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| 2012-2013 Campaign Kicks Off with Help from the Bradys
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Here's the story... of how you LIVE UNITED... You come together with dozens of other United Way volunteers and donors to get excited about the next United Way campaign! United Way of Southeast Mississippi officially launched the 2012-2013 campaign on Sept. 6 with a Brady Bunch-themed Campaign Kick-off. During the event, the Brady Bunch family made a special appearance, and attendees also heard a motivating speech from a parent of a Children's Center for Communication and Development student.
Campaign Chair Susan Slaughter announced that this year's campaign will strive to raise $1.4 million for United Way and its local community investment partners. So far, over one-third of the goal has already been raised by the Pacesetter campaigns. Way to go, early birds! United Way also wants to congratulate our All-Star Pacesetters who used creative methods or new approaches in their campaigns. The All-Star Pacesetters recognized at Kick-off were BancorpSouth, Christian Services, Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg Clinic and Regions. We encourage the rest of our participating organizations to follow the great lead that our Pacesetters started!
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The Brady Bunch family members were the special guests at United Way's Campaign Kick-off. |
United Way would like to thank the sponsors of the event, whose generosity provided a free meal for everyone. Thank you: Coldwell Banker, Community Bank, The First, Grand Bank, Hattiesburg Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Leaf River Cellulose, Magnolia State Bank, South Mississippi Electric Power Association, Southern Oaks House and Gardens, Trustmark National Bank and Wesley Medical Center.
In case you missed this year's Kick-off, you can watch a short video here or view more pictures here.
The campaign target deadline is Nov. 9. Anyone interested in partnering with United Way in the campaign or learning more can contact the United Way by email or call 601.545.7141.
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Day of Caring
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Volunteers work during last year's Day of Caring. |
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Mark your calendars now for October 26 and 27. United Way of Southeast Mississippi is partnering with the Hattiesburg American and The University of Southern Mississippi Office of Community Service Learning for two days of volunteerism and community service. On Friday, Oct. 26, volunteers from different businesses and organizations can work with United Way to volunteer their time at different United Way partners for a morning, an afternoon or an all-day service project. On Saturday, Oct. 27, the Hattiesburg American is leading local efforts for Make a Difference Day. Hattiesburg American employees will be volunteering their time at a Habitat for Humanity home site, and other community volunteers are encouraged to participate as well. Also on this weekend, the USM Office of Community Service Learning will be celebrating its 25th anniversary of matching students with volunteer service learning opportunities. The department, along with United Way, is encouraging everyone in the community to get involved and participate in one of of these important days of action to help our community. For more information or to register to volunteer you or a group from your workplace for either day of service, contact the United Way office by email or by calling 601-545-7141. |
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American Red Cross
Your United Way at Work
Local Chapter Responds to Hurricane Issac
The American Red Cross continues to work with community partners and agencies to identify appropriate resources for any remaining disaster-caused needs due to Hurricane Isaac. The majority of the needs were met by sheltering, feeding and distributing 45,500 items for comfort and cleanup. Red Cross health services and mental health workers also met with families that had diaster-related health and emotional support requests. Anyone with remaining diasaster-caused needs can contact the Red Cross, which might be able to help them or connect them with other community resources, by calling 601-582-8151. Celebrity Chef Cat Cora Visits American Red Cross Native Mississippian and Food Network's only female "Iron Chef America" Cat Cora and her mother Dr. Virginia Cora of Jackson visited the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Operations Headquarters in Hattiesburg following Hurricane Isaac. Cora loaded a Red Cross emergency response vehicle and traveled to nearby communities to distribute relief items. Dr. Cora, a nurse practictioner, worked with Red Cross Health Services staff to assess diaster-caused and aggravated health needs at the Forrest County Shelter. In 2005, Cora came to Mississippi with her charity, Chefs for Humanity, to assist in recovery efforts for Hurricane Katrina. "It's really important to me to support the Red Cross and all of their partners during times of crisis, here in Mississippi and across the country, and that's what we do at Chefs for Humanity," Cora said.  | |
Celebrity Chef Cat Cora helps deliver Red Cross supplies following Hurricane Isaac. |
Red Cross Leader McMahan Honored in D.C. American Red Cross Tiffany Circle member Marty McMahan of Hattiesburg recently joined fellow women leaders and funders from across the country in Washington, D.C. for a weekend of learning, sharing and networking at the Women's Leadership Summit. The Tiffany Circle is a society of women leaders and philanthropists who commit a minimum of $10,000 a year in support of Red Cross work.
"I'm proud that I was able to take the successes of our local Red Cross to Washington and share them," McMahan said. "I'm especiallly excited about all the new insights and ideas I've been able to bring home that will help us better serve the people of Mississippi."
Red Cross Offers Mobile Apps in Emergencies
Americans are becoming more reliant on mobile devices during emergencies as a lifeline for information, according to a new survey conducted by the American Red Cross. In response to the growing use of mobile app use, the organization has released a series of free apps for both iPhone and Android users, including an app for shelter locations, first aid tips and hurricane preparedness with a one-touch flashlight feature. Links to the apps can be found at www.redcross.org//prepare/mobile-apps. |
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DuBard School for Language Disorders
Southern Miss to Offer Degree in Dyslexia Therapy
The DuBard School for Language Disorders and The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education are collaborating to offer a Master of Education degree in Dyslexia Therapy, expected to begin in January 2013. This innovative program will be the first such degree offered by a Mississippi public university. While the program is still in the proposal state, specifics on courses and qualifications have already been determined. The courses will utilize the DuBard Association Method as the therapy methodology. For further information, contact Dr. Dave Davies at 601.266.5917.
DuBard School 50th Anniversary | |
DuBard School for Language Disorders invites you to attend its 50th Anniversary Open House on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Learn more about the DuBard School and its programs through guided or self-guided tours while enjoying some light refreshments.
Discovery Toys "Toy-raiser"
The DuBard School will be hosting a toy fundraiser through toy provider Discovery Toys Oct. 3-4 at the school. These multisensory toys emulate the methods of teaching at the DuBard School, providing children of all ages with fun, educational activities. All purchases made during the toy-raiser will go towards the donation of Discovery Toys for the school.
Lt. Gov. Visits DuBard
 | | Dr. Maureen Martin introduces Lt. Gov. Reeves to a classroom of students. |
The DuBard School was happy to host Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and a few of his staff for a tour in September, where he met with students and administrators and gathered information to take back with him to the capital. "We have to get education focused on the kids, not focused on the adults; and at places like this, it is clear that is the case," Reeves stated. DuBard School always encourages tours of the school. Call 601-266.5223 to schedule a time to see behind the scenes of the DuBard School. |
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Campaign Cabinet
United Way appreciates our campaign leaders!
Campaign Chair: Susan Slaughter, Hattiesburg Clinic
Assistant Campaign Chair/Pacesetters Chair: Russ Hendley, Hattiesburg Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Business Chair: Tracie Fowler, Hattiesburg American
Community Business Chair: Valencia Williamson, ADP
Education Chair: Becky Hurston, Lamar County Schools
Healthcare Chair: Joy Yates, Hattiesburg Clinic
Industry Chair: Steve Swiggum, Hattiesburg Paper Co.
Professionals Chair: Shawn Harris, Trustmark National Bank
Public Service Chair: David Miller, Forrest County
Agencies Chair: Dan Henley, The Family Y
Grand Givers Society Co-Chairs: Drs. Melinda and Alan Lucas and Toni and Jim Wild
Retirees Chairs: Jeanette and Tom Price
Communications Chair: Nancy Carpenter, Forrest General Hospital Home Care and Hospice |  | |  |
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Corporate Challenge
Congratulations to The University of Southern Mississippi Student Affairs team for winning first place in United Way's 22nd Annual Corporate Challenge held Aug. 25 at the USM Payne Center. Twelve teams from various organizations in the community competed in games like volleyball, basketball shoot-out, tug-of-war and egg toss! Second place honors went to Regions, and third place went to Forrest General Hospital LiveWell. Team spirit awards went to The Children's Center for Communication and Development, The First, Forrest General Hospital LiveWell and South Mississippi Children's Center. Thanks to all the teams and volunteers who made the day a success. Special thanks to Alan Carlson and Ron Cain for once again organizing the competition!
Did you miss all the fun? Check out pictures from the event! |
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Have you ordered your new t-shirt yet?
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DREAM
Your United Way at Work
The DREAM Tutoring Center is now open for business! The hours of operation are from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tutors are needed, and students needing assistance are welcome. The center provides help with homework as well as assistance with other academic skills. This semester an art program will also be offered once a month free of cost to students. High school students are welcome at the center to receive assistance with college applications and scholarship searches. The DREAM staff and volunteers look forward to seeing everyone there! For additional information, please contact DREAM at 601.545.2102. | | | |
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Pinebelt Association for Families
Go Local Luncheon | |
On Aug. 11, The Pinebelt Association for Families and the Oseola McCarty Youth Development Center hosted a Go Local luncheon to celebrate the harvest from the community garden and connections with local farmers. Some 40 attendees gathered at the center, including representatives from United Way, City of Hattiesburg, Forrest County Board of Supervisors, Westminster Presbyterian Church, the East Jerusalem neighborhood and local farmers, to share in the harvest meal. The garden, with tremendous hard work by Venue Church in Hattiesburg and Resinall volunteers, to name a few, yielded fresh okra, squash, zucchini, peas, butter beans and cucumbers, which local cooks whipped into delectable dishes. Savory beef stew made from fresh grass fed beef, donated by Barbara Drake, complemented the vegetable dishes. Much fellowship and lots of great food were shared!
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Attendees at the Go Local luncheon enjoyed a healthy, delicious meal. |
Thanks, BancorpSouth! BancorpSouth of Petal helped the Pinebelt Association for Families in August by hosting a Bare Necessities campaign to provide socks and underwear for grandchildren being raised by grandparents in the Petal area. Much creativity and enthusiastic participation helped 17 grandkids. The program seeks to provide underwear for about 117 grandchildren being raised by grandparents in surrounding counties.  | |
BancorpSouth employees and customers helped Pinebelt Association for Families with the Bare Necessities project recently. |
Support 1000 Helps PAFF
In September, Pinebelt Association for Families teamed up with Support 1000, a non-profit in Chicago which provides new and gently used bras to organizations and social service professionals who assist women and families. PAFF's grandmothers and the granddaughters they are raising received over 350 bras in all sizes and shapes. No one ever thinks about the cost of undergarments, but it can be expensive, especially if you are a grandparent on a fixed income. |
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Boy Scouts
Boy Scouts of America have begun their popcorn sales fall fundraiser. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in the Pine Burr Area Council are selling popcorn to raise money for their pack or troop. Anyone who would like to purchase popcorn to help the Scouts can call 601-582-2326.
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Scouts in the Scoutreach division learning about turtles |
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Wonder what your gift to United Way can do?
Find out with our online impact calculator.
You'll learn that a donation of only $10 can provide a meal to a disaster victim. And you'll see that a donation of only $25 can send two teenagers to The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club for one month!
All donations add up when they are UNITED to make a difference in our community. | | | |
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