Ann

Searles

Ann Searles is the Executive Director of United Way St. Croix Valley. During her tenure, she has grown the organization from a $1.2million to a $1.4 million dollar community impact organization – more than just a campaign! United Way St. Croix Valley supports local nonprofits that are committed to health, education and financial stability. The launch of their 211 Get Connected. Get Help Call Center serves Pierce, Polk, Burnett and St. Croix Counties by connecting our neighbors in need to local support resources. Fighting rural hunger through the distribution of healthy food in Western Wisconsin out of the John Coughlin Food & Resource Center located in Hudson provides pallets of fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, and meat to 25 food pantries, a domestic abuse shelter and two homeless shelters, and now 2 mobile pantries – providing 89,152 meals a year to those most in need. In the past year, we have increased the amount of food by 55% with the participation in the TEFAP program and launch of a new rural area mobile pantry. Previous to fighting hunger in Western Wisconsin, she was the executive director of the White Bear Area Emergency Food Shelf where she implemented new operational efficiencies driven by the development of a software solution - Pantry Saver - resulting in a more efficient, accurate and less physically demanding food shelf environment. In just two years, there was an 32% increase in the number of individuals served, 18% increase in pounds of food distributed, and 26% increase in food and cash donations. Ann is a servant leader committed to serving those most in need with dignity.

Jessica

Neumann

Jessica Neumann is the 211 Community Impact Director with United Way St. Croix Valley. She is passionate about serving organizations that enrich communities and acting as a force for a positive change. Jessica is a founding team member for the 24 hour giving day, giveBIG St. Croix Valley. In her nearly 3 years with United Way she has worked in all program areas and currently directs the newest program 211 St. Croix Valley. Get Help. Get Connected. 211 is a 24/7 phone line that is accessible to anyone in Wisconsin that is in need of supports. Especially in times of broad community disaster. 211 St. Croix Valley is here for those in need and a partner to county and state health departments as a key portal for information sharing with the general public. From basic needs resources to mental health, elder services and more 211 is there for our community to provide hope in a time of need!