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 Historic Floods: Recovery in Action
Gary and Martha Frame lost nearly everything as the floodwater lifted their house off its foundation and the flooring broke away from the walls. They narrowly escaped by walking 700 feet in chin deep water to their daughter's house -- where Martha collapsed from a mild coronary. But today, with help from a United Way initiative, the Frames just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in their new home.
On June 4 through 7, 2008, torrential weather brought heavy rain to south central Indiana - making this one of Indiana's worst catastrophes in over 100 years. Nearly one year after the historic flooding, many Monroe County residents are still rebuilding their lives. The Monroe County Long Term Recovery Committee (MCLTRC), a program of United Way of Monroe County, is providing support and resources to those affected by the severe storms and floods.
The MCLTRC works with local residents to determine how to best meet their reconstruction, health, and emotional needs. The Committee has provided grants to assist with mold remediation, labor and building materials, housing replacements, new furnaces, and financial stability for low- to middle-income residents and seniors. Read more... |
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Birth-to-Five Coalition Announced
On June 4, United Way and the Community Foundation announced the Monroe County Birth-to-Five Coalition. This new initiative will focus community energies on the value of early childhood development. Positive early experiences lead to increased success in school, graduation rates, workforce readiness, and community engagement. These successes result in decreased crime rates, teenage pregnancy, and welfare dependency.
The Birth-to-Five Coalition builds on United Way's "Born Learning" initiative, which provides free materials helping parents and caregivers turn everyday moments into learning and bonding opportunities for their young children.
The Coalition is now seeking a coordinator, who will bring together leaders from business, education, labor, government, the faith sector, and health and human service providers with the goal of ensuring that all children in Monroe County start kindergarten ready to learn. Read more...
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A Busy Spring
When we weren't busy assisting those affected by the 2008 floods and storms or developing our new Birth-to-Five Coalition, we were creating an impact in our community with these projects: |
During our 14th Annual Day of Action more than 130 volunteers came together at 15 non-profit agencies to pack boxes of groceries for seniors, paint, wash windows, read to children as part of the Born Learning initiative, move furniture, maintain gardens and trails, clean, plant flowers, and interact with youth. WOW!
United Way of Monroe County is proud to support the annual National Association of Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This year, the community donated 39,197 pounds of much needed food which was distributed to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and other local food pantries. Along with other community partners, we were excited to help honor 9 vital community volunteers at the Be More Awards held in late April.
Thanks to all of you who stopped by our booth at Business Expo 2009! We shared the LIVE UNITED vision with more than 350 community members and business leaders. Congratulations to Stacey H. for winning our Homecoming Package Giveaway! |
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 $1.35 Million Raised for Our Community!
We're happy to announce that the community contributed $1.35 million during the 2008 United Way campaign. Money raised helps address today's needs and reduce those needs tomorrow. Thank you to all the organizations and individuals who donated this year. You are truly LIVING UNITED!
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 Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for 4 pm on Sunday, September 20th. Join us in celebrating Big Band Music at the Buskirk-Chumley. The Stardusters Jazz Orchestra featuring Janiece Jaffe will educate and delight the audience in an afternoon of magical music. All proceeds go towards the United Way Campaign.
Thanks to WFIU and WFHB for their media sponsorship of this event.
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 About your United Way
With your help, United Way is creating opportunity by focusing on education, earnings, and essentials. These are the building blocks for a good life -- a quality education that leads to a good job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and meeting basic needs such as sufficient food, stable housing, and access to healthcare.
Want to know more? Click here.
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Encouraging positive interactions with babies and kids helps build an educated workforce. And an educated workforce builds a stronger community. Read, talk, and play with the children in your life. Click here for more info and to download free materials. |
Upcoming Events
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Baby Fest
Need baby & toddler items? Have young children's items to pass along?
Join us on Saturday, June 27th at the Banneker Center from 10 am - 12:00 pm. For more information, click here.
Baby Fest is a program of the City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation, supported by the Monroe County Alliance to Promote Education (CAPE) and United Way of Monroe County Born Learning.
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United Way Campaign Kick-Off
Join us on the weekend of September 18th - 20th for a weekend filled with campaign fun! Stay tuned for more details. | |
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