Respecting the differences of all people, perspectives and cultures helps us to advance the well-being of our community. MGE supports organizations that advocate for inclusion and provide opportunities and programs to help people reach their full potential regardless of race, ability, socioeconomic status, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our service area is fortunate to have a wide array of organizations that strive for the equitable participation of all groups in the communities we serve.
Making a difference through volunteerism
RSVP of Dane County connects senior volunteers with people in need, including its Foster Grandparents program that connects seniors with children. Photo courtesy of RSVP of Dane County.
For 50 years, RSVP of Dane County—Retired and Senior Volunteer Program—has been connecting senior volunteers with people in need. Last year alone, more than 1,000 volunteers contributed more than 121,000 hours in various programs and for a variety of organizations throughout Dane County.
RSVP programming includes Community Connections that matches volunteers with local organizations; Group Projects/Homeworkers that creates handmade items for people in need; Foster Grandparents that connects caring, low-income seniors with children; Triad that works with law enforcement to promote safety and reduce crime through education; and Driver Services/Vets Helping Vets that provides essential rides for medical appointments and meal delivery services for seniors and veterans.
In 2021 alone, nearly 145,000 meals were delivered to thousands of seniors in Dane County.
RSVP is a win-win for everyone involved. A recent survey showed 95% of RSVP participants said volunteering kept them healthy, active, connected to the community and able to use their talents. All respondents said it boosted their well-being. Passengers who receive driver assistance say that RSVP’s driver services make it possible for them to remain independent and living in their homes, less isolated and more socially connected.
“RSVP has a positive impact on our volunteers and on those who receive our services. We help seniors keep active and engaged.”
Margie Zutter,
Executive Director, RSVP of Dane County
Fighting homelessness and housing insecurity
Willma, second from right, joins OutReach representatives at the Chip-in Fore Willma’s Fund golf fundraiser in 2022. Willma’s Fund provides needed assistance for LGBTQ+ homelessness and support to prevent homelessness. Photo courtesy of OutReach.
Just over a decade ago, Donald Haar saw that transgender homeless individuals needed help. So, he donned his stage persona of Willma and performed a drag show to raise some money. That was the start of Willma’s Fund, which is a project of OutReach that provides relief for LGBTQ+ homelessness and support to prevent homelessness.
Since that first show, Willma’s Fund has raised more than $250,000 and helped hundreds of LGBTQ+ people dealing with housing insecurity. Willma’s Fund now distributes about $4,000 per month in emergency grants to help pay for essentials such as utility bills, rental assistance and even car repairs.
“Starting in March of 2020, the need for funds went up,” explained OutReach Executive Director Steve Starkey, “but our corporate funders really stepped up during the pandemic.”
OutReach supports LGBTQ+ people through community building; health and human services; and economic, social and racial justice advocacy. Willma’s Fund is one of a host of programs and events offered by OutReach. Starkey says support from corporate funders and the community goes a long way in helping Willma’s Fund and OutReach fulfill their mission.
“LGBTQ+ people don’t do well in homeless shelters. Transgender people often fall through the cracks and don’t get the services or respect they need.”
Steve Starkey,
Executive Director, OutReach