Hundreds of Waunakee area families are served by the Waunakee Neighborhood Connection each year in some way, whether just by picking up clothing or other household items when in need or finding job services.
Veronica Castillo, executive director of WNC, spoke about the nonprofit at the April 3 Waunakee Rotary meeting.
She has been with WNC for about nine months and said the organization is nearing its 20th year. In November 2024, WNC moved into the former Waunakee library’s upper level at 710 South St., with the Waunakee Food Pantry operating out of the lower level.
WNC has seen great support from the community and the village government, she said.
The team has grown, with a part-time fund development manager ensuring sustainable funding, a part-time office administrator, part-time bilingual community resource specialist in partnership with the Village of Waunakee, and a full-time community resource manager.
They, and a slew of volunteers, help support individuals and families who might need help paying rent from time to time or just access to other resources such as transportation or the use of a computer.
Roughly one in five households in Waunakee struggles to afford basic necessities. That’s according to the ALICE report published each year by United Way. Veronica said WNC’s numbers have increased substantially, with more people needing support. The store has seen 406 households shopping there this year, a 106% increase from 2020.
WNC also provides a place to volunteer, and the sorters have helped to get the 9 tons of essential items shelved in the past year. Items don’t last long on the shelves, Veronica said. Last year, the 80 volunteers put in 4,000 hours.
As WNC’s has added staff, the organization has also deepened the services. While the store has always provided support, WNC has increased its Neighbor to Neighbor fund, with $27,630 provided last year. The fund is slim now, and donations are needed to offer more rent assistance, Veronica said. Right now, WNC can support only one person per month with $500 for rent assistance, but the nonprofit can refer applicants to other resources.
The Build a Bed program is continuing, but about 50 to 60 families are on a waiting list for beds.
WNC has begun a workforce development program, and of the 12 people who have participated, six have found jobs in the community.
WNC is now also supporting members with transportation, and when families do not have vehicles, they have had essential items such as diapers dropped off to them. Verona said she would like to see that program expanded, maybe even with a WNC van.
Other new programs have included tax preparation help and coffee classes to teach clients their rights, along with financial management and safe practices. Really, WNC is about empowering members to be independent, Veronica said.
“WNC is here to provide community resources and connections to other places,” she added, noting the Village of Waunakee has stepped up to ensure the community is getting what is needed.
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Other News:
-Rotary’s WaunaFest Food stand is at risk for extinction if no one steps up to chair it, President Phil Willems announced. Let him know if you can help.
-Ken Pesik presented the design for the Rotary arch at Village Park to the Waunakee Parks and Recreation Commission and it received unanimous approval, Phil said. It will go to the Waunakee Village Board for their approval.
-May 3 is the Kentucky Derby party at the Lamphouse Apartments with betting and big hats for the ladies, Bob Klostermann announced.
-John Cullen asked if any Rotarians would like to sponsor a guest from New Zealand through the Rotary Exchange July 1-3. Let him know if so.
-April 12 is the Easter Drive Thru, Phil said. The club will stuff bags at the Village Center April 5.
-The club wished Ray Statz a happy 90th birthday!
-Phil presented Jennifer Tasker’s mom with a Paul Harris Fellow +2.
-And, Phil announced that the Rotary Board voted to provide a $1,000 sponsorship to WaunaFest.
Guests: Melinda Huza, guest of Hillary Pink-Budworth, and Addison Smith, guest of Ellen Schaaf.
Birthdays: None
Anniversaries: April 14, Jeff and Kathleen Smith
What’s for Lunch: April 10, Burger Bar; April 17, enchiladas, rice, beans; April 24, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.
Greeters: April 10, Jen Tasker and Todd Schmidt; April 17, ??; April 24, Jean Elvekrog and ??.
Programs: April 3, WNC Executive Director Veronica Castillo; April 10, St. Vincent de Paul director Julie Bennet; April 17, ??; April 24, Club Assembly.
To sign up to greet or to find out if you are greeting, visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805054CAAAA2CA7F85-44320149-2023#/
