Pillars: Shelter, Support, Solutions

Our Summer Donation Drive kicks off today! Check out the list below to see what we are in need of. The drive runs until July 26. Public drop-off locations include: Our Savior's Lutheran Church - Neenah Mystic Plant Room EXIT Elite Realty Please check the hours for each business before dropping items off. If you're looking for a different way to donate, check out our Amazon Gift List! All items purchased from here will be shipped directly to Pillars: https://loom.ly/kxM5d6o

As Independence Day approaches, Pillars invites you to celebrate “Independence Together." Your support allows our clients to build independence across many Pillars programs. One of those program is Single Room Occupancy (SRO). Living in one of Pillars' five SRO homes means clients share common spaces with roomates and have their own bedrooms. After leaving a relationship, Sarah* went to Pillars Adult Shelter and was later selected for an SRO home. Sarah is grateful the SRO program has taught her how to be responsible and accountable during her battle with addiction and mental illness. “I have an actual plan for the first time ever,” said Sarah. “I have a two-year plan. I have goosebumps! I’ve never really planned out my future before.” When you give to Pillars, your support allows clients like Sarah to learn independent living skills in programs like SRO. Celebrate "Independence Together" with us by donating here: https://lnkd.in/edxe4kY *Although the client in this story is real, their name has been changed to protect their identity.

It's been an exciting morning at Pillars! Today we received our portion of Outagamie County's investment in behavioral health via ARPA funds. As many of you know, Pillars has been operating on a deficit for the last two years. This investment allows us to focus on amplifying service quality and provision, sustaining programs at a level prepared to meet heightened demand and need, and establishing a plan to address long-term financial stability. Executive Director Lisa Strandberg said, "When you are grappling day to day with just trying to make payroll and keep the lights on, there is no room for creativity and that's what we now have room for." Read more here: https://loom.ly/7ip5YPI

The Pillars Adult Shelter is going to be open during the day on July 4th, and we are looking for folks that are interested in preparing and/or serving lunch for our clients that day. If you are interested, please reach out to our Volunteer Manager at tevers@pillarsinc.org. Thank you! *Note: You need to be 18 in order to volunteer at Pillars Adult Shelter.

What a great read! Check out this story to learn more about the Outagamie ARPA grant that Pillars is recieving: https://loom.ly/mruPKQQ

It's not too late for your business or organization to be a collection site for our Summer Donation Drive! If you're interested in helping out, contact our Events Coordinator ASAP. Send her an email at events@pillarsinc.org or call her at 920.734.9192 ext 126.

We are excited and honored to share that Pillars has been selected by Outagamie County to receive $1,500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The grant stems from Outagamie County’s decision to invest significant ARPA funding to impact behavioral health services in our community. This significant investment, recommended by county staff, is a testament to their belief in and support of the vital role Pillars plays in serving and stabilizing those experiencing housing instability. This funding is yet another example of our community’s belief and investment in Pillars’ mission. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a compassionate community where everyone has a place to call home. We are incredibly grateful for this support and are committed to using these funds to make a lasting impact. Read more about the impact of this funding here: https://loom.ly/7ip5YPI

We are looking for businesses and other organizations that would like to participate as a collection site for our Summer Donation Drive! If you are interested in participating, please contact our Events Coordinator at events@pillarsinc.org for more information. Interested in donating? Stay tuned for a finalized list of collection sites and other ways to donate!

As Independence Day approaches, Pillars invites you to celebrate “Independence Together.” For those experiencing homelessness, independence takes many shapes. Your support allows clients to build independence across Pillars programs. The Single Room Occupancy (SRO) program is one example. SRO empowers clients to find self-sufficiency. It serves as a steppingstone, guiding individuals from shelter to independent, permanent housing. SRO tenants are carefully selected from our shelters and offered affordable rent in one of Pillars’ five SRO homes. Each client has their own bedroom and shares common spaces with their roommates. Independence doesn’t have to mean being alone. Together, they can build a garden, cook and share meals, play games, and foster a supportive environment that feels like home. Your support gives people like Marty* opportunities for independence. Marty recently moved into an SRO home with two people she befriended while staying at Pillars Adult Shelter. On move-in day, Marty and the others excitedly discussed their plans to grill out together. Independence for them means unifying as one household and supporting each other. SRO Case Manager Meghan says, “SRO is that second chance our clients need to get back up on their feet and on their own. The program guides clients through their goals and teaches them self-sufficiency.” When you give to Pillars, your support allows clients like Marty to learn independent living skills in programs like SRO. Thanks to an anonymous donor, your gift will be doubled up to $50,000 if you give by Independence Day. *While the client in this story is real, their name has been altered to protect their identity. To read more, visit: https://lnkd.in/gDTy3caS To donate, visit: pillarsinc.org/donate

A few of our staff members had a lovely time at the United Way Fox Cities Campaign Kickoff earlier this week! It was an inspiring night discussing the importance of building a community where every neighbor is a priority. #DifferenceMakers