| United Way of Greater Duluth eNews |
Volume 1 - Issue 2: November 2008 |
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Greetings!
Today's challenging economic conditions make it difficult for many to open their wallets to charity. People are afraid of losing their jobs. Yet, it is during these tough economic times when generosity is needed most to fund community programs - the programs that United Way supports.
Many people in our community have been laid off. The volume of people who will seek assistance from these programs will undoubtedly grow.
By giving to United Way, you are giving to your neighbors who are facing the toughtest of times.
Those who have not contributed to United Way this year are encouraged to do so. Pledges may be made through a workplace campaign, at www.unitedwayduluth.org or by calling (218) 726-4770. Businesses that haven't conducted a campaign with employees are urged to call United Way and find out how they can participate.
Your dollars make a difference in the lives of countless others in our community. United Way of Greater Duluth ensures that your dollars get results.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.
Sincerely,
Paula Reed
United Way of Greater Duluth
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| CAMPAIGN UPDATE 2008 |
"The United Way campaign is a little over halfway through and we are at forty-six percent of this year's goal. The campaign is going fairly well and although the economy has been tough, people of the northland have been stepping up to meet the increasing needs of our community. We hope this generous spirit of giving will continue as we move into the final weeks of the campaign."
John Bartikoski, United Way of Greater Duluth Campaign Director
Many workplace campaigns have been creative and fun while promoting a sense of fellowship among employees. Below are quotes from various organizations during the United Way campaign season:
"I'm continuously impressed by the generosity of our employees during these difficult economic times. Fewer than one hundred and twenty-five people gave thousands and thousands of dollars. This shows a certain level of commitment and caring." [Cassandra Brissett, Executive Assistant, Members Cooperative Credit Union]
"Our favorite special event is 'Jeans' day, of which we made over $500 dollars. One of our favorite silent auction items is the front parking spot. Several people bid on that because we usually have to walk far to the store, and it feels like 2 miles away when you're walking in the cold wind." [Cindy Siemsen, Employee Campaign Chair at Cub Foods]
Tell us about your campaign and let us know what has worked with your office!
We can make our community a better place to live. It begins when you make a choice. To reach out. To lend a hand. To open your heart. Every time a family finds a home, a child escapes abuse, or someone overcomes poverty, our entire community benefits. Please join us this year in supporting our community with a gift to United Way of Greater Duluth. Donate Now.
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| PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT 2008 |
Project Homeless Connect served over 300 clients on November 5th, 2008. This event provides a broad range of services to people experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Services included: a nutritious meal, child care, housing referrals, medical and mental health services, dental care, veterans' services and much more.
Other essentials such as hair cuts and toiletries were also provided. PHC aims to remove the barriers that prevent people from accessing needed services and to raise public awareness of the realities of homelessness and extreme poverty in Duluth. This was the third annual Project Homeless Connect and, as part of the Heading Home St. Louis County 10-year plan to end homelessness, it is an effective way to engage the community in supporting efforts to address the challenges faced by so many in our community. Thank you to all our volunteers that helped make this event possible! To view other photos of this event, click here. |
| IMAGINATION LIBRARY UPDATE |
 Launched in September 2008, Imagination Library is a nationally-recognized early literacy program providing free age-appropriate books to children from birth to age 5 in the Greater Duluth area.
Statistics at the state and local level confirm that 46% of children are deficient in language and literacy at entry to kindergarten. This alarming statistic is one of the reasons United Way of Greater Duluth launched this exciting Early Literacy program.
Currently, over 2,200 Duluth-area children are enrolled!
Funding is provided by United Way and the generosity of community partners - individual, corporate and foundation supporters.
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| NEWS & INFORMATION |
United Way of Greater Duluth Welcomes New Appointments for 2008-2009
United Way of Greater Duluth is pleased to announce a new board member and appointed officers for the upcoming year. Read press release.
Community Members Invited to Serve on Volunteer Funding Panels
United Way of Greater Duluth invites area citizens to serve on volunteer funding panels during January and February of 2009 to ensure that United Way donations will be invested for maximum community impact. Read press release.
Duluth YMCA and United Way of Greater Duluth Announce 2009 Funding Opportunity for Community Organizations Now in its second year, Lake Superior Initiative, a joint project of the Duluth Area Family YMCA and United Way of Greater Duluth, announces 2009 funding opportunities for community-based, faith-based and organizations serving or affiliated with the Native American community in the region. The funding opportunity is part of a 3-year, $2.25 million federally-funded program designed to improve organizations that provide needed services to the community in the five-county area of St. Louis, Cook, Lake, Carlton and Douglas Counties. Read press release.
True North Volunteer Center Announces Volunteer Leadership Training Seminar
True North Volunteer Center, an initiative of United Way of Greater Duluth, in conjunction with MAVA [Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration] has announced a two-day 8-topic series of volunteer leadership seminars designed for leaders of volunteer programs and groups. As part of the training, participants can earn a Certificate in Volunteer Leadership. Read press release.To view all Press Releases, click here.
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| Big Red Bookshelf |
 The Big Red Bookshelf is a project of United Way of Greater Duluth's Early Literacy Coalition, a group comprised of business, library, health care, child care, education, government and nonprofit leaders working to promote the benefits of early literacy. The Big Red Bookshelf project places special red bookshelves around the community that are stocked with gently-used or new books that are age-appropriate for children from birth to kindergarten. Families can take books from the shelf to keep and enjoy at home. In November, two Big Red Bookshelves, located at CHUM and Safe Haven Shelter, were dedicated. The shelves are cared for by AFSCME 3801 - UMD and Altrusa International of Duluth, respectively.
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| UNITED WAY 2-1-1 |
 If you or somebody you know is facing difficult times and do not know where to turn, Dial 2-1-1. United Way 2-1-1 is a simple number to dial for information about health and human service organizations in the Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties in Minnesota and Douglas County in NW Wisconsin.
Information Specialists will problem solve and refer callers to local government programs, community-based organizations, support groups, and other local resources. United Way 2-1-1 Information & Referral provides callers with information for everyday needs and in times of crisis. United Way 2-1-1 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Dial 2-1-1 or call 1-800-543-7709.
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