The Waunakee Neighborhood Connection staff and volunteers are planning their move to the former Waunakee Public Library this fall, and they’ll need some help with monetary support and manpower.
Kristina Maher, the executive director, spoke to the club about the work the organization does and its needs as they anticipate the next chapter.
Kristina was hired earlier this year, replacing Lisa Humenik as the organization’s director. She described the organization as partnering with community organizations, businesses and volunteers to serve clients in need.
WNC offers a community store, holiday programs, a diaper program, Neighbor-to-Neighbor emergency fund, English Group for non-native speakers, a Build a Bed program, case management and other services.
While many in the area earn wages above the poverty level, approximately 22% of households fall within the Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed threshold, where they struggle to pay rent and all other bills, basically the working poor. That’s about 1,913 households in the Waunakee area.
WNC served 394 households last year or 1,400 individuals, a 17% increase over the previous year and 101% increase over three years.
Kristina described the scenarios of some clients. One has worked in child care all of her life and simply doesn’t earn enough, but she fills an essential need for families. She will require financial help from time to time.
Another client needed WNC’s help for just a couple of months after he accepted a new job in Waunakee and he and his family moved here.
And another was a business owner in Nicaragua who moved to Waunakee to escape violence there and now is working on a farm. He attends English Group to improve his English speaking skills.
As the Waunakee Neighborhood Connection plans its move, the board is looking to raise $200,000 to add staffing for the growing client base, purchase more household necessities for its clients and increase the volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer and monetary help is appreciated. For information, visit waunakeeneighborhoodconnection.org.
The nonprofit also has events planned. Currently, it’s the nonprofit receiving the round-up at the Piggly Wiggly registers, and school supplies are being collected as part of the Stuff the Bus campaign. Look for the bus at the WNC store or at Crossroads United Methodist Church.
The Pumpkin Smash Dash is Oct. 15 with a 5K and a 1-mile race, as well.
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Other News:
-President Jennifer Tasker said WaunaFest was successful, with the unofficial tally showing the club raised about the same amount as last year - $5,600.
-Wednesday, Aug. 9, is National Night Out at Waunakee Village Park. Rotarians are needed to help with grilling hot dogs, brats and burgers.
-Sept. 9 is Schumacher Farm Park’s Heritage Fest and the club will host the popcorn stand.
Guests: Kristina Maher, speaker; C. Durden, Nancy Thomas.
Visiting Rotarians: None.
Birthdays: Aug. 11, Corey Randl; Aug. 12, Scott Cochems; Aug. 13, Chris Zellner; Aug. 16. Nicholas Petrulis.
Anniversaries: Aug. 10, Bob and Nancy Arntz; Aug. 10, Erick and Hillary Plumb; Aug. 13, Danny and Yvonne Paul; Aug. 14, Randy and Amy Guttenberg; Aug. 16, Kevin and Kathy Kearney.
Greeters: Aug. 10, Peggy Acker Farber and Leonard Allen; Aug. 17, Joseph Baer and Kenneth Ballweg; Aug. 24, Roberta Baumann and Conrad Blau; Aug 31, Sarah Bonk and Tony Burns.
