United Way of Dane County

06/12/2026

Volunteers are the heart of change. Join us on Sunday, June 21 for and help make a difference in Dane County. Sign up today! Link in comments!

06/11/2026

Grief comes in waves, and healing takes time.

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. If you have health insurance or an Employee Assistance Program, reach out. If you’re looking for resources, call United Way 211 at any time of the day or night. You can also text or find resources at https://www.unitedwaydanecounty.org/get-help-211/

You can also contact the Dane County Behavioral Health Resource Center. They can help in finding services related to counseling, psychiatry, behavioral health case management or peer services. The phone number for the Behavioral Health Resource Center is (608) 267-2244, or you can go to their website at https://danebhrc.org.contact

Anesis Therapy is offering drop-in clinics this week at both Mt Zion and their office. No appointment is needed and information is below:

If you need help navigating grief, there are resources.

Our Community is Grieving. We Are Here to Help.

This week, our community experienced a tremendous loss with the passing of Michael Johnson from the Boys & Girls Club. Many individuals, families, youth, and community members are hurting and navigating grief during this difficult time.

At Anesis Therapy, we believe that healing does not happen in isolation, it happens in community. We heal by sharing our stories, leaning on one another, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported. During times of loss, it is important to remember that you do not have to carry your grief alone.

Our Drop-In Clinics are available for anyone who needs support, a listening ear, or help processing their grief.

📍 Anesis West Side Location
815 Forward Drive
Bilingual Services Available
Wednesdays | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM

📍 Mt. Zion Baptist Church
2019 Fisher Street
Thursdays | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.

Please continue to hold Michael’s family, friends, colleagues, the Boys & Girls Club community, and all those impacted by this loss in your thoughts and prayers.

06/08/2026

United Way of Dane County joins our community in mourning the loss of Michael Johnson, a visionary and dynamic community leader.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County has been a steadfast partner with United Way since 1998, and we have seen first-hand the impact Michael's leadership has had on the lives of countless community members, particularly youth and families.

Our thoughts are with Michael's wife Toya, their family and everyone at Boys & Girls Clubs during this difficult time. We know the board and team will move the mission forward and we stand ready to support, building on Michael's extraordinary community leadership.

06/04/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Spring Boardwalk Academy Cohort on completing their training!

These incredible community leaders are already making a positive impact in Dane County and will continue the important work of sharing their perspectives and stories to strengthen our community so that all can thrive.

A huge thank you to the sponsor that makes this program possible, TruStage!

Boardwalk Academy is now accepting applications for the 2026 Fall Cohort!

Boardwalk Academy is a 9-week development series that strengthens the interpersonal and professional communication skills of non-traditional community leaders, whose critical voices and perspectives are often absent from decision-making tables. Stipends of $50/session may be available to participants. The application process is not included as part of the stipend process.

Check the link in the comments to learn more and apply!

06/03/2026

This Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities in Dane County and beyond. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩵🤍🩷🤎🖤

At United Way of Dane County, we believe every person has the fundamental right to feel safe, valued and supported for who they are. We remain committed to building a community where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive.

We are grateful for the many LGBTQ+ leaders, partners, advocates and neighbors who help make our community stronger every day.

06/01/2026

Every act of kindness counts. On Sunday, June 21, help make a difference in Dane County for .

Visit https://www.volunteeryourtime.org/ to find volunteer opportunities near you!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the courageous individuals who gave their lives in service to our country.

As we reflect on their service, we are reminded of the importance of caring for one another and strengthening our community together so that all may thrive.

05/22/2026

Join our campaign team as a 2026 Campaign Fundraising Specialist - Loaned Executive!

With guidance from United Way staff, Fundraising Specialist - Loaned Executives will create and implement innovative fundraising strategies, volunteer engagement opportunities and top-of-the line cultivation and stewardship best practices to assist corporate partners in running successful workplace campaigns.

Link in comments to learn more and apply!

05/21/2026

Last month, the By Youth for Youth (BYFY) committee awarded $26,130 to 9 local youth programs and projects focusing on addressing mental health, positive experiences inside and outside of school, food security, immigration, sexual assault prevention and climate change. This year’s cohort included 24 Dane County high schools students from 9th through 12th grade from 11 different high schools across Dane County. Congratulations, BYFY committee on coming together to strengthen our community so everyone in our community can thrive!

Full List of Funded Organizations and Programs:
• Dairyland Dancing Diamonds: “Nourish & Flourish Initiative”
• Wisconsin Heights School District: “Mental Health Closegap Initiative”
• Rooted Inc.: “Rooted in Community Gardens”
• East High School’s WAVE Club: “Menstrual Equity Project”
• Oregon High School’s Imagine Club: “Run-Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness Month”
• Cardea: “American Heart Association & National Alliance on Mental Illness 5K Run”
• Elver Park Neighborhood Center: “Team Building Through Art Experiences”
• Meadowood Neighborhood Center: “Plates with Purpose”
• MTZ Charitable Organization: “Planted with Purpose”

Learn more about BYFY and this year’s funding decision in the press release in comments.

The BYFY program is a collaborative effort between UW-Extension’s Positive Youth Development Institute, the Dane County Youth Commission, City of Madison, Wisconsin Government and United Way of Dane County.

05/20/2026

We were proud to support Madison’s first annual Solidarity Sunset Soiree honoring the leadership of women and recognizing the impact of YWCA Madison in our community. Congratulations, YWCA Madison CEO, Geraldine Paredes Vásquez and YWCA staff on surpassing your fundraising goal and raising $59,000 to support YWCA’s mission and programs.

It was also incredible to celebrate 50 years of Women of Distinction, including our current President and CEO, Renee Moe, and our past President and CEO, Leslie Ann Howard! Congratulations to this year’s Women of Distinction: Vanessa R. McDowell-Atlas, Nancy Wrenn Bauch, Colleen Butler, Jael Currie, MSW and Monica Mims - BBA, PMP.

Final Photo Credit: LaMarr Photography