An opportunity is a set of circumstances that make it possible to do something. Often opportunity is a detour that allows us to experience new things.  Six years ago, United Way offered me an opportunity to take a short three month detour from my recent retirement, to work for them while a staff member was out on leave.  This six year detour has provided me with numerous unforeseen opportunities, for which I am thankful.

The first opportunity was to help with a community food assessment process in 2010 and the most recent opportunity was an update to the 2010 report which was released in August of 2015.  This Food for Tomorrow initiative has blossomed over these past five years to assist many organizations with funding to support programs and staff.  I have enjoyed the opportunity to learn  more about community organizations and participate in food related programs, including the Summer Meal Program, Nourish Snack Attack, cooking and food preparation demos at the Farmer’s Market, the Sheboygan County Food Bank and its member pantries, and of course Souper Saturday. Based on the most recent 2015 Food for Tomorrow report, I believe United Way in partnership with many community organizations and businesses, will use this most recent assessment to begin planning on how to improve access to food, especially healthier food options, for individuals and families struggling to put food on the table.

United Way gave me the opportunity to work with dedicated groups of volunteers from all sectors of the community in writing a federal grant resulting in funding for Lakeshore Community Health Care.  Even before receiving the federal grant, the community stepped forward to match a challenge grant from the Acuity Charitable Foundation, raising a total of $200,000 to support needed medical and dental services for children and adults. Lakeshore Community Health Care currently serves over 5,000 patients in Sheboygan County providing medical, dental and mental health services to those most in need. Since its inception in 2012, Lakeshore Community Health Care has grown, including merging with the Community Clinics of Manitowoc County bringing care to underserved patients in Manitowoc and Sheboygan Counties under one administrative umbrella. Early next year, Lakeshore Community Health Care will embark on a major capital campaign, bringing all of its services in Sheboygan - medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy – to one location under one roof.

Most recently, I had the opportunity of working with Sara O’Hara, United Way Community Impact Director, in setting up a pilot for the PATH (Providing Access to Healing) program.  This PATH pilot is providing mental health therapy services in these two school districts.  PATH, just one response to the needs identified during the 2014 Community Conversation about Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, is one step in addressing access to mental health treatment for a very vulnerable population – our children.

Throughout these six years, United Way has afforded me the opportunity to meet donors, talk with community groups seeking to learn more about United Way and the programs we support. I have met with our agency partners to learn more about community needs and how their programs address those needs.  I have had the opportunity to listen to people, who have used programs or services United Way helps fund. 

2016 will present many new opportunities for all of us.  I personally look forward to new possibilities and ventures.  My Christmas and New Year’s wish for is that you take the detours, experience new things and look for new opportunities because together we can make a difference.