Success Stories

UNITED WAY OF SOUTH WOOD & ADAMS COUNTIES SUCCESS STORIES FOR 2026
 

These stories have been provided to us by the 2026 United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties Partner Programs.  Names have been changed to preserve the identities of the subjects.  Please feel free to use these stories for any promotional pieces you may have, such as newsletters, emails, payroll stuffers, etc.

SOUTH WOOD COUNTY

Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area

This year, the Boys and Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area’s Jumpstart Morning Program embraced the power of service and community connection. Club members and staff worked together to create and distribute more than 300 handmade spring and Easter cards that were shared with recipients through the meal programs, local assisted living homes, and the local police department. 
As they worked on the project, they talked to the members about each of the organizations, who they serve, and why they are such an important part of our community. It helped our members understand that community service comes in many different forms and that something as simple as a handmade card can brighten someone’s day.
This project gave the youth the opportunity to practice kindness, empathy, and gratitude while showing them that they can make a positive impact, no matter their age. Watching them take pride in creating something for others was a great reminder that building a stronger community starts with small acts of kindness.  United Way invests in spaces like this for local children so all children can access these experiences in a safe environment. 

Career Closet of Wisconsin Rapids, Inc.

The Career Closet, a United Way partner program, served a young woman who was recently released from jail for drug related charges. She was living at a half-way facility where she attended classes. She needed to look for a job and came to us for appropriate clothes. Her job at this point needed to be part-time and fit in with her class schedule. She has a small child, and all her efforts are for her to be able to care for her child again. She was given all the clothing and shoes that she needed including some extras such as jewelry and a purse. She was invited to return as her needs changed.

Childcaring, Inc. – Good Start Grants

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.

Childcaring, Inc. – Provider Recruitment/Retention

Childcaring’s recruitment and retention program, a United Way partner program, provides resources to local childcare providers. A childcare program in Wisconsin Rapids contacted Childcaring for assistance registering a new staff member for two required CCFT courses through the new Professional Development Network (PDN) system. The program director experienced challenges navigating the new registration process, so Childcaring provided step-by-step guidance over the phone to locate and register for the required courses—Introduction to Childcare Profession and Skills and Strategies. Because one of the courses was offered through another childcare resource and referral agency, Childcaring also coordinated with that agency to ensure the registration was completed successfully. As a result, the new staff member was enrolled in both courses, and the program director gained the knowledge and confidence to independently register future employees for these trainings. 

FOCUS Family Backpacks

One family connected to the new 4K expansion shared how impactful the Family Backpacks program has been in helping provide stability during a challenging time. The family was experiencing increased financial strain and appreciated receiving a backpack each week that included easy-to-prepare meals, breakfast items, and nutritious food options for their children to enjoy outside of school. The addition of a Kwik Trip voucher provided the family with the ability to purchase fresh milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables, helping supplement the shelf-stable items included in the backpack. The family also utilized FOCUS’s other programs, including the food pantry and Neighborhood Meals program to further support their household’s food needs. Through access to multiple FOCUS programs, the family was able to receive consistent food assistance while working through temporary financial challenges.
This story represents the overall impact on the Backpack Program—providing more than just food but creating a network of support for families when they need it most. Through strong partnerships with schools, dedicated volunteers, community support, and United Way’s investment, FOCUS continues to increase access to nutritious food and ensure children have the resources they need to thrive.

FOCUS Food Pantry

Earlier this year, a single mother of three visited FOCUS after experiencing an unexpected reduction in work hours that left her struggling to afford groceries. She shared that she had been skipping meals so her children would have enough to eat and was unsure how she would make it through the month.
FOCUS was able to support her family through multiple programs. She received a balanced supply of nutritious food from the FOCUS food pantry, including fresh produce, dairy products, proteins, and pantry staples to help feed her family for the next 7-10 days. She also began attending the weekly Neighborhood Meals program, where her family could enjoy a hot, nutritious meal together, reducing both food costs and the stress of meal preparation. In addition, her children were enrolled in the Family Backpacks program, ensuring they had nutritious, child-friendly meals and snacks to take home each weekend when school meals were unavailable.
Several weeks later, she returned to express her gratitude, explaining that the combination of pantry food, weekly community meals, and weekend backpacks allowed her to redirect limited income toward rent and utilities while ensuring her children never had to go without nutritious food. She shared that the support gave her family peace of mind during a difficult transition and helped them regain stability as her work hours improved.
Her experience demonstrates the strength of FOCUS’s coordinated approach to addressing food insecurity. By connecting families with multiple programs that work together, FOCUS, with help from United Way’s investment, can provide both immediate relief and ongoing support, helping households navigate temporary hardship with dignity, hope, and confidence.

FOCUS Neighborhood Meals

One of the most meaningful successes of the FOCUS Neighborhood Meals program, this year has been its continued ability to provide not only nutritious meals but also a welcoming place where community members can connect. For many guests, the meal provides an opportunity to reduce social isolation, reconnect with neighbors, and build relationships with volunteers and other participants.
A recent example involved a guest who had been eating alone most days after experiencing significant life changes. After attending the meal program several times, they began sitting with the same group of guests each week and now regularly visit with volunteers and others in attendance. The guest shared that the meal program has become something they look forward to each week because it provides both nourishment and a sense of belonging.
Stories like this demonstrate that the meal program is about more than serving food. It strengthens community connections, creates a welcoming environment for all, and provides dignity, fellowship, and hope alongside a nutritious meal. With help from United Way’s investment, this space is available for free to all community members.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes – South Wood County

Troop 6008 from Wisconsin Rapids worked hard to sell Girl Scout cookies for the past three years to cover the cost of a trip abroad. 21 south Wood County girls just returned from London, Paris, Barcelona, and Rome and had a life-changing experience.

Nekoosa School District - Backpack for Kids

Backpack for Kids discreetly sends home weekend meals and is a United Way partner program. While the initial intent of the program was to meet a “crisis” need, they have come to expect that most families who sign up for the program are experiencing a chronic challenge of providing enough food for their family. Because the needs tend to be long-lasting, most families remain on the program for the school year. However, during Q2, they did have a family who called to say that their employment situation had changed and their family income would be seeing a significant increase. They asked to be removed from the program so the resource could be available for another family.

North Central Community Action Program (NCCAP)

Opportunity Development Center, Inc. - Opportunity for Hope-Access for All

One family has been able to access school-based mental health counseling for their child through Opportunity for Hope’s discounted cash-pay rate program, which is supported by United Way. Although the family earns too much to qualify for financial assistance, they have a high-deductible health insurance plan that made traditional counseling costs unaffordable while meeting their deductible. By offering counseling sessions at a reduced rate of $60-$75 per session, significantly lower than standard insurance-billed rates, the family has been able to consistently access services without experiencing financial hardship. This program helps bridge the gap for working families who may not qualify for assistance but still struggle to afford the cost of mental health care, making counseling more accessible when it is needed most.

Opportunity Development Center, Inc. - Children's Long-Term Support

When ODC first began working with a youth through their Children’s Long-Term Support program, a United Way partner program, he was almost completely nonverbal and rarely participated in group activities. He often isolated himself from peers and, at times, struggled to communicate his needs when he became overwhelmed or frustrated, which could result in challenging interactions with staff and other participants. Over the years, through consistent support, individualized interventions, and opportunities to build his communication and social skills, he has made significant progress.
Today, this individual is much more engaged with those around him. He will independently approach peers to greet them and has begun participating in brief social interactions. His verbal communication with staff has increased tremendously, allowing him to express his needs and engage more meaningfully throughout the day. In addition, he has developed effective ways to communicate his needs and manage feelings of overwhelm, removing barriers that once limited his participation and success. He is now able to participate safely and meaningfully in daily living skills and group activities alongside his peers. The youth’s growth in communication, emotional regulation, and social engagement is a testament to the progress he has made through consistent practice and support.

Park Place Adult Day Services, Inc.

Samoset Council, Scouting America – South Wood County

In Scouting, that a young person’s background or circumstances outside of Scouting does not determine who they can become. Every youth has a place in Scouting, where they are surrounded by positive role models and given a safe environment to learn, grow, and even fail, knowing they will be supported along the way.
One of the Adams County Scouts, Jacob, is a great example of the impact Scouting can have. Jacob attended summer camp every year, and Camp Tesomas was the highlight of his summer. He looked forward to it year after year.
Unfortunately, Jacob’s father was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was not expected to live much beyond the summer. Faced with this devastating reality, Jacob made the difficult decision to forgo camp that year so he could spend precious time with his father.
For many organizations, that may have been where the story ended. But not in Scouting.
Camp staff consistently go about and beyond to make every Scout feel valued and connected. When Camp Program Director learned that Jacob would miss camp, he took it upon himself to send Jacob a simple but meaningful package: a zip-top bag filled with sand and leaves from Camp Tesomas, along with a handwritten note reminding him that he would always have a home in Scouting and at Camp Tesomas.
A few months later, Jacob’s father passed away, and Jacob achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Once again, the Program Director reached out with a note of congratulations. He then made the three-hour drive to attend Jacob’s Eagle Court of Honor and celebrate this important milestone alongside him.
Today, Jacob still attends camp. His Scout leader has shared that knowing Scouting and Camp Tesomas would always be there for him during one of the most difficult times in his life made a lasting impact. The support of caring adults and positive role models provided a sense of belonging, encouragement, and stability that helped him navigate an unimaginable loss.
Stories like Jacob’s are only possible because of the generosity and support of partners like United Way. This investment helps ensure that every young person has access to the life-changing experiences, mentorship, and sense of belonging that Scouting provides.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to local youth. Together, we are changing lives, one Scout at a time.

South Wood County YMCA - Membership for All 

Judith is Quinn’s guardian and they help encourage each other to stay active. Their membership lapsed three months ago by accident and she felt it. It’s also easier to encourage each other when they are here at the same time, in an inclusive atmosphere. Judith complimented the positive atmosphere where they can get health together and be encouraged along the way. Utilizing United Way funds, this space is accessible to everyone.

Wisconsin Rapids Family Center - Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Emergency Shelter Program

ADAMS COUNTY

Adams-Friendship Area School District – Kids Club After School Program

Powered by United Way funding, Kids Club continued to be a dependable resource for working families in our community during the 2025-2026 school year. By the end of the school year, they served 218 students, exceeding their projected enrollment. Students participated in homework support, hands-on activities, physical recreation, and field trips while building friendships and positive relationships with staff. Families regularly expressed their appreciation for having a safe, welcoming place where their children could learn, grow, and have fun after school. Seeing students excited to attend each day and ending the year with strong participation demonstrates the positive impact Kids Club continues to have on our community.

Central Wisconsin Community Action Council, Inc. – Crisis Rental Assistance

Central Wisconsin Community Action Council spoke with a client that needed a motel stay because she had to be out of the motel she was in by 11:00 am the same day. They were able to get her another motel room to keep her off the streets through United Way funding. She was very motivated to be employed as she had interviews lined up in the area. She followed up on recommendations given to her about job fairs, shelters, and other resources. She ended up getting into a transitional housing program and is now housed in a shelter receiving case management as well as mentoring and other job referrals.

Central Wisconsin Community Action Council, Inc. – Food Pantry

The annual 4th of July parade is a staple of summer in Adams-Friendship. Last summer, the Adams County Food Pantry, a United Way partner program, decided to be a part of the celebration. They realized that a parade was the perfect place to spread the message, “Help is available for food insecurity.”
To get ready, a talented volunteer spent days painting giant, bright cardboard fruits, vegetables, and groceries. These colorful creations covered the sides of the float, turning the flatbed trailer into a grocery oasis.
Volunteers rode the float and tossed candy into the crowd. It was a way to grab attention, sharing a message that anyone facing hard times in the community can get food support.
The reception from the community was so encouraging, they decided to create a float for the next parade. By combining festive fun with awareness, our pantry made sure everyone knew they had neighbors who care about food insecurity needs in the community.

Childcaring - Parent Café

Parent Café, a United Way partner program, continues to grow, and meaningful relationships develop among participating families. One of the most encouraging outcomes this quarter is that many families are attending consistently, creating a strong sense of community and connection, supporting the protective factors. The shared meal at the beginning of each café has become an important opportunity for connection, allowing parents to socialize, build friendships, and engage in meaningful conversations in a relaxed environment. Facilitators have observed that conversations among parents are authentic and thoughtful. Informal discussions that begin during dinner naturally continue into the café, where guided questions encourage participants to reflect more deeply and learn from one another’s experiences. With each café, families appear more comfortable sharing their perspectives, asking questions, and offering support to one another. The connections formed during Parent Café extend beyond the café. We regularly see families continuing conversations after the café has ended, lingering, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company. Even more encouraging is seeing these relationships continue between cafes. When the facilitators encounter participating families at community events, they greet them and one another with smiles, hugs, and genuine excitement. These interactions demonstrate that the relationships built through Parent Café are carrying over into stronger relationships and friendships. Adams Parent Café continues to grow, creating a welcoming space where families build relationships, strengthen their support networks, and learn together.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes – Adams County

Troop 6283 in Adams County held a Community Day this spring where they invited the community to come and try the original Girl Scout cookie. The troop researched and baked the cookies themselves. The troop also invited young entrepreneurs to come to the event to sell items they had made. The girls had an amazing turnout, and everyone had a great time!

Scouting America, Samoset Council – Adams County

In Scouting, that a young person’s background or circumstances outside of Scouting does not determine who they can become. Every youth has a place in Scouting, where they are surrounded by positive role models and given a safe environment to learn, grow, and even fail, knowing they will be supported along the way.
One of the Adams County Scouts, Jacob, is a great example of the impact Scouting can have. Jacob attended summer camp every year, and Camp Tesomas was the highlight of his summer. He looked forward to it year after year.
Unfortunately, Jacob’s father was diagnosed with terminal cancer and was not expected to live much beyond the summer. Faced with this devastating reality, Jacob made the difficult decision to forgo camp that year so he could spend precious time with his father.
For many organizations, that may have been where the story ended. But not in Scouting.
Camp staff consistently go about and beyond to make every Scout feel valued and connected. When Camp Program Director learned that Jacob would miss camp, he took it upon himself to send Jacob a simple but meaningful package: a zip-top bag filled with sand and leaves from Camp Tesomas, along with a handwritten note reminding him that he would always have a home in Scouting and at Camp Tesomas.
A few months later, Jacob’s father passed away, and Jacob achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Once again, the Program Director reached out with a note of congratulations. He then made the three-hour drive to attend Jacob’s Eagle Court of Honor and celebrate this important milestone alongside him.
Today, Jacob still attends camp. His Scout leader has shared that knowing Scouting and Camp Tesomas would always be there for him during one of the most difficult times in his life made a lasting impact. The support of caring adults and positive role models provided a sense of belonging, encouragement, and stability that helped him navigate an unimaginable loss.
Stories like Jacob’s are only possible because of the generosity and support of partners like United Way. This investment helps ensure that every young person has access to the life-changing experiences, mentorship, and sense of belonging that Scouting provides.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to local youth. Together, we are changing lives, one Scout at a time.

South Wood County YMCA - Membership for All, Adams County 

Daniel is wheelchair bound and uses the Y to regain his mobility. He was coming in with someone to drop him off while he used the NuStep in Adams. Starting in late May, he started working out with Keith, a personal trainer. They are working on getting strength back in his legs. Daniel is now able to use a few of the machines with assistance. He just celebrated his 1-year anniversary as a member of the Adams YMCA.