New Task Force Meets on Human Services, Non-Profits

Editor's Note: The following information was provided to Patch via a news releas from

A task force of community leaders met yesterday with the purpose of working with the community to develop recommendations for sustaining a thriving nonprofit health and human services community in Waukesha County.  Over the next year, the task force will meet with the goal of identifying how to ensure that community services are in place for future generations.

United Way in Waukesha County, the Waukesha County Executive’s Office and the Waukesha County Community Foundation have partnered to mobilize a community process to gain a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities resulting from the economic and fiscal realities impacting Waukesha County’s health and human services nonprofit agencies.

“Instability in government funding at the federal, state and local level combined with a flat or decreasing rate of charitable giving and increased community need has been a trend for multiple years and these challenges will continue,” said Jayne Thoma, Executive Director, United Way in Waukesha County and task force member. “This reality continues to put pressure on our nonprofit agencies and funding sources.  We have made a decision to work together and proactively explore new approaches and strategies to provide the necessary services to our residents that are sustainable and efficient. Our vision is to build a thriving and sustainable nonprofit community that effectively mobilizes community resources and continues to meet the changing health and human service needs of all who call Waukesha County home.”

The task force will be seeking input from nonprofit agencies and creating opportunities for community involvement as it moves forward. Comments can be provided to task force members throughout the process.

Members of the task force include:

• Andrea Bryant – Philanthropist
• Julianne Davan – Executive Assistant, Waukesha County Executive’s Office
• Jennifer Horth – Executive Director, Association for the Rights of Citizens with Handicaps
• Joanne Huelsman – Wisconsin State Senator – Waukesha (retired)
• Leon Janssen – Executive Consultant, GE Healthcare
• Suzanne Kelley – President, Waukesha County Business Alliance
• Kathryn Leverenz – President, Waukesha County Community Foundation
• Ed Olson – Chief External Affairs Officer, ProHealth Care (retired)
• Patrick Scherer – Scout Executive/Chief Executive Officer, Boy Scouts of America, Potawatomi Area Council
• Peter Schuler – Director, Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services
• Brad Schimel – Waukesha County District Attorney
• Teri Terrill – Executive Director, Family Services of Waukesha
• Jayne Thoma – Executive Director, United Way of Waukesha County
• Rexford Titus III – Chief Executive Officer, ProHealth Care (retired)
• Karen Tredwell – Executive Director, FOOD Pantry of Waukesha County
• Dave Vetta – President, First Business Bank
• Dan Vrakas – Waukesha County Executive