Latest news with #TerriRefsguard
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'We're just happy to be able to do it': NEW Community Shelter brings community together for Easter Sunday
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – In a heartwarming display of compassion and care, the New Community Shelter continued its cherished tradition of serving special meals on Easter Sunday. The shelter invited the community to join them for a nourishing lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and a comforting dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Families hop into Spring fun at the NEW Zoo's annual EggStravaganZoo These meals are more than just food; they embody kindness, dignity, and a sense of belonging on this meaningful holiday. As Terri Refsguard, CEO of the New Community Shelter, shared, 'We always focus on hope, and Easter is that time of year where new beginnings, hope for people, and for many, putting things aside and starting over.' This sentiment resonates deeply with the volunteers, like Sherry Schneider, who has dedicated over a decade to serving meals at the shelter. 'We're just happy to be able to do it,' Schneider said. 'If you are just willing to be here and serve, it makes it easy for those who are willing to organize.' The impact of this initiative is felt throughout the community, and Michael Hyghdale, a Green Bay resident, expressed gratitude for the shelter's efforts. 'Some people don't have family; this is a nice place to come, and everybody is nice,' he stated. Downtown banners from Brown County Library to display rich history of Green Bay to NFL Draft visitors Jerry Liimatainen echoed this sentiment, appreciating the community's support and the volunteers who make these meals possible. As the New Community Shelter opens its doors this Easter, it stands as a beacon of hope and togetherness. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Local nonprofits bracing for impact of federal funding freeze
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Green Bay's local nonprofits face high uncertainty following the threat of a federal funding freeze that could impact crucial services for the homeless, disabled, and elderly. These organizations, which provide vital community support, rely heavily on federal funding to keep their doors open. ADVOCAP in Fond du Lac welcomes community to new 'Opportunity Center' The looming freeze, which has been rescinded as of Wednesday morning, caused significant concern among local leaders who were preparing for potential disruptions in services that could leave thousands of vulnerable residents without essential resources. One of the most affected organizations would be New Community Shelter, a rehabilitative homeless shelter providing services to those experiencing homelessness. CEO Terri Refsguard explained the critical role that federal funding plays in keeping their services running. 'We're a rehabilitative homeless shelter. We provide services to anyone in our community who finds themselves homeless,' Refsguard said, 'I think today we have about 103 people living with us.' The shelter's annual budget is approximately $1.6 million, with $215,000 of that coming from federal grants. The uncertainty of the funding freeze left many wondering how these services would continue if the freeze went through. 'We have hundreds of people who have moved out and received section eight housing. This could increase our population. If this goes through, this is going to hit us in a number of ways,' Refsguard said. 'I think my greatest concern is for our quote graduates who are out there in the community renting, who might have rent money this month.' Curative Connections, another key nonprofit in Green Bay, was also concerned about the freeze's potential impact. Serving a population of people with disabilities and those who are aging, Curative Connections provides vital services including adult care and cognitive health programs. 'Curative Connections has been in the Green Bay community serving the community for 77 years,' said Jeanne Stangel, the nonprofit's president and CEO. 'We have a strong reputation, a great understanding of the community needs and being able to offer services for people who need it.' Stangel highlighted that a freeze in Medicaid funding, which many of their clients rely on, could have a 'very significant impact.' About 80% of the individuals served by Curative Connections rely on some form of federal assistance. The rescinding of the freeze comes as a relief to these organizations, who had feared devastating impacts on their ability to care for the community's most vulnerable. Feeding America and Fox Valley Technical College team up to fight food insecurity with food lockers As federal funding resumes, both New Community Shelter and Curative Connections continue their work of serving Green Bay's vulnerable populations, but the uncertainty surrounding these programs highlighted the crucial role federal funding plays in supporting essential services. Nonprofits and their clients remain hopeful that their needs will continue to be met, even in uncertain times. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
