MENASHA, Wis. (WBAY) – The U.S. Venture Open is back in northeast Wisconsin this year and continues to raise millions of dollars to help those in need in our region.
We looked at a local nonprofit that is thriving thanks to the golf outing’s support for fundraising.
For decades US Venture Open is a staple in northeast Wisconsin.
The annual golf event has raised $65 million since its inception in 1968 to fight poverty in our part of the state and help people who are making a difference, like Laura Kuehl.
“I had a really hard time in the foster family and then we were also foster parents,” says Kuehl.
Based on her own experiences, Kuehl founded HeadsUp Fox Cities in 2023.
The program is designed to support transition-age youth who are struggling with family trauma or trauma from the social system.
This program was made possible by the US Venture Open’s $30,000 Basic Needs Partnership Grant.
“It really got us out of the concept phase and into the direct ministry phase,” Kuehl said. “Last year we were able to start that direct ministry. That actually helped us bring in Jennie, our program director.”
Jennie Micke helps provide programs and resources for the 20 young adults who use HeadsUp’s services.
It provides essentials to the homeless. “Sweaters, hoodies, things like that are needed. We have backpacks if they’re staying in a place where they may not have the option to keep their stuff there,” Micke said. “We try to offer a variety of food, so only food that you can eat immediately as a snack.”
It supports young people with other daily tasks that help them get their feet on the ground.
“When you meet people’s basic needs, when you meet them right where they are and help them meet those basic needs, then that person believes they deserve it, that they deserve a dream,” Micke said.
For Kuehl, Micke and their team, it is rewarding work – work made possible thanks to the legacy of the US Venture Open.
“Since then, we have seen tremendous growth, and we have been able to bring these young adults closer to us and witness their growth, and it has been huge,” said Kuehl, “it has been incredible,”
“Absolutely necessary and we are very grateful for it (the grant). With the money we can buy things like bus tickets and tents and other daily necessities like food,” Micke added.
Both Kuehl and Micke tell me that homelessness continues to be a problem in Outagamie, Winnebago and Calumet counties and that their efforts are focused there.
HeadsUp Fox Cities currently has 20 participants and accepts a waiting list for its services.
For further information on the services offered, please visit visit their website.
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