Health and Human Services – $106,000

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin | $20,000 for Mentoring through Budget Shortfalls
Funding will sustain essential youth mentoring programs following major losses in long-term and federal support. BBBSNCW serves over 400 at-risk children each year through community-based, school-based, and specialized programs like Bigs with Badges, supported by its inclusive mentoring hub, The Nest. Continued funding will keep these services in place, helping youth build resilience and confidence while strengthening families and the community.

Northern Valley Industries, Inc. | $50,000 for Building for the Next 60 Years
Northern Valley Industries provides jobs and support to 150 people facing barriers such as homelessness, disabilities, and incarceration histories. To continue its manufacturing and workforce mission, NVI is launching a campaign to replace failing building systems, including the roof, HVAC, windows, flooring, parking lot, and safety features. This investment preserves a key workforce pipeline and expands second-chance employment.

Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin | $4,000 for Empowering through Equine Therapy
DSAW–Central WI is partnering with Stable Hands to offer quarterly equine therapy that builds strength, communication, confidence, and independence for individuals with Down syndrome. Families gain community support while participants benefit from no-cost, high-quality therapeutic services that meet a clear local need and improve overall well-being.

Immigrant Hope-Forest Lakes | $10,000 for Immigration Legal Services Capacity Building
This project expands an affordable legal services program for low-income immigrants and refugees. Added staffing, translation support, and updated technology will increase capacity, reduce wait times, and ensure timely, high-quality assistance that protects safety, stability, and family unity. The investment helps families secure lawful status and build stronger futures.

North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board | $10,000 for LifeWork$
LifeWork$ provides high school students with disabilities with work readiness skills, paid experience, and confidence for independence. Relaunching in Marathon County, the two-week course and individualized paid placements will serve up to 12 students in partnership with schools, employers, and agencies. The program builds workforce skills and strengthens community inclusion.

DC Everest Area Youth Baseball | $10,000 for the Kennedy Park Renovation
This campaign will transform a 60-year-old park into a tournament-ready regional sports complex. The $14.5 million project adds five turf ballfields with lighting, an expanded skatepark, a new outdoor hockey rink, improved concessions, ADA paths, playgrounds, and more parking. These upgrades will boost tournament capacity, drive tourism, and create a year-round destination for athletes and families in Central Wisconsin.

Pommerscher Verein Central Wisconsin Inc. | $2,000 for the Communicate and Connect Project
The Pommerscher Verein Central Wisconsin preserves the rare Ost Pommersch dialect and regional Pomeranian heritage. To strengthen its cultural and educational role, the group is upgrading communications tools, launching an accessible website, and improving internet for its museum and library. These updates expand programming, increase outreach, and help protect a fading heritage.