Great Rivers United Way

10/14/2026

Having access to food, housing, transportation, health care, and other basic needs can have a major impact on quality of life.

The 2027 Compass Now Survey gives you the opportunity to tell us what needs are being met in our region and where challenges still exist.

Take the 2027 Compass Now Survey today!

>>>https://levans.questionpro.com/compass2027

10/13/2026

Great Rivers United Way was one of several nonprofits to benefit from Altra Federal Credit Union's 9th Annual Gives Back Day, held on Monday, October 12.

Altra volunteers participated in our imPACKs program, assembling – and then dropping off – a total of 750 menstruation kits to GRUW partners Family & Children's Center, New Horizons Shelter and Outreach Centers, Inc., The Salvation Army of La Crosse County, The Parenting Place, and Bluff Country Family Resources.

According to the Alliance for Period Supplies, approximately 2 in 5 menstruating individuals struggle to afford period products. In Wisconsin, 8% of girls ages 12-17 fall below the Federal Poverty Line, as do 34% of Wisconsin women ages 18-45.

Big thanks to Altra for helping address this need!

10/12/2026

Great Rivers United Way congratulates Haven for Special People on the opening of inclusive apartment community Haven on Main!

Pictured at last week's grand opening celebration are, l-r:
• Julie Diermeier, secretary and co-founder of Haven for Special People, who – along with husband, Rick (not pictured) – received Great Rivers United Way's 2026 Give Award
• GRUW staff: Liz Evans, KJ McMillan, Mary Kay Wolf, and Connor Glassen
• Hetti Brown, Executive Director of Couleecap, Inc., Great Rivers United Way funded partner and co-developer – along with Gerrard Corporation – of Haven on Main

La Crosse is fortunate to have this accessible, affordable housing opportunity, where adults of all abilities can live independently, connect, and thrive. 🏡

10/12/2026

In the 2024 Compass Now Survey, 83% of people in our region reported being very or moderately concerned about mental health. We want to know how our community is doing today.

Has your perspective changed? What are you seeing in your community?

Share your thoughts in the 2027 Compass Now Survey today.

>>>https://levans.questionpro.com/compass2027

10/10/2026

October 10 is World Mental Health Day, an annual celebration meant to create mental health awareness and reduce social stigma around mental health issues. Here in the Coulee Region, Great Rivers United Way is investing $1.5 million in programs supporting community mental wellbeing.

10/09/2026

Three weeks left to tell us what you think!

Whether you’ve lived in the area your whole life or recently became part of the community, your perspective matters. Help us better understand what life looks like across our region.

Take the 2027 Compass Now Survey today!

>>>https://levans.questionpro.com/compass2027

10/08/2026

Earlier this year, our friends at Performance Food Group committed to matching funds raised at Great Rivers United Way's various restaurant giveback events – a natural partnership with a company committed to good food and community support!

Thanks to PFG, the $539 raised at Schmidty's DOUBLED to $1,078! THANK YOU, PFG! ❤️

The GRUW Crew has been out and about co-hosting several restaurant fundraisers the last couple of weeks, and we're excited to share some results...

Pictured (l-r) are staff members Connor, Danielle, and KJ at the Meat Paddle and 50/50 event at Schmidty's Bar & Restaurant on September 22. This was a wonderful evening of fund- and friend-raising, and thanks to the generosity of Schmidty's and its diners, we ended the night with an incredible $539, which will all benefit local mental wellbeing programs.

Thanks again to Schmidty's and everyone who came out to support our work!

10/05/2026

Take the 2027 Compass Now Survey, and you could win a $50 grocery gift card!

We are giving away three $50 gift cards in each of the seven counties Compass covers, for a total of 21 winners, as a thank you those who respond.

If you live, work, or play in Buffalo, Houston, La Crosse, Jackson, Monroe, Trempealeau, and Vernon counties – take the 2027 Compass Now Survey today!

>>>https://levans.questionpro.com/compass2027

10/02/2026

Did you know? For the last five years, Great Rivers United Way has partnered with Rotary Lights, La Crosse to amplify its mission by organizing out-of-park food drives at area businesses and organizations.

We're back at it for 2026! If your group would like to host an out-of-park food drive, please contact Connor Glassen at [email protected] or (608) 796-1400, ext. 107. We provide the signage and promotional materials – all you have to do is run a food drive while Rotary Lights takes place and encourage folks connected to you to donate.

Groups that commit by October 12 will be recognized in the Rotary Lights booklet.

10/02/2026

There are just four weeks left to make your voice heard!

The 2027 Compass Now Survey helps identify the needs, strengths, and priorities of our region. The more people we hear from, the clearer our picture of the community becomes.

Take the 2027 Compass Now Survey today!

>>>https://levans.questionpro.com/compass2027