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Save the date for the next Building Connections program, a collaboration of the Waunakee Public Library, Create Waunakee, Waunakee IDEA, and Waunakee Neighborhood Connection. On the evening of February 7th, we’ll be hosting a discussion of the book Kindred by Octavia Butler.

Watch for more information coming soon!

Waunakee Neighborhood Connection will be closed for the winter holidays and for inventory preparation from Friday, December 23 through January 8. Staff will be checking voicemail and email during this time, so please contact us at (608)849-5740 or wncteam@waunakeenc.org if there is anything you need.

Thursday, December 8th | 6:00-8:15 PM

Join Waunakee Public Library, Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, Create Waunakee, and Waunakee IDEA for a viewing and facilitated discussion of the documentary Through the Night by Loira Limbal and Jameka Autry. Through the Night is a verité documentary that explores the personal cost of our modern economy through the stories of two working mothers and a child care provider, whose lives intersect at a 24-hour daycare center in New Rochelle, New York. Official Selection, Tribeca Film Festival. A co-production of POV and ITVS in association with Latino Public Broadcasting and Black Public Media.

Food will be provided (Mac and Cheese Bar provided by Buck & Honeys Waunakee) or you may bring your own. No registration required.

The Building Connections program series is designed to do just that by introducing neighbors in Waunakee to each other and to lived experiences that may be different than their own. The purpose of the series is to promote community engagement, build relationships, and foster conversations – all with a goal of continual learning and growth. This event is a collaboration with POV, the award-winning independent non-fiction film series on PBS (www.pbs.org/pov) 

Waunakee Neighborhood Connection’s annual holiday and year-round programs are vital for the families and seniors we serve in the greater Waunakee area who are in need of assistance. We have added more than 85 families this year and are now serving 360+ households in the community.

Our Christmas meal and Holiday Wishes events help ensure that everyone in our community has a happy holiday. Your gift can also extend the warmth of the holiday season throughout the year with ongoing programs that provide clothing and household necessities along with individualized support services that make it possible for neighbors in need to move from difficult times to thriving.

With a donation of $40, you can provide a family of 4-6 with the groceries for a wonderful meal.    Larger gifts will support multiple families with a holiday meal and year-round programs that make Waunakee a stronger and more connected community.

To donate, either mail a check with a donation form or give online. We appreciate you investing in the strength of our community this holiday season!

We are thrilled to have been able to match 135 Waunakee-area families with donors who will help fulfill their holiday wish list!

Wish lists have been sent to all donors along with the program instructions. If you signed up to be a donor and did not receive an email with the list of your assigned family, please contact us at wncteam@waunakeenc.org or (608)849-5740.

Donors should be sure to sign up for a time to drop off their gifts on Friday, December 16th or Saturday, December 17th at the Waunakee Village Center.

Clients who were successfully matched were notified via email or text and can sign up for a time to pick up their gifts on Saturday, December 17th at the Waunakee Village Center.

Waunakee Neighborhood Connection has begun donor registration for its Holiday Wishes program (formerly Adopt-a-Family). The holidays and winter season can be especially difficult for low income households. As the community pulls together to make the season bright for everyone, the generosity of donors can make a tremendous difference in the lives of families here in Waunakee that are facing financial hardship.

Through the Holiday Wishes program, donors are matched with a specific family and receive the family’s holiday wish list to help fulfill. Donors can choose how large of a family they would like to assist, and the general guideline is that they spend no more than $100 for each member of the household with which they’ve been matched.

The collection and distribution of gifts will take place on December 16^th and 17^th at the Waunakee Village Center.

Individuals, families, organizations, and businesses are invited to participate as donors. Those who would like to be matched with a family are asked to register by November 4^th. For more information about the program and to register, visit https://conta.cc/3fYuzqG .

“As in past years, the number of families we serve continues to grow and now stands at over 350,” said Lisa Humenik, executive director. “It is so heart-warming to have members of the community come together to support each other and ease the financial stress that many families experience during the holidays.”

For more information about Neighborhood Connection’s holiday and ongoing programs and services, visit their website at https://waunakeeneighborhoodconnection.org.

Clients wishing to register for our holiday programs can find the information at https://conta.cc/3EuJ7bH.

With the days getting shorter and cooler as we head into fall, it will soon be time for winter gear. From October 1-17, Waunakee Neighborhood Connection is collecting new and gently used winter coats, snow pants, boots, gloves, scarves, and hats for all ages in preparation for its winter coat and accessory distribution on October 21-22. The distribution will take place at Peace Lutheran Church.

“With nearly 1200 individuals of all ages being served by WNC, many of whom are new to midwest winters, the need for warm outerwear is tremendous,” said Helyn Luisi-Mills, director of client services. “This collection drive and event will allow us to ensure that everyone in our program has what they need to stay warm this winter.”

Winter coats and accessories can be dropped of at Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, 208 S Century Avenue, anytime during its open hours. There is also a collection bin at Prairie Elementary School and items will be collected at Waunakee High School’s last regular season home football game on Friday, October 7.

Individuals or families in need of winter coats and accessories or anyone interested in volunteering for the distribution event should contact Waunakee Neighborhood Connection at wncteam@waunakeenc.org or (608)849-5740.

Grab your family, friends, and favorite costume and join us on Saturday, October 15th for our 7th fun run/walk – now with a Halloween theme!

The Great Pumpkin Smash Dash kicks off at The Lone Girl Brewing Company and takes you through the streets of Waunakee on a Halloween excursion full of tricks and treats! Festivities include a pre-shuffle warm up, treat stations along the route, and a post-shuffle Halloween party including awards for the best costume, top fundraisers, and a pumpkin smash. This family friendly event has something for ALL!

Again for 2022! – We’ll have both the 5K fun/run walk AND a 1-mile family fun walk.

Online registration will be available until October 13th and onsite, but register by 2:00 PM on Friday, October 1st to ensure that you receive your t-shirt at the packet pick-up.

Event Schedule

7:30-8:45 AM – Check in at The Lone Girl Brewing Company — have your photo taken with your group and other friends; cash bar will be open

8:45 AM – Warm-up

9:00 AM – 5K Run & Walk Start

9:05 AM – 1 mile walk start

10:00 AM – Post-Shuffle Party inside the Lone Girl and pumpkin smash on the rooftop! We’ll present awards for individual, family, and team costumes and for the top fundraisers. The Lone Girl will have hot cocoa, beer, wine, and cocktails, along with items from their menu available for purchase. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to Waunakee Neighborhood Connection.

Registration – Includes event t-shirt this year!

$35.00 Adults

$30.00 Youth (up to age 12)

Packet and Apparel Pick-up

Pick up race numbers, sponsor coupons, and apparel on Friday, October 14th from 2:00-7:00 PM at Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, 208 S Century Avenue, Waunakee.

Race Route

The Great Pumpkin Smash Dash takes place on city sidewalks and the paved paths in Waunakee. There is one moderate hill about 2 miles into the route with trick-or-treat candy stations along the way to keep you going! The event starts and finishes at The Lone Girl.

About Waunakee Neighborhood Connection

Waunakee Neighborhood Connection is a nonprofit social service agency that provides comprehensive programs, services, and case management to families in the Waunakee area who are experiencing financial hardships. It also provides numerous opportunities to Waunakee residents of all ages to get involved in volunteer service that makes a positive difference right here in our community! Visit our website to learn more.

Waiver and Release of Liability

A waiver will be required for each participant and will be available to sign at the Packet & Apparel Pick-up on October 14 or at event registration on October 15. You can also print the waiver and bring the signed copy(ies) with you to turn in.

Other questions? Contact us at wncteam@waunakeenc.org or (608)849-5740.