“UNITED WE FIGHT. UNITED WE WIN.”
“There’s never been a better time to join, or to step up your support. Let’s show, through our action, what it means to Live United. Join me in spreading the word on the importance of this campaign.” Isabel Santner, Partner at BKD and United Way of Monroe County 2018-2019 Campaign Cabinet Chair rallied support and inspired attendees during the Campaign Kick-Off event.
At the September 20th luncheon, community members and volunteers representing a broad array of businesses, organizations, and non-profits gathered to connect and lend their support towards the mission of United Way. Speakers reinforced why United Way continues to fight to ensure everyone in Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties has the opportunity to learn more, earn more, and lead a healthier, safer life.
David Johnson, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Indiana University and United Way Board President, welcomed the crowd of over 100 and reminded each person of the importance of their involvement, “For 1 out of 3 people in our community, at some point in their life, it is United Way of Monroe County and their network of 25 member agencies, that provides them the opportunity to have hope.”
Attendees were encouraged to think of the people in our community who turn their life around because of the network of United Way member agencies.
Efrat Feferman, United Way Executive Director brought to light, “Last year, thanks to your generosity, we accomplished a lot: over 4,400 youth were connected to mentoring relationships or high-quality after-school programs designed to help them succeed; over 1.7 million meals and 187,000 bags of groceries were provided to hungry people; 5,100 people accessed low or no cost emergency and preventive health care services; and over 3,000 at-risk community members were provided housing assistance. But these aren’t just numbers, these are our friends and neighbors. These are our colleagues and family members.”
Two member agency representatives shared their perspective about how issues their clients face are complex and the network of United Way agencies work together to provide individualized supports.
Marcy Wenzler, Director of the Housing Law Center at member agency Indiana Legal Services commented, “Every agency here knows how easily someone can spiral downward; when something is broken, it’s rarely a simple break, but more of a compound fracture. It truly does take a network to mend. In my experience, our fellow United Way agencies make all the difference.”
Amanda Nickey, President & Chief Executive Officer at Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, remarked, “As a United Way member agency we belong to a strong network of community organizations working on the front-lines to ensure that one day Monroe County will be a place where all people can live, grow, and thrive.”
Isabel Santner also commented, “Help make sure our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow community members continue to have access to the broad range of services United Way supports. And this year thanks to the generosity of the Lilly Foundation, we are pleased to announce that United Way of Monroe County is eligible for matching opportunities for new and increased gifts, up to $126,000.”
To help increase donor impact, the Lilly Foundation through the Indiana United Ways is providing funding to match qualifying donations. New and increased gifts will leverage matched donations to help initiatives including continued support for early literacy and parental engagement programs, financial stability programs including expansion of financial coaching pilot project, and strengthening information and referral resources for people struggling with addiction.
Donations made to United Way remain local to support effective programs. United Way works with 25 member agencies and many other local partners. Each donation is vital – every dollar helps United Way and its member agencies and community partners fight to improve the lives of all residents, including those who are most vulnerable. To see how donations are hard at work throughout the year, visit www.monroeunitedway.org/MyImpact.
“We have our marching orders! And we have exciting ways to join the fight and make a difference this fall.” Feferman closed out the event with the reminder, “All that we’re able to support in the community happens because of the dedication of so many of you who advocate for us and engage your fellow friends and colleagues in the fight for our community; those of you who volunteer your time and roll up your sleeves; those of you who partner with us on projects and programs; and those of you who give generously. Whether you give, advocate or volunteer, thank you for playing your part. When united we fight, united we will win.”
For information about how you can get involved or start a campaign at your workplace, contact Zachary Thomas, Assistant Director of Resource Development at zach (at) monroeunitedway.org
United Way of Monroe County is a nonprofit organization that improves people’s lives by addressing critical needs today and working to reduce those needs tomorrow. Through its Community Action Fund and grant initiatives, United Way works with 25 member agencies and community partners to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn more, earn more, and lead a healthier, safer life.