United Way of Hall County October Newsletter

	United Way of Hall County
		October 2010

Greetings!

The month of October is prevelent with observances of some important issues. It's very engaging to see a pink trash collection truck rolling down the street in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Locally, Domestic Violence Awareness Month kicked off with the 6th annual Gateway Domestic Violence Breakfast and Briefing. Those in attendance heard an incredible presentation by Gainesville native, Abigail Hosford Cutchshaw, as she brought her heart wrenching story to life. October is also National Reading Group Month and Alliance for Literacy will observe it with its annual 24-Hour Read-A-Thon. The stories below show the impact our local agencies have as advocates behind a national observance. You gain a whole new perspective on the national awareness days when you see them in action in Hall County.

Taking action is the theme of our campaign this year and one company exemplifies that theme every day. We are fortunate to call Northeast Georgia Health System a committed partner of United Way of Hall County. Their support includes giving to our Annual Campaign. As a participate in the 2010 Cornerstone Campaign, they increased employee giving by 42% over last year and exceeded their own goal. They added to the effort by donating back packs during the School Tools for Cool Kids campaign. Their employee volunteer involvement includes service on United Way's Board of Directors, Annual Campaign Cabinet, Young Leaders Society, Community Investment Committee volunteers to name a few. Carol Burrell, Executive Vice President & COO of NGHS and United Way Board Chair said, "The strength of the partnership between Northeast Georgia Health System and United Way of Hall County creates a strong community, one that truly LIVES UNITED."

You too can take action. Scroll down to our Take Action section and see the upcoming events and volunteer opportunities that are happening in our community!

Jackie Wallace
President & CEO
United Way Hall County

Jessica Butler, Gateway Executive Director and Officer of the Year, Bob Watterson of the Hall County Sheriff's Office

Above the Call of Duty

On October 7, Gateway Domestic Violence Center held its annual Breakfast and Briefing with an enlightening presentation on dating violence.

Gainesville native Abigail Hosford Crutchshaw spoke honestly about being a victim of domestic violence as a teen in a dating relationship and into a marriage. Her "helping hand", Leonard, began the process of pulling her out of the dark hole of abuse. For more, read Abigail Hosford Crutchshaw's books, "A Clock, a Coffee Pot, and a Field of Lilies" and "Finding Hope: the Journey of a Battered Wife." To understand more about dating violence and its prevention, click here.

Also during the event, the Northeastern Judicial Circuit's Domestic Violence Task Force presented the award for the Domestic Violence Officer of the Year. More than just a man doing his job, Sgt. Bob Watterson of the Hall County Sheriff's Department, became the example of going beyond the call of duty. While helping victims of domestic violence, Sgt. Watterson made each person feel safe and protected.

Teacher and Student at Alliance For Literacy

SUCCESS.
Enjoy a peek into what happens at Alliance For Literacy as Executive Director Dorothy Shinafelt shares a story.

This past spring a 40ish gentleman, Mike, entered our Basic Literacy class. He was tested at a .7 reading level. That equates to a kindergartener. After two quarters with us he tested at 5.8. That is an increase of over five grade levels in just 20 weeks of instruction.

Our reading specialist, Monica Claxton, recalls that when he came in to register he approached her with his head down and shyly handed her his registration form. He quietly said, "I can't read". Monica told him, "Well, I can't play the piano" because no one had taught her, just like no one had taught him to read. Ironically, Mike turned out to be a very gifted musician, and her simple statement gave him all the encouragement he needed to excel in her class. As his reading level has increased, so has his self-esteem. He is now able to write down the words to the songs he composes.

On the last night of our summer quarter, Monica hosted a "Monica's Class has Talent" event. She encouraged all of her students to demonstrate or talk about their many talents. She found out that her students, while struggling with reading, excelled at many things. Mike sang and played his guitar. Also a black belt in karate, he demonstrated some self-defense moves. One student is very gifted with crochet and knitting. Another, a nurse's aide, took everyone's blood pressure. This is just an example of what a caring environment our Adult Learning Center is and what a special teacher we have in Monica.

0.8698630136986302

JOIN the Young Leaders Society today.
Click here to learn how.

LEAD.

"Cribs to College to Commerce"

How does education affect our community?

What should be on my radar screen?

5:30 p.m. Cocktails

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Panel Discussion

Northeast Georgia History Center

322 Academy Street

Gainesville

Join Hall County's experts in education for a

round table discussion.

Panel will include:

· Dr. Merrianne Dyer, Superintendent, Gainesville City Schools

· Dr. John Kennedy, Head of School, Lakeview Academy

· Dr. Martha Nesbitt, President, Gainesville State College

· Mr. Will Schofield, Superintendent, Hall County School System

· Dr. Ed Schrader, President, Brenau University

R.S.V.P

jgriffin@UnitedWayHallCounty.org

678.989.5333

Guests are welcome at the invitation of a member.

SERVE.

Leaders in Action Event

Volunteer with YLS to help do a little painting, yard work and small interior projects at the Guest House and then join us afterward at Mellow Mushroom to hangout and watch the game.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

9:00 a.m. - Noon

The Guest House

320 Tower Heights Road

Gainesville, GA 30501

A BIG THANK YOU!

The Young Leaders and their volunteer efforts help to secure over $11,000 for the 2010-2011 campaign by serving at the Fieldale Dock Sale. Thank you to Daniel and DeAnna Browne, Michael John Lovell, Brett Fowler, Rusty and Eli Ligon, Beau Sheppard, Bryan and Joy Griffin and Jackie Wallace.