Periodically over the years, United Way Fox Cities has conducted an assessment of health and human service needs in the Fox Cities area. In studies conducted in1995 and 1998, United Way initiated collaborations with other community organizations to evaluate the needs of the community. In 2001 and 2006 United Way Fox Cities, Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc., Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership collaborated in the LIFE (Local Indicators for Excellence) Study. The latest study provides a wide spectrum of information and data depicting the quality of life in the Fox Cities area. The purpose of this community needs assessment is to describe: what "excellence" for the Fox Cities looks like, and the community's progress toward this "excellence" – its strengths, challenges and priorities. The LIFE study is one tool United Way uses to determine how best to invest donor funds in the community for maximum results.
