Nominate Those Who Give, Advocate and Volunteer for a Spirit Award

Thanks to you, United Way is changing the way. Here's the latest information about how United Way and our partners are making a difference in the lives of kids, families and communities in Snohomish County.

United Way

From Dollars to Difference: How your donation creates an impact

MEET DAN

United Way passionately advocates for healthy aging and invests in programs that enhance the quality of life for older adults.

It's hard to believe from his easy camaraderie and fun-loving banter that, not long ago, Dan Blum was caught in despair after his bride of 59 years passed away.

Fortunately, the 83-year-old Monroe resident found the exercise class at East County Senior Center.

"The class meets three times weekly," Dan said, "and I really threw myself into it. Over time it became more than fitness, offering opportunities to build quality friendships and even regain my sense of humor."

"It's the best thing we do-letting people know that life does go on," Marc Avni, the Center's executive director, explained. "Almost all seniors experience loss, whether a loss of prestige or connections or close family. Senior centers like ours give people an opportunity to feel empowered and regain meaningful lives."

Is the "Spirit" in you?

NOMINIATE THOSE WHO GIVE, ADVOCATE AND VOLUNTEER FOR THE ANNUAL UNITED WAY ACCOLADE

Each year, United Way recognizes organizations and individuals that are creating opportunities for a better life for all with the Spirit of Snohomish County Awards. The prestigious Spirit Award will be presented to those who demonstrate a deep commitment to advancing the common good.

United Way is seeking nominations for an Adult, Youth and/or Company who is actively volunteering, creating a culture of community involvement and inspiring others to serve. Winners will be honored at the Spirit of Snohomish County Breakfast Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008 at the Tulalip Resort Casino.

Nomination forms may be found at www.uwsc.org. Submit your nominations online or download the forms and mail, fax or email them by Friday, June 13 to:

Spirit of Snohomish County Awards
United Way of Snohomish County
3120 McDougall Avenue, Suite 200
Everett, WA 98201

Fax: 425.374.5555
events@uwsc.org

For more information, please call Laura Walker at 425.374.5518.

United Way wins Community Leadership Award from Everett School District

United Way of Snohomish County was honored with the Community Leadership Award for Everett Public Schools May 15 by the Washington Association of School Administrators-Sno-Isle Region, representing 13 school districts.

According to Everett superintendent Dr. Carol Whitehead, "There can be no doubt that [President and CEO] Carl Zapora and United Way of Snohomish County are community assets and partners in education."

June conference puts focus on strengthening communities through financial assets

Since the early 1990s, a growing financial asset building movement has been making the case that assets are critical to enabling families to move into the economic mainstream. In this vein, the Washington Asset Building Coalition presents the "Building Assets, Strengthening Communities" conference June 4-5 in Yakima for educators and community leaders to explore ways to help individuals and families improve their financial management skills, increase their savings and build wealth.

For questions or to register for the two-day event, contact Paul Knox at 360.725.4140.

Day of Action June 21

On June 21-the longest day of the year-United Ways across the country are participating in a nationwide Day of Action. With more daylight hours than any other, June 21 is the perfect day to let your actions speak louder than words. It's the perfect way to show, by example, what it means to LIVE UNITED.

Charlie Engle, a world-class athlete, elite runner and television producer will start a run across the U.S. June 21 in conjunction with United Way's Day of Action while filming a documentary, Running America. Engle and will begin in San Francisco and hopes to break the world record by ending 45 days later in New York City. Along the route, he will be encouraging people to LIVE UNITED. See a map of the Running America route, and to learn what makes Engle run.

Check our Web site - www.uwsc.org - on June 21 and you'll find 10 quick things you can do that will create opportunities for a better life for all.

Individual Development Account holders honored at April 21 graduation

Graduate Jennifer Reiken with United Way's Financial Stability Coordinator Lark Kesterke. Graduates and a new class of 33 Individual Development Account (IDA) holders gathered April 21 to celebrate accomplishments and exciting beginnings. Reiken received her diploma for successfully saving $2000, attending financial education classes and starting her own business with the matched savings dollars.

United Way to share the message of Developmental Assets at June 24 training

Ever wonder why some kids grow up with ease while others struggle? The Search Institute has identified 40 developmental assets that are essential to a young person's success. These assets are positive experiences, opportunities, relationships, skills, values and self-perceptions that all young people need to become healthy, caring and responsible adults.

The Sharing the Asset Message workshop on June 24 is open to anyone who works with kids. Participants will understand key components of Developmental Assets, learn the resources that can be used in sharing the asset message and explore how to communicate this message effectively to others.

The workshop is from 8:00 a.m. - noon at Marysville United Methodist Church, 5600 64th St. NE in Marysville, cost is $15 and includes all materials and snacks.

To register, contact Lynn Lewis at 425.374.5509 or lynn.lewis@uwsc.org by June 20.

Volunteer Expo successfully connects agencies with thousands of residents

Right: Vice President of Impact and Resource Development

Karen Crowley demonstrates how to use the Volunteer Solutions website to Expo attendee Josh Joslin.

From the American Cancer Society to the YWCA, 55 nonprofit agencies made more than 3,000 contacts and signed up 600 people to volunteer at the 2008 Volunteer Expo held April 26 at the Everett Mall.

According to one participating agency, "The Volunteer EXPO provides a wonderful opportunity for our organization to reach out to the community and it's a good way for people to find out how/where to volunteer in Snohomish County."

For more information on how you can advance the common good in your community, please contact The Volunteer Center at 425.374.5534 or click on "Volunteer" at www.uwsc.org.

Borders shoppers purchase books for children

Local preschoolers will receive 1,362 new books thanks to Borders in Everett and their book drive to benefit United Way of Snohomish County. Beginning June 30, the books will be distributed as part of the new Dolly Parton's Imagination Library project being piloted by United Way of Snohomish County in Lake Stevens.

Originally launched in 1996, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is an innovative, national program that mails a brand new, age-appropriate book each month to every child under five who is enrolled.

Statewide campaign featuring children's artwork connects art and early learning

Finger paint, glitter glue, crayons and, most importantly, fun and healthy development are at the heart of the statewide Nurturing Children's Creativity campaign, arriving this week in Snohomish County.

Through June 15, StockPot, Valley General Hospital, Rodland Toyota/Scion, Stevens Hospital, Snohomish County, The Everett Clinic and Volunteers of America will feature the artwork of local toddlers and preschoolers in order to highlight how everyday activities like art can help young children learn and grow.

The Nurturing Children's Creativity campaign is part of Born Learning, a national public engagement effort to raise awareness about why a child's early years are important. Nationally, Born Learning is a partnership of United Way of America, the Ad Council, Civitas and Families and Work Institute. Born Learning Washington is funded by Thrive by Five Washington, a public-private partnership including local United Ways that champion early learning, and the Washington State Department of Early Learning.

No sour grapes at April 24 Tocqueville Wine Challenge

Kim Buike, along with Dale and Nancy Peinecke, enjoy the flavor of the evening at the spring Tocqueville event. Fifteen Tocqueville members in total reveled in a night of wine and wisdom at the historic Hotel Monte Cristo.

We want to keep you in the loop!

Have you moved to a new work or home address? Make sure United Way continues to send the latest materials to your most current address. Please contact Laura Walker at 425.374.5518 or by e-mail at laura.walker@uwsc.org with any changes or updates you may have.