Programs and Services

Neighborhood Connection exists solely to help our community members support one another in times of hardship. We all have needs. Some you can see, most you cannot. Neighborhood Connection is a place where you will be welcomed and supported with compassion and respect regardless of your situation. Here you will be connected with a network of resources, some that Neighborhood Connection will provide and others through our network of community partners. All of our programs and services are free to registered clients.

We know that it is often not easy to ask for help and that it takes a good amount of courage to make a first contact. We invite you to come and connect with our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who are your neighbors working to make our community stronger … one story at a time.

If you have an immediate need for services, please dial 2-1-1 to reach the United Way Community Information and Referral Program, or find their information online at https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/. The United Way operators have immediate contact information for many organizations, including Neighborhood Connection, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Eligibility and Registration

Neighborhood Connection’s programs and services are available to anyone living in the Waunakee Community School District or the Village of Dane, or households that have students attending any Waunakee school. Individuals or families may either come to us directly or be referred to us by church groups, social workers, or other community organizations.

Registering for our services and programs is simple. Contact us to schedule a private registration appointment with one of our client services staff members who will work with you to fill out the registration form, explain our policies and programs, and take you on a tour of our store. Please bring photo identification and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, etc.) to registration, if possible.

We truly believe that everyone has gifts to give as well as needs, so you and your family members are also welcome and encouraged to volunteer at Neighborhood Connection as you are able. Prior to volunteering, we ask that you attend a client volunteer orientation. Visit our Volunteer page for more information.

Store

Our free store is where registered clients can obtain personal and household items.

Case Management

Neighborhood Connection has a wealth of resource partners throughout the community, county, and state that can help with programs and services we do not currently provide.

English Group

English Group is a free literacy partnership program hosted by volunteers to help people who are learning how to use English.

Holiday Meal

We are proud to offer our annual Christmas grocery delivery FREE to individuals and families who are in need and would appreciate some extra help this Christmas.

Build-A-Bed

Neighborhood Connection is able to provide new beds and bedding to families who may not have anything to sleep on.

Vehicle Donations And Repairs

Neighborhood Connection occasionally receives donated vehicles. We also partner with organizations and donors to help clients with unexpected vehicle repairs.

Student Scholarship

Our Building a Stronger Community Scholarship is aimed at empowering students to achieve their educational goals while promoting service in the Waunakee community.

Medication Lock Boxes

In collaboration with Waunakee Community Cares Coalition, Neighborhood Connection distributes free LockMed Lock Boxes to members of the community!

Adopt-A-Family

Families, classrooms, churches, businesses, and other groups adopt registered families or seniors who benefit from a helping hand during the holidays.

Childrens’ Holiday Shopping

One day each December, children of registered families can shop for free new gifts for their parents or guardians.

Neighbor-To-Neighbor Family Crisis Program

If your family is experiencing a short-term, unexpected crisis, the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program provides extra support and resources as you adjust to new circumstances.

Job and Career Readiness

If you are looking for a job or want to make a change in your career, Neighborhood Connection’s team can help you with job searches, completing job applications, interview preparation, and more.

Waunakee Social Services Directory

In collaboration with other social service organizations in Waunakee, Neighborhood Connection has compiled a Waunakee Social Services Directory.

We hope that this community Social Services Directory will be helpful in introducing you to the many wonderful services that are available in the community. Whether you are in need of assistance or looking for a place to get involved as a volunteer, the following information will provide you with a good overview about your options.