By Julia Lopez, community reporter
Andy Neborak is less than two months into his position as executive director of United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley and is already making a difference working with area nonprofits.
In a recent phone interview with the Chippewa Valley Post, Neborak said his short time with the nonprofit organization has been productive as he’s had to lead it through uncertain times and a changing landscape.
“To me, United Way really just tries to collaborate with area nonprofits,” Neborak said. “We refer program partners to advance the common good and quality of life in the Chippewa Valley.”
He noted his work with United Way started with navigating the nonprofit world during a pandemic.
“Within my first two weeks we were able to grant a significant amount of money in our COVID recovery fund,” Neborak said, for “the needs that are present in our area. It’s been very rewarding to be a part of that process – that’s very energizing for me to see we can be a resource in this time of crisis.”
United Way had to ‘pivot really early’
Kelly Christianson, community impact director at United Way, said she watched Neborak and their fellow leaders “pivot really early” to adjust their outreach to account for the coronavirus.
“I would say the most challenging part for many of us has been the COVID,” Christianson said, “and how that has impacted our community as a whole…and our program partners, and how they deliver services.”
Neborak agreed, noting that all networking and reaching out for donations must be done virtually.
“I’m doing what everyone else is doing,” he said, “building new relationships through the computer screen. It does create a new layer of challenges entering into a new role.”
Neborak came from Eau Claire Express
Neborak joined United Way after spending the previous 12 years on the staff of the Eau Claire Express baseball team, where his job titles included Assistant Director of Operations, General Manager and, most recently, Chief Financial Officer. He remains a co-owner of the team.
At United Way, he succeeds Jan Porath as executive director. Porath resigned in April after nine years in the position.
Neborak noted that the concerns of the community have been shifting as the Chippewa Valley continues to live with the coronavirus.
“The needs have changed significantly,” he said, “and that’s a tough deal. There’s a lot more people who have basic needs – shelter and food – with some of the layoffs we’ve seen, and the economy.”
Both Christianson and Neborak said despite those challenges, United Way has and will continue to provide services to communities and nonprofits across the Chippewa Valley.
Christianson said she’s only been with United Way eight months herself, but she thinks Neborak has been “sitting in very well” and that the leadership team has been working together smoothly.
Rotary Club led Neborak to nonprofit work
Neborak said he found his calling in nonprofit work during his time as a former president and treasurer of the Chippewa Valley After Hours Rotary Club, which he helped found. He said the club focused on hunger assistance in the Chippewa Valley.
That involvement “showed me I had a strong passion for service,” he said.
He added what really drives that passion is working on the ground and really getting involved in his community.
As an example Neborak noted the Rotary Club’s Thanksgiving dinner-packing drives, which he helped organize in 2016.
“We’d buy traditional dinner foods, turkey…etcetera,” he said, “and work with local agencies to determine families that wouldn’t be able to provide their own meals.”
He said his work with the Rotary Club was his first venture in “true service,” and he plans to continue and expand that hands-on work at United Way.
‘. . .be extremely present in the community’
“One of the goals I have is to just be extremely present in the community,” Neborak said, “and be a leader and resource for some of our area nonprofits who are really struggling. There’s a lot of need. I’d like to make them all stronger and spread resources.”
He said United Way currently partners with 29 Chippewa Valley nonprofits that work toward one of four “initiatives”: education, financial stability, health, and basic needs.
“If we help in those areas it has a very lasting impact,” Neborak said, “and down the road (the recipients) need less of those basic needs.”
For example, he said working with area nonprofits to provide quality education and mental health care for children may ensure they need less support from these organizations as adults.
Neborak said seeing these collaborative efforts come to fruition and witnessing real differences within the community is what continues to fuel his passion for nonprofit work.
Working with ‘really genuine people’
“I just think you get to work with really genuine people,” he said, “and really good people who have a true sense of desire to help with their communities.”
Christianson said she has been working with nonprofits for over 30 years because she’s found it so rewarding.
“Back when I was an idealistic college student I had my idea of changing the world, and then I got into grad school and went, ‘yeah, I’m not gonna change the world,’” she said, laughing. “But that doesn’t mean you stop trying. I care about people…people who may not have a strong voice.”
“You get people to put their egos aside,” Neborak said, “the most kindhearted people. I’m glad to work side by side with really like-minded people.”
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