Community Investments

United Way brings people and organizations together who have passion, expertise and resources to get things done. When we take a lead role in establishing common goals and collective action, we make real change happen and improve lives in our community.

Marathon County Hunger Coalition – The vision is a day when no one is hungry and everyone in Marathon County has access to nutritious food.

Housing Taskforce – The vision is to eradicate homelessness and to create and sustain affordable housing solutions for Marathon County.

Community Closet & Mobile Community Closet – The Community Closet provides new and gently used clothing to guests who express a need, without requiring an income verification. The Mobile Community Closet is an extension of the physical closet and launched November 2023. 

United Way core services help strengthen the community by connecting people to needed services and volunteer opportunities.

United Way's 211 – United Way’s 211 provides free, confidential community service information and referrals 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, an online searchable database, and publishes resource directories and guides.

United Way Volunteer Connection – Volunteer Connection’s purpose is to connect volunteers and organizations with opportunities to serve. They lead projects like Make a Difference Day and offer website connections to volunteering 24/7.

Good Shepherd Shelter (Wausau Warming Center) and Beyond Shelter - by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse

The Good Shepherd Shelter provides a safe clean place for adult men and women to sleep overnight, clean their clothing, and eat while ensuring the guests' personal dignity, respect, and safety. Beyond Shelter provides housing for chronically homeless men in the Wausau area. The current housing consists of private bedrooms with shared living spaces of kitchen, dining, living, meeting, and bathrooms. Ongoing case management is provided.

Transitional Living - by The Women's Community

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

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.

More than Food - by The Neighbors' Place

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

Transitional Living - by The Salvation Army Wausau

Transitional Living Program targeted at individuals that are looking to be housed in 90-120 days. 

Driving Force for Seniors - by Faith in Action

Homebound deliveries to individuals that cannot access the food pantry network for various reasons like chemotherapy treatment, disabilities or no access to transportation.

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. 

Good Start Grants – by Childcaring
Good Start Grants provides financial assistance for eligible families in Marathon County to ensure they have access to quality, affordable childcare.

Before & After School Programs- by Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Wausau Area

Provide low-cost care and snacks for both before & after school so parents can continue to work. 

Spencer Kids Group Youth Center - by Spencer Kids Group
Spencer Kids Group has been providing a safe, fun and supervised area for youth for nearly 24 years. The Youth Center is open year-round for students to attend and provides low cost childcare and snacks in a rural area. 

Childhood Mental Health Counseling, Substance Abuse Treatment, Mental Health Therapy, SAFE, mentoring and aftercare program - by Bridge Community Health Clinic 

Providing mental health & substance abuse therapies on a sliding scale fee system so it remains affordable. 

School Based Mental Health Services - by Marathon County School Based Consortium

Network of Mental Health Therapists that deploy into the school districts to offer counseling sessions onsite, so students don’t have to disrupt their day. 

Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Victim Services - by The Women's Community

Case Management for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. 

Child & Family Counseling - by Childrens WI

Providing counseling to children & families. 

Mentoring Program - by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin

Mentoring program where adults are matched with children in the community, providing extra care and support. 

Wheels to Work - by Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association (WATEA)

Help for low-income clients to obtain or repair a vehicle so they can get or keep a job. 

Judicare Community Law Clinic - by Judicare

Representing low-income individuals in legal situations that lead to a barrier of financial stability, like driving records, obtaining DL, evictions history. 

Creating Equitable Pathways into Leadership - by Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes

Focused educational and troop opportunities to low-income girls that cannot afford to be in a traditional troop.