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Fast Fact #1
Great Rivers United Way unites more than 200 corporate partners and 3,000 donors with local programs that are working toward lasting change in our shared eight-county community.
Fast Fact #2
In 2023, Great Rivers United Way funded services were utilized once every 39 seconds.
Fast Fact #3
Great Rivers United Way mobilizes volunteers to increase the percentage of students reading at proficient or higher. When a child can read proficiently by third grade, they are set up for success for the rest of their school career. Since 2016, Great Rivers United Way’s Read to Success program has paired adult volunteers with local third graders to improve reading and comprehension skills. Most recently, 36 volunteers worked with 72 students in 12 area schools.
Fast Fact #4
The Compass Now community needs assessment is a joint effort between Great Rivers United Way, area healthcare organizations, and county health departments to improve quality of life for everyone in the communities we serve. Compass consists of a survey that is done every three years – most recently in September 2023 – the results of which were published in the Compass Now Report in June 2024. The Compass Now Report serves as a reference tool and foundation for action plans that solve problems long term. Great Rivers United Way used the 2024 Compass Now Report to determine that funds currently being raised should support mental wellbeing, in addition to basic needs (food, shelter, and safety).
Fast Fact #5
In response to Great Rivers United Way’s most recent Compass Now survey, 83% of people stated they were very or moderately concerned about mental health in our region, and 71% stated they were very or moderately concerned about mental health stigma.
Fast Fact #6
Great Rivers United Way fights for the health of our community. In partnership with other community organizations and its own Great Rivers HUB, GRUW’s goal of supporting a healthy and socially-connected community is becoming a reality. In 2023, 21,718 individuals participated in programming for physical activity, nutrition, and accessing healthy food.
Fast Fact #7
A single gift to Great Rivers United Way helps thousands. In 2023, 32,828 local people accessed United Way funded programs 811,745 times.
Fast Fact #8
A gift to Great Rivers United Way’s Community Investment Fund is the most impactful way to invest in your community. The problems we face are interrelated, and the diverse programs this fund supports work together to address complex challenges like mental wellbeing, while meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety. No other single agency, donor, volunteer, or sector of the community can do this work alone.
Fast Fact #9
In the most recent La Crosse County Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), nearly 6 out of 10 high school students reported having at least one mental health challenge. More than half of the students reported experiencing anxiety, while 35% reported being depressed almost every day for two weeks in a row. More than 1 in 5 reported non-suicidal self-harm. Your gift to Great Rivers United Way will help support programs to have students feel more connected and involved to improve their mental wellbeing.
Fast Fact #10
Great Rivers United Way mobilizes communities so children can succeed. By organizing and facilitating nurturing environments for learning, GRUW collaborates with the community to ensure every student is successful in primary school. In 2023, 3,067 school-aged youth participated in school and community-based out-of-school programs, and received individualized supports through GRUW funding.
Fast Fact #11
In response to the 2024 Compass Now survey, local people reported an average of 4.2 to 4.6 poor mental health days per month. Poor mental health can effect a workforce’s productivity, absenteeism, turnover, safety, and more. Great Rivers United Way mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive by investing in local resources that foster mental wellbeing.
Fast Fact #12
New research suggests that volunteers aren’t just helping the communities they serve. People who volunteer actually experience a boost in their mental health – good news at a time when more than a third of Americans are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Volunteers transform communities. In 2023, users of GRUW’s volunteer website, Ugetconnected, logged 16,302 hours of volunteer time. This is an estimated value of $519,381 given back to the Coulee Region!
Fast Fact #13
Great Rivers United Way fights for youth to gain knowledge and skills to obtain family-sustainable employment. During the 2022-23 school year, 3,067 youth received individualized support and/or participated in out-of-school time programs.
Fast Fact #14
Twenty-three percent of Wisconsin households in Great Rivers United service region are ALICE, or Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed. ALICE is working – sometimes two or three jobs – but struggling to make ends meet. ALICE doesn’t qualify for Federal assistance. This is where your support of Great Rivers United Way comes in… making financial stability achieveable for one-in-four local families!
Fast Fact #15
Great Rivers United Way sits at tables addressing our community’s most pressing topics to advocate for those utilizing various community services. GreatRivers United Way staff are involved and invested in 30+ community collaboratives, initiatives, and committees.
Fast Fact #16
Great Rivers United Way supports a healthy and socially-connected community. GRUW houses Better Together, a mental health project that seeks to help youth better understand mental wellness, and enhance coping and resiliency.
Fast Fact #17
Of those who responded to the 2024 Compass Now survey, 39% rated fair or poor their community as a place that meets the overall needs of children, and 51% rated fair or poor efforts to meet the overall needs of persons with disabilities. By ensuring access to basics like food, shelter, and safety, and helping people feel cared for throughout their lives, Great Rivers United Way is listening and responding to our region’s top needs.
