This spring a number of local adults and youth took part in Community Listening Sessions to discuss what kind of community they want, what stands in the way of that, and what opportunity looks like. 

United Way of Southwest Minnesota was one of fifty-one local United Way organizations (and the only one in Minnesota) taking part in this world-wide conversation project. 

People in these conversations say that they are focused on the human consequences of lost opportunity and the need for individuals - more than organizations and institutions - to step forward to improve things.  Many say a lost sense of connection to other people is at the core of the problems facing their communities and that repairing this connection will help them to make progress. 

Key Themes:

• Opportunity means the same thing worldwide:  a job that pays, a decent education and a healthy community.
• People, especially young people, say they are on their own.
• People say they need to step up and step forward.

 Click here for online version of the report.

After nearly 4 years of coordinating the Success By 6 early childhood initiative work at United Way of Southwest Minnesota, Teresa Kock (above right) is headed back to college to gain teaching certification. 

When asked about her experience, Teresa said, "I've enjoyed planning so many different activities and programs over the past few years.  Watching the kids be excited about learning brings so much joy."

Stephanie Cordes (above left) has joined our staff and will work to keep a strong focus on early literacy and school readiness for all young children living in this area.

For more information about local Success By 6 work click here.   To get involved click here to send us an email.

Are you looking for information about your local food shelf? Need help finding Child Care? Where do you call to find out about transportation?  

If you need information about a program in your community you can dial 2-1-1 toll free or 1-800-543-7709 toll free from your cell phone. You can also visit the new 2-1-1 website by clicking here.

CONDENSED COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MN OFFICE - FREE! 

Your United Way office has recently updated its popular listing of local agencies and telephone numbers.  This is available at our office which is located in the RLC Building, 109 S 5th Street, Suite 300, Marshall, MN.  Our telephone number is 507-929-2273.  

Click here for the link to the Spring 2012 edition of our newsletter for families of children enrolled in the Imagination Library program and others who care about the future of young people.

This addition features the summer Wild About Reading schedule and some practical Love and Logic parenting tools.  Check it out today.