GOAL: CREATING A STRONGER FINANCIAL FUTURE FOR EVERY GENERATION.
OVER 490 VOLUNTEERS MADE AN IMPACT THROUGH DAY OF CARING, FINANCE AND INVESTMENT CHALLENGE BOWL, AND THE FINANCIAL SECURITY COALITION IN 2025.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. The ALICE report is a means to define and understand the individuals and families working hard but not earning enough to afford basic living needs.
Assistance with housing & shelter was the most common need recorded by our local 211 Contact Center in 2025. United Way's investment in partner programs provides ALICE households with resources to find & afford safe, stable housing - and in many cases, avoid eviction.
- 2,179 calls were answered by our local 211 contact center regarding housing and emergency shelter in 2025.
- 929 community members received assistance from partner programs to avoid eviction in 2025.
- 31 volunteers participated in the Homeless Point in Time Count in January & July 2026.
FINANCIAL EDUCATION
37% of Wood County and 42% of Adams County households are struggling - despite most of these households earning income above the Federal Poverty Level. Less than 1/3 of Wisconsin's struggling households have
emergency savings. Unable to save, ALICE households may be one unexpected expense or emergency away from spiraling into poverty. Basic financial education is necessary to reach financial stability and independence.
United Way's Financial Security Coalition established the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl event, driving student interest & engagement in financial education.
- 114 students from local high schools participated in the 2026 Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl.
CHILDCARE
At a cost of thousands per child each year, childcare is unaffordable for many ALICE families. For ALICE families who may not qualify for Wisconsin Shares, United Way's investment helps bridge the gap - meaning children who need it most get quality care, and parents remain in the workforce.
- 3 families received childcare aid through partner programs in 2025 and were able to stay employed as a result.
- 2,339 hours of quality childcare were provided through a partner program in 2025 allowing parents to remain employed.
SHELTER
Victims of domestic violence often have limited assets as a result of abuse, which makes it extremely difficult to leave and obtain safe housing. United Way's investment helps provide safe shelter to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - which can mean the difference between life & death.
- 112 victims of domestic violence received safe shelter through a partner program in 2025.
TAX SAVINGS
- $971.56 was the average return received by individuals in south Wood and Adams Counties who filed for free with MyFreeTaxes in 2025.
Source: Financial Security Coalition, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties, United Way of Wisconsin ALICE report 2026, UWSWAC Partner Programs, UWSWAC’s Volunteer Data, United Way’s 211
SUCCESS STORY
A childcare center director recently shared the impact that Good Start Grants, a United Way partner program, has had on one of her employees—a family of four who described the program as “a blessing.” The parent shared, “This program has helped us immensely be able to afford our other monthly bills.” While the family continues to work hard and still struggles to make ends meet, the grant has eased the financial burden of childcare, allowing them to keep up with their mortgage, utilities, groceries, and other essential expenses. Most importantly, it has ensured their children can continue attending a safe, high-quality early learning environment while their parents remain in the workforce.
The director also noted that many hardworking families narrowly miss the current income eligibility limits—sometimes only by a few hundred dollars—yet continue to face significant financial challenges. As childcare costs and overall cost of living continue to rise, expanding eligibility would allow more families to access affordable, quality childcare and maintain stable employment.
