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.