November 2015

Gratitude into Action

Thanksgiving Day - those very words conjure memories and traditions that are unique to each of us. Yours may involve family, meals, parades, sports, or shopping. Those words also remind us this is a day to reflect on the things for which we are thankful. All of us have people we appreciate for their help as we grow and achieve our goals. Their backing also reminds us of the important role we can play in supporting those around us.

Join us in translating that gratitude into action. You have the power to make a difference to the people in your lives and those you may never even meet. Be a friend, a mentor, an advocate, a donor. You will continue to make good things happen and that makes our community grateful. Happy Thanksgiving.

CEO Spotlight:
Mark Moore

IU Health Bloomington Hospital

Why United Way? "When I first started my career, I was impressed with how United Way was fundamental to the overall health and vitality of our community. It was the one way for individuals to contribute and give back to others in a very organized way aimed towards their greatest needs. So I began using payroll deduction through my employer as an easy way to contribute and with the realization that participation was the first goal and my ability to contribute more would grow with time. I've always felt proud of contributing to United Way (now approaching 40 years) and always encourage others to do so.

-- Mark Moore, President and CEO, IU Health Bloomington Hospital.

Roadmap to Success Launch

An innovative new tool is now available for students, parents, and counselors. The Roadmap to Success is an interactive website that can help users in Monroe County navigate resources that increase high school success and graduation rates, as well as encourage college and career readiness.

The Roadmap to Success was developed by United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, and the High School Plus Coalition to guide users to useful information about workforce, colleges and training programs, ways to pay and save for education after high school, and much more. After completing the Roadmap, each individual is presented with a list of resources tailored to their needs.

Campaign Highlights

Our annual campaign is up and running. Individuals, local businesses, and organizations are in full campaign swing working to help us meet our $1.3M fundraising goal to support United Way and our 25 member agencies.

The early returns are in and we are thrilled to see such strong early community support.

Thanks to these organizations for their active commitment to our community:

	The IU Credit Union is creating a better community with generous employee contributions of $19,897 and a corporate gift of $20,000. Thanks to the IU Credit Union team!
	BKD increased its giving this year by a significant 33%, raising a total of $5,222 dollars! This contribution has the power to create change in our community. Thank you, BKD.
	Monroe County United Ministries, a United Way member agency, has shown its commitment to the local community by raising $2,587 dollars during its workplace campaign! Thanks so much MCUM staff for your contribution to this year's United Way campaign.

It's not too late to start a campaign at your workplace. Want to see how you can help people grow, succeed, unite, and thrive right here in our community? Contact Resource Development Director Sarah Taylor by email or call her at (812) 334-8370.

It's ACA Open Enrollment Time!

If you are uninsured, there are coverage options that meet your needs and fit your budget. This year's opportunities include the Affordable Care Act "Health Insurance Marketplace", the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP 2.0), Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (Hoosier Healthwise). Options available depend on your individual or family income.

The Health Insurance Marketplace sign-up period began on November 1, 2015 and ends on January 31, 2016. You can enroll in the other programs listed above anytime during the year.

You can apply online at www.healthcare.gov or www.hip.in.gov or contact a local Navigator for application assistance or more information.

Indiana Navigators are certified to provide unbiased help to guide you through the process, explain coverage options, answer questions, and help you enroll. This assistance is provided free of charge. Read more >>

Last Call for Volunteers!

The Free Community Tax Service, led by United Way of Monroe County, is currently seeking volunteers for the 2016 tax season. Individuals can serve at their preference of program sites in Bloomington, Ellettsville, or Spencer. Last year, we helped people save filing fees and obtain tax refunds they used for pay for food and clothing, reduce debts, and put toward their rent or mortgage.

Volunteer Tax Preparers provide free federal and state income tax preparation to low- and moderate-income residents from January to April 2016 in Monroe and Owen counties. Volunteers work in an exciting, professional environment, screen clients in an intake and interview process, and prepare tax returns. Volunteers will receive training in income tax law and tax preparation to become IRS-certified. Continuing Education credits are available for eligible professionals. Read more >>

Dine Out, Support United Way

November 17, 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Join us for a special one-day event at Bloomington tradition, Nick's English Hut. Dine out on at Nick's on Tuesday, November 17 and your sales will help support United Way!

Natalie, your friendly Nick's waitress, will be donating all of her tips and Nick's Backroom will be donating 10% of backroom food sales to United Way during the 5:00 to 8:00 pm event. So come on down, tip Natalie generously, and enjoy some of Nick's great food and beverages while helping to support our local community! Read more >>

Nick's is located at 423 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington

Save the Date: #GivingTuesday

We're excited to have a special giving opportunity this year as part of #GivingTuesday on December 1. Stay tuned for more info!

Join the conversation

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 25 member agencies and other community partners to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earnings, and the essentials.

441 S. College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403 | (812) 334-8370

info@monroeunitedway.org