A Message from Walt Dukes,
2008 Campaign Chair
United Way has been an integral part of the CSRA  since 1936. Each year, citizens and corporations within this community have given generously to United Way of the CSRA's Annual Campaign. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for understanding the value this agency provides in meeting the health and human service needs of our community.
As this year's United Way Campaign Chair, and most importantly, as a resident of the CSRA, I am committed to making this the best community for all of us. Through your tremendous compassion last year, we received donations totaling $4.3 million. Our goal this year is $4.5 million. Of course, we realize the current economic challenges, but this makes the need for United Way and its partner agencies even greater. Read More. |
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Hospitals Compete for United Way Campaign!
By partnering with three CSRA hospitals, United Way  hopes to create more community awareness in and outside of the health care system. To do so, the idea of a "friendly competition" between Doctors Hospital, MCGHealth and University Health Care system was launched.
At a recent press conference with Hospital Presidents, Shayne George, Don Snell and Larry Read (shown left to right) were on hand to discuss their strategies on how they plan to win the coveted award. Read More. |
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Christmas Clearinghouse Expands!
United Way of the CSRA is pleased to announce the expansion of its Christmas Clearinghouse initiative. The mission of the Christmas Clearinghouse is to fairly distribute holiday assistance so that no family is helped by more than one agency until all families in need have been helped. Through the use of an online system, local non-profits, faith-based, government and civic organizations check the names of their applicants to ensure they are not being served by other organizations. By reducing duplications, more individuals in need can be assisted with toys and food. Read More.
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Tocqueville Society Reception Hosted at Bluff Plantation
Members of United Way of the CSRA's Tocqueville Society and guests were recently entertained at a formal reception at Bluff Plantation. Mr. Clayton P. Boardman III graciously donated the use of Bluff Plantation for this gala event. The annual reception provides an opportunity for members to become better acquainted with one another as well as introduce prospective members to the Society.
In the past 12 years, United Way of the CSRA's Tocqueville Society has grown from eight members to 30, with five new members joining the Society in 2008.
The Tocqueville Society is a United Way leadership giving and recognition program which exists to foster, promote, and recognize the vital importance of voluntary community service and personal giving at an exceptional level. These investors are dedicated to our community's strong tradition of caring. They have made a significant personal investment and are leading the way to a better community for us all.
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Sponsorship Opportunities Available Now!
United Way depends on partnerships with many employers and individuals in our community to aid us in producing our special events and trainings. These sponsorships allow us to keep our operating expenses at approximately 13% and allows us to provide more dollars to the programs that help those in need in our community. With your help, we can do so much more than we could ever do alone.
Just as United Way benefits from strong partnerships with companies, companies also benefit when they are highly engaged with United Way. Research shows that employees have a more positive image of companies that support the community. Customers are also more loyal to businesses that support social issues in the community. A strategic partnership with United Way provides high-profile exposure to top community leaders, corporations and families. With United Way's brand mark rated as one of the ten most recognizable nationally, valued at $34.7 billion by Interbrand, a sponsorship is a win-win way to enhance your company's image and double the impact of your charitable contribution.
Because of the philanthropy of our local partners, United Way can continue to reach out to those who hunger, not only for basic necessities, but also to those who hunger for hope. Thank you for considering a partnership with United Way. Click Here for a list of 2009 Sponsorship Opportunities. |
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Good To Know Info About Three-Digit Help Numbers
We have been using 4-1-1 for directory assistance and 9-1-1 for emergency calls for decades, but now there are several "easy to remember" three-digit telephone numbers available to the public. These numbers are used nationally for consistency and make it much easier for people who need all types of help...from locating a local shelter for battered women and children...to locating utilities before you dig.
Why is this a good thing? Though these agencies already offer traditional phone numbers, these so-called "N11" codes replace a quilt-work of complicated seven-digit and 10-digit numbers that often vary from one city to the next and are often hard to find in the directory. Also, they are just plain easier to remember.
Here is a list of the three-digit numbers and the services provided by each that you can keep handy:
2-1-1 United Way Call Center (for health and human service needs)
3-1-1 Columbia County Government (for government information, filing complaints, and service requests)
4-1-1 Telephone Directory Assistance (a fee may be charged for this service)
5-1-1 Georgia Travel Info (real time traffic information)
6-1-1 Reporting Problems with Telephone Service
7-1-1 Telecommunications Relay Service - (permits persons with a hearing or speech disability to use the telephone system via a text telephone)
8-1-1 Utility Locates - (call before you dig)
9-1-1 Life Threatening Emergencies - (fire, ambulance, and law enforcement) |
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Women in Philanthropy Accepting Applications!
Late last year, representatives from The Community Foundation for the CSRA and United Way of the CSRA presented the idea of a women's philanthropy group to Mrs. Carolyn Maund and Mrs. Beth Evans who now serve as co-chairs. To-date, one-hundred women, each contributing $1,000 have banded together to make a change in the lives of hundreds in the Augusta area. The women are donating $60,000 to grants and the remainder will be placed in an endowment fund for future philanthropy projects. The group is now accepting grant applications from agencies that provide services to women and children throughout a five county area of the CSRA.
Organizations that support women with health and safety, self-sufficiency and family issues are encouraged to apply; grant applications will be accepted until January 15, 2009. To download an application and receive further information on how to apply please visit their website at www.wipcsra.org. Women in Philanthropy will announce the grant recipients in April 2009. | |
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Caring Club Highlight: Simply Kitchen
United Way is delighted to welcome Simply Kitchen, the first and only kitchen supply store on the Caring Club list. It is also one of the newest Participating Merchants and offers a 20% discount to all Caring Club members.
Owned and operated by Lucy Shuler, Simply Kitchen, located at 463 Highland Avenue in Surrey Center, isn't just a business where whisks and measuring cups are found, but a place where friends are made and the love of food is shared. Sparked from an idea Ms. Shuler and her husband had years ago, Simply Kitchen made its debut on November 1, 2007 and has "gone from crawling to walking with great speed," as Ms. Shuler describes. The idea of a specialty kitchen shop is attributed to the birth of The Food Network and the passion Ms. Shuler has for cookware and kitchen gadgets.
As a cook's "toy store," Simply Kitchen offers a wide variety of kitchen necessities along with the newest, most innovative and most colorful products. The store is charming and offers all customers the chance to learn a new tip or trick in the kitchen and possibly walk away with a new tool to use. Also, for all the newly engage couples out there, be sure to inquire into Simply Kitchen's Wedding Registry.
For more infomation, contact Simply Kitchen at 706-667-6266. | |
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Funded Program Spotlight -
Tutoring & Mentoring Program at the
Boys & Girls Clubs of AUGUSTA
James, a 16-year old African-American male, was one of 24 students who were suspended from school last year due to an altercation that took place during school hours. James was running with the wrong crowd, and his mother was concerned for his well-being and his future. Several of the young boys who were involved in this altercation received convictions for the incident, and she was afraid that James was headed down that same path unless she could find help for him.
When she learned about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Augusta, that sounded like a God-send for her. She immediately contacted the Club, and within just days she started walking with her son to the Club everyday and coming to pick him up at 7:00 p.m. each night.
Today, after just four months, James has become a leader in the Boys and Girls Club and has won the "Youth of the Month" and "Peer Leader" awards because of the help he offers to the younger members. James has attended every day since his mother first brought him, and he now looks forward to coming each day. He now comes alone and even brings his six year old brother with him.
Because of United Way funding, the Boys & Girls Club was able to keep this youth off the streets and turn his life around for the good. Your donations to United Way are making a positive impact in the lives of young people in our communities every day!
For more information regarding Boys & Girls Clubs of AUGUSTA, visit their website at www.bgcaugusta.org. |
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Upcoming Events
Business After Hours
(With the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce.)
Peter S. Knox Conference Center
January 15, 2009
Marriot Hotel & Suites
February 24, 2009
National Volunteer Week
April 19-25, 2009
8th Annual United Way Golf Classic
April 27, 2009
Belle Meade Country Club7,
2009 Project Serve
May 1, 2009
2009 CSRA Campaign Kickoff
August 24, 2009
Bell Auditorium |
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AmeriCorps*VISTA News
United Way welcomes Dorothy Gibson as the AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader! Dorothy will be assisting with the coordination of PROJECT UNITE's capacity-building regional efforts and serve as a first-point-of contact resource for VISTA members. Dorothy can be reached at 706-724-5544, X127 or dgibson@uwcsra.org |
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Nominate Your Special Volunteer!
Want to recognize a volunteer who has made a difference at your organization? Click Here to submit a nomination for the Alvin W. Vogtle Volunteer of the Year Award. The recipient will be recognized at United Way's 2009 Annual Meeting on Feb. 24, 2009. Click Here to see Guidelines for nominating your volunteer. |
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Grants Update
Congratulations to United Way's Community Impact Division for securing four grants to support United Way's community initiatives:
- North Georgia United Methodist Housing & Homeless Council: $1,800 to support 2-1-1's rural faith-based initiative.
- The Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area: $9,500 from The Community Foundation's Unrestricted Grant Fund to support
2-1-1's after hours operation and technology enhancements.
-State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless: $2,000 to conduct the Georgia 2009 Homeless Count in Jefferson and Emanuel Counties. - Hands on Georgia: $10,000 to support AmeriCorps*VISTA and volunteerism efforts of United Way. |
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Project Serve Coming Soon!
Does your organization want to make a "hands-on" difference? On May 1, 2009, please join United Way as volunteers from around the CSRA complete projects at local non-profit agencies. Projects include painting, landscaping and basic repairs. This is a great project for groups of all sizes and skill levels.
Please contact Brooke Howell at United Way (706-724-5544) or bhowell@uwcsra.org for more information on how you can be involved.
Click Here for more information/photos. |
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Born Learning Tip
As the busy holiday season begins, shopping, sports, activities, and school compete with family time. It is important to schedule time for each other. Sharing, communicating and spending time together helps connect children as members of a family, and there is no better way to do this than when you share at least one meal together every day.
Talk with your little ones and make sure they know each food item on the table. Discuss various textures and colors of food being served. Make holiday meal time a learning experience and fun for all - everyone will benefit!
For more ideas, go to www.bornlearning.org. |
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Caring ClubŪ Merchant Update |
United Way would like to welcome the following new merchants to the Caring ClubŪ:
Coleman Lake Restaurant
Fosters
Simply Kitchen
Please Click Here for additional information on discounts provided.
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United Way of the CSRA
630 Ellis Street
P. O. Box 1724
Augusta, GA 30903
(706) 724-5544
Fax (706) 724-5541
www.uwcsra.org | | |
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