Our Stories 2026: Why We Support United Way
October 16, 2026
Stories have the power to open hearts and minds, to bring people together, and to create hope where it’s needed most. They motivate us to build a stronger tomorrow for ourselves and our loved ones.
Learn why Bobbi Sagan, Pamela Bell, and United Way staff give back to strengthen our community.
Bobbi Sagan
HUSCO International, Inc.
I support United Way for many reasons, but there are two powerful memories that have stayed with me all these years.
First is Maya, my friend's daughter. Born eight weeks early, Maya was diagnosed with Down syndrome, cortical blindness, and a language disorder. In 2016, through a United Way-funded program, she received specialized therapy that improved her mobility and social skills. When she needed help, United Way was there.
When tragedy struck in Waukesha with the Christmas parade in 2021, it was personal to me. My dear friend Jenny was a victim in the parade tragedy. It was also personal to my Husco family. This was our community in pain. Our community needed our help and United Way was there.
I'm proud to be a member of the United Way Campaign Cabinet. I am proud to be a member of Women United's Leadership Council. And I am proud to say I stand for Maya and Jenny and the tens of thousands of people whose lives we are changing every single day.
Pamela Bell
Self-Help Federal Credit Union
My why is simple. I believe in Milwaukee and the people who call it home. The work of United Way reflects what I strive for in my own leadership, bringing people together across sectors to address real challenges and create meaningful solutions in our community. Whether it's housing stability, reducing barriers to employment, or supporting young people in our community, United Way continues to show up where it matters most.
In my role with Self-Help Federal Credit Union, I am focused on expanding economic opportunity and helping close the racial wealth gap. Serving on the Campaign Cabinet allows me to extend that commitment beyond my organization and contribute to a broader collective effort that strengthens the network of support available to our neighbors.
I serve because I believe collaboration is not optional. It is how lasting change happens.
Antonio Avery
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
The work I do at United Way is personal to me. I know when families, children, and neighborhoods have support, opportunity, and hope, lives truly can change. I believe it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a committed community to change the world.
Every partnership, every gift, and every person who steps up to give their time, treasure, or advocacy helps us create a stronger future for as many lives as possible.
Ryann Greve
United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
I give to United Way because I’m a proud Milwaukeean, born and raised. I came back home to raise my family here. I want my hometown to be strong and thriving, and invest where it will make the biggest impact for the greater good of our beloved community.
"I first moved to Milwaukee in 2012 when I was 21 – I had very little money and had interviews for jobs, but nothing secured yet. I was grateful to at least be able to pay for rent, but I had no money left for food. I knew I would likely have 3-4 weeks before I would get any sort of stable paycheck, and I knew most of it would be going to rent and other utilities. During this time, I went to a food pantry on a weekly basis. I was nervous at first – this had been an environment I was used to volunteering in, but I was NOT used to receiving help and services. But I was always welcomed with a warm smile, and a volunteer would ask what I was looking forward to in the week to come. This saved me. I didn't have to worry about money for food, and I could focus on trying to find a job that would sustain me and give me a future. Now I work at United Way. United Way funds organizations just like the food pantry I leaned on over a decade ago. This is my why: to be able to help someone in the same way I was helped means everything to me, and donating to United Way allows that to happen."
– Sarah Kiefer, United Way Staff
"I give to United Way because I have seen the power United Way has when they really focus on an issue, like family homelessness, and I'm excited to be a part of that work."
– Wendy Weckler, United Way Staff
"Working in nonprofits where they have received funding from United Way, I have seen firsthand what our dollars do to support our community to thrive. I believe that there is a space for everyone at United Way, and I am grateful to be in a position to show my daughter all the different ways we can give back to a city that has given us so much."
– Mercedes Woods, United Way Staff
"I was a Project Homeless Connect donor before I was a United Way staff member, when I served as a campaign ambassador for a workplace campaign. I've been a Guest Advocate for Project Homeless Connect, and my parents have volunteered with service providers for Waukesha Project Homeless Connect. Now, on the other side of the solicitation process, I continue to pledge towards Safe & Stable Homes: Housing Stability for All because stable housing is a funding priority for my family and me. Every member of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties are our neighbors, and we all deserve a safe place to call home."
– Natalie Worcester, United Way Staff
Our community’s toughest challenges can’t be solved by one organization alone. But when we come together, we can create lasting change and improve lives right here in our own neighborhoods.
Give to United Way’s 2026 Community Campaign. Together, we can build a stronger community for everyone.
Spark change and inspire others. Donate to the 2026 Community Campaign today.
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