Nurturing Community – United Way St Croix & Red Cedar Valleys
United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys: Making a Difference in Our Communities
United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys addresses critical community needs, focusing on improving people’s health, education, and financial stability. The organization addresses challenges such as food insecurity, housing instability, access to mental health services, and more.
United Way has funded a variety of nonprofits in northern Polk and Burnett Counties focusing on programs that meet basic and emergency needs; strengthen children and families; and promote health and independent living to name a few. The biggest challenge remains helping people in rural areas, where there is often a lack of resources for services.
United Way serves a diverse population across the St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys, including families, seniors, children, and individuals who are navigating challenging circumstances and seeking stability and support. Through partnerships with local nonprofits and service programs, they impact the lives of more than 20,000 individuals annually. This figure represents an estimate based on reports from partner agencies and programs tracking those receiving meals, educational support, housing assistance, and other essential services, as well as United Way’s own 211 and diaper bank services.
United Way St. Croix and Red Cedar Valleys is not just a funding organization. It helps combine resources, ideas, and collaborators. They work strategically to build strong, resilient communities by bringing together partners to address root causes, not just symptoms, of community challenges.
United Way has been serving Western Wisconsin communities for over 60 years, evolving to meet the changing needs of the populations served. Throughout that time volunteers have been the backbone of the organization. Volunteers assist with fundraising campaigns, serve on the board of directors, participate in community service projects, and offer specialized skills like event planning, mentorship, and administrative support. United Way welcomes volunteers and are actively seeking dedicated board members who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in our communities.
Besides the traditional United Way services to the community, they also support and administer the annual giveBIG event, which is a day of philanthropy that supports nonprofit organizations in a host of areas: an array of human services, animal welfare, the environment, education, health, the arts, and more. 2024’s giveBIG event saw 91 nonprofits participate throughout Burnett, Pierce, Polk, and St. Croix counties, earning them more than $500,000.
In 2025 and beyond, United Way St Croix and Red Cedar Valley plans to expand partnerships with local businesses to create more capacity to support nonprofits, identify innovative solutions to community challenges, like food insecurity and housing affordability. The organization is committed to listening, learning, and adapting to meet evolving community needs.
As always, United Way’s aim is to be a beacon of hope and change, and that is only made possible through the generous support of volunteers, donors, and partners. Together, we will continue to create stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities.
For more information visit: www.uwvalleys.org.