September 23-29, 2019, during National Diaper Awareness Week, organizations across the country are highlighting the struggle that many families with young children face every day.

A child will need over 2500 diapers and 3000 wipes during their first year of life, at a cost of more than $500. For families who are already struggling financially, this additional expense can be a huge strain. SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) funds cannot be used to purchase diapers, wipes, paper products, detergent or hygiene products, and food pantries rarely have those items available.

There is help available through United Way Bundles of Joy. Last year, this program provided 26,000 diapers to local families in crisis. You can help increase the help available to local families by:

1) Dropping off donations of diapers at the United Way office, 705 S. 24th Ave, Suite 400B, Wausau, throughout the year, M-F, 8-5.

2) Registering for the 0.1K Run to Benefit Bundles of Joy scheduled for October 12. All proceeds will be used to purchase emergency diapers and formula for families in crisis in our community. More info and registration links at UnitedWayMC.org.

3) Taking your Christmas gifts to the Gift Wrap booth at Wausau Center Mall between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Volunteers will wrap your packages for a cash donation or package of diapers for Bundles of Joy.

4) Marking your calendar now for United Way’s Community Baby Shower, held each April. Donations of diapers and infant clothing, blankets, etc. are distributed to families in need locally. 

Suicide is the 10^th leading cause of death in the US, and risk factors surrounding suicide can often be complex. There are resources in Marathon County that can help residents learn about suicide education and awareness. United Way’s 211 can help connect individuals to resources that offer suicide prevention information and immediate care to those in need.

If you are in immediate crisis or have thoughts about suicide, call the Suicide Prevention Line at 715-845-4326 or 1-800-799-0122.

Prevent Suicide Marathon County offers a Suicide Survivors support group on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month and holds bi-weekly meetings to expand suicide prevention and awareness efforts. For more information on the support group contact Angelica at 715-302-8477, and for the bi-weekly meetings contact Debi at 715-551-0966.

North Central Health Care’s Suicide Prevention Line offers suicide and crisis intervention services, 24/7, by phone at 715-845-4326 or 1-800-799-0122. In-person care is also available 24/7 at the Crisis Center, 1100 Lake View Drive, Wausau. 

Center for Suicide Awareness provides text line support, 24/7, for anyone experiencing a difficult time and need support. Text HOPELINE to 741741.

For mental health services and other supportive services in Marathon County, Choosing a Counselor and the Give and Get Help Guide publications are available at https://www.unitedwaymc.org/get-help/211-publications/.

For additional information on suicide prevention or mental health resources, dial 211 to speak with an Information Specialist, 24/7. Language interpreter service available. Text your zip code to 898211 to reach an Information Specialist Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., by chat Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. noon at www.unitedwaymc.org/get-help or by email at askus@unitedwaymc.org. To search the online database or view publications, go to www.unitedwaymc.org/get-help.

Wisconsin Comes Together for Lasting Social Change

Wausau, WI (Sept 4, 2019) – Governor Tony Evers has designated the months of September and October 2019 as United Way Months in Wisconsin, in recognition of the launch of United Way annual campaigns throughout the state.

The 40 United Ways across Wisconsin each work within their local communities to meet local needs, using funds raised locally. Together, United Ways fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. We all win when individuals have good health, a child succeeds in school, and families are financially stable. Every year, Wisconsin community members and businesses really step up to supply the expertise and resources to mobilize lasting change.

 In 2018, Wisconsin’s United Ways, serving as the primary source of private funds, collectively raised over $118 million to support human services. Wisconsinites have many ways to give, advocate and volunteer with United Way to be a part of the change and help build a brighter future for all.       

Locally, United Way invests in programs that help kids start school ready to learn, youth mentoring, alcohol and drug abuse treatment, food and housing, and assistance for those impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault.

United Way of Marathon County in partnership with FamilyWize distributes and promotes prescription drug discount cards to offset the high cost of prescription drugs for those without insurance.

This is a free program, with no enrollment requirements. The FamilyWize card reduces the cost of prescriptions by an average of 30% or more. It can be used by anyone who does not have health insurance for prescription medications or to reduce the costs of medications that may not be covered by insurance. To learn how much you can save, go to www.familywize.org, enter the name of the drug and your zip code to find the least costly place to fill your prescription. 

Since the program began in Marathon County, local residents have saved thousands of dollars on prescription drugs at local pharmacies. Anyone interested in obtaining a FamilyWize card can download one from the United Way website at https://www.unitedwaymc.org/improve-lives/income/income-assistance or by stopping at the United Way office.                                

Marathon County offers back to school resources to help students and their families prepare for the upcoming school year. United Way’s 211 can help to connect those in need to programs that provide free school supplies and clothing.

For school supplies:

Workplace Volunteer Council’s Fill a Backpack Fill a Need Project (FABFAN), Wausau Center Mall C-302 Wausau (old JC Penny Store)

• When: Saturday, August 17, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Eligibility: Students in grades 4K – 8 who are eligible for free and reduced lunch.
• Intake Process: Participating schools distribute tickets to eligible students between May and August. Some school districts are distributing their own school supplies. For more information, call 211.

The Salvation Army’s Tools for School, 202 Callon St., Wausau

• When: Tuesday, August 27, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and Wednesday, August 28, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Eligibility: Students in grades 8 – 12 from income-eligible families. Limited supplies may be available for lower level grades.
• Intake Process: Walk-in during distribution time.

For school clothing:

Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church’s Clothing Giveaway, 600 Stevens Dr., Wausau

• When: Friday, August 9, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Eligibility: Students in grades K – 12.
• Intake Process: Walk-in during distribution times.

Mount Calvary Clothes Closet, 503 Schmidt Ave., Wausau

• When: Monday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Eligibility: Open to all.
• Intake Process: Call 715-359-4500 to schedule an appointment.

For more information on school resources, dial 211 to speak with an Information Specialist, 24/7. Language interpreter service available. Text your zip code to 898211 to reach an Information Specialist Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., by chat Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at www.unitedwaymc.org/get-help or by email at askus@unitedwaymc.org. To search the online database or view publications, go to www.unitedwaymc.org/get-help.