Getting into the Holiday Spirit

By: Tyler Myers, United Way Intern

On the evening of December 5^th I volunteered at Arc Midstate’s Christmas party.  I greeted people as they arrived for the party and made sure they had a nametag.  I helped make sure that everyone who wanted to see Santa got a chance to get their picture taken with him. 

You could feel the excitement in the air as people arrived.  There was a lot of anticipation to see the Project Challenge Choir and of course, Santa.  One person told me they got there early to make sure they had a front row seat for the concert.  I wasn’t sure how many people would be coming.  This was my first time attending the event.  By the time the concert started there were nearly 200 in attendance, a full house!

I had fun watching the concert.  It was entertaining and interactive.  They encouraged everyone in the crowd to sing along with them if they knew the words to any of the songs.  Many took them up on that offer and joined in.  The room was filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of Christmas spirit.

At the end of the night Cindy Owen, Arc Midstate Executive Director, asked how I knew so many of the people.  I told her that I had known a couple, but that most of the people I had been talking with that night I met for the first time.  That was just the environment and the atmosphere of the event.  Everyone was there to have a good time together and it made it feel like I had volunteered there several times already.  This was a wonderful event to kick off the holiday season. 

Story and Play Time

By:  Tyler Myers, United Way Staff Intern

I recently volunteered through Reach Up Inc. to read to a classroom of children at the Eastside Boys and Girls’ Club.  As soon as I entered the room one of the children got up, walked over to me, and gave me a big hug.  Although I was quite surprised by the hug (which allowed for a teaching moment on personal boundaries) and felt bad that he had to be reminded to stay on his shape, it was a wonderful welcome to their classroom that made me feel much appreciated by the kids.  Each of the kids in the class has their own shape (heart, boat, star, etc.) to mark where they are to sit on the rug when they meet there.

Before I went there I thought about whether to pause after each page to talk about the pictures and the story, or to just read it straight through.  I decided I would play it by ear and see how the kids were responding to the story.  After the first couple pages of the story it was clear I should read right through because every set of eyes was locked on to the book, and every mouth was closed as they followed the story.

After I was done reading, I was asked to stay for their play time and gladly said I would.  At each play station, the kids were so excited to show me what they were playing with or what they had put together.  It was awesome to see how proud the kids were of their work.

I left the classroom smiling, feeling rejuvenated and uplifted by all of the children’s positive energy.  This is something I would definitely do again and recommend this volunteer opportunity to anyone who enjoys being around young children.  

Week of Action – Meeting New People is Pure Joy!

During Week of Action, I was personally involved in two projects:

·      Cards of EnCOURAGEment, an event coordinated by United Way at the St. Cloud Public Library.  More than 70 children and adults created 465 simple homemade cards that were sent to deployed service members and to service members who are home and getting extensive medical treatment.

·      Helped out at Oak Ridge Elementary KIDSTOP site in Sartell.  Along with three other volunteers (two adults and one young teen), we put frosting on Halloween cookies and served the kids, we helped a group of children make Halloween cards and one volunteer listened to children read.

Both were memory making experiences….

One  woman who made cards who has a son in Iraq. Her son’s wife and their two young children were there too.  The little boy was so energetic.  They saved their cards to send directly to Dad.

I met a young boy and his grandpa who came because they felt this was a positive thing to do together.  The little boy made a card with a spider man sticker that read “Aren’t you glad all heroes do not have to wear tights?”  You have to chuckle at that one.

I sat next to a wonderful woman from Somalia named Maryan who made several heartfelt cards and talked about her value for freedom in this country.

I met several students from SCSU who heard about this and wanted a way to show their appreciation.

A group of women from a local company came together, partly as a social event but mostly to honor the men and women in their lives and workplaces who are in the military.

I met a fun imaginative group of children who go to KIDSTOP on a regular basis afterschool.  I heard so many thank yous expressed to me and the other volunteers from the children and the staff. 

There was one girl who talked about Halloween and how their family would not be getting costumes because money was tight but they could have a little family party that evening together.

One 3^rd grade boy was making a card for a friend who had had a rough day.  I was the hot glue gun woman so I got to help him finish up the final touches quick before he had to leave.

I was so impressed with all these people, young and old, who were thinking of others and their actions showed it.  It was inspiring!

Rachel Miller – One Amazing Young Woman

A few weeks ago I had the honor or reconnecting with Rachel Miller and her Mom, Deb.  We videotaped them telling their story about how United Way of Central Minnesota partner programs had made a difference in their lives.

Rachel is now 25 years old.  She lives in St. Cloud.  Rachel is an active community volunteer at Opportunity Manor on a regular basis and serves on a committee with other WACOSA consumers.  She is delightful, warm in her approach with people, has a smile that takes your breath away and she was born with cerebral palsy.  She uses a wheelchair for mobility.

Rachel and her Mom talked about how United Cerebral Palsy of Central Minnesota helped them access the types of equipment that would help Rachel be as independent as possible and increase her physical movement.  Rachel shared how she was able to go to the all-night graduation party at Sartell High School because a mentor through the ARISE program, funded by United Way, was able to go with her.  Rachel could fully participate in that rare and one-time only event like all her other friends.

A former intern with United Way, Raashid Yassin, edited the taping and it was shared as part of the school year kick off for all staff in Sartell – St. Stephen School District.  I was there to witness the reactions.  Many of the staff sighed when they heard Rachel’s voice and saw her up on the screen – it was like they were seeing an old friend.  In the video, we were able to capture Rachel’s thanks to staff of Sartell schools.  She said they were always there for her no matter what. 

LIVE UNITED is United Way’s theme.  This story captures the ripple effect we all have in each other’s lives.  Thank you Rachel and Deb reminding me about why we are here doing this work together.

My Internship at United Way

Written by: Raashid Yassin, United Way Summer Intern

Summers offer a unique opportunity for college students like myself. Following the conclusion of a frenetic semester of college, the summer months present a brief window of time where young adults can escape the cloistered environment of campus life and gain the proverbial real-world experience that is necessary professional and personal growth.

When I decided to become an intern at United Way, I was faced with a recurring question that I couldn’t even fully answer myself: What does United Way do? Within the first few weeks of my internship, I was able to witness its mission of “improving people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of Central Minnesota” manifest through the Community Investment Team process. The work of the Community Investment Teams goes largely unnoticed by those in the community, which is a particular shame because it is, in my estimation, the best paradigm to understand how United Way works and who it works for. For those unfamiliar with the process, it’s quite simple. United Way commissions teams of local volunteers to debate the merits of local agencies who seek funding from United Way’s campaign. Volunteers drive the process, which removes any bureaucratic influence and puts funding decisions in the hands of a collective that represents the generous community that makes United Way’s work possible.  Agencies’ leaders visit to make their case for what is often a vital allocation of dollars, and usually do so with the help of the clients they serve. Every volunteer will tell you that the most effective presentations were the ones that integrated firsthand accounts of people who utilize the services that United Way helps to support.

Hearing testimonies about the everyday struggles people in our community endure was certainly depressing; it was not uncommon to see glassy eyes on volunteers and presenters alike. However, I cannot help but feel refreshed upon reflecting on the Community Investment Teams and my work at United Way. I have met so many impressive individuals who volunteer so much of their time and those that have dedicated their life’s work to ensuring that others have a better standard of living. Central Minnesota is lucky to have amazing citizens who tirelessly embody altruism every day. While their work may go unnoticed by some, it surely makes a world of difference to others. 

Amazing Interns

Crystal, Sonny, Raashid, Davina, Chelsey, Katherine, Mandi, Jessica, Molly, Dana, Sarah, Alison, Cindy, Lindsay, Holly, Amber, Laura, Briana, Cheryl, Kate, Anne, Marie, Quinn, Stacie, Erin, Deanna, Gaonyia, Tara, Denise, Kelly ….

I cannot begin to name all the tremendous young people who have interned with United Way throughout the time I have been fortunate to work here.  Over 125 interns have added to the quality and level of community impact of United Way since we opened our doors in St. Cloud in 1967.

I hear from some who have gone on to become social workers, teachers of the English language, researchers, fund development professionals, child care advocates, lawyers, United Way directors, volunteer coordinators, hospice coordinators, multicultural program coordinators, police officers, the list goes on….

One thing I know is that the very practical, on the ground experience they gain through their internship is a real asset.  It helps them identify their abilities, what challenges their values, build their skills and meet a broad range of people from throughout the community.  They meet CEOs of companies and people who have arrived this year from a refugee camp in Kenya.  They meet 3 year olds excited about getting Imagination Library books and retirees who volunteer at our office.  And they meet hundreds of volunteers and staff who work with non profits that our community could not live without.

What do they do? Author weekly volunteer opportunities columns that are published in the Times and emailed to hundreds of local people, staff outreach displays, research community needs and trends, develop and update resource listings so people can find services in the community, coordinate Llama Llama Read-A-Rama activities, create flyers for events, interview community volunteers and people helped through United Way supported services, share fresh ideas and perspectives, the list goes on …

Hats off to all these people.  They gain much in return but  they can never be thanked enough for all they do for our community.   

We got to know each other when we talked about our volunteering

I am a member of the Central MN Noon Optimist Club.  Today, I asked for time to have a conversation about volunteering.  I did this selfishly because I thought it might be a good way to get to know each other better.  I figured we all share a common value of wanting to help others.

I asked a few key questions and the conversation and connections started tor roll. 

We talked about volunteering we did as children/teens, who we remembered and how it influenced us.  A new member spoke about being asked to help residents in wheelchairs get back to their rooms after her church choir sang.  She said it was really scarey but she dealt with that fear.  A few members shared they never volunteered as a child – it was just not part of the culture of their family but fortunately they now volunteer helping with raffles to raise money for youth programs and coach t-ball for their son’s team.  It is all good – whatever we do …

According to several studies, adults who began volunteering as youth are twice as likely to volunteer as those who did not volunteer when they were younger.  Family volunteering has a lifelong influence.  Learning deepens when we physically act on what we are learning.

We talked about if we had ever been helped by a volunteer?  Interesting question because sometimes we see ourselves as the one helping others – it can be tough to receive help.  It is a reminder we are not truly in control of so many factors in our lives.  We need to open ourselves up to being helped – it opens the doors for others to learn and gain that sense of awe when they are able to be the giver. 

We developed a laundry list of things that we rely on everyday that would cease to exist if volunteers disappeared: churches, service organizations, democracy, volunteers in schools, hospitals, humane shelters, community theatre, the list goes on ….

Two more topics popped up …

We talked about volunteering we do now or have done recently and why we continue?

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One woman shared how she was at a national conference and attendees all participated in refurbishing homes and creating a playground.  Another said that a few years ago his wife volunteered him to be a co-leader of a canoe trip with 13 and 14 year olds in the Boundary Waters.  He has done it now for many years and learned his love of canoeing and deepened his concern for children through that intense experience.

Then we talked about our passions for the future … One person, who recently retired from years as a child care provider, said that she eventually wants to return to working with young children.

We got to know each other a little better by talking about what we do with our time – more precious than anything else we have to offer this world.

If you know of someone who is trying to figure out how they can volunteer, encourage them to visit United Way of Central Minnesota’s website: www.unitedwayhelps.org.  Explore the searchable database of volunteer opportunities or call United Way’s Community Volunteer Coordinator.  

Your United Way Gift in Action

Forty three United Way volunteers on 6 different teams recently met with all the programs funded by United Way of Central Minnesota. 

It was a moving experience to hear one story after another from people whose lives have been changed forever because of the generosity of United Way donors.

Here are a few …

A woman, widowed at a young age with two young children, got help for dealing with her own deep grief.  She then decided to pay it forward.  She has been a Life Transitions volunteer for 15 years and serves as a support group facilitator helping others who have lost people they love.  She turned her pain into positive action.

An Iraq war veteran is now a Peer Mentor through Independent Lifestyles, facilitating support groups for veterans and for their families.  We can never understand what he faced in his recovery from burns and broken bones from a bomb blast.  But … we can see his commitment and passion put to work helping other veterans and the people closest to them.

A mom shared the experience of supporting her 19 year old daughter in her decision to give her infant son up for adoption.  She spoke of the support she, her daughter and other family members received as they struggled through this decision.  Pregnancy Counseling Program of Catholic Charities provided the ongoing listening ear, information and non-judgmental attitude.  This child is now in a loving home and because of an open adoption will still be connected with the birth family.

These are only three of the stories.  United Way funds 40 unique programs.  Imagine this impact multiplied in people’s lives throughout local communities. 

Kinder Olympics!

This Saturday event back in February was so cool!  480 children and adults came for a weekend morning outing that cost only $1 per person.  Pretty great deal.

United Way of Central Minnesota was one of the sponsors of this event that was organized by the City of St. Cloud Recreation Program.  Marci Sussenguth from the City took the lead and did an outstanding job.

At Whitney Center in the big gym, there were inflatables, little basketball hoops, skipping games, crawl through tunnels, the list goes on… In another room there was story time, coloring, resource information for families and snack time.

I helped at the check in table.  Kids were so excited to get in the gym – some parents had to hold them back.  We heard many parents say, when they were leaving … how about doing this a few times in the winter so we can all get out of the apartment or house and have some time to run off our energy?

United Way chose to support this type of event specifically because it was in the winter and because many families live in tight quarters.  It feels good to get out and run and move and bounce. 

We hope to continue to see free and low cost events like this for families with young children flourish.  It is positive family time and there is nothing better than that!

People Who Inspire

Mary Beth Moline taught my daughter’s Girl Scout troop about Braille and wrote out each of their names on a Braille card.  She worked for years at Fingerhut.  She was the first person who greeted you at the main door as you walked in.  Once, years ago, she rode with me to Alexandria and spoke to a group called The Telephone Pioneers.  These are volunteers who helped throughout the community.  She has volunteered with United Way and volunteers at St. Cloud Hospital.  Beth always tells me she is glad to see me when we run into each other.  Beth has been blind since birth but she sees more than many of us.

John Wertz is a retired teacher from St. Cloud Area Schools.  He serves as a SCORE volunteer, a United Way Community Investment Team volunteer, is active in Create CommUNITY efforts and has served on the Y board of directors. John has used a wheelchair as a mode of transportation for a good share of his life.  He may not stand up when his name is called but he always speaks out for others from his depth of experience and understanding of the need to seize life’s opportunities.

Maryan Ahmed is a woman from Somalia.  She lives with her family in the St. Cloud area.  She is a Cultural navigator for St. Cloud Area School District at Madison Elementary, a great mom and an active community volunteer.  She helps other Somali community members as they are working to understand how to build their skills, gain employment and address their family’s needs.  Maryan is a volunteer serving on United Way’s Success By 6 Partnership Team.  She believes in the need for a good education for all children, starting at birth.  She and her daughters have helped with Kids Against Hunger projects and she and her husband have help with interpreting and translation.  She is one of the brightest and kindest people I know.  We are fortunate to have her and her family as members of our community.

Tired & Inspired

Last night I told the story of a little 2 year old boy who taught me how to say “thank you” in sign language.  I was talking with one of the couples who attended the Progressive Dinner event to raise funds for Imagination Library.  That little boy’s Mom had said she loved the Imagination Library book program but there was a big problem with it…. So I asked her to tell me more. She said … I have to read the book over and over and over and over again the day we get it in the mail.  I chuckled … that is a good problem to have.

So what was this Progressive Dinner all about?

Well from my end of things last night .. it was washing dishes and setting out desserts at the home of Barb and Rollie Anderson.  It was cleaning up the floor after a couple of food spills and a quick petting of their family dog when I stepped outside to cool off.

It was also about a ton of wonderful volunteers … food preparers, host homes, planning committee members, donors of food and beverages and desserts.

Everyone who attended kept saying things like:

-        “The food at the home I was at was tremendous” (foods at the 8 different homes in St. Cloud were from a wide range of cultures – Italian, Czech, Indian, the list goes on …

-       “I had no idea that many local children get the books, I am amazed” (11,633 young children in our area received books last year)

-       “How else can I help?” (Spread the word and keep supporting United Way and this program)

This Progressive Dinner was the second annual fund raising event for United Way’s Imagination Library program and it was a great success… more people are now aware of the program and supporting it financially.  Homes in St. Cloud and Sartell opened up to help raise funds.

It was a success because people care deeply about your youngest children and their future and because everyone has their own way of being able to help and make a difference.  Thank you to every person involved!

Keep Life Simple

-       Read a book to a child in your world

-       Look up at the stars, pause a moment, and feel the awe

-       Laugh out loud

-       Get your hands dirty in the soil and sweat from physical activity

-       Find your passion for helping in the community and act on it.

Donated Funds Get to Where they are Needed

Ken Benning, Jennifer Mrozek, Jennifer Dahlstrom-Lage, Shawn Kohout, Katie Manar, Brad Aanstad are local women and  men who serve as leaders of United Way Community Investment  Teams. 

There are six teams of volunteers, composed of 7 to 9 local people.  Each team reviews a set of funding proposals submitted by area non profits that have been invited to apply in this 3^rd year of United Way’s three-year funding cycle.  They conduct site visits with each program and make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors, who are also community volunteers.  A checklist of criteria is used to review each application … looking at factors such as ultimate impact of the service in improving people’s lives and sound fiscal management.

This process, engaging community members in key decision making, happens every year.  It is dynamic and challenging.  Volunteers learn about the impact of human services and gain an increased understanding of local need.   They get to know some very fine people who are their team members from a wide range of walks of life.

These decisions are difficult ones.  There is tremendous need and many issues facing local families are complex.  Many families, in order to turn things around in their families, utilize the services of several agencies.  Most non profits operate with very tight budgets, limited and talented staff and many volunteers.

I applaud these volunteers who commit many hours pouring through proposals with the goal of identifying the services with the greatest impact and ability to use United Way donated funds in ways that truly make a difference in the highest priority areas.

If you think you would be interested in this type of volunteer role in the future, contact me:  (320) 229-3507 or email: bschnettler@unitedwayhelps.org

Welcome Home

On Saturday, March 19, I attended the Welcome Home Event held at the St. Cloud Civic Center.   There were veterans from current wars and past wars present to thank each other for their service.  There were family members, children and adults, who hugged often and were just so glad to be together once again.  There were volunteers from a range of organizations who just wanted to be there to help and community members who came because they wanted to share their gratitude with women and men who have served on behalf of their country.

As part of the children’s area, United Way had a couple tables for children and adults to make handmade Cards of EnCOURAGEment… stickers, glue, color crayons, paper donated by Creative Memories.  38 cards were made in that short time, mostly by children.  They will be sent to Afghanistan and shared with service members who will feel remembered.  That is what it is all about.

The first few children who made cards shared with me that their father died in Iraq last year serving his country.  They were there making cards for others.  Pretty incredible, isn’t it?

St. Cloud Times Media, members of the Warrior to Citizen group in Central MN and all who were involved are to be commended for organizing this event.  There will be more Welcome Home events in the future.  When you hear about them .. check it out and attend.  You might be surprised at how glad you are that you were there.

Cards of EnCOURAGEment

More than 80 volunteers (over ½ were children) stopped in at the St. Cloud Public Library on a cold Saturday in January 2011 to make heartfelt homemade cards.  This was a United Way Day of Action volunteer event called Cards of EnCOURAGEment.  More than 600 cards were created. They are being sent through the Red Cross to service members in Afghanistan who do not get much mail.

I had a chance to read many of the colorful, sticker-filled cards.  Here are a few:

 “Thank you. Please come home soon”

“Ready for a joke to make you laugh?  Why did the bird go into the kitchen? Tweet (to eat)”

“You are in our prayers”

“Sending you big hugs and cheers from home”

“Words are not enough to express our appreciation to courageous people like you”

One young girl, probably about 9 years old, came up to me and asked if she could show me one of the 10 cards she made.  She said she wanted to keep this one.  She had a relative who had been hit by three shots, he survived and she wanted to give it to him herself.  I was glad she found this as a time she could make a card to thank someone she knew and loved.

One group of children came all the way from Eden Valley to volunteer.  They made 93 cards. 

One woman who sat alone said her nephew had been in Iraq and she used to write and sent him packages.  He is home now and she wanted to send messages to others.

A mom and her two children said they were having a “United Way Day” – volunteering at Cards of EnCOURAGEment in the morning and Kids Against Hunger in the afternoon.  What a great way to help children learn the value of helping other people!

One man and his two children said they were at the library, saw the event was happening and stopped in.  They needed to get out of their small apartment and do something different.

Several Tech High School students helped with set up, take down and made cards. 

Sartell Middle School students made a large number of cards at school and got them to United Way to include in our batch of cards – poems, drawings, letters.

There is no doubt.  We will hold this event again in the future. 

We Believe in Our Children

Three impromptu Imagination Library stories from one week:

·      Geri Bechtold, one of the key staff at Boys & Girls Clubs, works in partnership with United Way on many projects.  She oversees all the KIDSTOP sites so the value of investing in our children is part of her daily work… however, on this day, she told me about her 2-year old nephew.  You could hear the love in her voice when she spoke of him.  When the mail comes into the house, he wants to know if he got his book in the mail. When his monthly Imagination Library book is in the mail, he eagerly repeats “Read to me.  Read to me.” over and over which also means read it several times that same night. 

·      Linda Guggenberger, Bremer Bank employee, sat next to me at a recent community meeting focused on hunger issues.  Before the meeting began, she told me about her newborn 1^st grandchild and how this child’s parents were thrilled when their baby got their first personalized mail – an Imagination Library book. Linda talked about how proud she is of her son in his role as a new father and how committed they are to helping their child learn starting at birth.

·      Alexis Lutgen, one of our United Way staff members, recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.  At two weeks old, this baby visited our office and was being held by almost every staff member.  Then we had to get down to business… completing the Imagination Library enrollment form so Vivian could get her first book in the mail.

In 2010, 11,633 local children were impacted by the Imagination Library program. Think of the deepened learning, the positive parent/child quiet fun time together, the number of words spoken and discovering the world through books.  110,916 was the total number of quality children’s books received in the mail by these infants, toddlers and preschoolers … Wow!

If you know of a family with young children, ages birth to their 5^th birthday, who reside in United Way of Central Minnesota’s service area, have them check out our website www.unitedwayhelps.org to enroll or call (320) 252-0227 to find out more.  Many community members and area businesses also donate to this program to help ensure that all children have access to good quality books in their homes.  It is a win-win for all of us!

Who decides where the donated money goes?

Not me.

But one of my key responsibilities to ensure that the 49 community investment team volunteers who do make these important decisions, have the tools and information they need.

Donors work hard for the money they contribute.  We want to honor their wishes to have every gift make a significant difference in people’s lives. 

Trained volunteers use these key steps in the allocations process:

1.    Review the written funding applications from United Way partner programs and their agency audits.

2.    Submit initial questions to each program and obtain written responses.

3.    Meet with key program staff, volunteers and a representative of their agency’s board of directors.  Every three years this visit is done at the site of the program.

4.    Review each program based on a checklist of key criteria established for United Way of Central Minnesota funding.  (See checklist below.)

5.    Make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors who make the final funding decisions.

Checklist of Key Criteria for United Way of Central Minnesota funding:

·      Aligns with community outcomes sought by United Way of Central Minnesota (UWCM)

·      Level of impact of UWCM funding in program’s capacity to carry out its services/demonstrated need.

·      Urgency for these services in the community.  Need for service is increasing and basic human needs are addressed.

·      People served face significant life challenges.

·      Demonstrates sound fiscal accountability.

·      Works in collaboration with community partners.

·      Responsive to changing community needs, conditions and growing diversity.

·      Measures and demonstrates results achieved to as great a degree as possible – changes in people’s lives (skills, knowledge, conditions).

Every three years, we seek out new volunteers for this process. If this is something you would like to do starting in 2012, contact me at United Way: (320) 229-3507.  I would love to tell you more about it.

Be The Best Parent You Can Be

Edna was my Mom’s name.  Some said she was “the salt of the earth”.  I was fortunate to have her in my life.  She was the youngest girl of 11 brothers and sisters.  She knew how to work hard and she made the best creamed peas and meat loaf on this earth.  She had a hearty laugh and gentle brown eyes.

Why am I talking about Mom?

Well …  I was thinking about the “Best the Best Parent You Can Be” resource listing United Way has developed and recently updated.  It is a valuable list of local services that can help parents of children of all ages.   Early Childhood Family Education programs are listed for parents of young children who want to know how they can better support their youngest, counseling services for when times get tough, and services for families with children with special needs.  It is a great resource for every family.

This list is available on our United Way website under Success By 6 and we have, through an Initiative Foundation grant, printed thousands of copies we are distributing throughout the year. 

If you would like this list for your group – a church, a business, a service club or just for your family, check out the website or give us a call: 320-252-0227.  We would be very glad to provide them.

We all remember special things about our parents.  Mom often had to go to work early in the morning.  She would always leave a note on the kitchen table for me – sometimes just an “I love you” and sometimes a funny drawing that made me laugh.  She made sure I was safe and warm, had clothes and food.  We were friends and mother/daughter.  That made for great talks and times sitting on the roofed-in porch when the rain would pour.

Every child deserves someone like my Mom, Edna, in their lives.

Who was Uncle Vic?

He was my next door mentor when I was a kid.  All of us need one – an adult who cares about us unconditionally.  A person who models the positive traits that we absorb because we want to be like that person.

There are all kinds of programs in the community that help children and youth have a mentor.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota does amazing work.  Bigs are matched with children and youth who need someone in their lives, in addition to their parent, who can be there for them – spending time together on a regular basis.  Kids who are matched often get better grades, feel more confident in themselves and often volunteer, side by side, with their adult match.  It is a win for everyone involved.  United Way is very proud to support this program that creates magic in the lives of kids.

Want to hear a little about Uncle Vic?

He was a plumber.  When I was 10 we moved into Luverne from our farm about 7 miles outside of town.  My Dad had been ill and could no longer farm.  Luckily we moved in next door to Uncle Vic.  My Dad died of a heart attack about 4 months after we moved to town.  It was just Mom and me at this new home and I was adjusting to a new school and trying to make friends.  Mom needed to work long hours as the head cook at a restaurant/catering business.  So … Uncle Vic would always check in on me, sit and visit, tell me jokes – plumbers know good jokes!  We would play cards and he would bring over homemade lefse my Aunt Marie had made.  We would feed the squirrels and just talk. 

It meant the world to me. 

All Girls Deserve a Chance

My daughter, age 14, has a very good friend named Katelyn.  The girls first met through our Girl Scout troop when they were in 2nd grade.  As a co-leader of the troop, I met other wonderful women, moms like me, who wanted their daughters to learn the value of teamwork and the fun of learning together.

Over the years, the girls learned horseback riding, a little about Japanese culture, defensive safety moves, money management, attended SCSU's Passport to the World cultural event more than once, visited the SCSU planetarium more than once, and got to know each other pretty well.  There was always guaranteed laughter and many questions at every meeting.  Once, my daughter and I created a dance to Japanese drum music.  We taught the dance to the girls and they lined up their moms and taught them the dance moves in theschool hallway.  They learned about self esteem, respect for self and others, and valuing the contributions each person makes.  On a very cold winter night they took money they had earned through cookie sales for the troop and purchased items they used to create birthday bags.  These were then donated to Catholic Charities Emergency Services after we had a tour.  Parents accessing the food shelf and clothing program can pick out one of these birthday bags if they had a daughter having a birthday and could not afford a gift.  It was a pretty special night.  They organized an event about animal care for younger Girl Scout troops in our community.  More than 200 girls and family members attended to learn about pet care; pet a chinchilla and rabbits and dogs; and to contribute money and donated items needed by the Tri County Humane Society.

There were tough times too when we were able to support each other:  loss of grandparents, one of the moms diagnosed with cancer, and one of the girls was bitten on the face by a dog.

Girl Scouts was a great experience for our girls.

United Way of Central Minnesota funds the Girl Growth program and Opportunity Fund of Girl Scouts.  These services help ensure all girls can be part of scouting irregardless of their family income.  All girls deserve that chance.

Taxes – Who wants to even think about them?

David Schlough and Rod Harren think taxes are fun! I even heard them say it at a public meeting this week.  Who are these men?

They coordinate the Free Tax Preparation Assistance sites in our local area.  They are based out of TriCAP and work with 70 trained IRS-certified volunteers.  These volunteers provide free tax preparation at three local sites for low and moderate income individuals and families.

More than 1,500 local households were helped last year and the total federal and state refunds brought back to these families was $2,787,749.  This helps these families and our local communities.

This is something every local business should be cheering for!

United Way helps through outreach – building awareness that these services exist and recruitment of volunteers who go through a rigorous training. 

If you know of an individual (making less than $30,000 per year) or a family (making less than $50,000 per year), let them know about this free tax preparation service.  Encourage them to call United Way 2-1-1 Community Helpline by dialing  2-1-1 or 1-800-543-7709 to find out about the local sites and times or click here for more information.

Not Sure What To Do Next

Age 16, pregnant, sleeping on a friend’s couch, no permanent place to live and feeling very alone.

New Beginnings is a program that helps women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy have a safe place to live and support/education throughout the pregnancy, birth and first months of their child’s life.  Staff and trained volunteers teach life and parenting skills, help women connect with needed community resources, find and keep employment and/or school.  They make sure they are connected with a health care provider.

This is in the heart of St. Cloud near Caribou and Dairy Queen.  We go about our daily business and have no idea these little miracles are happening right next door. 

United Way supports this service because of the solid start these infants are getting – a much better chance for long term health and success in life for both mom and child.

Volunteering at Work!

Oxymoron?  In some people’s minds, but this can and does happen.  How?

Lunch time volunteering.

TriCAP and Pine Cone Vision employees created Cards of EnCOURAGEment over their lunch times.  These cards are sent to service members overseas.

Avon Lumber One employees created fleece blankets that were donated to Catholic Charities Emergency Services.  They have already found good homes and are keeping children and adults warm when the heat is turned down to save money for groceries and other basic necessities.

We all need to pitch in.  That’s what these volunteers did.  They found a way to be involved that included positive time with their co-workers.

Think about how you can go the extra mile.  Check out United Way Volunteer Central – searchable database of local volunteer opportunities online at www.unitedwayhelps.org or call Mary Krippner, United Way’s Community Volunteer Coordinator at: (320) 223-7991.

What if this were you?

Single mom, just moved to St. Cloud with two young children.  Newly divorced – finding a new life.  Working and have a small apartment – just making bills meet.

Gall bladder attack!  Lots of pain.  Noone to care for my children. Need to go to emergency room.  Doctor says I need surgery.

What do I do? Who will care for my children?

We are fortunate there is a local answer.  St. Cloud Area Crisis Nursery, a service of Lutheran Social Service supported by United Way.

Crisis Nursery’s top priority is the children – their safety and care.  They can provide temporary overnight care, if needed, through licensed providers.

They help in even tougher situations when a parent is at their wits end, concerned they may even harm or neglect their child.   Temporary child care in this situation allows the parent time to see the help them need to get stabilized.

Conni Orth and trained volunteers make this service available in our area 24/7.  If you ever wonder if volunteers make a difference, this United Way supported service is proof!