Social Connectedness / De Pere, Wisconsin

Belonging begins here... in De Pere!

Social connectedness influences our minds, bodies, and behaviors—all of which can influence our health and life expectancy. Research shows that social connectedness can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being. Social connectedness can also help create trust and resilience within communities.

Past Events

Beau Thomas "From the Heart" Mural @ George Street Plaza

Beau Thomas’s mural design “From the Heart” was chosen through community-wide voting, both in-person and online, on the top 3 submissions that met the design theme "Belonging Begins Here". This theme was born from the Brown County Beyond Health Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) objective of Social Cohesion and the work that the group—which includes De Pere Health Department, WELLO, NeighborWorks Green Bay, Brown County Public Health, United Way, City of Green Bay, Brown County Aging and Disability Resource Center, and more—is doing with their campaign around social connectedness. The mural was funded by the Wisconsin 2024 Maternal and Child Health Block Grant (Objective 7: Social Connections), which also aligns with the CHIP goals.

Beau and the De Pere Health Department staff in front of the mural @ George Street Plaza

Beau Thomas Mural

Dr. Carol Bruess "The Science of Social Interaction" Workshop

Dr. Carol Bruess led an engaging, dynamic conversation about how each of us can make simple, zero-cost, actionable micro-changes in our daily interactions that will have big, lasting health benefits. Co-sponsored with St. Norbert College Health & Wellness Center.

Dr. Bruess Synchronized Movement

"Join or Die" Documentary Screening and Joining Fair

"Join or Die" is a film about why you should join a club and why the fate of America depends on it. It follows the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam (“Bowling Alone”). Co-sponsored by and shown @ Mulva Cultural Center, this documentary screening was followed by a Joining Fair with local organizations. For those who could not attend, but are interested in exploring local community groups, organizations and clubs to join, our booklet with all booth participants, including their contacts and information, can be found by clicking here.

Mayor at Mulva Join or Die

Did you know…

Lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%, equivalent to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day
Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter
Social support, such as providing emotional (caring for), practical (housekeeping or financial aid), or psychological support, can help to decrease poor birth outcomes in pregnant and post-partum people and can reduce rates of substance use and developing mental illness
Social connection with others can help:

Improve your ability to recover from stress, anxiety, and depression.
Promote healthy eating, physical activity, and weight.
Improve sleep, well-being, and quality of life.
Reduce your risk of violent and suicidal behaviors.
Prevent death from chronic diseases.

There are less social association/membership organizations in Brown County than the rest of Wisconsin and the US (8.2 membership organizations per 10,000 people compared to 11.2 in Wisconsin and 9.1 in US)

Places and ways you can increase your social connection and sense of belonging:

In De Pere:
- De Pere Community Center is an epicenter of lifelong learning, health, fitness, recreation, enrichment, and celebration opportunities for our community and surrounding region. There is a wide variety of programming available for all ages and Community Center rooms may be rented for business/organization meetings, baby/bridal showers, small wedding receptions, reunions, banquets, or parties for any occasion.
- De Pere Parks, Recreation and Forestry is here to help you explore your passions, hobbies, and interests (or discover new ones)! All seasons. All ages. All abilities.
- De Pere Urban Orchards are public fruit trees throughout the city that revitalize underutilized city property, create neighborhood activity opportunities, and promote awareness on the importance of agriculture and nutrition
- Brown County Library- Kress Family Branch De Pere offers gathering space and events that help build new and existing connections
- Definitely De Pere works to increase and coordinate unique activities that enliven the City of De Pere and increase the sense of community
- Sampling of groups to join:
  - De Pere Beautification Committee works cooperatively with the City of De Pere, Definitely De Pere, businesses, residents and volunteers in a coordinated effort to promote beauty and civic pride throughout the City of De Pere
  - Kiwanis Club of De Pere includes men and women from all walks of life, united in their commitment to serving children and their community
  - De Pere Neighborhood Watch Groups encourage neighborhood relationships while helping to keep the community safe
  - De Pere Area Men’s Club is a group of retired men working to make De Pere community a better place to live
  - GFWC Woman's Club of De Pere is a volunteer organization that supports reading for children, literacy for adults, and libraries around the world
  - De Pere Optimist Club holds the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life, and the world
  - De Pere Lions Club serves and improves the community while enjoying friendship and camaraderie
  - Rotary Club of De Pere serves the community while building friendships and social skills
  - VFW Post 2113 & Auxiliary is a place where De Pere Veterans and their families and friends are welcomed in a friendly and patriotic atmosphere
  - Knights of Columbus Abbot Pennings Council
  - Social Skills Group through Wisconsin Early Autism Project - De Pere offers opportunities for children (6-18 years old) with autism to build social skills and participate in clubs
In Brown County:
- The Volunteer Center of Brown County creates a stronger community by engaging volunteers to support nonprofit partners
- Discover Green Bay lists community events happening in Brown County
In general:

The City of De Pere, Wisconsin

Opportunity Runs Deeper in De Pere