Inclusivity Lives Here

Jan 22, 2021 | Growing Our Communities

Success Looks Like Me

In May 2019, Portage County hosted its first Hmong Week to recognize and celebrate Hmong culture and contributions in Central Wisconsin. The event was a collaboration of community organizers from CAP Services, Portage County Literacy Council, CREATE Portage County and Freedom Inc.

Hmong Week is a cross-cultural community engagement and learning event that takes place every May to recognize the 1975 fall of the Long Cheng airbase in Laos, which led to the first Hmong families taking refuge in the United States.

The event features traditional Hmong music, dancing and food. When the 2019 event raised more money than organizers expected, the group sought out a community partner to help facilitate future growth and fundraising efforts.

Organizers connected with the Community Foundation to start the Hmong Sib Pab Sib Qhia — Help Together, Teach Together Fund that would serve as a central location to raise funds and facilitate grant and scholarship awards.

The Community Foundation celebrates Portage County’s Hmong population and supports Hmong student success.

“We created this fund because we understand the barriers Hmong students face. We want to support Hmong students in achieving their OWN dream and becoming successful in their own ways. We all have the ability to be successful.”

— Ann Vang

Fund Co-founder

Recent Posts

Lunch and Learn Series

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin has a lunch and learn series called Community Lunch Hour (CLH). This event offers opportunities to explore and learn more about various community topics while creating connections. Attendees will also be provided ways to...

This Summer, Get Involved and Stay Connected

It was 80 degrees and sunny, and that felt perfect for our most recent Community Lunch Hour. Our Director of Donor Services and Programs, Marlee Samuels, hosted a timely conversation about finding ways to connect through local events and volunteer opportunities in...

Spotlight on People: Katherine Young

As our outgoing past president, Katherine Young leaves behind a deep imprint. But if you ask her about it, she’ll talk more about others. She’ll tell you about the donors. About the people who walk through the door with big questions, dreams, and sometimes...

Job Opening: Community Storyteller 

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin is a non-profit philanthropic organization committed to improving the quality of life in Portage and Waushara counties. The Community Foundation serves donors, community organizations, and the community at large. We work...