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.