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United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley advances the
common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all.
Our focus is on basic needs, income, health and education -
the building blocks for a good quality of life.
June 2011
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Allocations Report | |
In May, the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley completed the Community Investment process for the upcoming funding year. Ten teams of volunteers reviewed 58 applications for funding during the six-week process. Each program was reviewed in terms of how it met a community need, achieved results and exercised good stewardship. Based on recommendations from community volunteers, 53 programs provided by 28 agencies that serve the eight-county area will receive $5,045,440 (funding is provided July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012). The total investment plus donor designations is $5,082,266, an increase from the previous year.
"We began this process in March with a record number of community volunteers (92)," said Scott Ferguson, president of United Way. "I continue to be impressed by the thoughtfulness and attention to detail these volunteers showed as they determined how to wisely invest the dollars we are entrusted with from our donors. This process of having community volunteers review each program works to ensure donations are allocated to agencies who demonstrate need, stewardship and results."
Click here to see the list of agencies and programs listed by the four core areas of service - basic needs, income education and health.
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Volunteer Spotlight |
 This month we salute Mike Welch of Regions Bank and chair of the 2011-2012 Community Investment process. As chair, Mike achieved two key milestones - the establishment of policies and procedures and recruiting the largest number of volunteers (92). In his role, Mike provided leadership to the process and he also participated as a member of a volunteer team evaluating programs in the Education area of United Way. Mike and the other volunteers reviewed written applications and attended site visits to see the programs in action. "The commitment and thoroughness involved in all phases of United Way's Community Investment process is amazing" said Mike. "The volunteers spend countless hours fulfilling their responsibility to ensure that the community's dollars are invested in programs that improve people's lives." Thank you Mike and all Community Investment volunteers for your service to United Way! |
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Columbus VITA shines in Georgia |
 The Chattahoochee Valley VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program completed 2,238 tax returns this tax season, an increase of 45% over last year. Clients using VITA saved an average of $222 by using the free service. As a result, more than $3.2 million came back to families in tax refunds. Congratulations to the coalition and many thanks to the volunteers who participated! |
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tamp OUT Hunger Food Drive results & sorting food |
 | | (L-R) Cody Ellis, Zach Plazas and Carla Plazas helped with the Stamp OUT Hunger Food Drive |
The Stamp OUT Hunger Food Drive produced 57,250 pounds of food for Feeding the Valley Food Bank. Now, United Way is coordinating teams of volunteers to help sort the food. Teams are needed Monday - Thursday, June 1 - June 23. Morning and afternoon shifts available. If you have a team of 3-9 people that would like to help with a two hour shift, please call Terri at United Way at 706-327-3255 ext 212 or to send an e-mail to tparodi@unitedwayofthecv.org. |
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VIP Host Week |
 Valley Interfaith Promise (VIP) helps homeless families with children to get "back on their feet." VIP is in need of individuals or families interested in volunteering a 3-hour shift and hosting a meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) for a selected homeless family during the week of Sunday, June 5 - Sunday, June 12. First time hosts must attend a brief orientation. For more information, please call Victor Feliciano at 706-494-6348 or click here. |
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Y Kids Tri 2011 |
This triathlon (running/swimming/biking) competition for students 6-12 years old, will benefit the local YMCA. Volunteers are needed to assist with set-up and registration the day prior to the event, and from 6 - 11 A.M., Saturday, June 25 to assist with water stations, transition of participants, and crowd control. Students 13 and older can volunteer. For more information and to sign up to help, please click here. |
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Dream Center's Third Saturdays |
The Columbus Dream Center is an outreach ministry providing a variety of services to individuals and families in need. Volunteers are needed from 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. Saturday, June 18 and Saturday, July 16 to assist. For more information and to sign up to help, please click here. |
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Wonderful Wednesdays |
 Children and their adult friends can enjoy storytelling, music and other performances at Wonderful Wednesdays at the Columbus Museum. Volunteers are needed from 9:30 A.M. - 12 P.M. on Wednesdays June 15 - July 13. For more information and to sign up to help, please click here. |
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Renovation Station |
 The Renovation Station Store sells surplus, or unused items and materials to include building materials, fixtures, appliances, tools, and furniture. Proceeds benefit Columbus Area Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers are needed on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to help in the store with a variety of tasks. Two hour shifts available. For more information and to sign up to help, please click here.
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Box City Summer Camp at HCF |
 Historic Columbus Foundation will offer a one-week summer camp for kids ages 7-12 to teach them about neighborhoods and city planning concepts. Volunteers are needed to help counselors from 8:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M., June 13- 17. Another camp will be held from July 18-22. For more information and to sign up to help, please click here. |
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Summer Solstice |
 The Columbus Roadrunners Club is sponsoring the Summer Solstice 5-K and 1 Mile Run to provide an event for people who love to run. Volunteers are needed for this evening event from 6:30 - 9:30 P.M. Saturday, June 25 to help with registration, as course monitors, and to staff water stations. Students 14 and older can volunteer. For more information and to sign up to help, please click here. |
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CASA volunteers needed |
 CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) is a program where everyday citizens are empowered as officers of the court to work with abused and neglected children. Trained volunteers are currently needed to assist. For more information, please click here. To sign up for training that begins June 14th from 6-9 P.M. call Alaina Barnett at 706-327-9612. |
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Volunteer orientation for YP's |
 Are you a member of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce YP's (Young Professionals) or thinking about joining? If so, a United Way volunteer orientation session just for you will be held from 12-1 P.M., Tuesday, June 14 at the Chamber. To register to attend, please click here. |
| Upcoming United Way Volunteer Center orientations | |
Looking for ways to meet new friends and give back to the community? Are you an adult or student needing community service hours? Learn more about how the United Way Volunteer Center can help and join us for a volunteer orientation. All it takes is one 45-minute session to help you get started.
Upcoming orientations include:
- Saturday, June 4 at 10:30 A.M. at Columbus Public Library
- Thursday, June 23 at 12 noon at Columbus Public Library
- Saturday, July 9 at 10:30 A.M. at Columbus Public Library
Please click this link to register for an orientation or call 706-327-3255, ext. 212.
If five (5) or more people from a group of co-workers, friends or colleagues are interested in orientation, we'll come to you! For more information, please call 706-327-3255, ext 212, or e-mail volunteer@unitedwayofthecv.org.
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| Additional volunteer opportunities |
Click here to browse more volunteer choices where you can make a difference. |
| Welcome new volunteers! |
Welcome to the following people that completed volunteer orientation in May!
Crystal Avery, Deborah Banks, J.B. Banks, Jennifer Barnhart, Joan Bowden, Barbara Caldwell, Ann Carlisle, Everett Graham, Georgia Hill, Ken Hull, Ryan Lloyd, Wesley Melina, Chelsea Paulding, Keir Smith, Steven Talley, Cynthia Tharp, and Nicholas Tharp.
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| What the Volunteer Center can do |
The United Way Volunteer Center promotes volunteerism by linking people to flexible opportunities for service through programs, projects and partnerships. |
Sincerely,
United Way Volunteer Center
706-327-3255, ext. 212
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