United Way of Paducah - McCracken County celebrates two major events in September

 

United Way of Paducah-McCracken County (UWP) is launching their third annual Project United on Friday, September 9 at 8:30 a.m. CDT at the Salvation Army Gymnasium, located at 2990 Trimble Street in Paducah.  Last year, over 250 volunteers completed 35 projects at 13 agencies across McCracken County.

Interested in participating?  Gather a team of co-workers, friends, or just bring yourself!  Register today at unitedwaypaducah.org. No special skills required--just the desire to make a difference! 

UWP's next major event is their 17th annual 5K and Youth 1 Mile Race on Saturday, September 24.  Since 1994, the UWP 5K Run and Fitness Walk has been an annual event for over 500 runners, walkers and volunteers from as far away as Florida. The event is geared for families and community groups to enjoy while promoting health and fitness.   Click here to learn more or register for the race! 

 

2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book to Be Released Next Week

Webinar this Thursday, August 11, 12-1:15 p.m. EDT

 

On August 17, 2011, the Annie E. Casey Foundation will release its 22nd annual KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a national and state-by-state report that includes key measures and statistical trends on the condition of America's children and families. Nationally since 2000, five of the 10 key indicators of child well-being improved, three indicators got worse, and two areas are not comparable based on the most recent year of data available. Unemployment and foreclosure are two additional indicators addressed in this year's Data Book, which is themed "America's Children, America's Challenge: Promoting Opportunity for the Next Generation." 

 

A media webinar to discuss the 2011 Data Book is scheduled for this Thursday, August 11, 2011, 12:00-1:15 p.m. EDT.   To register for this briefing please go to:  A Preview of the 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book. Once you register, you will receive specific instructions by e-mail on how to call in and view the webinar. 
  

New Research on Cost Savings from Early Learning

by Maureen Kelleher, Education Week, July 29, 2011 

In late July, the Pew Center on the States released a report by economist Timothy Bartik with new estimates of the effects and cost savings taxpayers can realize from high quality prekindergarten programs: 

• Reduction in special-education placements of 30 to 50 percent;
• Reduction in grade retention (K-8) by up to 33 percent;
• Cost savings of up to $3,700 per child over the K-12 years;
• Crime-related cost savings ranging from $2 to $11 per dollar invested.

While Bartik's research indicates that universal prekindergarten provides the most return on investment, states can see also see results by targeting at-risk children through programs like home visiting.

Bartik, senior economist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, has just published a new book, Investing in Kids: Early Childhood Programs and Economic Development, on which the Pew brief is based. 

   

United Way of Murray - Calloway County celebrates Peggy Billington 

Long-time Executive Director to retire this year  

United Way of Murray-Calloway County (UWMCC) is celebrating Peggy Billington's 12 years of service with the organization on Tuesday, August 30 at 6:00 p.m. CDT, in the Large Ballroom at Murray State University's Curris Center.  The event coincides with UWMCC's campaign kickoff celebration and will highlight Peggy's accomplishments throughout her career with United Way.  For more information, contact Aaron Dail at aaronuw@murray-ky.net or by phone at 270-753-0317. 

United Way of Kentucky would like to thank Peggy for her service to Kentucky and the United Way system over the last 12 years.  Congratulations Peggy! 

 

August Birthday Announcements!

 

The following is a list of friends of United Way of Kentucky celebrating birthdays this month. Join us in wishing them a happy and healthy year to come! 

August 1: Bill Farmer
August 12: Gaylan Good
August 26: Ben LaRue
August 27: Tori Molfese