Our Vision – A community where people live longer, happier, healthier lives.

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Our Mission – To support programs, foster collaboration, and advocate for policies that support health eating, physical activity, mental well-being and social connection.

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​Our Core Initiatives - W3's programs are built on the socio-ecological model (public policy, community, organizational, and interpersonal factors) to support long term sustainable healthy behaviors, and are based on the following core initiatives:

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Eat Well – Increase access to and consumption of healthier food options for all.

Be Active – Increase access to and engagement in physical activity opportunities.

Healthy Minds – Cultivate access to counseling and support.

Connect – Encourage, support, and sustain social connections within the community.

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Strategic Goals

• Identify, build and sustain evidence based programs collaboratively with local partners that incorporate W3’s core initiatives.

• Increase and diversify local partnerships, and deepen relationships to create a collective impact.

• Identify and advocate for policy changes (at the community and organizational level) that help sustain an environment that supports W3’s core initiatives.

• Strengthen the sustainability of the organization.

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Our History

W3 was formed in March of 2010 by a committed group of dedicated representatives from UW- Whitewater University Health and Counseling Services, aspiring to create a coalition that would strive for the health and wellness of the Whitewater community. They were joined by Representatives from UW-Whitewater, the City of Whitewater, Whitewater Unified School District, local community organizations, health organizations, community members, county public health departments, campus & local ministries, and student groups. Together, these groups set out on achieving their goal to create a healthier Whitewater, not by focusing on the individual, rather by focusing on healthy social systems and the environment in which we live.

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In the years that followed, W3 made great strides to improving the overall wellness in the Whitewater community. Focusing on four dimensions of wellness: eating wisely, moving naturally, positive outlooks, and healthy relationships, W3 implemented programming that would enhance each dimension in a multitude of ways. Some of the most successful programs that W3 has brought to the community have been the FitKid Shuffle, Community Challenge Week, W3llfest, Yoga and Mindfulness classes, worksite wellness programs, and the support for multiple community gardens (Lincoln School Garden, Whitewater Community Garden, and UWW campus garden initiatives). 

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In 2021, the core initiatives and mission were slightly modified and guiding principles were added. Current support for community programs and initiatives is guided by these principles.

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Collaboration. Equity. Connection. Outreach. Advocacy.

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