February 2016
Want to help sponsor a Real Men Read classroom?
Growing a Love for Reading 
 
"They're totally awesome." 
"I read 'Corduroy' yesterday, and my brother read a little bit of it." Kindergartners are clearly excited to be taking part in United Way's Real Men Read program.

Once a month, male volunteers read to kindergartners in their classrooms, and each child is provided with a copy of the book to take home. These 18 volunteers, called "MENtors," show students that reading is important to everyone.

Thanks to the Real Men Read program, over 400 kindergartners in Richland Bean Blossom and Spencer-Owen Community Schools have trained role models who visit their classrooms and encourage them to get excited about reading.
Harriet Pfister


Why United Way? "Supporting United Way is the best way to help our community! The 25 member agencies touch many of the needs of our citizens and the United Way works to increase effectiveness of their services through collaboration and improved tools of technology."


-- Harriet Pfister, IU Retiree Campaign Committee Member 
MyFreeTaxes.com

Filing Made Simple with MyFreeTaxes.com

Tax season is here! Did you know that United Way offers a FREE online filing service you can use anywhere?

MyFreeTaxes.com is a tool for people who make $62,000 or less in combined Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). You can prepare and file both federal and state taxes at no cost, and help you claim valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)!

MyFreeTaxes.com gives you the freedom to file your taxes from your home or anywhere with an internet connection.  Read More >>
Campaign Highlights

We are in the home stretch of our annual campaign, but there is still time to donate or hold a workplace campaign! Individuals, local businesses, and organizations are working to help us meet our $1.3M fundraising goal to support United Way and our 25 member agencies.

Thanks to our generous donors, as of today we are at 83% of our fundraising goal with $1,079,000 in donations! Every dollar you donate will make a lasting impact in our community and together we will  improve lives right here in Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties.
 
   
Thanks to these organizations for their active commitment to our community:

OldNationalBankLogo

Old National Bank is investing in the future of our community through $9,480 in employee contributions and a generous $7,500 corporate gift.

Chamber Logo

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce is building better business and a better community through $1,800 in employee contributions.


Cummins and its generous employees donated a powerful $15,504 to this year's campaign.
HHFB Logp


Employees at Hoosier Hills Food Bank, a United Way partner agency, are feeding the hungry as well as contributing a healthy $1,950 to this year's campaign.

It's not too late to have 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.


Dial 2-1-1
2-1-1 is Here to Help

Need help or know someone who does? Dial 2-1-1 to find assistance with needs like food, housing, employment, child care, health care, counseling, and senior services. Speak with a call specialist anytime day or night -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit the complete 2-1-1 database online at any time.
 
Thursday, February 11 (2/11) will be National 2-1-1 day. Join us in spreading the word about 2-1-1. This confidential service helps thousands of local community members alleviate crises by connecting them to the right resources.
 
Last year, 4,178 Monroe, Owen, and Greene county residents who needed assistance dialed 2-1-1. Call specialists made 7,077 referrals to community resources. But not all needs are met. In fact, 10% of callers needed help that was not available, mainly due to lack of programs or because existing programs were already full. Your support of United Way ensures 2-1-1 is available when people need information and that the programs needed by local people are there to help. Read More >>

Upcoming Events

Free Community Tax Service
Now - April 16
9 Locations in Monroe & Owen counties
File your taxes for FREE and receive 100% of your refund quickly and easily.

March 29
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
A celebration honoring community volunteers.
United Way is a proud sponsor  

April 10, 1-4 p.m.
United Way is a proud sponsor  
Join the conversation  Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter  Donate Now 
 
United WayUnited 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