Join us for a series of casual luncheon conversations about United Way of Portage County and its partner organizations in the community and on campus. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about United Way and the issues and challenges facing Stevens Point and Portage County. We hope this series provides insights into United Way’s strategic focus on education, health, income, and community basics to bring people and resources together to achieve measurable results that improve people's lives and strengthen our community.

Sue Wilcox is the Executive Director of United Way of Portage County; Fred Hebblewhite is United Way’s Director of Resource Development. Sue and Fred will provide the history and background on the United Way of Portage County, including its overall approach to community problem solving and the important roles that donors, volunteers, and advocates play in ensuring success.

Dave Morgan is the Executive Director and CEO of the Stevens Point Area YMCA. Dave will discuss the Y’s focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility to make Portage County a great place to live and raise a family. He will also highlight the importance of United Way to achieving the Y’s goals.

Kayla Rombalski is the Volunteer Center Director at United Way of Portage County; Susan LeBow is Assistant Director, Student Involvement & Employment Office (SIEO) at the UWSP University Centers, and Candise Miller is the Volunteer Coordinator at SIEO. These three presenters will give an overview of the many valuable services that volunteers provide throughout our community, including the annual Make a Difference Day (Oct. 24). They will also explain how United Way and campus collaborate to maintain a database that helps match volunteers with community opportunities. 

Mary Patoka is the President and CEO of CAP Services, a regional anti-poverty non-profit that is based in Portage County. The mission of CAP Services is to bring about a permanent increase in the ability of low-income individuals to become economically and emotionally self-sufficient. CAP offers nearly 30 different programs/services, some of which are generously supported by United Way in Portage County. CAP has a rich history of partnership with UWSP via its Family Crisis Center, Sexual Assault Victim Services, Business Development, Early Childhood programs and more.

Bob Quam is the Director of Operations at the Salvation Army Hope Center. The Hope Center is the region’s only emergency shelter and provides a place of stability and comfort for those needing assistance with housing and food. Bob will also discuss the numerous ways that UWSP volunteers help with operations at the Hope Center. 

Patti Cahill is the Director of Community Impact at United Way of Portage County. She will be joined by Bob Enright, Professor and Chair of Sociology at UWSP and David Chunyu, Assistant Professor of Sociology. Patti will describe United Way’s Community Impact model and the importance of measurable objectives for ensuring accountability in United Way’s efforts. Bob and David will highlight the data collection and analysis that faculty provide to United Way in preparing the LIFE report, a periodic snapshot of community strengths, challenges, and priorities in Portage County.

Questions? Contact Eric Olson, campaign co-chair eolson@uwsp.edu 

Eric Olson

Director, UW Extension Lakes

715-346-2192

eolson@uwsp.edu

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