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We want to begin by expressing our deep gratitude for your continued support of our organization. Your generosity enables us to serve our community in meaningful ways, and we are continually inspired by your commitment to helping your neighbors create stability.

Today, we want to share an update about our clothing center and its impact, while also asking for your partnership in ensuring we can continue to serve our community as effectively as possible. 

How You Can Help

Please Review Our Donation Guidelines

Over 600 households use the WayForward Resources Clothing Center each month. We are committed to continuing our free clothing center for as long as we can maintain the capacity to do so. To help us succeed, we’re asking the community to carefully review our donation guidelines before bringing items to us.

What We Gladly Accept:

*clean and in good condition (no rips or stains)

What We Cannot Accept:

We understand that many of these items are valuable and could benefit someone who needs them. If you have items from our “cannot accept” list, we encourage you to contact other local organizations that may have the space and mission to accommodate them.

Why This Matters

Understanding WayForward’s Space and Capacity

Here’s what many people may not realize: our facility operates with very limited space, and every square foot matters. Our primary mission centers on providing food to those experiencing food insecurity, and our capacity to fulfill that mission depends on how efficiently we can use our available space.

When our clothing center begins to overflow with items we cannot distribute, it directly impacts our ability to store and distribute food. This creates a challenging situation where generous donations can inadvertently reduce our capacity to serve our core mission.

Additionally, when we receive items outside our acceptance guidelines, our small staff must coordinate transportation to partner agencies that can accept these items. While we’re grateful to work with partner organizations, this process requires time, labor, and resources that could otherwise be directed toward serving community members experiencing food insecurity.

Moving Forward Together

Your partnership in following these guidelines makes an enormous difference. When you bring items from our “accepted list,” you’re not only helping someone receive quality clothing and linens, you’re also helping us maintain the space we need to continue our food distribution mission.

We recognize that it requires extra effort on your part to sort donations and ensure they align with our needs. That thoughtfulness and care is a gift in itself, and we are truly grateful.

Thank you for your understanding, continued generosity, and commitment to our community. Together, we can ensure that our clothing center and food programs continue to have the greatest possible impact in creating food security and housing stability for our neighbors.

Click here to see donation drop-off times and how to donate new household items for our Connections program from our Amazon wishlist.

 

An End-of-Year Message from Executive Director Ellen Carlson

I love roller coasters, even at my age! I love the anticipation of the climb, the rush of the drop, the way your stomach flips on a sharp turn. But I’m able to enjoy them because I know the engineers have designed every heart-racing twist for maximum safety. 2025 felt like being strapped into a roller coaster ride that we didn’t choose to get on, nor that felt safe. Federal policy and funding changes sent us climbing, dropping, and whipping around corners we couldn’t have imagined. We had to lean into every turn and figure out in real-time how to keep everyone as safe as possible–and remain seated in the cart.

What made it possible to stay on the track through all the twists and turns? We held on to each other. Our community strapped in alongside us on the bumpy ride–ascending to maximum highs by partnering to create stability in our community. Throughout the ups and downs and uncertainty, WayForward Resources has stayed grounded in our mission and values, while being nimble and responsive to what was happening around us. And together we made a difference.

One of the most significant challenges of the year occurred a couple of months ago, when SNAP benefits lapsed due to the federal government shutdown. Visits to our food pantry increased rapidly during that time as thousands of local SNAP recipients, who depend on those benefits to buy groceries at the store, worried about how they would feed themselves and their families. I was overwhelmed with sadness by what was happening to people in our community–and at the same time, I was also overwhelmed with gratitude and joy by how the community responded immediately–mobilizing and jumping in with increased food and financial donations. Working late, I would see cars drive in to drop off boxes and bags and carfuls of food without pause. By comparison, we had nearly three times as much food donated during the six weeks after our information went out as we did last year during this same time period. People experiencing this scare had access to ample food because you donated your resources of food, money, and time. We came together in this critical moment because we all envision a community where no one has to worry about if they will go hungry.

And while SNAP benefits have since been restored, much uncertainty and concern remains. Expected federal cuts to SNAP in 2026 will put 90,000 Wisconsinites at risk of losing their benefits. This will increase the number of people relying on food pantries. WayForward’s food pantry and the pantry system in our community are already stretched trying to keep pace with the record-level demand. Thankfully, to date, we have not had to turn anyone away from the food pantry, but it remains challenging to keep our shelves stocked with food. In the year ahead, we will be working even more closely with five other large food pantries in Dane County to explore new ways to order food together in bulk and pool our resources to bring in more food. And we will be relying even more on community food donations and food drives to ensure we can continue to feed our neighbors.

Our housing programs are also experiencing record demand. This past October, we received the most emergency fund requests we have ever had in a single month. One factor is that housing prices in Dane County are climbing much faster than wages. While new housing is continuously being built, it has proved challenging to keep up with Dane County’s growing population of all incomes. (Did you know that some projections have the Dane County area population at more than 1 million people by 2050?) Solving our housing problems truly requires a community-wide effort. This year, we hosted a number of informative presentations in order to share what we are seeing in our programs and hearing from the people we serve with decision-makers and community members. We hope this increased knowledge and understanding will lead to new approaches and effective solutions.

The roller coaster of federal policy changes impacted our housing programs as well. We were awarded a significant federal grant in 2024 to support our Connections program, which helps families in doubled-up situations (living with others because they don’t have anywhere else to stay) move into stable housing. While we had expected the funding to arrive over the summer to pick up where previous funding was sunsetting, it has still not arrived. There continues to be complications and confusion with much of the federal funding for community housing programs. This has caused disruption not only to our program, but to housing programs throughout the community. While we are still hoping for our grant to arrive, we are also exploring alternative ways to support families in this program in 2026.

When people ask me, “How are things?,” it can be difficult to answer! It’s hard right now for so many people in our community. We talk with people every day who are facing huge barriers and who are feeling scared as they have seen a wide range of stability-supporting community resources disrupted. But also, we have been inspired and energized by the strength of our community’s support that has helped us navigate these bumps and curves so that we can continue to provide food and housing resources for our neighbors.

We are still strapped into this bumpy ride. But we’re keeping our eyes wide open, preparing for the year ahead that we anticipate will be full of more unexpected twists and curves. We ask for your continued partnership in our work together to ensure everyone in our community has the nutritious food and stable housing needed to thrive. There are a number of ways you can still join us in making a difference this year. Make a tax-deductible financial donation online, by check, from your IRA, appreciated stock, or donor-advised fund. Donations of your time through volunteering or donations of food also make an immediate, impactful difference. You can purchase items directly from our online wish list for delivery, or use our top 10 list to buy items locally to drop off.

Thank you for choosing to create stability in our community–here, now, and for the future.

Sincerely,

Ellen Carlson, Executive Director

Donate

Thank you to everyone who contributed food and funds to support WayForward’s food pantry–ensuring we were able to continue to have food available for our neighbors throughout the difficult couple of weeks during the SNAP benefit delay. Together, we collected an amazing 87,851 pounds of food (the equivalent of 67,111 meals) from donation drop-offs, organized food drives, and our online wish list between October 21 and December 8. This amount of food is nearly three times the amount donated during the same period last year.

On behalf of all of us at WayForward Resources, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the partnership and leadership of the City of Middleton, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District, Middleton Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Middleton Business Association in the Community-Wide Food Drive.  A very special thank you to Middleton District 6 Alder Lisa Janairo, who was instrumental in envisioning, activating, and coordinating the Community-Wide Food Drive. This collective effort truly shows the impact we can have when we work together to create food security—and how together, we can make it through tough times.

When the federal government shutdown delayed SNAP benefits, putting people’s ability to feed themselves and their families at risk, our community responded—making sure that no one would have to experience hunger. During this time of uncertainty, WayForward’s pantry saw a significant increase in demand. On one of the Thursdays during that time, we gave out nearly 13,000 pounds of food—the highest amount in a single day this year. The uncertainty created by the SNAP benefit delay also led to 171 new households signing up to use the food pantry for the first time during October 21-November 8. Prior to this, we had already been seeing the highest demand in our organization’s over 45-year history.

As we look to the future, there is still a lot of uncertainty. But thanks to the support of our community, we were able to have food available through this recent crisis, and we will continue to provide nutritious food, now and in the future. We believe that together, we can create stability in our community, even in the midst of uncertainty around us. Thank you for joining us in our work together—and for continuing to inspire us with your generosity and committed partnership.

Darren Fortney, active volunteer, board member, donor advisory council member, and legacy donor at WayForward Resources, shares what inspired him to include the organization in his planned giving.

Why did you decide to make a Legacy Gift to WayForward Resources?

I’ve been a longtime supporter, advocate, and board member of WayForward Resources. Being a resident of the Middleton area for 25 years, I have seen firsthand the valuable work that we do.

Unfortunately, I anticipate that the need to help those in our community will continue long after I am gone. Giving a legacy gift was one way of ensuring that the small ripple of support that I can offer now continues long into the future. The concept of providing a lasting legacy gift to an organization that I am fully supportive of was a no-brainer for me.

What compels or inspires you most about WayForward Resources?

Being in the Good Neighbor City, I think it’s important to support all our residents and their needs, including those residing in neighboring areas of Middleton. Whether it be employment, transportation, food, childcare, or housing, they are all vital components for sustainable living and providing for a vibrant, welcoming community.

WayForward Resources supports two of those initiatives, food and housing, so I could not think of a better organization to offer my gift to. Having been involved with the organization for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand the value of the work we do and want to see that ripple continue long into the future.

If you were talking to someone else about making a gift to WayForward Resources through their will or estate, what would you tell them?

To be honest, it was surprisingly easy. Most people, at some point in their lives, will be considering establishing a will or trust. Establishing a legacy gift is very straightforward, and most of the professionals who create such documents are well-versed in it. In my case, it was as simple as establishing a written commitment and a dollar amount in the document. It was that easy. I’m humbled to do my part, both now and well into the future.

Talk to Us About Becoming a Legacy Donor

Interested in discussing including WayForward Resources in your estate plan, or to let us know that you already have? Contact Valerie Cavanagh, Development Director, valerie@wayforwardresources.org, (608) 826-3418.

“I was raised by a single mom who often relied on food stamps and food pantries. Back then, that usually meant generic food, a block of cheese, evaporated milk, and little else. The shame of poverty and the lack of choice stuck with me.

When I left a difficult family situation and joined the Army, I saw firsthand as a cook how food can boost morale and dignity. That’s why I’m proud to support WayForward’s client-choice model. It gives families the power to choose what they need, which brings dignity and hope to a process that once felt so limiting.
For me, supporting WayForward means ensuring no one feels the shame I once did. It means giving people choice, respect, and a better path forward.

Join me this GivingTuesday in supporting WayForward. Together, we can make dignity part of every meal!”

Christopher Morris
WayForward Resources Board Member and Volunteer

(pictured second from the left in the photo)

You can join community members like Chris on GivingTuesday to create stability. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram on December 2.

“I give to WayForward Resources because I believe everyone in our community should have access to food and stable housing to thrive. I can’t imagine facing a hardship like an illness or job loss, and suddenly not having enough food to feed my family or not having a safe place to sleep at night. WayForward’s work is more important than ever in this time of unreliable federal funding, when political decisions are having real and profound impacts on the lives of individuals and families in our neighborhoods. With our support, WayForward can provide critical services to our neighbors to meet their basic needs and find stability. I am proud to support WayForward, as a donor and Board Member, in the great work they do to make our community better for us all.”

Jennifer Wagner
WayForward Resources Board Member

You can join community members like Jen on GivingTuesday to create stability. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram on December 2.

Sandra* has a disability that causes her a lot of pain. She relies on her electric wheelchair to get around and maintain independence. When Sandra’s enhanced FoodShare benefits ended, she couldn’t afford to buy both healthy food and pay her electric bill. Sandra faced a difficult choice: purchase food or keep her power on—the power she needed not just for basic living but also for her mobility. 

Sandra contacted WayForward Resources for help preventing her power being disconnected. WayForward was able to send some funds toward her electric bill and provided her with food deliveries from our pantry twice a month. “It’s been a huge help,” Sandra tells us.

Her story reflects the stark challenges faced by Americans with disabilities in meeting their basic needs. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service (2023), food insecurity affects 33% of U.S. households with an adult who is out of the labor force due to disability, compared to just 10% of households without adults with a disability. This means households with an adult with a disability are over three times more likely to struggle with consistent access to adequate food.

The connection between disability and food insecurity is further documented by Feeding America’s 2022 research. Among the 79 million older adults over 60 in the United States, those with disabilities experience food insecurity at more than twice the rate of older adults without disabilities. These statistics highlight how disabilities can create compounding challenges, often forcing people to choose between essential needs like food, medicine, and utilities.

Your donations to WayForward help neighbors like Sandra maintain their independence and access to nutritious food. When you give, you provide critical support that provides housing stability and food security, and helps our community members meet their basic needs. 

Join us in our work together to create stability for community members like Sandra.

*A representative photo and name have been used to maintain client confidentiality

A year-end message from WayForward Executive Director Ellen Carlson

It’s been another year of unprecedented growth at WayForward. For an organization that focuses on providing the basic building blocks of stability–food and housing, growth is both positive and negative.

On one hand, we have made an impact on more people’s lives than ever before. Thanks to the support of the community, we have been able to serve over 13,000 people last year–more than twice as many as the year before. That means twice as many people have been able to avoid eviction and stay in their homes and have received the nutritious food they need.

On the other hand, our organizational growth has been driven by the tremendous rise in demand for our services. That’s why unprecedented growth is also cause for concern. We are seeing three times as many visits to our food pantry as we did just two years ago, and our case managers are booking emergency housing appointments out weeks in advance.

Numbers like these mean many visitors are coming to our food pantry for the first time. In fact, 50% of people who came to the food pantry last year were first-time visitors. Children and families with children are overrepresented. Around 75% percent of people who received food were in households with children. And nearly 100% of families served by our Connections program, a housing program that works with those in doubled-up housing situations, have children.

Key factors in this increased demand for our services include the rise in food prices, the population growth in Dane County and in Middleton and west Madison specifically, and perhaps most significantly, the increase in housing prices in our area. While we have a very low unemployment rate in Dane County, many of these jobs don’t pay enough to cover the rising cost of living here. Community members who were just barely making ends meet before are now unable to absorb a $150/month rent increase. With no increase in pay and nowhere cheaper to rent, they are turning to WayForward to bridge the gap.

These are big problems–problems that are greater than anything WayForward can address alone. And with the affordable housing gap widening and housing prices continuing to rise, we expect the number of people unable to cover the basic expenses of food and housing to continue to grow. We are committed to continuing to adapt, innovate and expand and to do all we can to make sure people have the food and stable housing they need to lay a solid foundation.

We also know that problems that are larger than us require solutions that are larger than us. We have already seen the community responding with growing support. Thank you. As we have shared with you what we are seeing, we are continuously met with offers to join the effort to build a strong community where everyone has the basic building blocks of stability. Because of your support, we have raised more dollars and brought in more community donated food this year than any previous year in our history. This is what has made it possible for us to serve more people than ever before.

In the months and years ahead, we will continue to need your support. As we expect to see demand continuing to increase, the only way we can meet it is with increased support. There are a number of ways you can still make a tax-deductible financial donation this year. Donations of your time or donations of food can also make an immediate difference. You can purchase items directly from our wish list or use our top 10 list to purchase items locally.

Donations like these help us address the immediate needs of the people coming in our doors every day. But we know that we must do more and dig deeper to address the larger issues that are leading to this increased need for food and housing support in our community. We invite you to learn more about these issues and add your voice to the conversations to develop larger, community-wide solutions. We will be hosting some opportunities in this coming year and sharing some opportunities hosted by others.

Our mission statement says we bring the community together to create food and housing security. We know the only way to create stability is through a community-wide effort. Thank you for joining with us this past year. We look forward to continuing to work together in 2025.

Sincerely,

Ellen Carlson, Executive Director

Donate

“I love the idea of supporting a cause that matters to me on Giving Tuesday. Middleton, Cross Plains and the greater West side of Madison is a wonderful community, yet there are many who struggle to feed their family or keep up with rent. I feel a personal connection to make my donation local and help those in my own community. WayForward has seen demand triple in the food pantry over the past two years. As I have learned while serving on the Board of Directors, food selection and availability have also become more of a challenge. We have all faced times of difficulty and challenge, supporting our neighbors in times of need is what makes our community strong. If you are able, please consider making a Giving Tuesday donation. Your donation, of any size, will make a difference.”

Kate Nisbet, WayForward Resources Board Member
(Pictured on the far right in photo)

You can join community members like Kate by making a difference on Giving Tuesday. Follow along on Facebook on December 3rd!

When Silver Lining Taekwon-do held its first Black Belt test in May 2017, staff, friends and families of the eleven Black Belt candidates donated funds to WayForward Resources (then-Middleton Outreach Ministry).

Since then, the Middleton martial arts school’s twice-a-year black belt tests have also served as a mini-fundraiser to support WayForward’s food and housing programs, with owners Mathiam and Laura Mbow matching contributions.

“At Silver Lining Taekwon-Do, we believe in the power of community and being there for one another.  We believe that when everyone does better, we all do well,” the couple writes. “It is for that reason that we are proud to be a supporter of WayForward which does so much goodness in our community helping those who are less fortunate. Thank you, WayForward for all you do and you can always count on Silver Lining Taekwon-Do to help in any way we can.”