About

Our Story

Faith in Action of Marathon County, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides supportive services, at NO CHARGE, to Marathon County residents aged 60 and over, regardless of income, religious belief, race, or ethnic background. Trained volunteers provide services from area congregations, the community, and organizations to help seniors improve their quality of life and remain independent in their homes as long as possible.

Services include Medical Transportation, Transportation for Grocery Shopping, Delivery from The Neighbors’ Place, and Friendly visiting. These services are not available elsewhere, FREE OF CHARGE, and are often the barrier that stands between remaining independent and safe in your own home environment rather than having to move to professional, institutionalized care.

Call our office for more information: (715) 848-8783.

Our History

Faith in Action began with a grant from the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation in 2002 devoted solely to improving health and healthcare for all Americans, where the grant was funded for 3 years. At the end of the grant in 2005, the national offices were closed, and Wisconsin Faith in Action stepped in to guide local programs throughout the state, including Faith in Action of Marathon County. Since then, funding has been secured on the local level.

Donations from individuals, local businesses, congregations, grants, and fundraising events have enabled Faith in Action of Marathon County, Inc to continue providing services to area seniors at NO CHARGE since that time.

Our Board of Directors

President: Eric Steinbach* 

Vice-President: Dawn Genrich*

Secretary: Laurie Sazama*

Treasurer: Amanda Gadke*

Attorney: Michael Stueland

Additional Board Members: Kimberly Thiessen, Debbie Gulan, Ruth Hebbe, and Alison Jirschele

Our Staff

Alison Jirschele, BS

Executive Program Director

fiadirector.alison@gmail.com

(715) 848-8783

Alison joined FIAMC in June of 2023. Her passion is supporting and advocating for those who need it the most. She strives to make a difference in people’s lives and communities while empowering them to be their best selves. She loves to see people reach their full potential.

Alison’s impressive academic background, including degrees in psychology, human services, social work, and criminal justice, has equipped her with critical thinking, empathy, relationship-building, problem-solving, and communication skills. These attributes, combined with her role as FIAMC’s Executive Program Director, instill confidence in her ability to promote our Mission as a Trusted Advocate to our area senior residents.

Alison works directly with the Board of Directors (all of whom are community volunteers) to ensure the continued growth, sustainability, and success of FIAMC.

Ruth Hebbe, MBA

Director of Special Events

fiadirector.ruth@gmail.com

(715) 848-8783

Ruth joined FIAMC in October of 2017. She is passionate about serving people effectively. She strives for operational excellence, systematizes workflow, maximizes efficiency, and specializes in interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. 

Ruth’s integrity is demonstrated by her almost forty years of professional experience in business administration, networking, customer service, and volunteer involvement. These proficiencies formed a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of people from all ethnic backgrounds. 

Jamie Carpenter

Senior Services Coordinator

wausaufiainfo@gmail.com

(715) 848-8783

Jamie joined FIAMC in December of 2018.  She has over 18 years of administrative experience.

Jamie is focused on excellent customer service, has strong front office skills, and is dedicated to assisting others. 

 

Our Sponsors

Faith in Action of Marathon County wants to give special thanks to our corporate sponsors for their contributions. Together we can help area seniors remain independent.

United Way

United Way goes beyond temporary fixes to create lasting change in communities around the world. We impact millions of lives every year by bringing people and organizations together around innovative solutions.

B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation

The B.A. and Esther Greenheck Foundation were established in 1998 by Bernie and Esther Greenheck. Their purpose is to provide financial support for meaningful projects in Central Wisconsin that enhance the area’s arts, education, health, economic, and social development resources.

Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin

The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin seeks to provide people of all means an opportunity to make significant and lasting gifts to their community. They are dedicated to supporting our community and enhancing the quality of life in Marathon, Portage, and Waushara Counties by connecting donors to the causes they care about. “Philanthropy is our only business.”

Bader Philanthropy Foundation

Bader Philanthropies, Inc. strives to be a philanthropic leader in improving the quality of life of the diverse communities in which it works. Through the Helen Daniels Bader Fund and the Isabel & Alfred Bader Fund, the Bader Philanthropies makes grants, convenes partners, and shares knowledge to affect emerging issues in key areas. After 25 years and $250 million invested in addressing major social needs, Bader Philanthropies has created strong partnerships to lift individuals and their communities in Milwaukee, across Wisconsin, and in places across the world.

Connexus Cares

Connexus Cares has provided resources, time, and funds to nearly 150 local and national charities. They prioritize support and funding to organizations that provide basic humanitarian needs (like food, shelter, and crisis services) and those that work with at-risk youth, seniors, and veterans.

Otto Bremer Trust

The Otto Bremer Trust is a unique organization spanning banking, investments, and philanthropy. Each serves a specific purpose, and they all work together to deliver impact for the communities we serve. One hundred percent of our assets are put to work for our mission — and have been since 1944.