A Conversation with 2024 Women’s Fund Grantees
During this year’s Women’s History Month, we learn how local nonprofits are supporting women and mothers across Portage County. Hosted by Sarah Ross, Director of the Women’s Fund and Community Grants, the Community Lunch Hour featured a panel of 2024 Women’s Fund grantees working at the intersection of financial wellness, childcare access, and mental health.
The conversation highlighted how community-led solutions are helping women, especially mothers, build stable lives, raise healthy families, and contribute to a stronger Central Wisconsin.
Tackling the Cost of Childcare. Micki Krueger and Rachele Johnson from Childcaring, Inc. discussed their Good Start Grants program, which provides financial assistance to working families who don’t qualify for other government support. Grants cover 55–65% of childcare costs, making care more affordable for families caught in the “ALICE” gap (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) where their income is above the federal poverty line but can’t cover all their expenses.
- In 2024, the program supported 19 families and 30 children.
- 100% of recipients maintained employment or education thanks to the support.
- Rachele shared a success story from a family of five, “Thanks to the grant, our children are receiving the support they need to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.”
YMCA initiatives, like the Parents Morning Out program, support mental health and allow caregivers time for themselves for a few hours every month. BreAnn Constantineau noted, “The correlation between having safe, reliable childcare directly impacts the mental health of caregivers and buffers instances of abuse in the home.”
Investing in Mothers’ Futures. Dr. Lauren Gantz from UW-Stevens Point shared the impact of a scholarship program designed specifically for single mothers in Portage County. The funds help these students reduce financial stress and stay on track toward earning a degree.
- Since its launch in 2008, the program has awarded over $20,000 in scholarships.
- Recipients include future doctors, political science majors, and one woman who even ran for U.S. Senate.
- “Some of them are widows, some of them are divorced, some of them are survivors of domestic violence, and they’re trying to make ends meet, both for their children and themselves. These mothers have incredible goals, and this scholarship gives them a chance to achieve them,” said Gantz.
Prioritizing Mental Health. Representatives from CAP Services and the Boys and Girls Club of Portage County spoke about how they’re responding to growing mental health challenges among youth and families.
- CAP’s Youth Mental Health Advocate, Stephanie Werch, noted a significant increase in mental health support requests in recent years. CAP Services is responding by offering direct advocacy and navigation services, helping them access mental health services and crisis resources. Their work also includes prevention efforts, like community outreach and education that connected to over 5000 residents, aimed at reducing stigma and promoting early intervention for mental health challenges.
- CAP Services’ Family Crisis Center (FCC) provides support to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, transitioning survivors into a safe environment, describes FCC coordinator Kathy Junion.
- The Boys and Girls Club is supporting families by integrating mental wellness into its daily programming, helping kids navigate stress and build healthy coping skills. Angela Voss shared that this includes creating safe spaces where youth can talk openly about their feelings, access trained staff for support, and participate in activities that build emotional resilience. In turn, providing before-school care to rural communities like Junction City lightens the mental load working parents carry when managing child learning and care options.
Why it Matters. The session left us with a clear shared understanding: addressing issues like childcare, financial stability, and mental health supports mothers and strengthens entire communities.
Ready to Support Women and Families in Portage County?
Whether you’re looking to donate, get involved, or spread the word, there are many ways to take action:
- SHARE this blog post on social media to raise awareness about the needs of women in our community.
- WATCH the full Community Lunch Hour discussion on supporting mothers in Portage County.
- GIVE to the Women’s Fund to support grantmaking that directly impacts women and their communities.
- CONNECT with the Women’s Fund Director, Sarah Ross, to learn how to get involved.
- JOIN us for our next Community Lunch Hour to keep the conversation going.
- ATTEND upcoming events such as the following:
- Authentic Identities Expo with CAP Services on April 2
- Mom Prom fundraiser for Family Crisis Center on April 5
- Taste of Wine and Cheese fundraiser with the Boys and Girls Club on April 4.
A special thanks to the participating organizations and speakers:
- Boys & Girls Club of Portage County | Angela Voss
- CAP Services | Kathy Junion and Stephanie Werch
- Childcaring, Inc. | Micki Krueger and Rachele Johnson
- Stevens Point Area YMCA | BreAnn Constantineau
- Women’s and Gender Studies at UWSP | Lauren Gantz