“It came up casually in conversation. He died. What? No one thought that would be something I would have liked to know? It happened years ago, but to me it was like yesterday, every day. I relived the abuse daily. It affected so many facets of my life.” These are the words that Rebecca Schimke used to open the doors on a story she shared for Sexual Assault Awareness Month last April, 2016. We sat down with Rebecca, at the time a United Way employee, for this podcast interview last April. Rebecca shared her experience with sexual assault as a child, what it felt like to tell her story, and what happened after.

How Sexual Assault Changed My Life

Living Local tells the stories that connect us in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington & Ozaukee Counties through interviews and personal testimony. Hosted by United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County staff and donors. Our communities’ toughest issues affect all of us because we are all connected. Have a listen. Join us. Live United.

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Mental health support is at the core of every program and initiative at Meta House, which is funded in part by donations to United Way.

Addiction & Mental Health

Living Local April 2021 (1)_01.mp3

Black History is Milwaukee history, it’s Wisconsin history, it’s United Way history. This month and all year long, we celebrate and reflect on the significant achievements of African American individuals and organizations in our local community. At United Way we are fortunate to partner with local nonprofits with a rich history of serving Milwaukee’s communities of color. These organizations and the incredible individuals who lead them honor their rich legacies every day by continuing to fight for what’s right: a just, equitable, and thriving community for everyone in it. These are their stories.

From United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County, this is Living Local. 

On today’s podcast, Miles Sigh, a recent graduate of Marquette University and a Milwaukee Fellows intern at United Way, connected with Dr. Eve Hall, executive director of one of United Way’s most historic partners, Milwaukee Urban League, an organization that has been a staple in the Milwaukee community for more than a century.

Then, United Way’s Katie Kuhn speaks to Gerry Howze, executive director of PEARLS for Teen Girls, which has been providing support, mentorship, and leadership skills training to local young women - particularly young women of color - in our local community since 1993.

Black History is Milwaukee History

Black History is Milwaukee history, it’s Wisconsin history, it’s United Way history. This month and all year long, we celebrate and reflect on the significant achievements of African American individuals and organizations in our local community.

COVID19 has impacted all of our lives, but many members of our community were already struggling before the pandemic hit. Issues like housing instability, living paycheck to paycheck, and navigating serious health concerns were only amplified by COVID19. And the need keeps growing.

How Sexual Assault Changed My Life

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