Maydm Receives $500,000 Grant from American Family Insurance Institute for Social and Corporate Impact 

Maydm, a Madison-based nonprofit organization, has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the American Family Institute for Social and Corporate Impact. The Institute supports efforts to close equity gaps including partnering with organizations, governmental entities, and nonprofits to create stronger communities. With this grant, the American Family Insurance Institute will become the largest donor in Maydm’s history.

Maydm provides girls and youth of color in grades 6-12 with the skills, experiences, and connections to pursue careers in and change the face of STEM. As part of this mission, Maydm offers one-day workshops, afterschool and partner programs, immersive summer programs, and paid internships in various topics within STEM primarily to Dane County youth. For many students, these are their first formal experiences in STEM, and Maydm comes alongside them to host or coordinate training, workshops, immersive programs, advising, and work towards holistic success in the fields. 

This year has been an exciting year of growth for Maydm. In the third year of their internship program, Maydm placed 23 students in highly paid internships across the surrounding Dane County area, and even Milwaukee. This year they were able to host remote internships at their new Youth Innovation Space in downtown Madison which is designed for Maydm staff and interns, STEM program interns, and Maydm educational program students to be able work together in a communal coworking atmosphere. 

“Maydm exemplifies what we strive for at the Institute, in supporting girls and kids of color in their pursuit of STEM careers,” said Nyra Jordan, community and social impact investment director. “This investment will help Maydm continue their mission supporting our communities for years to come.” 

Over the next five years, the Institute will donate $100,000 to Maydm in support of Maydm’s career based programming. Maydm plans to use this funding to help administer and grow their STEM high school internship program, and develop additional youth apprenticeship and summer instructor   employment opportunities. This funding will also support additional co-working space and equipment in the Maydm office for youth to work in virtual internships and space for training. 

Dr. Christina Outlay said in speaking about the multi-year commitment from the Institute, “Maydm is focused on providing intentional programming that prepares our youth to pursue careers in STEM. We are expanding our career programming to deliver a more intentional pathway to move our girls and our youth of color from STEM awareness to inspiration to innovation and, finally, achievement of a STEM career. We want to support the whole student, not just their technical prowess. That means providing safe spaces for learning, career exploration and guidance, soft skill development, access to resources and equipment, earned income, and financial literacy. We are grateful to the American Family Insurance Institute for supporting our vision for the future and enabling us to develop our future STEM leaders. The Institute, along with American Family Insurance, and American Family Dreams Foundation, have been incredible strategic partners with Maydm.” 

Learn more about Maydm at maydm.org, including sponsorship opportunities that can support their work. Maydm is located at 203 S. Paterson St. Madison, WI. They host year round programming at a variety of sites, including their primary office, after school and community organization sites, and other partner sites throughout Dane County. Maydm is currently Celebrating Their Students through their 2023 Mid-Year Campaign. Each week a new Maydm student is highlighted to showcase the work that they are doing to change the face of STEM. You can help them reach their goal by donating here. 

Hausmann Group Hosts Charity Event to Celebrate Late Owner Jeff Hausmann

Hausmann Group is excited to announce an upcoming charity event, Rock the Block, on Saturday, August 5th, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, at the GHC parking lot located at 675 W Washington Ave.  The community is invited to attend the event, which will honor the late president and owner of Hausmann Group, Jeff Hausmann, who was deeply passionate about community giving.

During his distinguished 50+ year career with Hausmann Group, Jeff proved to be a pillar in business and the community. He volunteered on countless boards including the American Exchange Bank, the Madison Children’s Museum, and Children’s Theater of Madison. He served on the advisory board for St. Vincent de Paul, most notably as the co-chair of the Capital Campaign where he played a critical role in raising capital to build a new St. Vincent de Paul food pantry for those in need. In his memory, Hausmann Group will be raising funds for two of these charities: Children’s Theatre of Madison and St. Vincent de Paul.

Rock the Block is a fun-filled event for the whole family, with plenty of exciting activities planned such as food trucks, inflatable rides, games, drinks, music, and much more. Representatives from both charities will be present to talk about their mission and educate the community on their resources.

Tickets to attend are $50 each with children 12 and under free. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on the Hausmann Group website: https://www.myhaus.com/rock-the-block-party or on the day of the event under the big tent. All ticket sales and donations will go directly to Children’s Theatre of Madison and St. Vincent de Paul.

Boilerplate:

Hausmann Group is a full-service independent insurance agency with offices located in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For over 75 years, Hausmann Group has offered wide-ranging insurance and business services to clients both locally in Wisconsin and across the country.

Contact Information:

Rachel DeGrand, Director of Marketing & Communications

Phone: 608-252-9685

Email: rdegrand@myhaus.com

Website: https://www.myhaus.com/rock-the-block-party

Fenrici Brands Supports Local Back-to-School Events: 50% Discount for Local Organizations

Fenrici Brands, a Madison-based kids’ backpack company, is offering a 50% discount to local non-profits, businesses, and schools for their back-to-school events. This initiative supports the community and provides affordable, high-quality backpack options for students. To take advantage of this offer, interested organizations and schools can reach out to Fenrici Brands at bts@fenricibrands.com and mention the “Back-to-School Discount.” By partnering with Fenrici, the Madison community can ensure all students have a better chance of a successful new school season.

WPS Health Solutions awards 2023 community partnership funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Solutions awards 2023 community partnership funding
New process provides $103,800 toward diversity, equity, and inclusion

MADISON, Wis.—June 27, 2023—This year’s WPS Health Solutions community partnership funding decisions have been made, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. To incorporate the unique talent and expertise of team members at WPS, its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team designed a new equitable process that actively involves employees in decision-making. This innovative approach ensures that WPS’ funding decisions reflect its dedication to fostering a more inclusive and representative future for all. 

For the first time in WPS’ history, the community partnership team put out an open call for applications in February, offering one-time grants ranging from $250 to $10,000 for qualified, tax-exempt organizations that support key drivers of social and health equity with a strong emphasis on mental health and the well-being of all communities.  

This year, WPS is awarding $103,800 among the following 31 organizations working to advance mental health and well-being, diverse and inclusive teams, and diversification of the company’s supply chain ecosystem.

• Access Community Health Centers, Inc.
• Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Inc.
• American Cancer Society
• American Heart Association
• American Red Cross Wisconsin
• Bayview Foundation
• Breast Cancer Recovery
• Bridge Lake Point Waunona Neighborhood Center
• Bridges United Inc.
• Custom Canines Service Dog Academy
• Disability:IN Wisconsin
• East Madison Community Center
• Easter Seals Wisconsin
• Edgewood College
• First Tee – South Central Wisconsin
• Freedom, Inc.
• Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
• Friends of the Monona Senior Center
• Journey to Adult Success, Inc.
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Wisconsin
• Love Reigns Corporation
• Madison Public Art Project, Inc.
• Madison Public Schools Foundation
• Madison Reading Project
• Madison365
• Monona Grove Education Foundation, Inc.
• The Road Home Dane County
• Urban League of Greater Madison
• Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
• Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce
• YWCA Madison

Opening the application process resulted in an increase in new organizations applying that may have never considered partnering with WPS in the past. One of the critical aspects of the new process is inviting WPS employees to share the application with their favorite nonprofits, resulting in applications from nearly 60 organizations across the U.S., geographically diversifying the pool of applicants. 

About WPS Health Solutions^®

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 2,700 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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WPS Health Solutions CEO signs diversity and inclusion pledge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
DeAnne Boegli
Vice President of Communications
608-512-5754
deanne.boegli@wpsic.com

WPS Health Solutions CEO signs diversity and inclusion pledge
Company renews support for CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion^™

MADISON, Wis.—June 21, 2023—President and CEO Wendy Perkins has joined more than 2,400 Chief Executive Officers and Presidents across the nation to pledge action on supporting a more inclusive workplace for employees, communities, and society at large.

CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion™ is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

“My vision of a truly thriving WPS hinges on fostering an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves and share their big, bold ideas freely,” Perkins said. “When we take a closer look, ‘thriving’ suggests growth, development, achievement, and fulfillment. There is ample evidence to prove that, if done right, organizations with diverse and inclusive teams outperform their peers. It’s undeniable that our potential for growth and profitability is deeply connected to diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

In signing the pledge, WPS commits to:

• Cultivate workplaces that support open dialogue on complex and sometimes difficult conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.  
• Implement and expand unconscious bias education. 
• Share best-known diversity, equity, and inclusion programs/initiatives—as well as those that have been unsuccessful. 
• Engage our Board of Directors when developing and evaluating diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.  

WPS’ previous President and CEO first signed the pledge in 2021, and Perkins has renewed that commitment. Click to see a list of other companies that have signed the pledge.

About WPS Health Solutions^®

Wisconsin Physicians Service Insurance Corporation (WPS Health Solutions), founded in 1946, is a nationally regarded benefits administrator for a variety of U.S. government programs and a leading not-for-profit health insurer in Wisconsin. WPS Health Solutions serves active-duty and retired military personnel, seniors, individuals, and families in Wisconsin, across the U.S., and around the world. WPS Health Solutions, headquartered in Madison, Wis., has more than 2,600 employees. Within the enterprise, there are three divisions: WPS Government Health Administrators, WPS Military and Veterans Health, and WPS Health Insurance/WPS Health Plan/EPIC Specialty Benefits. For more information, please visit wpshealthsolutions.com.

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