The SLO County Board of Supervisors proclaimed February 11, 2011 2-1-1 Day in SLO County. Pictured above are (Top Row, from L to R) Supervisors Paul Teixeira, Frank Mecham, Adam Hill (Chair), James Patterson, Bruce Gibson, (Bottom Row L to R) Rick London (CEO, United Way of San Luis Obispo County), Candy Markwith (President), Lance Parker (Board Member) and Kara Edwall (Community Impact Coordinator). Dialing 2-1-1 provides callers with free information and referrals, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more about this valuable program online at unitedwayslo.org/211.  

2011 is an exciting year for United Way of San Luis Obispo County... join us for one of these many upcoming events!

Flavor of SLO

May 15 from 1:00-4:00 PM

Jack House and Gardens, SLO 

Annual Recognition Event

Wednesday, June 8 from 5:00-7:00 PM

The Monday Club, SLO 

SLO Blues Baseball Game and Fireworks 

Friday, July 1 at 6:00 PM

Sinsheimer Stadium

KidSpree

Sunday, July 24 from 6:00-9:00 AM

Kohl's Paso Robles and San Luis Obispo

Stuff the Bus

Friday, August 12 to Friday, August 19

All day at Office Max Locations Countywide

Make A Difference Day

Saturday, October 24 from 9:00-2:00 PM

Countywide locations

United Way is now offering an introductory course in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to support peaceful classrooms and communities. NVC is a concrete set of language and communication skills that transcend age boundaries and circumstances. This 6 week class series is designed for pre K-9 school teachers and parents. Participants are trained to help youth to:

• Honestly express what they are feeling and needing in any situation
• Recognize empathetic connection with what another is feeling and needing
• Make clear, doable, present moment requests of what they would like
• Effectively move a conversation step-by-step toward a win-win situation
• Open a difficult conversation without implying blame
• Express regret without beating themselves up in the process
• Learn to hear what other students are really trying to say
• Hear the needs behind challenging messages/behaviors, i.e. bullying

Fee is $150, and introductory classes include the book "Principles of Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg. Scholarships are available, and class size is limited. Learn more at unitedwayslo.org/NVC or by calling (805) 541-1234.

A good job and steady income are integral components of promoting financial stability and independence; but just as important is the ability to manage money appropriately to ensure stability and achieve savings goals.  To promote personal financial skills, United Way volunteers are teaching Money Talks 4 Teens in SLO County high school senior economics classes.

Created by the University of California Cooperative Extension, Money Talks uses interactive lessons and a hands-on approach to demonstrate the importance of making wise financial choices.  In class, students explore the role that good money management plays in achieving personal goals, and work with their peers to develop planning, goal setting and thoughtful decision-making skills.  Three lessons have already been taught at SLO High School this year, with plans to expand to additional schools in the future.  For more information, contact Kara Edwall at (805) 541-1234 or kedwall@unitedwayslo.org.   

Did you make less than $49, 000 this year? Did you not receive rental income or self employment income? If you answered yes, you may be eligible for FREE federal and state income tax assistance from the SLO County VITA Coalition. Certified IRS volunteers will assist you in receiving all of your tax credits, and you will not be charged for the service. Dial 2-1-1 to find a VITA site near you.