United Way
of Southwest Minnesota
Live United - United Way
2014-15 Campaign Results
United Way of Southwest Minnesota (UWSWMN) reports a total of $550,001.15 was raised during the 2014-15 fund-raising campaign in this area. Dollars raised will stay local to benefit people living in Lincoln, Lyon, Murray, Yellow Medicine and portions of Cottonwood, Lac qui Parle, Nobles and Redwood counties.

UWSWMN is currently granting dollars to more than 30 community partner programs and delivering on a dozen UWSWMN initiatives furthering the network of human services and volunteerism in the region. That equates to helping more than 39,000 local people. 

Over the last ten years, United Way of Southwest Minnesota has invested more than $4 million dollars throughout our region through grants, programming and partnerships.

Funds that have been raised in the most recent campaign will go to work in local programs that focus on the basic building blocks of education, income (financial stability), health, hunger and safety & well-being. 

For more information visit www.UnitedWaySWMN.org. 

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation

The first 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten graduation party was held on Saturday, February 7th at the Marshall-Lyon County Library for those who had completed the program. Mayor Bob Byrnes handed out diplomas and Buster the Magic Clown performed following the ceremony.

 

The 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages parents to read aloud at least 1000 books with their children before they enter Kindergarten. Children, when registered at a participating library, receive a canvas library bag with artwork on one side and a list of participating libraries on the other side, a reading folder with a reading log, program information and frequently asked questions. Children receive incentive prizes throughout the 1000 book journey and upon completion of the program a graduation party.

The United Way of Southwest Minnesota announced its partnership with 15 area libraries last winter to bring the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program to our region. Three of the area libraries, Fulda, Slayton, and Westbrook, already had successful programs so the United Way offered additional support/materials to those existing locations while initiating the start up in the 12 remaining locations. Participating libraries include: Fulda, Westbrook, Slayton, Marshall - Lyon County, Balaton, Cottonwood, Clarkfield, Tyler, Tracy, Minneota, Ivanhoe, Canby, Dawson, Granite Falls and Lake Benton.

 

Any child from birth until kindergarten can sign up. Registration is ongoing at each respective library. It will take from a few months to a few years, depending on how many books you read at a time. Developing literacy skills begins at birth and continues throughout the toddler and pre-school years. The best way to ensure a child has the skills necessary to learn to read is having someone read aloud to them. Four year old preschooler, Ryelle Tuszynski, of Tyler, MN was the first documented graduate of the program since United Way's launch.

 

For more information on 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten call 507-929-2273, visit the United Way website at www.UnitedWaySWMN.org or contact your local library.


Mack the Pony
UWSWMN, in partnership with Wells Fargo, is sponsoring a coloring contest drawing for children birth through Kindergarten (age 6) who live in the UWSWMN service area. Children will color a picture of Mack, a legendary Wells Fargo pony, to the best of their ability. Pictures will be displayed at the United Way of Southwest Minnesota office and at Wells Fargo Bank in Marshall.

When entries are received each child will be entered into a drawing for a chance at one of three special prize packs. The grand prize includes a large collectable, limited-edition stuffed version of Mack the pony. The coloring opportunity is an opportunity for our region's youngest learners to practice school readiness skills, while having fun and being creative.

Deadline is March 5th

Details at:
Education & Volunteer Services Coordinator

www.UnitedWaySWMN.org
@UWSWMN
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