Basic Needs

United Way of Marathon County is focused on lifting 10,000 community members to financial stability by 2033. Our mission is simple – Uniting to Thrive. To support our mission, we work collectively with other non-profits, local government and community organizations. We are all UNITING TO THRIVE.

2026-2027 Basic Needs Community Investments 

More than Food - The Neighbors' Place

Provide Case Management for wrap-around servicing to individuals accessing The Neighbors' Place Market or Babies Place Diaper Bank.

Meals on Wheels - Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin

Meals on Wheels is a program that provides a nutritious meal, companionship and a watchful eye on the health and safety of our seniors.

Bridging the Gap, Nourishing ALICE Families - Community Center of Hope

Essential support for senior citizens - by Faith in Action

Abbotsford Food Pantry - Healthy Opportunities for Latin Americans (HOLA)

Wausau Mobile Meals - by Wausau Mobile Meals

Delivering up two warm meals a day, on a sliding fee scale, to individuals that are homebound or do not have access to consistent sources of meals. United Way fills the gap for those unable to pay.

Family Keys Program - Marathon County Department of Social Services

Wisconsin's Family Keys approach – first piloted by La Crosse, Marathon and Wood counties – provides flexible funding for communities to co-design programs and supports that meet the needs of families experiencing housing instability so that children do not need to unnecessarily enter foster care.

Emergency Housing Assistance Fund (EHAF) - by Northcentral Community Action Program

EHAF intends to prevent and reduce homelessness through collaborative partnerships. The goal is to strengthen families through financial stability and help people become more self-sufficient.

Athens Area Food Bank Launch - Progress Athens Foundation

Support Clinic Programming - Wausau Free Clinic

Transitional Living - The Women's Community

Providing shelter and transitional living services to victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault.