Needs From: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Great Rivers United Way is seeking Community Investment Volunteers to review and score grant applications for our Basic Needs program. 

As a Basic Needs Community Investment Volunteer you will:

By responding to this need, you are indicating your interest. You will be contacted to set up training and a team meeting time that works for your schedule. Training takes place October 13 at Noon or 4pm. Team meeting options include noon and evening times as well as online and in-person. Team meetings will occur the weeks of October 26 and November 2, however you will only attend one. Please let us know your availability by filling out this form: Basic Needs Community Investment Volunteer Registration Fall 2026 – Fill out form

Questions can be directed to Liz Evans at levans@gruw.org or 608-791-1400.

Reading is the foundation of all learning. You can help third-graders in the School District of La Crosse master this key skill by sharing your love of reading as a Read to Success tutor with Great Rivers United Way! 

Studies show if a child is not up to grade level reading by the end of third grade, they almost never catch up.

Read to Success runs throughout the majority of a school year, generally October - Mid May. During the 2026 - 2027 school year, you will work with one to two students, spending 30-60 minutes with them each week during the school day.

To help you and your student feel comfortable and connected,  Great Rivers United Way provides a tutoring bin with high quality books and literacy related conversation starter materials to help you focus your time together on reading skills.  Materials include question cards such as "what do you think will happen next?"  "Why do you think the character made that choice?"  

In addition to helping your student improve their reading skills, your positive influence can have benefits that will last a lifetime. Will you help? Click the Respond button to get things started!

Great Rivers United Way Community Care Program Manager, Jennifer Roberts will contact you to explain more about the program and initiate the required background check.  

So sign up today and help a child learn to love reading in your community!

Reading is the foundation of all learning.  You can help third-graders in Black River Falls' Red Creek Elementary School master this key skill, as a Read to Success tutor with The Great Rivers United Way!

Studies show if a child is not up to grade level reading by the end of third grade, they almost never catch up. 

Read to Success runs throughout the majority of a school year, generally October - May. Over the course of the 2026-2027 school year, you will work with two or three students, spending 30-45 minutes with them each week during the school day.  

You'll read to your student using a book we've selected that relates to a specific subject and have them read to you as well as participate in fun reading-based activities! To help you and your student feel comfortable and connected,  Great Rivers United Way provides a tutoring bin with literacy related conversation starter materials to help you focus your time together on reading skills.  Materials include question cards such as "what do you think will happen next?"  "Why do you think the character made that choice?"  

In addition to helping your student improve their reading skills, your positive influence can have benefits that will last a lifetime.  The kids need the extra help and their teachers appreciate the extra support you can provide!

Schools require all volunteers have an approved background check on file to work with students.  The Great Rivers United Way Community Engagement Coordinator will contact you to explain more about the program and initiate the required background check.  

So sign up today and help a child learn to love reading in your community!