Brown County United Way Partners with Greater Green Bay Labor Council for 14th Annual Diaper Drive

Too many families in Brown County are forced to make difficult choices when it comes to meeting basic needs. Nearly 1 in 3 households in the county live below the ALICE® Threshold*, including 25% of families with children who struggle to afford essentials like diapers.


To help address this need, Brown County United Way and the Greater Green Bay Labor Council are
running their 14th Annual Diaper Drive, starting from Monday, September 15 through Friday, October 17.
The drive coincides with National Diaper Need Awareness Week (September 15–21).


The diaper drive collects diapers, pull-ups, and wipes for local families, distributing them through area
nonprofits. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

  • All Brown County Festival Foods (Through October 9th)
  • Hy-Vee
  • Woodman’s Market
  • All Brown County Library branches
  • All Brown County Pomp’s Tire locations
  • Humana (For Humana Employees through October 3rd)

Donors can also support the drive online through Target and Amazon Community Registries, with items
shipped directly to Brown County United Way. Registry links are available at
https://tinyurl.com/bcuw14diapertarget and/or https://tinyurl.com/bcuw14diaperamazon.

Kimberly-Clark is jump-starting the diaper drive with a crucial donation of diapers and pull-ups. Brown
County Executive Troy Streckenbach is recognizing the diaper drive and National Diaper Need Awareness Week with a county proclamation.

“The diaper drive has provided vital support to Brown County families since 2011,” said Robyn Davis,
President and CEO of Brown County United Way. “Last year’s diaper drive collected nearly 95,000
diapers, pullups, and wipes and helped more than 1,400 families.”


“More than one million diapers and other baby and toddler items have been collected since the diaper
drive’s inception,” said Steve McFarlane, Greater Green Bay Labor Council President. “With the
community’s continued support, we will meet our goal of collecting 100,000 diapers this year.”

ALICE® is an acronym that stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. Community
support makes it possible for Brown County United Way to invest in the Wisconsin ALICE® Report.


About Brown County United Way
Brown County United Way’s mission is to unite people, resources and ideas to co-create community
solutions that strengthen every person and every community in Brown County. The organization works
toward building a community where all individuals are able to meet their basic needs and have equal
opportunity for stability in their health, education, financial well-being and community connection.


About Greater Green Bay Labor Council
We are one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils of the AFL-CIO and are the heart of the labor
movement. We are democratically elected bodies dedicated to represent the interests of working
people at the state and local level. We mobilize our members and community partners to advocate for
social and economic justice and strive daily to vanquish oppression and make our communities better
for all people—regardless of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national
origin.

Brown COunty JOb Center Opens Inside LIbrary to Better Serve the Community

Brown County is proud to announce the opening of the Brown County Job Center, now located inside Central Library, the main location of Brown County Library. This innovative collaboration brings vital workforce resources directly into the heart of the community, increasing access to job search assistance, career training, and employment services for residents of all ages.


The Brown County Job Center is officially open for business in its new location and offers a full suite of
services including resume writing support, job listings, career counseling, unemployment resources, and
workshops on interview preparation and professional development—all in a convenient, welcoming library setting.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to making employment services more accessible to everyone,” said Troy Streckenbach, Brown County Executive. “By integrating the Job Center with our public library, we’re removing barriers and creating new opportunities for people to improve their skills, find employment, and build better futures.”


Library Executive Director Sarah Sugden added, “Public libraries have always been about access to
opportunity. Hosting the Job Center here allows us to expand that mission and serve our community in a truly impactful way.”


The move also supports collaborative efforts between the library and workforce development organizations to provide high-speed internet access, digital literacy training, and quiet spaces for job interviews or online applications—all in one location.


A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 1:00pm – 4:00pm
at Brown County Central Library, located at 515 Pine Street, Green Bay. The public is invited to attend,
meet staff, network, explore available resources, and learn more about how the Job Center can assist in their employment journey.


The keynote address, “The Future of Green Bay’s Workforce: Challenges, Advantages, and the Power of
Collaboration,” will take place at 1:45 pm. In this keynote address, Gratzia Villarroel, Ph.D., Envision Greater Green Bay Board member, scholar, and community leader, takes a close look at the forces that will shape Brown County’s workforce in the next 5 to 15 years. Drawing on the latest data for Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the nation, Villarroel examines how aging demographics, automation, and educational attainment will impact the jobs of tomorrow—and why local action is needed today.


For more information about the Job Center of Brown County and its services, visit
www.jobcenterofwisconsin.com or call 920.930.6570.


About the Job Center of Brown County
The Job Center of Brown County provides employment and training services to job seekers and employers throughout the county. Its mission is to empower individuals and strengthen the local workforce by connecting people with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.


About Brown County Library
Brown County Library is a vital community hub offering free access to books, digital resources, educational programming, and now—workforce development support. The library is committed to lifelong learning and empowering residents through knowledge and opportunity.

Donor Co-Investment Expands Impact, Supporting 40 NonProfits

The Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, along with its fundholders, awarded a record $407,655 during the summer cycle of its Funds for Greater Green Bay grants program. The awards support the work of 40 nonprofit organizations in Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties working across a diverse range of causes – from the arts to community improvement, health, education, the environment, and more.

Funds for Greater Green Bay grants are awarded twice a year, and in each cycle, the Community Foundation invites fundholders to co-invest in grant applications that align with their giving goals. Nearly half of the funds awarded this cycle – more than $200,000 – were contributed by Community Foundation fundholders.

“Co-investment continues to expand the reach of our grantmaking,” said Kari Olsen, Director of Grants and Scholarship Programming at the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation. “When donors contribute to one grant, they free up dollars to support the next, creating a ripple of impact that strengthens our entire community.”

The following organizations and programs were awarded during the 2025 summer cycle:

  • Art Beet | Day of the Arts: Funds will support a free community event in Algoma held during Youth Art Month, featuring hands-on workshops led by local artists across a variety of mediums.
  • Aspiro | Birth to Three: Funding will provide early intervention services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and developmental evaluations.
  • Baird Creek Preservation Foundation | General Operating Support: Funds will support habitat management, improve water quality, and expand environmental education opportunities through field trips, summer camps, and early childhood programs.
  • Casa ALBA Melanie Hispanic Community Resource Center | General Operating Support: Funds will strengthen the organization’s operations and expand its capacity to serve the community more effectively
  • Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay | Financial Health Services Program: These funds will help meet the need for individual financial health counseling and group financial literacy sessions.
  • Children’s Museum of Green Bay | Partners in Play with Rural Libraries: Funds will support educational activities for children and families at four libraries in Oconto County.
  • Civic Symphony of Green Bay | Music for Young Listeners: Funds will support the annual Music for Young Listeners concert at The Weidner in February 2026.
  • Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin – Green Bay | Equip Speaker Series: Funds will support the Equip Speaker Series, a highly successful program that provides critical education on disability-related topics such as behavior, inclusion, benefits, employment, and education.
  • Ecumenical Partnership for Housing | Eviction Prevention Program: Funds will support the program to provide families at risk of eviction with emergency rental assistance, budget counseling, and ongoing case management.
  • Evergreen Theater | Youth Programs: Funding will support the youth theater programs to introduce young people to the magic of live theater.
  • Families of Children with Cancer | Family Support: Funding will help ease the burden on families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis.
  • Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin | Advancing Equity in Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment: Funds will support expanded access to culturally responsive, barrier-free treatment to reach those most at risk of falling through the cracks.
  • Foster the Village | General Operating Support: Funds will support the organization in its mission to provide aid to the Brown County foster care community.
  • Foundations Health & Wholeness | Group Therapy: Funding will support innovative, no-cost group therapy services for underserved, uninsured, and underinsured individuals in Brown County.
  • Girls on the Run Northeast Wisconsin | General Operating Support: Funds support the organization’s expansion in Kewaunee County to reach an estimated 45+ additional girls.
  • Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity | Homeownership Program: Funds will support the Homeownership Program through one home build during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
  • Greater Green Bay YMCA | Healthy Aging Programs: Funds will support the Healthy Aging & Community Wellness Connection programs to promote long-term wellbeing and independence.
  • HER Alliance | General Operating Support: Funds will support core programs serving survivors of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in Brown County.
  • Hmong Autism Neurodiverse Disability Support | Mental Health Coalition: Funds support the launch of a Mental Health Coalition to address the mental health disparities among Hmong youth.
  • Holy Trinity Oconto Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul | St. Vincent de Paul: Funds will support St. Vincent de Paul in providing critical assistance to individuals and families facing hardship.
  • Innovative Care Services | Advocacy for Inclusion: Funds will support increased awareness of the complex issues faced by people living with disabilities or over age 65, who also experience financial poverty.
  • Lakeshore CAP | Rubber Ducky Diaper Depot: Funds will support the Rubber Ducky Diaper Depot, a two-year pilot program distributing 7,000 diapers each month to low-income families in Kewaunee County.
  • Laundry Love Brown County | Love-Dignity-Detergent: Funds will help provide clean laundry for individuals and families across the community through free laundry events.
  • Literacy Partners of Kewaunee County | General Operating Support: Funds will support the organization’s continued growth and impact in providing adult literacy programs.
  • Mandolin Foundation | First Step Stability: Funds will help cover the first month of residency for women entering Amanda’s house, a one-year sober living program.
  • Marinette County Committee on Aging | Oconto County Home Delivered Meals: Funds will support the delivery of hot and frozen meals to homebound older adults in Oconto County.
  • Neville Public Museum Foundation | A Place at the Table Exhibit & Programs: Funds will support the “A Place at the Table: Food, Culture, and Community” exhibit.
  • Northeastern Wisconsin Affordable Housing Solutions | Affordable Housing: Funds will provide the expansion of operations to serve more families on the brink of homelessness in Brown and Oconto counties.
  • NorthLakes Community Clinic | School-Based Behavioral Health Program: Funds will support the expansion of the clinic’s School-Based Behavioral Health Program to the Gillett School District.
  • Oneida Man Clan | Oneida Man Clan Project: Funds will support the Oneida Man Clan in helping the men of their community heal and sustain the best version of themselves.
  • Prevent Blindness Wisconsin | Preschool Vision Program: Funds will support the Preschool Vision Health Program in Brown County to serve 1,000 children and families through vision screenings and awareness.
  • Reach Out and Read | General Operating Support: Funds will support one year of evidence-based literacy intervention for children under age five in Brown and Oconto counties.
  • Rooted In | Nourishment for All: Funds will help combat food insecurity by providing nutritious, locally sourced, chef-prepared, individually packaged meals to those in need.
  • SAGE (Share, Accept, Grow, Encourage) | Creatively Engaged Community: Funds will be used to support partnerships between SAGE and local nonprofits to implement the Creatively Engaged Community program.
  • The Gathering Place | Recovery Support: Funds will support recovery-oriented programs and activities serving nearly 400 individuals annually.
  • The Nurse’s Nook | Weekend Food Program: Funding will support the weekend backpack food program during the school year for students in Oconto County.
  • Urban Cultural Arts & Event Center | Making Art Accessible for All: Funds will support its mission to bridge the gap between creativity and accessibility, making art a meaningful part of life for youth.
  • We All Rise: African American Resource Center | 2025 Implicit Bias Conference:  Funds will support the 2025 Implicit Bias Conference: Building Strength Through Community, which will bring together 200 professionals and community members to explore equity-focused topics.
  • We All Rise: African American Resource Center | Black Youth Alliance:  Funds will support on-site meals and supplies for kids enrolled in the Black Youth Alliance summer program.
  • Wise Women Gathering Place | Safe Place Parking Program: Funds will support the Safe Place Parking Program to offer a designated, secure lot in Green Bay where individuals experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles can sleep safely overnight.
  • YWCA of Greater Green Bay | Second Grade Swimmers: Funds will support bringing second-grade students from Howe Elementary School to YWCA for swim lessons.

Greater Green Bay Community Foundation grants are awarded based on a competitive application process, which includes review by a grants team of community volunteers. Applications for the next Funds for Greater Green Bay grants cycle will open November 1, 2025. More than $5.8 million has been awarded through the program since 2002.

More information about available grants programs and the grants application process can be found at ggbcf.org/nonprofits/grants-programs.

FTI Reinforces its Commitment to Safety and Mental Health

On Sept. 8, team members from Faith Technologies Incorporated’s (FTI) Excellerate® locations in Little Chute, Wisconsin and Olathe, Kansas, paused work to participate in a nationwide safety stand-down as part of Construction Suicide Prevention Week. At 1:50 p.m. CT, they joined thousands across the country in a one-minute moment of silence to honor lives lost to suicide and raise awareness about mental health in the construction industry.

This symbolic pause served as a reminder that “mental health matters” and that fostering a stigma-free culture of support and belonging can help save lives. Anyone in the construction industry or broader community who may be struggling with mental health can dial 988, the nationwide confidential crisis lifeline available 24/7.

You Matter: On Monday, September 8 at 1:50 p.m. CT, FTI’s Excellerate location in Little Chute joined construction companies across the country in the second annual nationwide “stand-down.” Work was paused to honor those lost to suicide and raise mental health awareness in the construction industry. Team members and anyone in the community struggling with mental health can call 988, a confidential crisis line available anytime.

“The construction industry faces one of the highest suicide rates of any profession and that reality drives us to take action,” said Rocky Rowlett, vice president, safety at FTI. “By pausing together in this national stand-down, we are not only remembering lives lost but also reminding every team member that their mental health and well-being are a top priority. Building safer workplaces means supporting both physical and mental health. We are committed to leading that change at FTI.”

According to the Construction Suicide Prevention initiative, the rate of death by suicide among construction workers is more than four times higher than the national average. The stand-down is part of a broader effort to unite the industry in addressing this challenge through awareness, education and access to resources.

Excellerate, an FTI brand, is a national manufactured products company specializing in electrical assemblies and modular solutions for the electrical construction and sustainable energy markets.

FTI has been awarded numerous regional and national safety and wellness honors, including recognition twice by Associated General Contractors (AGC), receiving the Construction Safety Excellence Grand Award. FTI is the only specialty contractor to receive this distinction multiple times. This recognition with the 2025 Builders Safety Excellence Awards underscores FTI’s ongoing commitment to safety, demonstrated by a consistent decrease in safety incidents alongside an increase in work hours. In 2024, FTI concluded the year with a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.20, with more than nine million work hours, which is significantly lower than the industry TRIR average of approximately 2.4. Among the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America, FTI has earned a national ranking for nine consecutive years, most recently placing #80 on the 2024 list.

FTI is proud to be recognized for its uncompromised focus on keeping people safe, one of its core values. Every team member is committed to fostering a culture where safety comes first and everyone has the tools, training and resources needed to work safely.

A photo from both FTI events is included, showing team members gathered together to mark this important moment.

For more information about FTI, Excellerate and our safety-first culture, visit faithtechinc.com/culture/safety.

GRB Kicks off Packers Season with Busy Home Opening Weekend

A surge in private and commercial air traffic marked the second busiest weekend during a Packers’ home game at Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) for the season opener against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The increased activity highlights GRB’s growing importance as a regional transportation hub and vital gateway for fans and visitors from across the country.

On home game weekends, GRB sees a significant increase in activity, particularly at its two Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), Jet Air Group and Avflight. These companies provide critical aviation services and hospitality, ensuring a first-class experience for charter operators, private pilots, VIPs and fans flying in to experience historic Lambeau Field. This year, the season opener brought a total of 315 landings and takeoffs, a 40% increase from the next busiest day during the week.

“Game days showcase the exceptional capabilities and customer service of both Jet Air Group and Avflight,” said Airport Director Marty Piette, A.A.E. “We’re proud to have two outstanding FBOs that not only handle the influx of traffic with professionalism and efficiency but also provide top-quality amenities and services that reflect the spirit of Green Bay.”

Both FBOs go above and beyond to create a memorable experience for guests. “Avflight is proud to serve Green Bay Packers fans from across the country, delivering strong customer service, seamless travel and personalized hospitality that make every visit as memorable as the experience inside Lambeau Field,” said Avflight Senior Regional Manager Darin Everett. “During home games, we enhance service offerings with expanded catering options, ground transportation coordination and ramp-side hospitality.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome fans and visitors flying in for Packers games,” said Jet Air Group CEO Al Timmerman. “From luxury lounge spaces to concierge services and event-specific amenities, our offerings provide the highest levels of comfort and care.”

Beyond the excitement of football season, the work of the FBOs plays an important role in the region’s long-term growth. “The exceptional services provided by Jet Air Group and Avflight not only ensure a first-class experience for Packers fans, but also for key business leaders who visit our region,” said Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach. “The partnership between GRB and its FBOs help connect communities and spark future economic ventures, ultimately contributing to the growth, diversification, and long-term resilience of Northeast Wisconsin’s economy.”

For more information on GRB services, flight school opportunities, or general aviation support, visit www.flygrb.com.

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About Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport

Green Bay Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB) is the third largest airport in the state, serving Northeast Wisconsin and portions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Business and leisure flights are offered by AmericanDeltaFrontier, and United Airlines, and two fixed base operators (FBOs), JetAir Group and Avflight. As the Gateway to Lambeau Field, GRB is the official airport of the Green Bay Packers.

Additionally, GRB is one of only two commercial airports in Wisconsin designated as a Landing Rights Airport by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for international flight arrivals.

Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance to Celebrate 2025 Impact Awards at “Happiest Hour” Event

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance will host its annual Happiest Hour on Thursday, October 2 from 5:00–7:30 PM at The Hillside at Plamann Park, Appleton. This community event brings together partners, businesses, and neighbors to celebrate this year’s watershed wins. The Happiest Hour isn’t a gala—it’s a gathering for everyone who shows up for clean water. Guests can expect food, drinks, engaging conversation, and a shared sense of purpose as we raise a glass to the partnerships, projects, and progress moving toward a healthier Fox-Wolf region.

At the heart of the evening are the Impact Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals, organizations and communities making a lasting difference for clean water and conservation.

2025 Fox-Wolf Impact Award Recipients

Barb Reed – Lifelong Educator & Watershed Volunteer

A passionate teacher and volunteer, Barb has inspired countless students and community members to connect with science, stewardship, and hands-on watershed conservation.

Rachel Bouressa – Conservation Agriculture Leader

Rachel’s leadership in regenerative grazing shows how farming and clean water can thrive together, serving as a model for producers across Wisconsin.

Fox Communities Credit Union – Corporate Environmental Stewardship

Fox Communities Credit Union demonstrates how businesses can lead on clean water by investing in restoration, public engagement, and volunteer-powered impact.

Eric Peterson – Environmental Journalist & Watershed Advocate

As a reporter with FOX 11, Eric brings vital attention to conservation efforts. His clear, compelling coverage elevates public understanding of watershed issues and inspires greater environmental responsibility.

Town of Calumet Runoff Reduction Committee – Local Government Innovation

Through bold action on runoff reduction, the Town of Calumet is proving that local governments can drive big improvements in regional water quality.

Lifetime Impact Award: Chuck Farrey

As a long-serving Winnebago County Board Supervisor, Chuck has championed conservation solutions, funding, and smart land-use policies for decades, leaving a lasting impact on the Fox-Wolf Basin.

“Our Impact Award winners embody the values of stewardship, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership,” said Jessica Schultz, Executive Director of the Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance. “Their stories remind us that when we work together, the impact reaches far beyond the water.”

Event Details:

Thursday, October 2, 2025

5:00–7:30 PM

The Hillside at Plamann Park, Appleton, WI

Get tickets or learn more: https://fwwa.org/happiest-hour

Contact: info@fwwa.org

About Fox-Wolf

The Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring water resources in the Fox-Wolf River Basin. We unite communities, businesses, and individuals to ensure clean water and healthy ecosystems for future generations.

NEW Digital Alliance 2025 Tech Summit to Examine Agentic AI Uses

Registration is open for the NEW Digital Alliance 2025 Tech Summit. Free to attend, the event will be held on Oct. 1 from 1-5 p.m.

The third annual NEWDA Tech Summit will focus on Agentic AI and share how it differs from traditional automation. Attendees will learn how Agentic AI can be implemented effectively to drive efficiency, innovation and strategic value. Real-world uses, leading to successful applications, will be highlighted, along with practical first steps to begin or accelerate an Agentic AI journey.

Registration is available at https://t.ly/newcatechsummit25.

“As we move from AI being a curiosity to practical uses that actively benefit business, the Tech Summit will provide a road map on how to incorporate it into everyday operations,” says Jason Mathwig, industry alliance director for New North Inc. “We believe that everyone from those in IT, operations, leadership and innovation will take away actionable insights that will enable them to build smarter systems with Agentic AI.”

Scheduled speakers include Scott Hornung, director of AI innovation for One North; Kyle Severson, Microsoft principal AI solutions engineer; and Jim Dobinski, founder and managing director of StellarBlue.ai. An industry peer case-study presentation also is planned.

The NEW Digital Alliance 2025 Tech Summit is being held at the Best Western Premier Bridgewood Resort, located at 1000 Cameron Way in Neenah. The program will be conducted from 1-4 p.m., followed by networking with food and beverages from 4-5 p.m.

The NEW Digital Alliance (NEWDA), under the leadership of New North Inc., was created by Wisconsin-based tech leaders to collaborate on increasing the tech talent within Northeast Wisconsin.

# # #

New North, Inc.

New North Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporationfostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. www.thenewnorth.com

NEW Digital Alliance

The NEW Digital Alliance aims to advance collaboration efforts that promote tech health in the New North region. It connects companies, academic institutions and other organizations dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to pursue IT and digital careers in Northeast Wisconsin.

Materialize Again Opens Saturday, September 13th at the Neville Public Museum

Women Who Run With Scissors was formed in 1997 by art quilters in the Green Bay, WI area. Today, membership has expanded to include members throughout the Northeast WI region. The group continues to thrive with 15 members.

Their common thread is the love of creating original pieces of fiber art. While some members entered the fiber arts world through traditional quilting, others came from art backgrounds focusing on drawing, painting and/or garment design. Playing off each other’s strengths along with a willingness to share ideas, techniques and gentle critiques are hallmarks of our meetings and workshops.

They exhibit artwork as a group in galleries and museums.  Members have had solo shows, and some have their quilts travel nationally and internationally. Publications featuring various group members include art books, magazines and newspapers, and highlighted segments in various other media outlets. 

Part of the current exhibit includes an art quilt challenge. “Hidden Miracles” is based on the following idea: In our daily rush we often don’t take the time to enjoy hidden miracles. Hidden gems of outright flights of fancy, whether real or imagined, enrich our lives. Come to the exhibit and see if you can find the “Hidden Miracles” in each of these wonderful textile art pieces.

For more information, please visit Neville Public Museum | Women Who Run With Scissors: Materialized Again.

The Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay Announces Summer 2025 Grant recipients

The Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay is proud to announce the grant recipients from the Fund’s summer grant cycle. Grants are awarded twice per year, and in each cycle, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation invites fundholders to co-invest in applications that align with their giving goals. During this cycle, fundholders contributed over $75,000, significantly boosting the total amount awarded.

The Women’s Fund awards funds to organizations with programs and services that positively impact women and girls in our community. Grants are awarded based on a competitive application process which includes a review by a grants team of community volunteers. Learn more about the grant funds at https://womensfundgb.org/what-we-fund/.

About the Women’s Fund Summer 2025 Grant Recipients:

Wise Women Gathering Place | General Operations: Wise Women Gathering Place promotes peace, respect and belonging through skill building, sharing of resources and caring community support. Program services include advocacy, healing, and prevention in domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, sex trafficking and other crimes. Funding will support services for women and youth; including a weekly Women’s Empowerment Group focusing on healthy relationships and decision-making, talking circles, community guest speakers, traditional crafts and food gathering to support healing and wellness. Youth programs focus on healthy relationships, healthy boundaries, and healthy communication.

Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County | ADRC Caregivers: ADRC of Brown County empowers older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers — most of whom are women — through education, support, and advocacy. Funding will expand caregiver programs that build skills, reduce isolation, and improve well-being. With demand rising, this support will help over 240 families access tools, resources, and community to thrive in their caregiving roles.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Wisconsin | Youth Mentoring for Girls: Grant funding will help match girls facing adversity with caring female mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters. With 42 girls currently on the waitlist, this support will provide critical mentorship that builds confidence, strengthens mental health, and empowers girls to reach their full potential.

Brown County Health & Human Services | Parents Supporting Parents: The Brown County Child Protective Services Unit works with children at risk of experiencing neglect and abuse. Funding will bring Parents Supporting Parents, an evidence-based program, to Brown County. The program provides mothers with mentorship from individuals with lived experience within the child welfare system, who have experienced their child being removed from their care and reunified safely. Grant funding will help prepare mentors to support safe family reunification and reduce future child welfare involvement. This program allows children to remain safely with their families and their communities, fosters sustained connections, and increases the opportunity for positive life outcomes.

Encompass Early Education & Care | Child & Family Advocate Program: The program helps stabilize single-mother households by empowering women and ensuring their children thrive in high-quality early education. By addressing barriers mothers face — like housing and food security — and providing their children with one-on-one support for developmental/behavioral setbacks, they’ve increased retention of these at-risk families from just six months to over three years.

Family & Childcare Resources of Northeastern Wisconsin | Family Childcare: Grant support will expand access to childcare by supporting women in launching home-based childcare businesses. The Family Childcare Program offers training, startup funds, and licensing support to reduce barriers for low-income women, including in rural areas. By creating 10–15 new providers serving up to 120 children, the program boosts employment and economic stability for women while addressing urgent childcare shortages across Brown, Kewaunee, and Oconto counties.

Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin | 24/7 Immediate Advocacy Response for Sexual Assault Center: The Sexual Assault Center is a program of Family Services that provides free and confidential support to survivors of sexual assault 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This grant will fully fund after-hours bedside advocacy during Sexual Assault Nurse Exams in Brown County. This service ensures women and girls receive trauma-informed support at one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives — overnight, on weekends, and on holidays. With advocates responding within 30 minutes, this initiative fosters safety, healing, and connection to long-term care for 100+ survivors annually.

Girls on the Run Northeast Wisconsin | Positive Youth Development: Girls on the Run inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident through a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. To date, the organization has served over 5,000 girls, with measurable improvements in self-esteem, physical activity, and social-emotional skills. The program combines physical activity with lessons on confidence, connection, and character. Funding will support the launch of three new teams in Brown and Kewaunee counties, provide partial scholarships to ensure access for all participants, and train new volunteer coaches to lead and mentor the girls.

HER Alliance | General Operating Expenses: Funds will sustain core programs serving over 85 survivors of sex trafficking & commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) in Brown County. Funds will support trauma-informed advocacy, prevention education, jail outreach, and access to basic needs. As the only local organization providing comprehensive care solely for CSE survivors, HER Alliance relies on flexible funding to meet rising needs, maintain staff capacity, and deliver consistent, life-changing services.

House of Hope Green Bay | General Operating Support: Last year, House of Hope served 918 youth and children. Funding will sustain and strengthen their programs serving youth, young mothers, and children experiencing homelessness. Additionally, it will support emergency shelter, rental assistance, mental health and substance use counseling, youth services, and low-barrier housing. General operating funds allow House of Hope to remain responsive to urgent needs, invest in staff and infrastructure, and provide trauma-informed care that helps families build lasting stability.

Journey to Adult Success | Empowering Women through Therapeutic Support: Every year, young women age out of foster care without the necessary resources or support systems to navigate adulthood. Journey to Adult Success addresses this critical gap by meeting their basic needs of housing along with daily coaching and support and most importantly targeted one-on-one therapy in informal, welcoming settings tailored to meet their needs.

Lovin’ The Skin I’m In | Uplifting Black and Brown Girls: Lovin’ The Skin I’m In empowers Black and Brown girls in Northeast Wisconsin by providing access to opportunities that nurture their talents, leadership, and personal growth. This initiative will serve 800 girls ages 7–18, fostering confidence, mental wellness, and leadership through mentorship, educational workshops, and cultural engagement. In response to systemic inequities that often limit access to enriching experiences, these arts and STEM programs offer creative, empowering pathways for growth and self-discovery.

She Rises Collective | Indigenous Women in Business: She Rises Collective envisions Indigenous women rising — financially, socially, and spiritually — while creating lasting, positive change in their families, communities, and economies. Grant funding will support the Indigenous Women in Business Retreat in Brown County. This event empowers Indigenous women through technical assistance, wellness, and leadership development. It also supports their Indigenous Women in Business database and data collection efforts to track impact, promote visibility, and inform culturally relevant programming.

Wello | Centering the Voices of Black and Mixed Race Young Women in Reproductive Care: Funding will support the implementation of a cohort model designed to center the needs and voices of Black girls to improve their health. In partnership with Lovin’ The Skin I’m In and a range of clinical and non-clinical partners, the primary objective of this program is to increase participant’s reproductive health literacy, increasing their confidence to navigate care, advocate for their needs, and manage three chronic reproductive conditions that disproportionately impact women of color: endometriosis, uterine fibroids and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

New Renderings Unveiled of the Future HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center Campus

HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center is pleased to share updated architectural renderings for its upcoming campus transformation, offering the community a refreshed look at the future of patient care as early construction activity begins on campus this month.

As first announced in March 2025, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is investing a historic $270 million in strategic capital over the next 3 to 5 years to meet the need for greater health care access in Green Bay. It will remodel its two Green Bay hospitals, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, which will be the site of the largest expansion and transformation. This includes the addition of a new tower that will allow St. Mary’s to add more beds and provide more inpatient care. 

While the overall vision of the future St. Mary’s campus remains consistent with the initial renderings shared in March 2025, these new images incorporate design refinements as the hospital moves through the planning and pre-construction phase of its major transformation project.

“As we prepare our St. Mary’s campus for the exciting changes ahead, we want our community to see how the vision is evolving,” said Leah Bergstrom, Chief Administrative Officer at HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center. “These updated renderings represent the thoughtful progress our team has made to ensure every detail supports the best possible experience for all who come through our doors.” 

Plans for St. Mary’s include:

  • A new patient tower to include added intermediate and intensive care beds. The tower will replace an existing structure on campus built in 1958. The vision is to design the tower for additional growth in the future, should community need arise.  
  • More operation and procedural rooms.
  • More natural light within the hospital, creating a welcoming and healing environment for all.
  • The use of brick, metal panel and glass throughout the exterior design to complement the existing campus architecture. More landscaping will also be added to beautify the campus and surrounding neighborhood.
  • Improved parking access and clearer wayfinding to create a smoother arrival experience, helping reduce stress for patients, visitors and staff. 
  • Safety is a top priority, with improved visibility, upgraded lighting and secure access points. 

“This is more than just a renovation, it’s an investment in the future of our community’s health,” said Bergstrom.

Early construction activity will begin on the St. Mary’s campus this month to prepare the site for the larger renovation effort. This preliminary work includes site preparation to support a seamless transition into the main construction phase. Opportunity for media interviews and video/photos of site preparation work will be made available next week, with more details coming soon.

Groundbreaking on the new patient tower at St. Mary’s is anticipated for Summer 2026, with full project completion by 2028. Plans are still in progress for renovations at St. Vincent Hospital and will be shared when more information becomes available.

For more information and access to a comprehensive media kit including renderings, b-roll, still images and press releases, please visit: www.stmarysgb.org/future.

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About Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS)

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is a nonprofit Catholic health care ministry founded in 1875. Dedicated to our Mission to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people through high-quality Franciscan health care, HSHS clinicians provide exceptional care centered on the whole person. Based in Springfield, Illinois, HSHS employs nearly 11,000 colleagues who provide care in 13 acute-care, children’s and critical access hospitals and home health and hospice programs in Central and Southern Illinois and Eastern Wisconsin. HSHS is aligned with more than 1,000 primary and specialty physicians and advanced practitioners through its owned affiliates HSHS Medical Group and Prairie Cardiovascular and its partnership with Prevea Health. For more information about HSHS, visit hshs.org.

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