Blog

Compass – A look at opioid misuse in the Coulee Region

Coming soon…

Compass – A look at child abuse in the Coulee Region

Coming soon…

Meet Erica

My name is Erica Vehrenkamp, and I am the new intern at Great Rivers United Way! I grew up in the La Crosse area but call West Salem home. I am a second year student in the Human Services program at Western Technical College. I plan to pursue my Bachelors in Social Work after I graduate with my associates at Western. My overall goal is to be a Social Worker for the elderly population in the La Crosse area. I look forward to what United Way has in store forme as their new fall intern!

15 Questions for Erika

1. What are you most excited about in regard to this internship? This is my first internship so I am excited for the overall experience. It will be nice to learn more about the needs in the community I grew up in.
2. Favorite color? My favorite color is lavender or magenta, basically any kind of purple!
3. What three adjectives best describe you? Smiley, personable, and light-hearted.
4. Least favorite household chore? Dishes, it’s a never ending cycle.
5. Favorite movie? I watch way too many movies to have a favorite. I love everything from Marvels the Avengers to The Notebook. I am not a fan of scary movies at night or in theaters though!
6. Favorite memory? I don’t have a favorite memory, but I do always enjoy the times I have with friends, family, and my relationship. I love creating more memories so that I eventually have a favorite!
7. Favorite recreational activities? Over the warm months I enjoy being on the water kayaking or exploring state parks.
8. Genre of music? I listen to whatever is on the radio most times, whether it be pop, country, or even a little rock.
9. Most likely to order on a menu? I like to get either some steak, a burger, or pizza (the Wisconsin favorites I’m sure).
10. Favorite book? I do not have a favorite book, but I do enjoy the books written by Gayle Forman.
11. Role model? I look up to the leaders and the helpers in a community. Not one specific person, but a type of person who just wants to help.
12. Favorite place to visit? Anywhere there is family, whether that be here in Lacrosse or down in Iowa, I enjoy spending my free time visiting family and friends.
13. Guilty pleasure? I love my fair share of chocolate, who doesn’t?
14. Memorable moment in the internship thus far? Just how friendly everyone is and how dedicated they are to helping the community.
15. Favorite thing about our community? I love how we have so much room for growth. We have a great population and good facilities, we just have so much more growing that we can do as a community and that is exciting!

Meet Julie

Julie Nelson is a former WKBT-TV news anchor who made the leap into the non-profit world and never looked back. She has worked at Vernon Memorial Healthcare, Aptiv (formerly Riverfront), and The Salvation Army. She has also served as a substitute teaching assistant for the School District of La Crosse, working with students in need of the programming offered by Great Rivers United Way.

In her free time, Julie enjoys many outdoor activities, including bicycling, kayaking and cross country skiing.

15 Questions for Julie

1. What are you most excited about in your new position? Read to Success and sparks! I’m excited to be  a part of these great programs and am anxious to meet with more people so we can get going for the year ahead!
2. Favorite color? Blue and yellow.
3. Number of children? Two: Abby, 24,  is the teen librarian in Menomonie and Altoona, and Jacob, 21, is training to be a chef and is currently cooking at Creekside Pub.
4. Least favorite household chore? Clothes.  I hate picking them out, I hate picking them up, and I hate putting them away.
5. Latest tidbit you’ve learned about United Way? The Booth Conference Room was named for an office VIP.
6. Favorite recreational activity? Bicycling in the summer, cross country skiing in the winter. I also sing in my church choir and play with the Cheezland Ukulele band.
7. Genre of music? Classic rock is my go-to, but I enjoy a variety.
8. Most likely to order on a menu? Something at least moderately healthy.  Though if I’m at a place known for its burger and fries, then that’s what I’m getting!
9. Favorite movie? The Sound of Music
10. Most looking forward to in the first United Way campaign? Spending time with people who want to make the community a better place.
11. Role model? My dad.  He always had a positive attitude, believed in trying new things, and tried to look on the bright side.
12. Favorite place to visit? I graduated from UW-Madison, so always enjoy walking State Street and sitting on the Union Terrace.
13. Guilty pleasure? We are big fans of Survivor  in our house.
14. Memorable moment in the new job thus far? Hanging out at the Dakota Supply Group golf outing. The weather was darned cold in the morning but super nice in the afternoon. Chatted with lots of people who were happy to support the United Way.
15. Favorite thing about our community? The beauty of the bluffs and the river and the nearby opportunities to find a place where you can stop and hear nothing but nature.

Better Together – get involved

Better Together in La Crosse County is an 8-year project funded by the Healthier Wisconsin Partnership Project of the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment at the Medical College of Wisconsin. La Crosse County is one of 10 communities in the state of Wisconsin who received funding to work on improving behavioral health among its youth. The Better Together project seeks to reduce the number of youth, ages 12-18, who are at risk for depression. To achieve this goal, we are using four strategies:

1. Increasing the resilience and social connectedness among youth ages 12-18 by collaborating with schools on a variety of activities.
2. Increasing the capacity of informal supports to assist and respond to potential mental health challenges among youth and their families by using evidence-based training curricula such as Youth Mental Health First Aid.
3. Identifying key system integration changes to improve access of mental health interventions for youth.
4. Increasing knowledge and improving attitudes about mental wellness, mental health, and mental illness among the general community in La Crosse County by employing a community awareness campaign. 

If you would like to become involved, Better Together has a number of opportunities for you. Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training that helps people recognize and respond to a youth who may be suffering from a mental health challenge. This training is for everyone. Over 200 parents, teachers, faith leaders, youth workers, and law enforcement have all been trained in our community. Register for an upcoming training.

Recognizing the role of Resilience in our community has become a top priority for many who work with youth. In her TED talk, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, physician and featured author about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), states that ACEs is the number one public health crisis in our country. When left unaddressed in youth, toxic stress has the potential to seriously impact effective learning, can lead to substance abuse, and eventually poor health outcomes as an adult. But we all have the capacity to build resilience, especially if we change our perspective from “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?” Better Together along with many other community partners is leading the effort to help our community build resilience. To learn more and to register for an education session that includes screening the film Resilience, please contact Better Together Project Coordinator, Bethany Thier, at bthier@gruw.org.

Meet Heidi

Heidi Svee comes to us from the Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse, where she spent the last two years as Executive Director. Born and raised in the La Crosse area, Heidi now lives in Onalaska with her three children, Alexis (17), Devon (11) and Roman (7). Being a single mom, Heidi has, at times, needed to utilize community services that are funded by Great Rivers United Way. She credits those experiences as having a large influence in shaping who she has become as a woman, mom, and community advocate.

In addition to her job and family responsibilities, Heidi enjoys being involved in the community. She is a current member of Rotary La Crosse, La Crosse Voices of Men Steering Committee, and Association of Fundraising Professionals. Over the past few years, she has also been involved with the Greater La Crosse Diversity Council, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, La Crosse Global Initiatives, Onalaska Show Choir Parent Support Group, and The Center LGBTQ Leadership Advisory Committee.

When asked why she enjoys development and fundraising, Heidi said, “I look at it as building and sustaining important relationships with folks from all walks of life. I love hearing why a person supports, or doesn’t support, a certain cause. I like putting a face to poverty; by sharing my story it is always my goal show donors and volunteers that there can be hope and a bright future for the person on the receiving end of their generosity. In a small way, the work I do allows me to give back to the community that has given my family so much in our time of need.”

15 Questions for Heidi

1. What are you most excited about in your new position? So many things! Being part of a fabulous team, meeting with folks to hear their stories, and having the opportunity to share those stories with business leaders and their teams.
2. Favorite color? I have 4!  Olive green, millennial pink, plum, and royal blue.
3. Number of children? 3 actual children – Alexis, 17; Devon, 11; and Roman, 7; PLUS two fur babies, Iggy, 4 (rescue, lab, and short haired pointer mix); and Shadow 1.5 (fluffy black cat that we are fostering).
4. Least favorite household chore? LAUNDRY… it’s never ending… and I always forget that I washed a load so it gets stinky, and I have to rewash it.
5. Latest tidbit you’ve learned about United Way? That a woman, Anita Froegel, was the first campaign chair to raise $1 million!
6. Favorite recreational activity? Walking our dog, and pilates and barre at the Y.
7. Genre of music? I enjoy a lot of different kinds of music, but my favorites are late 60’s/early 70’s, 90’s alternative & 90’s hip hop.
8. Most likely to order on a menu? Dessert!
9. Favorite book?  F.I.E.R.C.E., written by my friend and local author, Carolyn Bostrack.
10. Most looking forward to in the 1st United Way campaign? I’ve heard the food trucks are pretty stellar!
11. Role model? I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum, which sometimes caused struggles and hardship in my life.  As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate my parents much more – their strong work ethic, honesty, and compassion for others.
12. Favorite place to visit? I love going to the campground where my parents have had a permanent site for 38 years – it’s in a valley, surrounded by beautiful bluffs, diverse wildlife, and natural springs.
13. Guilty pleasure? Shopping, and the “Love & Hip Hop” series on VH1.
14. Memorable moment in the new job thus far? Everyone in the office has been so incredibly kind, helpful, and welcoming – I feel like I’ve been a part of this team for years!
15. Favorite thing about our community? I love the beauty of our community found both in the natural landscape and the hearts of so many caring community members.

Meet Bethany

Bethany is excited to join the Great Rivers United Way team as the Better Together project coordinator. La Crosse County is one of ten communities funded by the Healthier Wisconsin Endowment at the Medical College of Wisconsin to improve behavioral health in our community. As coordinator, Bethany will work to collaborate with and engage those working to improve behavioral and mental health, including schools, nonprofit agencies, businesses, faith organization, county government, law enforcement, medical centers, and collaborative groups.

Bethany comes to this area from Green Bay, WI where she worked in nonprofit for over a decade. During her time in Green Bay she worked to address issues around multicultural diversity and inclusion, she was an advocate for women and children of color, and led projects that addressed food insecurity. Bethany is eager to now turn her time and energy to help La Crosse County as it looks to improve the mental health and wellbeing of its youth.

Bethany and her partner, Drew, who is originally from the Driftless region, are looking forward to making La Crosse their home. Inspired by the beauty and geography of the area they are excited for the many future hikes and canoe trips in their future! They are also urban gardeners and expert food growers who love to share their produce.

15 Questions for Bethany

1. What are you most excited about in your new position? I’m looking forward to getting to know the people working on youth mental and behavioral health in La Crosse County. There are many who are doing excellent work in this area and it will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the wins along the way with these hard-working individuals. It’s a privilege to be working on such an important topic.
2. Favorite color? Is sunset/rise a color? I will set an alarm to remind me to go outside either for the sunrise or set because those colors are just spectacular every time.
3. What three adjectives best describe you? Courageous, considerate, and compassionate (also adventurous!)
4. Least favorite household chore? Ha! I take an inordinate amount of joy in a clean house. Cleaning is stress relieving to me. That said, folding the laundry is one of my most hated tasks. I’m lucky, however, to have a partner who takes a truly unusual amount of joy in folding the laundry.
5. Favorite movie? I’m into documentaries! My most favorite in recent years has been a film called “Throw Down Your Heart.” It’s a story of legendary banjo player Bela Fleck and his journey to take the banjo back to its birth-land of Africa. The musicians he collaborates with are amazing!
6. Favorite memory? Two years ago, for my birthday, I had the opportunity to hike into and sleep in the crater of a Hawaiian volcano. It was absolutely memorable and intense.
7. Favorite recreational activity(ies)? I love to backpack and be on the water either in a kayak or canoe. I also enjoy growing food. It’s absolutely amazing to plant a seed in the spring and then eat the produce throughout the summer and fall. I’m always awestruck by growing food.
8. Genre of music? I went to school for music. This is like asking a chef his favorite dish or a painter their favorite color. I really like music… all music. I’m looking forward to playing music in La Crosse during my free time!
9. Most likely to order on a menu? Something spicy!
10. Favorite book? A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold. I read it and fell in love with environmentalism.
11. Role model? Barak (and Michelle) Obama. I was just finding my footing as a young community organizer when he was elected president. I was inspired (and still am) by his ethics and passion for the issues that matter to the common person.
12. Favorite place to visit? Pictured Rocks in the UP of Michigan
13. Guilty pleasure? Brie cheese… and a glass of wine
14. Memorable moment in the new job thus far? I went to a conference in Madison the second day on the job. I took furious notes like a freshman in their first class in college. It was inspiring and eye-opening.
15. Favorite thing about our community? The people. I have so enjoyed meeting everyone and getting to know why they love living here.

Meet Madison

Madison is excited to join the Great Rivers United Way team as the Community Engagement Coordinator. Her role at Great Rivers United Way will include recruiting and managing volunteers for Read to Success, coordinating Poverty Simulations and sparks! early childhood collaborative, and organizing focus groups for the COMPASS Now community needs assessment.

Previously, she taught computer classes in the Twin Cities as a member of the Community Technology Empowerment Project (CTEP) AmeriCorps program. During her AmeriCorps service she certified 300+ community members in essential computer skills and helped over 80 find employment. She comes to United Way with experience in social science survey research, nonprofit program coordination, and crisis-intervention.

Madison hails from rural northern Illinois where she grew up with her sisters. She graduated with a B.A in Spanish and Anthropology from Augustana College and worked in library special collections during undergraduate. She loves to travel and hopes to see more of the western United States in the near future. Madison just relocated to La Crosse, WI, and hopes to experience all the sights and sounds of her new community soon!

15 fun questions for Madison

1. What are you most excited about in your new position? I’m able to expand on many of my areas of interest and experience: community programming, lifelong education, research, building empathy! I’m excited to dive in to each of these and learn a lot about the Great Rivers region.
2. Favorite color? Blues and greens—anything that reminds me of the water.
3. What three adjectives best describe you? Open-minded, dedicated, and self-starter.
4. Least favorite household chore? I hate cleaning the dust off ceiling fan blades. Have you ever done this? No? Look at your fan blades. I guarantee they’re scary.
5. Favorite movie? “Nebraska”
6. Favorite memory? I drove 300 miles to surprise my mom at her 50th birthday party last summer. She had no idea I was coming and was so happy to see me. I spent the weekend with her and the rest of our family enjoying bonfires and s’mores and all things lovely and summery.
7. Favorite recreational activity(ies)? Spending time in the great outdoors, reading something new and riveting, sampling craft beer with friends.
8. Genre of music? I love folk music or any “music of the people” like Guajira, Americana, and Andean.
9. Most likely to order on a menu? Something spicy or vegetarian.
10. Favorite book? Two-way tie between “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West” by Dee Brown or “We Should All Be Feminists” which was adapted from a TEDx talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
11. Role model? Doctora Araceli Masterson-Algar and Shay Woods. The former was my Spanish advisor; the latter is a much-respected community organizer in Saint Paul, MN.
12. Favorite place to visit? Decorah, Iowa. It is located in the Driftless Area of the Midwest, and the geography is stunning.
13. Guilty pleasure? Dairy-free ice cream. It’s so expensive and anytime I buy this it feels like a treat!
14. Memorable moment in the new job thus far? Setting up a Born Learning Trail for a recent community event. I used chalk to make a hopscotch activity and helped set up family-friendly educational activities for community members!
15. Favorite thing about our community? Everyone has been very welcoming. I’ve already explored the riverfront walking paths, bike trails, and a few restaurants. I am really looking forward meeting new people and getting involved.

Meet Lindsey

Hello! I am quickly approaching month two at Great Rivers United Way! I am the new Great Rivers Hub Director for Great Rivers United Way. My position is charged with planning, implementation, and maintenance of the Pathways Community Hub Model. The Hub is a collaborative and innovative systems change that aims to bridge the gaps that exist between healthcare and social services by addressing social determinants of health through Community Care Coordination. I am honored to be leading this initiative!

I graduated from UW-La Crosse with Community Health Education and began working immediately after graduation at Family & Children’s Center with at-risk youth. There I progressed to a program coordinator, which allowed me the opportunity to gain an understanding for social services within the community. I then moved to the American Cancer Society, where I was involved with fundraising, community engagement and event planning. That position allowed me to really understand the pulse of the different communities in the region. From La Crosse to Viroqua to Tomah and beyond, I enjoyed learning the personalities of each community.

Meanwhile, I was pursuing my Masters in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Policy and Administration from University of Illinois at Chicago. I actually just graduated in May! All of my experiences in social services and community engagement combined with my public health education background have really laid the ground work for me to work with the Hub! I am beyond excited to launch… more information to come!

On a different note, I will only be Lindsey Purl for a few more weeks. I will be getting married in June, and my name will change to Lindsey Rutten. Seems a little weird to be typing that…

1. What are you most excited about in your new position? The opportunity to be part of a system change, to get the Hub launched and to be part of something that has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life of others!
2. Favorite color? Blue.
3. Number of children? Zero, zip, zilch. I have 5 chickens, though!
4. Least favorite household chore? Folding laundry. Yuck! There are too many other things to do in the day!
5. Latest tidbit you’ve learned about United Way? I am still constantly learning about United Way, but honestly have been so wrapped up in learning about the Hub that I can’t think of anything not Hub-related for this answer!
6. Favorite recreational activity? Exercising or anything outdoors! I enjoy being active but especially enjoy running!
7. Genre of music? I listen to all sorts of music… anything except for country!
8. Most likely to order on a menu? I am a vegetarian, and I don’t consume dairy, so I am most likely to order something that needs to be edited on the menu. Yes… I am THAT person who has to make the order difficult. In my defense, Wisconsin could learn to ease up on putting cheese on EVERYTHING.
9. Favorite book? I can’t name just one. My favorite type of book does a good job of pulling you in to a different world and usually contains a frustrating amount of cliff hangers.
10. Most looking forward to in the first United Way campaign? Learning what it’s all about!
11. Role model? I have many but certainly my parents have been great role models and supports!
12. Favorite place to visit? Ireland! I’ll be heading there for the fifth time in June… this time to get married! Otherwise, I enjoy visiting Chicago, where my family is and where I grew up.
13. Guilty pleasure? Why feel guilty about things that we enjoy (as long as it isn’t at the cost of anyone else)? Can’t think of anything I feel guilty about enjoying 🙂
14. Memorable moment in the new job thus far? Filling out this survey! But on a serious note, I have had the opportunity to be constantly learning about the new Hub system since I began. Each step has been memorable and exciting to me.
15. Favorite thing about our community? The collaborative nature. This community is great at coming together and uniting in order to better the community. I love the forward thinking and momentum of the community in general. Additionally, I enjoy the beautiful environment that surrounds us and the many ways to be active outdoors!

Meet Majel

Here I am!

I am in week four at Great Rivers United Way, and I am enjoying every moment.

I am the new Director of Development for Great Rivers United Way, which means I am in charge of raising the vital funding that United Way Partner Programs need to keep going.

I earned my degree in finance from Western Technical College, and I also have a certificate of non-profit leadership from Viterbo University. Before GRUW, I was the Program Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of La Crosse for three and a half years, during which time I lifted the agency to a 300%+ increase in revenue, and improved awareness in the community. My time at CCCS helped me to see ALL of the wonderful things our community is capable of, and when I got the opportunity to support 75 different programs that change people’s lives every day, I leapt at the chance!

I am excited to be on board and help give back to United Programs like they give back to our community.

15 Questions for Majel

1. What are you most excited about in your new position? I am excited to help make the connection between United Way Programs and the community donors. I think this position is so much more than money, it a year round relationship to foster engagement in all of its forms and the amazing work that the United Way and its partner agencies do! I love that I get support all 26 partner agencies in their amazing work and help them keep doing what they are doing!
2. Favorite color? Green
3. Number of children? Does our pet crayfish count? Probably not. 🙂
4. Least favorite household chore? I do it anyway but I hate mopping the floor.
5. Latest tidbit you’ve learned about United Way? I have learned that Teri Booth is the knower of all and keeper of everything!
6. Favorite recreational activity? I LOVE sports! But as of late I have taken a fondness to outdoor running.
7. Genre of music? Rock (I’m a 95.7 listener.)
8. Most likely to order on a menu? Chicken or a salad (boring but TRUE!)
9. Favorite book? The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
10. Most looking forward to in the 1st United Way campaign? Figuring out what I am doing! Seriously, I am looking forward to being a fresh set of eyes and helping move the needle to increase funding for partner programs.
11. Role model? I have role models! My parents, Darrel and Alana Olson.
12. Favorite place to visit? I haven’t done a ton of traveling but I really enjoy just being around friends and family. It’s not what you’re doing; it’s who you are with!
13. Guilty pleasure? Anything chocolate
14. Memorable moment in the new job thus far? My first day I stayed working until 5:00 p.m. because I was not aware the office closed at 4:30. Oops! I’m an over achiever already!
15. Favorite thing about our community? There are so many things about the Coulee Region that makes it the unique, amazing area it is. If I had to choose, I choose our spirit and passion to get around any cause and make our max efforts to improve the lives and neighborhoods in our communities. It really is an incredible thing to be a part of.