|
|
|
|
|
Our Work in Education
First 5 FUNdamentals Receives New Investment to Support Early Learning in Pierce County
United Way of Pierce County, a partner in the local effort to improve early learning among children up to five years of age, recently announced a $1.05 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to expand the area's home visiting program (Promoting First Relationships), part of the county's First 5 FUNdamentals plan. By meeting parents and children in their own homes, Promoting First Relationships aims to reinforce the parent-child bond, a key indicator for school readiness and school success.
First 5 FUNdamentals strives to improve school readiness throughout Pierce County, particularly among children in low-income families. The foundation's investment will make it possible for 400 more families to participate in the home visiting program, a key intervention that has been shown to promote early learning and help parents be the most influential teachers in their children's lives.
FULL STORY>>
|
|
Day on the Hill |
United Way of Pierce County's community champions, board members and staff joined with United Ways across Washington State to meet with legislators in Olympia on February 12 as part of this year's Day on the Hill. The volunteers spent the day meeting with their respective Representatives and Senators discussing the needs of each community. The event was a great opportunity to build relationships and share information with 14 of our Pierce County legislators and legislative aides. Conversations were framed around United Way's board-approved advocacy agenda, which highlights specific issues of concern affecting our county, including Education, Income and Health.
Volunteers encouraged legislators to continue support of Early Learning, the RSVP volunteer program and the 2-1-1 Call Center system. Early learning has been a priority issue for the Governor in the past and the continued support of the state is vital to the work being done in Pierce County. Additionally, United Way of Pierce County's 2-1-1 call center provides a valuable resource to Pierce, Thurston and Lewis counties, responding to more than 62,000 calls last year alone, and receives a portion of its funding from the state budget as does RSVP. Find out how you can help. |
|
VOLUNTEER
Reaping the Rewards |
|
Many school districts require community service as part of graduating seniors' final projects. For many, this is the first opportunity they will have to experience volunteerism. Giving back to help a person in need or make a difference in your community comes with it's own rewards. But for local high school students, volunteering can bring a reward of another kind. The Varsity Letter in Community Service program honors high school students who donate at least 145 hours of their time to volunteering in one year. The letter, just like those given to athletes and musicians, is an honor bestowed in only a few communities nationwide. Pierce County is currently the only county where all school districts participate.
 Do you know a high school student who needs to complete the volunteer portion of their senior project? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Your Gift Helps Families Get Back on Track |
Cathy was living in poverty for nearly a year. As a single mom, she worked hard to stretch her income and support her family. But the expenses were more than she could handle.
Single female head of households make up about 25% - more than 25,000 - of all households with children in Pierce County. The average single female-headed household has an income deficit of more than $8,100 a year.
Cathy turned to Intercommunity Mercy Housing for help. The connection helped Cathy find transitional housing she could afford. They taught her about energy conservation and helped her better understand nutrition. They also linked her to resources that helped her clothe and feed her children.
Thanks to your gift through United Way of Pierce County, Cathy and her family are on the road to financial stability. Hundreds of families just like Cathy's were also helped right here in Pierce County. |
|
CELEBRATE UNITED!
Mark your calendars for United Way of Pierce County's Community Celebration, April 21st, 2009 at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center. Celebrate the accomplishments of 2008-09, find out who will be the next recipient of the Spirit of Pierce County Award and learn what's on tap for UWPC in 2009. |
|
Visit United Way of Pierce County on Facebook. Join our cause to raise money and awareness for the toughest issues affecting our community. Connect with other community- minded people by joining our group or signing up with Project:U or Youth United. |
|
Did You Know?
United Way's Gifts In Kind program facilitated the distribution of nearly $1 million in donated products last year. These products, donated by companies and individuals from our area, were redistributed to help families in need.
|
|
Four Consecutive Years |
| Get Involved
United Way of Pierce County offers a variety of ways to get involved in your community.
GIVE - Donate gently-used items through our Gifts In Kind program
ADVOCATE - Serve as a community champion or write a letter to your legislators.
Read More
| |
|
