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United Way of San Luis Obispo County Live United - United Way
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February 2009 eNewsletter





Newsletter Highlights
Grants, grants, and more grants!  Explore the many opportunities, including Community Impact Fund, Youth Board, and Emergency Food and Shelter Grants, as well as the Innovation Awards.  Be sure to view the new and improved Opporutnity Exchange, formerly knows as the Nonprofit Wish List. 




ImpactCommunity Impact Fund Grants Available!

United Way's Community Impact Fund provides annual grants for local health and human service organizations that operate programs in the areas of education, income and health.  Through programs funded in 2008, United Way is helping to ensure that our community members have access to important support services, including food and shelter, cost-effective health care, and educational and mentoring opportunities for youth.  All grant applications are reviewed by local community volunteers, in a process that assures accountability and capacity for delivery, and encourages community problem-solving innovation.  If you are interested in volunteering to read grants, please stay tuned for more information.  To apply for a grant, you can download the application, guidelines and additional support materials on our website (www.unitedwayslo.org).  Please note that the application deadline is Thursday, March 19 at 4:00 p.m.
Education GraphicFinancial Stability GraphicHealth Graphic




ContributorNew Grant Opportunity for Youth


Three $1,000 grants are available to local youth in the community. Qualifying projects benefit youth, age 19 and under, in San Luis Obispo County, and should incorporate youth development principals, such as the 40 Developmental Assets. Applicants must have an adult advisor and an agency sponsor to act as fiscal agent. A workbook for youth grant seekers is available online, along with the guidelines and application for the grant. Applications are due to United Way on Friday, April 24 at 4:00 pm. Visit our website or email youthboard@unitedwayslo.org for more information.
 




EFSPEmergency Food and Shelter Grants

 
S
an Luis Obispo County has been awarded $182,353 of Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) funding to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county.
 
The award is granted through the National EFSP Board to a Local EFSP Board comprised of representatives from United Way of SLO County, American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Economic Opportunity Commission of SLO County, Jewish Federation, Ministerial Association, Salvation Army, Hotline, County Homeless Services Coordinator, the homeless community, and other county residents knowledgeable of, or involved in the delivery of local emergency food and shelter services.  The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds available under this program.  
 
The deadline for applications to be received at the United Way of SLO County office is Thursday, February 19 at 4 p.m., . WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT ANY APPLICATIONS THAT ARRIVE AFTER THIS DEADLINE.




InnovationInnovation Awards
United Way of San Luis Obispo County is announcing the return of the Innovation Award.  Last awarded in 2005, the Innovation Award recognizes a local not-for-profit organization for creative approaches and programs that provide value to the SLO County community in the areas of education, income and health.  The award recipient exhibits three inventive characteristics through its program offering and service delivery: lasting change, practical collaboration and internal transformation.  One award in the amount of $5,000 will be given.  The criteria and nomination form are available by clicking here.  The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m.  The award will be announced on or around June 1 and the recipient will be presented with the award at the United Way Annual Recognition Event on June 18.  For more information, contact Charlene Rosales at (805) 541-1234 ext. 14 or crosales@unitedwayslo.org.




Prescription Discount Card Saves Thousands 
Through January 2009 San Luis Obispo County residents have saved almost $143,000 with the FamilyWize prescription drug discount card, saving approximately $25,000 last month alone.  Each person saved an average of $29, or 45% by using the card.  FamilyWize prescription cards, which United Way of San Luis Obispo County provides to the community free-of-charge can be used to help lower the cost of any prescription medication not covered by insurance.  There are no forms to fill out, no age or income restrictions, and no limit on how many times you can use this card.
 
Additional information about this program is available online at www.FamilyWize.org or by calling United Way of San Luis Obispo County at (805) 541-1234 or. Cards are available at the United Way of San Luis Obispo County office or may be printed online. Local organizations are encouraged to call to receive cards in bulk quantities.




130 Years of Keeping Californians Connected  

 
Throughout AT&T's 130-year history in California - whether connecting the very first telephone call in the state or building California's  largest fiber optic network totaling more than 31,000 miles - they've never lost sight of the importance of giving back. In 2007, AT&T invested more than $8.3 billion in California's economy through the building and expansion of its broadband and wireless networks, providing volunteer and philanthropic support, and purchasing goods and services in the state. It's a company of engaged employees, reliable networks, and cutting-edge products and services. There are more than 46,550 AT&T employees in California, as of the 3rd quarter, 2008, and they take pride in supporting community programs that create learning opportunities, improve the quality of life, and help meet the needs of our diverse state. In 2007, AT&T employees and retirees logged 410,000 volunteer hours, representing more than $7.7 million in sweat equity. 
 
AT&T Aspire is their most significant education initiative and one of the largest corporate commitments ever to address high school success and workforce readiness. To date, AT&T has committed more than $3.5 million in AT&T Aspire grants to 35 California educational organizations working to support high school retention programs. It is part of the company's four-year, $100 million national initiative to address college preparation. 
 
In 2008 AT&T gave back to San Luis Obispo County via United Way contributions exceeding $18,000!




Money 

FREE Tax Return Preparation

Puzzled by the tax law or which credits and deductions to take? Need assistance with your tax return? Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites will be in session throughout SLO County until April 4th.  Each site offers free tax preparation to community members who meet the following requirements:

  • Total household earnings for 2008 are under $42,000
  • Rental income or self-employment income was not received
To learn more about how to take advantage of this program, please view our local flyer or visit the IRS website. 
 
Money




President Obama Signs Critical Healthcare Coverage Bill for California Children

Last week United Ways of California lauded President Obama's signing of a bill reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP.  The bill, which was reauthorized for four and a half years, provides critical healthcare for 11 million children nationwide, including nearly one million children in California.  United Ways of California has been advocating for SCHIP reauthorization since 2007.

SCHIP is the primary funding source for California's Healthy Families program, which provides low-cost health insurance coverage to more than 900,000 California children. The program is critical for children whose parents work, but can't afford private insurance.  With the economic downturn, more families are losing employer-based coverage for their children, resulting in record enrollment in Healthy Families.

The bill signed by President Obama not only allows children who currently receive health coverage through SCHIP programs like Healthy Families to continue to do so, but it also gives states the ability to provide health coverage to more children who need it.  California receives $2 from the federal government for every $1 it puts into Healthy Families, making it an extremely cost-effective way for California to provide health coverage to children.




NewStaffHeartfelt Thanks
 For all of you who have done so much
for so many people in our community
by Giving, Volunteering, and Advocating...
 
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
You are the best!
 
Warm Regards & Best Wishes,
Your fans at United Way of SLO County
 

 




WishListOpportunity Exchange 
This month our "Wish List" will be taking on an entirely new look!  As it has become much more than a "Wish List", adapting over the years to include items such as events and volunteer/employment opportunities, we have given it a new name reflect its devlopmen:  Opportunity Exchange. 
 
You can help a SLO County nonprofit agency by taking a moment to read through the list of items and volunteers needed, as well as employment opportunities, upcoming events, and advocacy opportuniteis. If you can help by donating an item or by volunteering, or if you want more information about a job posting, please contact the agency directly using the information provided in each listing. Click here  to view the Opportunity Exchange.




 

Contact Us

United Way of SLO County
P.O. Box 14309
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
Office (805) 541-1234
Fax (805) 543-5317
 

Quick Links

Happy Presidents' Day from United Way!
 
 
 
Barack Obama is not only the first African American  president, but the first born outside of the continental US.
 
 
James Buchanan is the only unmarried man ever to be elected president.
 
Franklin D. Roosevelt was related, either by blood or by marriage, to 11 former presidents.
 
Ronald Reagan broke the so-called "20-year curse," in which every president elected in a year ending in "0" died in office.
 
George W. Bush and his wife Laura got married just three months after meeting each other.
 
President Taft owned a pet cow named Pauline Wayne, which kept the Whitehouse lawns neatly cropped.

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