Journal Entry: Gregory Wall, Marketing Director

Additional Contributing Employee(s): Heidi Conde, Compliance Officer; Dianne Funk, Cashier; Linda Hrupka, Mortgage Loan Specialist; Colin Hennessey, Retail Sales Director; Kim Terpstra, Mortgage Lending Officer; Kevin Jorgensen, Mortgage Lender; Patti Kratt, Mortgage Loan Specialist; Gretchen Neu, Mortgage Loan Specialist; Angie Schatzman, Branch Retail Manager; Peter Schumacher, SVP & Chief Financial Officer; Natalie Strasser, Administrative Assistant

I first became aware of Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin a couple years ago when another CSB employee was helping promote a donation campaign that the organization was conducting. Over the past several years the organization has continued to grow and assist local veterans who have fallen on hard times.
 
From the Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin: “Veterans Outreach provides a food pantry to Veterans in need. The pantry is available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and can be accessed weekly. In addition, VOW provides housing and a homelessness recovery program through James A. Peterson Veteran Village and SC Johnson Community Center. The Village offers housing consisting of 15 tiny homes and the Community Center, which provides 24/7 access to bathrooms, showers, laundry room, a full-sized kitchen, group therapy area, and recreation area. Support and guidance for Veterans benefits, job readiness, and life skills is also provided.”
 
VOW is a great organization that selflessly helps provide support to area veterans, some of whom are homeless. The staff at VOW have a goal of breaking the cycle of homelessness which includes providing education, counseling, support and a sense of community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support such a wonderful organization, and I’m so glad that so many other CSB team members were able to contribute as well.
 
On behalf of our Gift2Giving group at CSB I’d like to say to the staff, and volunteers at Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin, “Thank you for all that you do.” And to the residents and clients of VOW, I’d like to say “Thank you for your service.”

Journal Entry: Kim Ligocki, Human Resource Director

Community State Bank is dedicated to lifelong learning. I have reaped the benefit of this dedication, here at CSB, by the numerous training opportunities I have been able to take advantage of throughout my career here. I believe that to be a lifelong learner, the love of learning must be instilled and nurtured starting at a young age. My daughter attended St. Mary Preschool last year and is currently in their 4k program this year.  A solid foundation for the love of learning started at St. Mary School for my daughter and I look forward to watching it grow over the years. Thank you CSB and St. Mary School for being dedicated to lifelong learning in the communities you serve!

Journal Entry By: Eloissa Heigl, Marketing Communication Coordinator

Additional Contributing Employee(s): Carrie Hall, CSB Deposit Operations Specialist; Bill Fleiss, Credit Analyst; Ginny Bower, Deposit Operations Manager; Melody Kowalczyk, Universal Banker; Donna Daniels, CSB Universal Banker; Karen Badtke, CSB Deposit Operations Specialist

Addiction hurts individuals and families physically and emotionally. It’s painful to watch someone you love suffer from such a silent disease. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that unfortunately, feels as though it may never end. But there is hope out there. There are organizations (many of them non-profit) who are trying to inform others about it’s long lasting effects and consequences at an early stage.

A few months back our CSB Marketing Department had the privilege of doing a podcast with Focus On Community. Focus On Community is a Racine based organization focused on preventing substance abuse and promoting healthy living within our local schools, businesses and homes. They are currently in the process of collecting funds to implement these services in schools such as Union Grove High School.

I love what this organization stands for... stopping the issue before it becomes one. But what I also love, is that they are a consistent resource through the struggle of addiction. When addiction pops up in the life of one you love... finding the help they need is difficult. It’s difficult because while you are emotionally facing the heartache of watching your loved one hurt... you have to find the solution amid your mental chaos and hurt. Focus On Community is changing that.

Thank you Focus On Community for your commitment to make our communities healthy and informed on addiction. 

Journal Entry: Jeff Reidenbach, Facilities Manager

I chose United Way because of all the different organizations that they are able to represent. I have donated to United way for over thirty years, and in that time we have helped thousands of people, to do everything from learning to read to financial stability.

Journal Entry: Neil Buchanan, VP & Business Banker

Additional Contributing Employee(s): Calivn Obermeyer, IT Assistant

I chose to donate to the Kiwanis Club of Union Grove because they put so much effort into bettering our community. Their locally-raised donations benefit local clubs and organizations that have a financial need, focused on youth organizations. Thank you to CSB for giving me the opportunity to give back!

Journal Entry By: Melissa Gramza, Loan Specialist

When I was given the opportunity to make a donation from CSB, I knew I wanted to choose the Eco-Justice Center. They have many programs that benefit the community of Racine, for example their Eating Healthy and Farm Corps program. The Eco-Justice Center started their Farm Corps program when they recognized that eight percent of Racine County is a food desert, meaning that many residents do not have access to affordable fresh food. With this program, residents have this opportunity to have healthy, fresh food. Thank you to Eco-Justice for making a difference in our community! ​

Journal Entry By: Ellen Galvan, Reception

Additional Contributing Employee(s): Ellen Galvan, Reception; Dave Moyer, SVP & Market President; Linnet Henningfeld, Deposit Operations Specialist; and  Joe Ditscheit, Facilities Assistant

“One flag, one land, one heart one hand, one nation evermore!”
– Oliver Wendall Holmes
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This verse brings it all to light. Our donation to Gifford –Larsen Post #7924 was given because of the extreme respect and admiration that we have for those how served to protect our freedom. Our history is alive in your hearts and the souls of those who lost their lives for our freedom. This is living proof that no history book can portray. We salute you and thank you for your service. 

Journal Entry By: Kris Mertins, Enterprise Risk Management Officer

Additional Contributing Employee(s): Michael Castagnino, CSB Business Banking Loan Coordinator; Kris Mertins, CSB Enterprise Risk Management Officer; Reagan McKeown, Universal Banker, Denise Engelhardt, IT Specialist; Janet Vandaalwyk, Investment Assistant; Jody Vollmer, CSB Retail Manager; Courtney Christiansen, CSB Credit Analyst

A little over three years ago, a mutual friend referred me to your organization when my kids and I decided we wanted to get a puppy.  I knew that I didn’t want to buy from a pet store or a breeder.  She directed me to your website so that I could learn more about what Woof Gang does.  I saw how you literally save the lives of animals from across the country through your network of volunteers and loving foster families.  It struck my heart and I decided I wanted to save a dog’s life too, so we adopted Watson (Lee). 

​I still follow Woof Gang on social media and continue to be impressed by the selflessness and dedication of Jodie and her staff.  Their service doesn’t stop after an adoption.  I’ve reached out several times with questions and for help and they continue to provide support.  Each and every animal continues to be a part of the Woof Gang family (alumni), even long after adoption. The folks at Woof Gang Rescue were very grateful, to say the least, and were immediately able to put the funds to good use by purchasing two MUCH-NEEDED indestructible kennels.  They use these for the dogs that can, and have, destroyed the normal kennels.

Journal Entry By: Steve Donovan, SVP & Market President

I decided to support Family Service of Racine (FSR) with my Gift2Giving award because of the amazing work they do for Racine County.  Access to quality mental health counseling in the area is very difficult and FSR has been providing this for over 100 years.  FSR serves all individuals and families but works with a significant number of individuals and families that are financial challenged.  The gift will go a long way to providing a baby changing table that is very much needed and I know will be greatly appreciated by all.