The award recognizes an individual or organization that demonstrates leadership and commitment in addressing the needs of low-income people. Family Planning Health Services in Wausau nominated Rau for the award.

“It was surprising and very pleasing,” Rau said. “It recognizes the work we do here in the community.”

The two-day conference, held Sept. 18 and 19, brought together officials and poverty advocates from across the state and emphasized that it takes the work of an entire community, not just select groups, to combat poverty, Rau said. Marathon County excels at this because it has several organizations that work together when addressing poverty, he said.

“Poverty’s such a difficult issue,” Rau said. “You have to work as a team.”