial security in our service area! Whether through providing a helping hand to a neighbor in need or educating the next generation on financial wellbeing, these organizations make a big difference in the Shawano area! 2024's organizations included:
- Junior Achievement - Wolf River District
- Shawano Area Matthew 25 (SAM25)
- Shawano Area Food Pantry and Resource Center (SAFPARC)
- The Salvation Army of Shawano County
Each of these organizations received funding from United Way for a variety of projects that support their missions and the work of making the Shawano area more financially secure for everyone. One example is that SAM25 used their funding to help with staff training to best support the needs of their clients during their stays at the shelter. The staff received invaluable training on working with people struggling with mental illness which resulted in a stronger relationship between SAM25 and its clients which meant a better working relationship in trying to get the clients back on their feet and independent again.
In addition to these funded organizations, we also run the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. During the tax season, households in our service area with an annual income of less than $60,000 and filing a simple tax return can work with our volunteers to receive help with the filing process. Last year, the VITA program and its volunteers helped secure more than $240,000 in returns for Shawano area residents!