June 2016

3, 2, 1... Countdown to Kindergarten  
 
KCD-YoungLearners
"I know all of my letters."

"I can spell my name."

With a mix of nervousness and excitement, 23 kids started their first week of Kindergarten Countdown Camp in early June. Growing their literacy, math, and social skills, these youngsters are preparing to start kindergarten ready to succeed.

Kindergarten Countdown Camp helps children who have little or no preschool experience, or who might be at risk, transition successfully into kindergarten. By attending this seven-week summer camp, children gain valuable academic and social skills in a classroom setting while having fun. They are also increasing their reading readiness, which is critical for school success. At the end of camp, each child will get to take home six new books to expand or start their very own home library.

Parents are encouraged to join in the learning experience. Open houses, a book fair, and other family engagement activities will boost connections between families and help parents become more familiar with the classrooms and the school system.
 
United Way Receives Hunger Action Award  Hunger Action Awards

Hoosier Hills Food Bank recognized United Way as an Outstanding Community Partner during their recent Hunger Action Awards.

At the event, Jake Bruner with HHFB said, "The United Way Campaign provides much needed support to the food bank and many of our partner agencies from donors we might not otherwise have the opportunity to reach. The consistent monthly support is crucial to our budget. Overall the coordination and support provided to HHFB and two dozen other agencies serving critical community needs is irreplaceable." 

United Way Executive Director Barry Lessow remarks, "we were honored to receive this award from a high-quality organization that does so much to serve our community.  We value our longtime partnership with the Hoosier Hills Food Bank."

 
Thanks for Stamping Out Hunger

Hoosier families throughout south central Indiana will have a better summer thanks to a successful Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. A total of 80,761 pounds of food, including 39,123 pounds in Monroe County, was donated by area residents in May. Thanks to everyone who gave to help feed hungry Hoosiers.


 
Roadmap to Success

Summer is the perfect time to make sure plans for high school graduation are on track, and learn more about college and training programs as well as ways to pay and save for education Now, thanks to the locally-created Roadmap to Success interactive website, a centralized resource for career and school information is at your fingertips. Visit www.RoadmapToSuccess.org for your own customized roadmap.

 
 
Celebrating Early Childhood Excellence 
 
United Way was proud to partner with Monroe Smart Start, the Community Foundation, and WTIU to recognize local early childhood educators, providers, and partners at the 3rd annual Early Childhood Excellence Awards on Thursday, April 14. For more information about how we are working with you to improve educational opportunities, visit  
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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.
 
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