Vision Statement
Individuals' and families' basic needs are met in a timely manner through a coordinated system of resources, providing them opportunities to achieve their highest potential.
Priority Issue Areas 2006 - 2011
Improve Access to Transportation.
- Improve access to transportation for elderly, disabled and low income individuals, to address basic needs related to housing, employment, school, and medical appointments.
- Address access and affordability of transportation due to urban sprawl.
Improve Availability and Access to Shelter and Affordable Housing.
- Increase availability of affordable housing in the Fox Cities.
- Improve access to affordable housing (rental and home ownership).
- Increase access and availability of transitional housing.
Improve Availability and Access to Food, Clothing, Energy Assistance, and Legal Services for Low Income Individuals and Families, including Immigrant, Minority, and Rural Populations.
- Meet the basic needs of individuals and families (food, clothing, energy assistance).
- Provide and address the basic needs for immigrant, minority, and rural populations.
- Increase access and financial support for health care (including dental and mental health).
- Enhance legal services for low-income.
Enhance Life Skills – Basic Academic and Language Skills, Financial Literacy, and Employment Skills.
- Improve life skills leading to skilled employment and financial literacy.
- Promote the development of employment skills that would provide a "living wage" and benefits.
- Improve availability and knowledge of employment skills training.
- Promote family mentoring - promote adult mentoring with families teaching other families.
Transportation Initiative, "The Connector"
United Way Fox Cities’ Providing Basic Needs & Self-Sufficiency Impact Area completed a two-year study on a variety of issues affecting individuals and families in the Fox Cities. As a result, the impact area identified the importance of ensuring that individuals have reliable transportation resources which will contribute to their ability to be self-sufficient and have their basic needs met.
The Connector, a Fox Cities Regional Transportation Initiative developed in partnership with Valley Transit, addresses the needs of individuals with lower incomes relying on public transportation for employment purposes. The expanded geographic areas and operating hours are provided through a contracted service arrangement between Valley Transit and a local transportation provider.
- Launched in October 2007, over 17,000 rides have been provided to almost 700 individuals in the Fox Cities.
- Approximately 90% of the rides have been employment-related in supporting individuals with overcoming transportation barriers.
- Based on responses from 87 individuals being helped by partnering agencies,
- 84% of individuals relying on public transportation were able to apply for more jobs in outlying areas of the Fox Cities.
- 82% of the agencies’ clients were able to apply for more jobs that were 2nd and 3rd shifts.
- 75% of the agencies’ clients were successful in obtaining a job.
Impact Area Meetings
The Impact Area meets the second Wednesday of the month, from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. If interested in volunteering for this Impact Area, please contact Rhonda Hannemann, United Way Fox Cities at 920-954-7210 or rhonda.hannemann@unitedwayfoxcities.org
