The MGE Foundation’s contributions to local organizations help to support long-term quality of life in our area and serve those among us who are at risk. From support for local community centers to our area’s domestic violence shelters, from child counseling and day-care services to our local food banks, our public libraries and beyond, there are many people working hard to serve and to improve our community for those who live here.
Helping people get connected
DANEnet helps bridge the technology gap for low-income households in Dane County. Photo courtesy of DANEnet.
“The COVID pandemic really laid bare the massive digital equity gap in our communities, leaving thousands of low-income, vulnerable households without resources to work remotely, attend school remotely or maintain contact with health care or social workers—because they didn’t have computers, internet or the skills to use them,” explains DANEnet Executive Director Shawn Steen.
That’s where DANEnet comes in to help bridge the technology gap. DANEnet’s Digital Equity Project offers adults and families from low-income households free basic computer skills classes (English and Spanish), free tech repair clinics, refurbished laptops at no cost and help finding affordable internet. DANEnet partners with local libraries to bring the classes and clinics to the neighborhoods with the households they’re targeting.
Helping vulnerable families get connected is only part of DANEnet’s mission. The organization also works with more than 100 Dane County nonprofits to provide IT support, network security and help in improving their efficiency through technology. Taking the stress out of IT for nonprofits helps them to better serve the community.
DANEnet builds technology bridges that benefit individuals, households and organizations throughout Dane County.
"Having a working computer and the skills to use it are crucial to the success of adults trying to move out of poverty, kids trying to do well in school and people who are elderly/disabled trying to stay connected to health care providers and friends/family."
Shawn Steen,
Executive Director, DANEnet
Serving for more than a century
For more than 105 years, Madison’s first and oldest community center, Neighborhood House, has provided important programming and essential support services to the community, including a food pantry and Thanksgiving Basket distribution. Photo courtesy of Neighborhood House.
In the heart of Madison’s Greenbush neighborhood sits the Neighborhood House—Madison’s first and oldest community center. For more than 105 years, it has brought together residents in the Greenbush and Vilas neighborhoods as well as students from the University of Wisconsin and Madison schools in the area. Residents gather for fun events, essential programming and supportive social services.
Neighborhood House provides a variety of youth programming, including day-long summer camps for elementary, middle and high school students; an after-school program for elementary students; mentoring for older students; and a year-round high school internship program. Adults benefit from fitness programs, writing workshops, English tutoring, cooking classes and social opportunities. It also provides essential social services, such as an in-person food pantry, community meals and legal assistance.
One of Neighborhood House’s most popular social service programs is its transportation assistance. The program provides direct assistance in the form of gas cards or bus passes.
“Several years ago, we were looking for a service that wasn’t being done elsewhere and realized people needed help with transportation. Now it’s one of our most requested programs. Support from MGE helps us reach many more people. They are blown away by the help and are so appreciative,” says Neighborhood House Executive Director Laura Gundlach.
“We’re Madison’s first and oldest community center. We’ve been providing high-quality programming to our diverse and welcoming community since 1916.”
Laura Gundlach,
Executive Director, Neighborhood House Community Center