 Make Holidays (and every day) Brighter
So many holiday memories are created around the dinner table -- sharing and enjoying special meals with friends and family.
Unfortunately, not all Hoosiers are able to afford a nutritious meal this holiday season or throughout the year. One in four Hoosier children is at risk for hunger. "Eating and enjoying good food should not be a right of only those who can afford it," says Amanda Nickey, president and CEO of Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, one of the United Way member agencies striving to eliminate hunger in our community.
United Way member agencies work hard to ensure everyone has sufficient food. At Community Kitchen, staff and volunteers provide meals to children and seniors struggling with hunger. Mother Hubbard's Cupboard sees around 400 new patrons each month, many of whom are working families having trouble making ends meet. At Hoosier Hills Food Bank, volunteers help make sure 3.2 million pounds of food is distributed annually. Vicki Pierce, Executive Director of Community Kitchen says, "We have seen continual increases in the need for food assistance and a decrease in food donations."
This year, please ensure all of our neighbors have access to nutritious food. Consider making a donation to United Way today. You make an impact. Today, tomorrow, and throughout the year.
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Bloom Front Page Challenge: Winners Announced!
 Local businesses and organizations taking part in Bloom Magazine's Front Page Challenge competition raised more than $42,000 for United Way, our initiatives, and our member agencies. Hats off to all who participated!
Partnering with United Way, Bloom issued a challenge to small, medium, and large local businesses and organizations to see who could raise the most money for United Way initiatives and member agencies.
The prize: The winner in each category would appear on the cover of the December/January Bloom.
So from June - October, businesses and organizations took the challenge, stepped up for their community, and creatively raised money and awareness. Want to see the winners for yourself? Click Here >>
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Happenings on the Campaign Trail
Workplaces throughout Monroe County are choosing to make an impact by hosting their own United Way fundraising campaigns. Thanks to the workplaces below for hosting fun activities to raise awareness about United Way.
The IU Credit Union is creating a stronger community with generous corporate and employee contributions! Your donations will help individuals and families meet their basic needs, while continuing to build job and life skills. Thank you to IUCU for making an impact! BKD
A big THANKS to BKD for finishing up a successful United Way fundraising campaign! Thanks for helping to strengthen your community! Hillard Lyons
Hilliard Lyons' employees made an investment in the community by increasing their contributions 12%. What a great way to support your neighbors!
LIFEDesigns, Inc.
LifeDesigns staff increased their giving 275%! Fun activities like Penny Wars and Jeans for a Cause helped lead to this increase. Thanks to all the great employees -- your contributions help improve our community!
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| Donate Today! |
 It's easy! Just visit monroeunitedway.org and donate securely via credit card or download a pledge card and return it to our office. You can make a contribution with cash, check, credit card, automatic bank withdrawal, stocks and securities, or can choose to be billed.
Want to see your workplace in our next newsletter? Want to hold a campaign in your workplace? Contact Resource Development Director Lori Garraghty by email or call her at (812) 334-8370.
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Forbes Magazine names United Way as one of its charity "All-Stars"
 Forbes Magazine has named United Way one of the top five "All-Star" charities in the U.S. We couldn't agree more!
Thanks to our community for partnering, donating, and supporting initiatives that make us all stronger.
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Financial Stability is always in season!
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You help ensure our neighbors have employment support
 Cheryl lights up any room she enters.
Her cheerful smile, strong work ethic, and positive attitude deeply touches the officers and staff at the IU Police Department - and earn her a spot as a valuable team member. Working at the IUPD has expanded Cheryl's world, developed her skills, and increased her independence.
A client of Stone Belt Community Employment, Cheryl works three days a week at IUPD shredding, cleaning, and lightening the load of her co-workers. Stone Belt provides educational, residential, employment, and clinical resources to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. This support prepares and empowers clients to experience self-determination while participating fully in the life of the community.
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Did you know?
Working to improve the lives of community members tomorrow begins with action today. Your donations make an impact. Every day.
Education... Of the high school seniors enrolled in mentoring programs at United Way member agencies, 100% graduated.
$1/wk can provide basic school supplies for one teen at risk of homelessness.
Earnings... 100% of participants in the Bank on Bloomington "Get on the Path to Financial Success" workshops reported that they are now better able to manage a bank account and maintain a budget.
$2/wk can provide assistance for an individual with disabilities in setting up and balancing a household budget.
Essentials... 88% of women at Middle Way House The Rise have developed a long-term housing plan for their future.
$5/wk can provide an at-risk child with a food-filled backpack each weekend.
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Calendar of Upcoming Events:
January 17
It's Your Money: Talk To an Expert
Monroe County Public Library, Room 2C
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Free and confidential one-on-one sessions with a financial expert.
January 22
It's Your Money: Saving & Paying for College Monroe County Public Library, Room 2B7:00 pm - 8:30 pmFind out how to fit paying for college into your financial plans. Aimed at ages 15-29. Please register here. January 31
It's Your Money: Talk To an Expert
Monroe County Public Library, Room 2B
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Free and confidential one-on-one sessions with a financial expert.
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United Way of Monroe County is a nonprofit organization that improves people's lives by addressing critical needs today and working to reduce those needs tomorrow. Through our Community Action Fund, Priority Funds, and grant initiatives, we work with 24 member agencies and community partners to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earnings, and the essentials.
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United Way team members met with residents at Stepping Stones, one of our member agencies, to talk about holiday saving and spending. We discussed 
