United Way of Sheboygan County unites for the financial stability of everyone in our community.
Elizabeth is a single mom who never had any issues providing for herself and her teenage son. Then the year 2020 came, and that is when everything fell apart. Early on in the pandemic Elizabeth was diagnosed with COVID-19. That diagnosis is troubling enough alone and amplified by her type 1 diabetes. She ended up in ICU for 9 days at St. Nicholas hospital battling the virus and diabetic ketoacidosis. She returned home to travel the long road to recovery with no income.
She visited The Salvation Army’s drive-through food pantry on several occasions and was able to remain in her vehicle while staff and volunteers made sure her car was loaded with plenty of food. The Salvation Army continued to communicate with Elizabeth to ensure the needs of her family were met. Her anxiety about her ever-increasing utility bills was calmed by providing financial assistance and she was even able to register her son to receive Christmas presents.
United Way of Sheboygan County unites for the health of everyone in our community.
Timothy was a 15-year-old boy who presented to Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center due to concerns of physical abuse. He had fled from his mother's home in the middle of an altercation, ran to a friend's home, and called 9-1-1. He had suffered abuse at the hands of his mother for years, but in spring 2020 Timothy's abuse had further escalated into threats of violence, homicide, and verbal and physical attacks that drove Timothy to make a makeshift shelter in his back yard out of pallets and tarps.
Through the CAC visit, Timothy was able to find his strength and his voice. Together the team helped piece together what it would take to make this teen feel whole. This included immediate removal from his mother's care, a full human service and criminal investigation, and a bevvy of wrap-around services meant not only to sustain but to help him thrive. Today Timothy remains in the care of foster parents who have kept him safe and helped him to have a better future, free from additional debilitating trauma. There is hope for children like Timothy to go on and live a healthy life.
United Way of Sheboygan County unites for the education of everyone in our community.
Safe Harbor provides educational presentations to teens on sexting, including examples and scenarios. After a facilitated panel discussion where questions submitted by teens were answered, the following occurred:
Two individuals came forward after it was assigned in class. One was a student who had recently sent images to their partner not understanding the legalities behind it, looking for support, resources, and help. Another student in a separate scenario, shared how they had received numerous images and didn't know what to do. They identified it was uncomfortable and had asked people to stop and they didn't; they described to the advocate how it made them feel and the anxiety and discomfort it caused. Due to the presentation, both students connected to an advocate and received services, support, and guidance on navigating their situations.
With your help, amazing things are possible.