 
Just as children develop language skills long before they are able to speak, they also develop literacy skills long before they are able to read. Let's Read is an exciting new program that partners United Way, Monroe Smart Start, WTIU, and Southern Indiana Pediatrics.
At all wellness visits from six months to five years old, pediatricians and nurses take time to talk with parents about the importance of reading at home. At each visit kids and parents will receive a book, including B is for Bloomington at the four year visit, and other pertinent early learning materials and resources.
Pediatrics-based reading programs are highly effective at reaching a large number of families while using a trusted voice to reinforce the importance of reading at home. Introducing literacy to a child at this critical time will help ensure that every child in Monroe County enters kindergarten ready to learn and succeed!
At the Children's Expo on February 16, parents can learn even more about helping their child begin school successfully by visiting the United Way of Monroe County and Monroe Smart Start booths! Listen to a reading of B is for Bloomington, learn about great community organizations, and receive free health screenings for your child! United Way of Monroe County is proud to help sponsor this event. For more information about the Children's Expo, see our Calendar of Upcoming Events.
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Happenings on the United Way 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. As of February 15, 2013, generous donors have helped raise $1,303,442. We still need another $107,000 to reach our goal. If you've not yet donated, please consider making a gift today.
Clendening Johnson & Bohrer, P.C.
Many thanks to the partners at Clendening Johnson & Bohrer, who advocated for a stronger community with their $5,000 campaign contribution. Way to go!
German American Bank
Along with a generous corporate gift, German American employees set a higher standard with increased giving and participation, contributing over $8,000 to the campaign. Thank you!
Hoosier Hills Food Bank
Staff at Hoosier Hills Food Bank, a member agency, celebrated their 30th anniversary by contributing over $2,000 to United Way. What a great birthday gift!
O'Child Children's Boutique 
O'Child Children's Boutique hosted several unique and stylish events, raising over $1,200 for the community. Thank you for making an impact!
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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 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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College Goal Sunday
 Ensuring that young adults graduate school ready to earn is a key component of United Way of Monroe County's Education initiative. The High School Plus Coalition brings partners together to identify and prevent problems that cause kids to drop out of school, and create solutions and resources to help students succeed in high school and beyond. One way for student to grow, graduate, and pursue their goals is by securing the financial aid necessary to pursue higher education. College Goal Sunday is a national effort (locally through Ivy Tech) to help students complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This year's event, taking place on Sunday, February 24, is designed to assist Indiana students seeking undergraduate admission to a college or technical school in 2013.
The FAFSA is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, loans and scholarships at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide and must be filed by March 10 to be eligible for state aid. Completing this required form correctly and by the deadline is sometimes perceived to be complicated and time consuming. In one afternoon at College Goal Sunday, students and their families can get free help and file the form online. In order to complete the FAFSA, students and parents must have completed their 2012 tax return. Since this is also a Free Community Tax Service site, both taxes and FAFSA can be filed in the same afternoon!For more information, and a list of documents to bring, please click here. To make an appointment, call (812) 332-1559 ext. 0.
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Your Impact: The Boys & Girls Club Helps Kids Graduate School Ready To Earn
 With patience and abundant energy, Tyler Ness helps students with complex math problems, language development, and any other homework from their school day. Every afternoon in the Mitch's Kids room at Boys & Girls Clubs, youth are welcomed with a warm, friendly, upbeat, and positive atmosphere. And Tyler knows that while she helps Erica navigate math, Lonneka develop a love of reading, and Chris explore science, she is also preparing each for a successful future.
In 2011, 13% of local high school seniors did not graduate. Even though the graduation gap has diminished during the past several years - thanks in part to drop-out prevention efforts by United Way and our partners - the future of our community will be shaped by every kid's decision to stay in school... or drop out. After-school programs at United Way member agencies help ensure youth graduate school and succeed in life.
"Our students may not have homework support at home." Tyler explains, "The Mitch's Kids program is critical for many students because it allows them the opportunity to complete their homework with qualified staff." When students have a thorough understanding of class material, they are more likely to feel positive about school. Last year, the youth participating in Mitch's Kids saw a 67% increase in their math scores and a 68% increase in reading scores. And, 82% of club parents surveyed reported an improvement in their child's performance in school.
Read More>>
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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... The high school graduation rate is steadily increasing thanks in part to the work of the High School Plus Coalition. Efforts include training for Graduation Coaches, e-newsletters, education summits, and a service guide.
$5/wk can provide an at-risk child with a food-filled backpack each weekend.
Earnings... 97% of clients involved with the Stone Belt and LifeDesigns supported employment programs gained new job skills.
$2/wk can provide assistance for an individual with disabilities in setting up and balancing a household budget.
Essentials... Monroe and Owen County households saved $68,839 (an average of 36%) on prescription drug costs through our free FamilyWize discount prescription drug card.
$2/wk can provide a senior citizen with a one year individualized fitness program, supervised by an exercise physiologist.
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Calendar of Upcoming Events:
February 16
Get on the Path to Financial SuccessMonroe County Public Library, Room 1A10 - 11:30 amThis free, interactive workshop will help you learn to manage a checking account, develop and maintain a budget, and identify and work towards your financial goals. February 16 Children's ExpoFairview Elementary School, 500 W. 7th St.
1:00 - 4:00 pm
Bring your kids and join us "Under the Big Top" at this free City of Bloomington family-friendly event! FREE health screenings, Expo Hall, entertainment and fun! Stop by and visit with all the exhibitors, including United Way and Monroe Smart Start!
February 17 "The Weight of the Nation" Parts 1 & 2
Buskirk Chumley Theater, 114 E Kirkwood Ave
3:00 - 7:30 pm
Three years in the making, THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION is a four-part documentary series, featuring case studies and interviews with leading experts and with individuals and families struggling with obesity. The series spotlights the facts and myths of this urgent public health issue, showing how obesity affects the health of the nation and cripples the health care system - and what individuals and communities can do. Parts 1 and 2 of the four-part documentary will be shown, followed by a panel discussion with Marci and Courtney Crozier from NBC's "The Biggest Loser" at 5 p.m. Presented by ACHIEVE Bloomington/Monroe County, The Active Living Coalition & Nancy Kalina's Life Coaching.
February 21 Paul Schmitz: "You're a Leader- You Just Don't Know It!"
City of Bloomington Council Chambers in City Hall, 401 N. Morton St.
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Paul Schmitz, CEO of Public Allies and author of Everyone Leads: Building Leadership from the Community Up, will be in Bloomington to share his unique approach to developing leaders, inspiring change, and strengthening community assets. Learn how leadership is a process and not a position - everyone can be an effective leader at all levels of community!
February 24 College Goal Sunday
Ivy Tech Community College, 200 Daniels Way, Room B201
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Are you or your child considering attending college next fall? Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) while having your taxes done for free! Call (812) 332-1559 ext. 0 for an appointment for help filing taxes. FAFSA help available first come, first served.
February 24
"The Weight of the Nation" Parts 3 & 4
IU Health Bloomington Hospital, 601 W 2nd St
3:00 - 7:30 pm
Parts 3 and 4 of the four-part documentary will be shown, followed by a panel discussion featuring local community leaders takes place at 5 p.m.
Presented by ACHIEVE Bloomington/Monroe County, The Active Living Coalition & Nancy Kalina's Life Coaching.
February 28 Youth Worker Cafe
Sherwood Oaks
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Janet Wakefield, with The Journey Fellowship program, will lead a workshop designed to help attendees rejuvenate and reconnect with their passion for working with youth. Brought to you by the Asset Building Coalition and the Indiana Youth Institute. Please RSVP to Lauren East
March 3 The Baby Fair: Everything from Pregnancy through Preschool
Bloomington Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave.
1:00 - 4:00 pm
The 2013 Baby Fair will include more than 50 exhibitors, live music, and other activities. Educational seminars will be offered on breastfeeding, car seat safety, and green cleaning for a healthy home. The event is $5 for adults and children under 12 are free. Be sure to visit the United Way and Monroe Smart Start booths! March 5 Community Housing ForumSt. Paul's Catholic Church, 1413 E. 17th St.
1:00 pm
South Central Housing Network (SCHN) is sponsoring a community-wide planning process to effectively address homelessness in the six-County region. Come to a facilitated Community Meeting near you to weigh in on the top issue areas that will be included in the larger strategic plan to be developed in April 2013. Please contact Nancy Hiestand for more information.
March 5 & 16
Get on the Path to Financial Success
Monroe County Public Library, Room 1A
6 - 7:30pm (March 5);
10 - 11:30 am (March 16)
This free, interactive workshop will help you learn to manage a checking account, develop and maintain a budget, and identify and work towards your financial goals.
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705 W. Coolidge Dr
February 6 - April 11
Wednesday: 2 - 5 pm
Thursday: 4 - 7 pm
Call (812) 330-7731 for an appointment
Ellettsville Branch Library 600 W Temperance St, Ellettsville February 1 - April 12 Friday: 10 am - 1 pm Saturday: 12:30 - 2:30 pm Call (812) 876-3383 for an appointment
Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington 200 Daniels Way, Room B201 January 29 - March 9 Tuesday & Wednesday: 2 - 5 pm Friday: 12 - 7 pm Saturday: 9 am - 1 pm Call (812) 332-1559 ext. 0 for an appointment
Monroe County Public Library 303 E Kirkwood Ave February 4 - April 12 Monday & Tuesday: 2 - 6 pm Friday: 2 - 5:45 pm First come, first served
Owen County Public Library 10 S Montgomery St, Spencer February 2 - April 13 Thursday: 5:30 - 8 pm Saturday: 9 am - 3 pm Call (812) 829-3392 ext. 1 for an appointment
South Central Community Action Program 1500 W. 15th St February 2 - April 13 Tuesday: 4 - 7 pm Saturday 9 am - 12 pm Call (812) 339-3447 ext. 233 for an appointment
Twin Lakes Recreation Center
1700 W. Bloomfield Rd February 6 - April 11 Wednesday: 9 am - 3 pm Thrusday: 2 - 6 pm First come, first servedSuper SaturdayIU Kelley School of Business
1309 E. 10th St., Room 200/202 March 2 & 23
10 am - 4 pm First Come, first served
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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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