This Thanksgiving, United Way would like to say thank you to our many supporters--donors, volunteers, and supporting organizations--that make what we do possible. Every bit of support makes a huge impact in the lives of our neighbors. Thank you.
HEADLINES
2011 Campaign Update
The 2011 campaign is in full swing. To date we have achieved approximately $1.25 million (~37%) toward our annual goal of $3.35 million. There have been a number of exciting success stories worthy of special acknowledgement and profound thanks, but we still need our community's support. >Read more>Donate
Thank You To Our Loyal Supporters! Click on each name to learn more!
Many of our neighbors are struggling to stay warm this winter season. Team HEAT helps families stay warm during the winter heating season, learn about budgeting and get the support they need. For $300 or $60 per month (November-March) you can provide a family with 5 months of assistance. > Learn more
211 Holiday Assistance
United Way 2-1-1 is now accepting requests for holiday assistance. Registration has begun, and there is a limited number of families who can be served. Call or chat 2-1-1 today or share this news with someone in need! > www.MyUW211.org
UW National News Preserve the Charitable Tax Deduction
Brian Gallagher, United Way Worldwide President and CEO, recently testified before Congress. Washington is considering ways to reduce the budget deficit, and the ability of donors to deduct charitable contributions from their taxes is at stake. > Learn what you can doto preserve the Charitable Tax Deduction.
Mentors Needed
The South Bend Community School Corporation is looking to increase its number of mentors working one-on-one with individual students. For more information or to sign up, please contact Heather Hudson at 574-283-8072 or hhudson@sbcsc.k12.in.us.
Salvation Army Adopt A Family
Adopt a family through Salvation Army & help put gifts under the tree & a Christmas meal on the table. Register online or email your Name, Organization (if applicable), Email, Phone, Fax, Address, & preferred size (# of children) & number of adopted families to KrocAdoptAFamily@gmail.com. > Download the flyer
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
$38,600 Grant Awarded To Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
The United Way St. Joseph/Elkhart/Marshall/Kosciusko County VITA Coalition was recently awarded a $38,600 federal grant from the IRS. VITA is an IRS-certified program which provides free income tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a low-to-moderate income.
Volunteer Of The Year Award Winner Greg Downes
This past January, Greg Downes, 2011 United Way of St. Joseph County Campaign Chair, was honored by the Indiana Association of United Ways with the Volunteer Of The Year Award. Thank you, Greg, for your tireless commitment to mobilizing the caring power of our community! > Read the nomination
Philanthropist Of The Year Winners Judy & Larry Garatoni
Each year The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) awards individuals the title of Philanthropist Of The Year. This year, UWSJC nominated Judy & Larry Garatoni for the local chapter award, and they won! Congrats & thank you, Judy & Larry, for supporting United Way and education! > Read the nomination
1st Annual REAL Services Luncheon
We're proud to announce that at the REAL Services luncheon on Nov. 1, UW's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance service was nominated as "Agency/Program Of The Year," board member Linda Wolfson was nominated as "Volunteer Of The Year," & Linda Jung-Zimmerman, Executive Director of partner agency Stone Soup, was nominated for the "Sgt. Shriver Lifetime Achievement" award.
Our Great Agency Partners Diabetes Resource CenterNovember is Diabetes Awareness Month! The Diabetes Resource Center at United Health Services is a program funded by United Way of St. Joseph County. It teaches, provides services for & supports individuals living with diabetes and their families so that they can attain a healthy lifestyle. > Read more
La Casa de Amistad Naturalization Ceremony On Nov. 4, La Casa de Amistad held a Naturalization Ceremony. 140 persons were naturalized, becoming U.S. Citizens, 21 of which are La Casa de Amistad Citizenship Program clients/students, all of whom passed their Citizenship interview/exam within the last 6 months. Congratulations! > Click for pictures
Why I LIVE UNITED
Teachers Credit Union
Rick Rice, Past President/CEO (R), pictured with Paul Marsh, President/CEO (L)
"United Way is more than a charity, it is an institution dedicated to bettering the communities it serves..." > Download the poster
Martin's Super Markets
Rob Bartels, President/CEO (L), pictured with Bob Bartels, Chairman (R) "In today's world, the difference between intentions and results is clear. United Way makes a positive difference in our community..." >Download the poster
Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center
Albert Gutierrez, President and CEO "In turbulent economic times like these, it is always important to remember that homeland defense starts with hometown defense..." > Download the poster
"Research shows that it lowers your chance of depression, strengthens your heart, lowers stress, and can literally add years to your life... Giving and kindness also have an important ripple effect, which is why one generous person can transform a team or an organization." From www.mindtools.com
There are other ways to give back in addition to donating
GoodShop is an online shopping mall of merchants dedicated to helping fund worthy causes. Each purchase made via the GoodShop mall results in a donation to the user's designated charity - averaging approximately 3% of the sale but going up to 20% or even more. www.goodsearch.com/goodshop
2011 Campaign Update
Thank You 
Team HEAT 
211 Holiday Assistance
UW National News 
Mentors Needed
Salvation Army 
$38,600 Grant Awarded
Volunteer Of The Year Award Winner 
Philanthropist Of The Year Winners 
1st Annual REAL Services Luncheon
Diabetes Resource Center
Giving Makes Us Happy