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Working with a variety of people. Seeing results and knowing his contribution is making a positive impact on the larger community. Inviting others to join him in giving. These are a few of the reasons why Jim Grandorf, Clinical Professor of Accounting at the IU Kelley School of Business, volunteers with United Way of Monroe County.
As the Chair of our Leadership Giving program, Jim has impressively grown involvement and contributions through the years. And his work as lead for the IU Kelley School of Business fundraising campaign has contributed to significantly increased donations.
Jim shows what it means to Live United every day. And for him that means being part of a broad effort of people working together to make our community better.
Early on Jim recognized United Way was different because of our focus on outcomes and on solving larger societal issues, not just treating symptoms. "A great thing about United Way is that it helps organizations find ways to prevent problems, which has a tremendous payback for the community," said Jim.
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Create a Better Tomorrow with United Way: 2013-2014 Campaign Kicks-Off
United Way of Monroe County and more than 140 volunteers and community members enthusiastically launched the 2013-2014 "Give Today. Create a Better Tomorrow." fundraising campaign during a luncheon Friday, September 27 th. Attendees were inspired by keynote speaker Dan Smith,
President and CEO, Indiana University Foundation. Other speakers included Barry Lessow, United Way Executive Director, and Heidi Schulz, United Way Campaign Chair.
Campaign leaders announced a fundraising goal of $1,425,000.
Last year, individuals and workplaces donated $1,416,194 to help United Way make a difference in our community. The board set a goal that recognizes current economic pressures, but reflects the opportunity United Way has to make a significant and sustained positive impact.
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'This is How I Live United' Gallery now at Bloomingfoods!
Have you seen the beautiful 'This is How I Live United' gallery showcasing photographs taken by local residents? Throughout the month of October, you'll be able to see these images at Bloomingfoods Market & Deli locations.
These images capture how our friends, family and neighbors Live United by giving, advocating, and volunteering to create a better tomorrow for our community.
Earlier this summer, we held the 'This is How I Live United Photo Contest', where you had the opportunity to snap a shot featuring yourself, your family, your friends, or your coworkers showing the Live United spirit while wearing a Live United t-shirt.
The winning entries and other captivating images were celebrated during an opening reception on September 7th
and were displayed in the Bloomington City Hall Atrium during the month of September. We are very excited images from the 'This Is How I Live United' gallery will be on display at all four Bloomingfoods locations during October.
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IU Health Bloomington Hospital Campaign Launches 
With excitement and energy, the IU Health Bloomington Hospital team kicked off their United Way fundraising campaign in late September! Under the vibrant leadership of Kelli Wesley, employees throughout the hospital have volunteered to be "Firestarters" for their departments. This ambitious crew will light up the campaign among their co-workers and share information about the impact of every dollar donated. A big thanks to the entire IU Health Bloomington team.
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Who's Ready to Get Money Smart?
We're looking forward to Money Smart Week! Kicking off October 14th the Financial Stability Alliance and Monroe County Public Library will offer a week full of free activities and events that bring the community together around financial stability issues. Money Smart Week is part of a nation-wide public awareness campaign designed to help members of our community better manage their personal finances. Money Smart Week kicks off with Monday Fun Day, including trivia, games, prizes and a wealth of information about community resources for financial stability. Festivities will run from 2:00 to 5:00pm in the second floor lobby of the Monroe County Public Library Main Branch.
On Tuesday, Pete the Planner will be giving a talk from 5:30 to 6:30pm at the Monroe County Public Library in room 1B/1C. Pete the Planner is an award-winning personal finance expert and comedian who provides a mix of sound financial advice and humor to his audiences. Whether you're finishing high school or college, you can graduate with a diploma in hand and money in your pocket! Let Pete the Planner help you navigate budgeting, planning, and preparing your financial future.
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Real Men Read
Did you know that a child's education begins before they even start their first day of school? Or that early education in the home and during the first years of formal schooling has a measurable and lasting impact in the child's life and the community?
In fact, building strong literacy skills during this time is crucial to a child's future school success. That's why we have partnered with Duke Energy to launch Real Men Read at Spencer-Owen Community Schools.
Real Men Read is a volunteer-driven program that brings male mentors from the community into kindergarten classrooms to read a book once a month for five months. The kindergarteners receive a book during each visit to build their own home libraries and share with their families. The intangible benefits are even greater. Since men tend to be seen as less involved in elementary education, spending time sharing books with a male role model allows all children to connect with the world of reading in a new and special way and encourages boys to see reading as something that guys enjoy too.
Kindergarten is a great access point for early intervention among struggling emergent readers. For children who do not come from literacy-rich homes or attend preschool programs, it may be their first substantial exposure to the building blocks of reading. United Way is proud to provide extra opportunities for all children to spend time in positive, nurturing learning environments. We look forward to Real Men Read being a valuable addition to our early education initiatives and to the partnership and collaboration that continue to grow in Owen County.
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Campaign Highlights
Each fall, United Way of Monroe County partners with local businesses and organizations to raise funds that support United Way and our 24 member agencies through workplace campaigns as we work toward specific goals in the areas of Education, Earnings, and Essentials.
Target
 Continuing a strong partnership that began in 1962, Target is helping build a better tomorrow through a corporate gift and employee donations, contributing over $3,900 to the 2013 campaign.
Matching Gift Opportunities  We have special matching opportunities during the 2013-2014 campaign. Through a grant from the Indiana Association of United Ways funded by the Lilly Endowment, our community can receive match dollars in a variety of ways. Find out how your donation can be matched. Giving Societies
Join the club and lead the way by joining the Vanguard Leadership Society recognizing leadership contributors. Or, if you are under 40, consider becoming a Young Leader. Individual and combined gifts qualify for membership. Find out more.Workplace Campaigns
Start a workplace campaign and join all the great businesses and organizations that come together to make our community better. It's fun, easy and makes a big impact!
Want to hold a campaign in your workplace or learn more about giving to United Way? Contact Resource Development Director Sarah Hayes by email or call her at (812) 334-8370.
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October 4-31
Bloomingfoods locations
October 14
Monroe County Public Library
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Five Savings Tips for a Better Future
1. Pay yourself first! If you think there is no way you can possibly set aside to start saving, think again. Try bringing your lunch and coffee to work with you. Sacrifice cable or happy hour to start up your savings. Click here for more saving strategies. 2. Don't touch your savings! If you're constantly dipping into funds and taking a few dollars for the movies or to pay your phone bill, it's going to take you a lot longer to save up for your bigger goals. Check out this website for tips on finding and fixing those spending leaks. 3. Take advantage of retirement plans! Many employers offer 401(k) plans which can help you kick off your savings. Take the mystery out of planning for retirement and make your money work for you now. 4. Open an IRA (Individual Retirement Account)! Even if your employer does not have a retirement plan, you can start your own! An IRA is an account that you set up with either a bank or another financial institution. If you start saving early, see how your savings will add up over time with this Retirement Calculator. 5. Learn about other investment opportunities! Whether you want to invest in stocks or an Index Fund, long term investments can really pay off. Find out how to get started here.
For more financial tips and a directory of organizations focused on financial stability, download the FSA Resource Guide (PDF).
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441 S. College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403 | 812.334.8370 |  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 other community partners to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earnings, and the essentials.
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