If you are having problems viewing this email, click here to view it on our web site.


United Way

of the CSRA

  Live United - United Way

June 2012

Volume 6, Edition 23







United Way's 2012 Campaign Well Underway!
 
It's hard to believe United Way of the CSRA has already rolled into our 2012 Campaign.  Although we officially launch our campaign during our Kickoffs in August, several Pacesetter (early) Campaigns are already in full swing.  We certainly thank them for helping us set the pace for 2012.  Special thanks to Augusta Service Company, Austin Industrial, Target, Savannah River Remediation, United Way Partner Agencies, United Way Board of Directors, and Walmart whose campaigns are currently underway, and we wish them much success!

Employee Campaign Coorodinators are an integral part of a successful campaign.  This is the group that brings United Way to life in workplace campaigns.  With the help of United Way staff, Loaned Professionals, and a strong workplace campaign team, you can run a fun and successful campaign.  We hope you will join us for one of our Employee Campaign Coordinator Workshops on July 24 or August 7.  This is a great opportunity to compare and share campaign ideas with fellow coordinators.
 
We are also recruiting our Class of 2012 Loaned Professionals.  As we celebrate 50 years of the Loaned Professional Program, we are reminded how crucial this group is to United Way.  Each year, United Way calls on its corporate partners to lend their best and brightest employees to assist United Way staff and volunteers in the development and implementation of workplace campaigns.  Because Loaned Professionals are critical to the success of our campaign, we hope you will consider providing an employee to work with United Way of the CSRA for 12 weeks from Augusta 20 - November 9, 2012. United Way strives to make this a win/win/win opportunity.  Thanks for your support of the 2012 Campaign!




LP Recruitment Appeal 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the United Way of the CSRA's Loaned Professional Program. This program allows the United Way to partner with our corporate sponsors in the community and their best and brightest employees to help develop and implement workplace campaigns. In particular, Loaned Professionals (LPs) are volunteers "loaned" to the United Way for 12 weeks during the Fall Campaign to lend their time and talent to help United Way of the CSRA address the critical needs in our community. LPs serve a critical role in maximizing staff and volunteer efforts while maintaining low fundraising costs during the campaign. This is a win-win scenario for both your company and our community.

As an individual you can help us by volunteering. This is an excellent way to not only stay involved in your community.

As a business you can help us by "loaning" one of your best employees. If you can't loan a person to us, then maybe you could sponsor a volunteer or retirement candidate who will work as a loaned professional.

Benefits to Your Company:

  • Heightens your company's public image as a visible corporate community citizen.
  • Serves as a comprehensive management training program for the future leaders of your Company.
  • Offers the opportunity to positively impact the community where your Company conducts business.
  • Provides multi-media recognition opportunities and additional contacts in the business community.

Benefits to the Employee:

  • Increases your confidence and leadership ability
  • Enhances your communication, problem solving, project management, public speaking, and team building skills.
  • Deepens awareness of your community needs and resources.
  • Recognizes you as a rising star with your Company.

 





SPECIAL EVENTS

Inaugural United Way Charity Classic

 

The inaugural United Way Charity Classic presented by Club Car raised more than $73,000 for health and human service programs supported by United Way of the CSRA.  The event, which was held on May 14 at Champions Retreat Golf Club in Evans, attracted 128 players, including a number of Club Car suppliers.

 

The funds from the tournament will go toward United Way's 2012 fundraising campaign, which supports 42 health and human service programs in Augusta and the surrounding area.  Read More.









JUST FOR YOU!




One Text Message Can Save Up to 75% on Your Medicine! 
 

Now, United Way of the CSRA makes it easy for everyone to get help, both online and off.

 

Now, you can just text the word "family" to 700700 to save up to 75% on the cost of your prescription medicine. "It really is that easy," said La Verne Gold, President/CEO of United Way of the CSRA.

 

When you get a free FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card sent to your cell phone by Text, just show the Text to your pharmacist. They will automatically apply the discount to the cost of your medicine. And you can help everyone you know by forwarding on the information.

Click here to read the full article

 

 

 

 





 

 

Stuff The Bus
School Supply Drive
 

Did you know that most families spend over $600 annually on school supplies? United Way's Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive helps provide school supplies for at-rick children in the CSRA. You may donate items or make a cash donation to go toward the purchase of the more exclusive supplies. Don't forget the high school students when purchasing supplies!!!

  

Please plan to join us on July 27, at the Salvation Army Kroc Center for our Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive. Bring a donation and enjoy hotdogs and lemonade. Buses will be set up to receive school supplies from 11am to 4pm.

SuppLies Needed:

      • 3-ring Binders (2")
      • Backpacks (without wheels)
      • Ballpoint Pens
      • Scientific Calculators
      • Colored markers
      • Colored Pencils
      • Crayons
      • Dry Erase Markers
      • Erasers
      • Glue
      • Glue Sticks
      • Highlighters
      • Index Cards (small)
      • Jump Drives
      • Notebook Paper
      • Graph Paper
      • Composition Notebooks
      • Spiral Notebook
      • Notebook Dividers (5)
      • Pencils (#2)
      • Pencil Bags (Large/Zippered)
      • Plastic School Boxes
      • Pocket Folders
      • Scissors (Blunt End)
      • Tissues
      • Lysol/Sanitizer

 





COMMUNITY IMPACT

Substitute Teacher Program Sets High Standards for Education

 


Twenty-three (23) additional trained substitute teachers will now be available to support quality early care and learning centers in the area, thanks to United Way of the CSRA's sponsorship of the SMART START Early Education Substitute Teacher Program.  

 

United Way knows that children need to have consistent teachers who offer safe and nurturing relationships and age appropriate activities to support their developmental stages. Teachers provide a vital key to quality childhood care and education. Thus, the top priority should be to insure that well-educated substitute teachers are available to early learning programs in the CSRA.

 

In 2011, there were more than 2,025 Georgia Pre-K students enrolled in Richmond County, and over 800 three-year olds enrolled in Head Start according to the Kid's Count Data Center. This is the second year United Way has helped bring the certification program to the CSRA with a total of 47 graduates to date. "The earliest years of childhood are critical, and with programs such as SMART START, we are helping ensure that all children receive quality and consistent training," stated Joan Stoddard, community building coordinator.




VISTA Summer Associate Program

Gain Job Skills, Earn Money for College, and Make a Difference


 

Twenty (20) AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service to America) Summer Associates began their nine-week summer of service in the CSRA helping with summer feeding programs, assisting with summer education programs, and building community-school partnerships and resources that support families.

 

They will serve at 16 host agency sites and work with more than 550 students from Title 1 eligible schools to support quality summer-service learning programs that will increase studentengagement and prevent summer learning loss. Focus has been placed this year on recruiting youth between the ages of 18 and 24 to serve as VISTA Summer Associates.  

Read More.

 

 


Pictured: Front Row (left to right): Angel Sims (United Way 2-1-1), Nancy Anderson (AmeriCorps VISTA, Georgia State Office), Desiree Germany (Salvation Army), Brittany Barnell (Salvation Army), and

 Monesha Grant (Family Y)

Middle Row: Ashley Thompson (Boys & Girls Club of the CSRA), Ebony Epps (Boys & Girls Club of the CSRA), Elysia Ortiz (MACH Academy), Cathy Harper (CSRA Economic Opportunity Authority), Naima Simpkins (MACH Academy), Jameicia Jordon (Augusta Partnership for Children), Bryce Pearson (American Red Cross of Augusta), Jameka Terrell (Hope House), Airial Lilly (Family Y), and Jennifer Norblitt (Mercy Ministries)

Back Row: John Harvey (Boys & Girls Club of the CSRA), Vernandre Whitfield (Boys & Girls Club of the CSRA), Sharn Vericelli (United Way-Campaign), Cody Jennings (MACH Academy), Linda Powers (Interfaith Hospitality Network), and Olivia Washington (United Way 2-1-1).





 

 VITA Grant Still Brings New Funds Into the Community!

 

For the fifth year, United Way of the CSRA 2-1-1 collaborated with local agencies to provide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to the community. This grant funding is provided by Wal-Mart Stores through United Way Worldwide and provides operational, administrative and marketing support to maximize EITC awareness and benefits.

 

This year, three agencies: Action Ministries-Augusta, 30901 Development Corporation, and Augusta Technical College provided 14 volunteer tax preparers that completed 840 returns, an increase of 6% over the previous year. These skilled volunteers enabled clients to receive EITC benefits totaling $369,529 and total tax refunds including all tax credits of $951,610, an increase of 12% over the previous year.

 

 Rick Herring, Executive Director of Action Ministries-Augusta shared the story of "Jackie". "She had been a VITA client for the last five years. During that time, she saved about $1000 on tax preparation fees by using the VITA services," he said. "She was so moved by the ability of the VITA volunteers to help people that she became trained as a volunteer tax preparer herself and works with us each year."

 

 United Way of the CSRA 2-1-1 looks forward to applying for this grant funding again for 2013 and expanding this benefit to additional counties serving the more rural population of the CSRA.

 

Thank you to our VITA partners and to the many volunteers involved in this project.

 CARING CLUB� MERCHANT SPOTLIGHT

 

 

 

We would like to welcome our newest Caring Club Merchant - Augusta Entertainment Complex. Now Caring Club members will have the opportunity to receive discounts of 5-15% off select performances and events coming to the area! Contact our office for more information on how Caring Club members can access these special promotions.

 

Augusta Entertainment Complex (including James Brown Arena, Bell Auditorium & USC Aiken Convocation Center)

601 Seventh Street

Augusta, GA 30901

706-262-4573

www.georgialinatix.com





AGENCY PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

 





Prevention and Education Program

Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Services

 

The Prevention and Education program informs the community and increases public awareness and knowledge of sexual assault. Prevention education is incorporated into pre-kindergarten through high school curricula, post secondary settings, and community based programs. The program focuses on building skills and promoting attitudes, behaviors, and social conditions that will reduce and eliminate factors that cause or contribute to sexual violence.

 

Recently when a Rape Crisis Prevention Specialist visited a local elementary school to teach Personal Body Safety lessons to several classes, she noticed a young boy who looked very familiar to her. When she inquired, she discovered that he had been part of another Pre-K class she had taught at another school the previous year. She reminded him, and he then realized that he had worked with her before and said, "Yes, and you brought us juice boxes!" She also remembered that he had been a star student in that class. As the class progressed, she was delighted when the student proceeded to answer questions and respond quickly to the lesson, obviously remembering what he had learned the past year. It was encouraging for the Prevention Specialist to see the progress the child had made and to hear him reciting the safety rules after class to classmates as they walked down the hall.

 

Thanks to United Way and your contributions, the Rape Crisis Prevention and Education Program is able to provide instuction and materials at no charge to children of all ages. The lessons taught will last throughout the children's lifetime and help teach children across the CSRA how to help prevent these crimes from happening to them and those close to them.

 






 

 Calendar of Events

 

 

Employee Campaign Coordinator  Training

The Salvation Army Kroc Center

July 24, 2012

Doubletree Hotel Augusta

August 7, 2012

  

"Stuff the Bus" School Supply Drive

The Salvation Army Kroc Center

July 27, 2012

 

Burke County "Stuff the Bus"

Walmart - Waynesboro

July 28, 2012
 

Burke County Campaign Kickoff

Augusta Technical College - Waynesboro Campus

August 15, 2012

 

Loaned Professional Training

United Way Conference Center

August 20-24, 2012

 

CSRA Campaign Kickoff

William B. Bell Auditorium

August 27, 2012

 





 

Become a Fan of United Way on Facebook!

United Way's Facebook page will keep you informed of current news and events and so much more. Become a fan today!   

Facebook Image Join us on Facebook.

.

 





 
Born Learning Tip  
for Summer
    

Sneaky Parent: Summer Activities for Kids Can Be Educational and Fun

 

Ready to do some much needed cleaning this summer? Hold a garage sale of your child's possessions of choice they have outgrown. Together make signs, price the items, organize the table...and count all the money made!

 

Through a Born Learning approach, as your child's first teacher, start reframing your ideas about learning, whether it's a project, a field trip, or just the business of daily life.  Summer is ripe with opportunities for reinforcing old skills and learning new ones. Who says the days of summer are lazy? They are just filled with opportunities to expand your child's thinking and growing his mind.   For more information and more Born Learning tips, visit www.bornlearning.org.





We Salute Our 2012 Partners for Good! 
 

Due to the generous support of our Partners for Good, United Way is able to continue producing our various community events and marketing initiatives, even in the face of a challenging economy. Because of these partners' generous sponsorships and gifts-in-kind donations, they make it possible for us to provide more dollars to programs and services that help those in need.  
 

These partners truly exemplify
leadership and charitable giving in our community, and we are proud and grateful to have them as our 2012 Partners for Good.


National Level ($10,000+)
The Augusta Chronicle
Beasley Broadcast Group
Comcast
Kicks 99
Phoenix Printing
Savannah River Nuclear
    Solutions
Souther Nuclear Operating
    Company

WAGT NBC Augusta 26 
 

 Green Jacket Level
($5,000 - $7,499)

Border Bash Foundation
 
Georgia Power
Kendrick Paint and Body

Procter & Gamble

University Health Care System

Champion Level
($2,500 - $4,999)
ADP
American Audio Visual Services

Blanchard & Calhoun
Club Car, Inc.

Electrolux
Georgia Bank & Trust Company

Savannah River Remediation

Eagle Level
($1,000 - $2,499)

Akima

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Way Logo

 

United Way of the CSRA

1765 Broad Street

Augusta, GA 30904

(706) 724-5544

www.uwcsra.org