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JOINING FORCES FOR EDUCATION
United Way and Strive Together Partner
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 | | LaDonna Bond, from GEICO, a strong community supporter |
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We're honored to be one of only six United Ways chosen by Strive Together to be part of a nationwide "Collective Impact" initiative, funded by a $1 million investment from Target. This support, which provides a year of strategic coaching, will help us increase our work in early-grade reading and kindergarten readiness for the San Diego region.
"We chose San Diego for this initiative because it's a strong example of leadership and significant community progress," said Strive Together's managing director, Jeff Edmondson. A key example of our current work in Collective Impact is our work in City Heights, where we share a common goal to support children's success from cradle to college and career. "The time is now for San Diego to become a place where all children thrive," said Tad Parzen, executive director, City Heights Partnership for Children. "Our quality of life, economy and the fabric of our neighborhoods depend on it."
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FULFILLING THE PROMISE
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U.S. Secretary of Education Visits Chula Vista
 | | Castle Park Middle School Student Welcomes Arne Duncan |
In September, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan ended his "back-to-school" bus tour at Castle Park Middle School, one of five schools in the Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood, which received a five-year federal grant of almost $28 million.
Duncan applauded the community and the 28 local organizations (including United Way) working to raise academic expectations, engage parents and support teachers. "Castle Park's turnaround is just one more example that when adults raise expectations, children will rise to meet them," Duncan said. Read more in a KPBS story here.
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PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
.United Way Stands in Support of Working Families
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 | | United Ways of California Advocating for Working Families |
Snap Decisions - As of September, nearly 267,000 San Diego County residents - almost 136,000 of them children and 14,000 seniors - relied on the CalFresh Program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP) to keep food on the table. With recent cuts devastating this program, United Way is urging Congress to protect and fully fund SNAP. We encourage you to contact your local representative at the district level office to support SNAP. Learn more about SNAP here.
Going Home - United Way of San Diego County recently voted to sign a letter of support for SB 391 (DeSaulnier), the California Homes and Jobs Act of 2013, to "build safe and affordable single-family homes and apartments for Californians in need, including families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and those experiencing homelessness." The two-year bill will be brought before the California State legislature in early 2014. Learn more here.
Covering California - More than one million Californians now have health coverage, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Open enrollment began earlier this month and California's insurance marketplace, Covered California, has answers to your questions! Learn more here.
Catch the Express! The School Success Express rolls into City Heights on Saturday, November 9, at 10 a.m., at Cherokee Point Elementary School (3735 38th Street, San Diego CA, 92105) as part of a 12-city bus tour and community forum recently announced by the California Endowment to educate students, parents and community members about new funding for our schools. The Fair School Funding Law (formerly Local Control Funding Formula, or LCCF) includes more money for schools with greatest needs, a broader definition of "school success" and more local control. You have a say in how the money will be spent! Read more here.
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COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
When Children Read, We're All Ears!
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 | | Educating future leaders |
Nearly 300 United Way partners, volunteers, supporters and friends gathered at the Corky McMillin Companies Event Center in Liberty Station on September 17 for our annual Community Celebration. The evening highlighted our remarkable volunteers, energetic workplace campaigns and great successes over the last year.
We honored Naish Volunteer of the Year, Steve Smurthwaite, whose daughter Hollie traveled from Chicago to accept on her father's behalf, and heard a moving tribute to the importance of education from Dr. Art Hughes, recipient of the James F. Mulvaney Community Leadership Award.
Spoken Word Poet Gill Sotu mesmerized the crowd with his powerful prose, while kids from Community HousingWorks' Running Readers' program recited Dr. Seuss to rousing applause. See pictures from the event here.
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BE AN ADVOCATE
Forward this eNewsletter!
| You can LIVE UNITED by helping us spread the word. Imagine how many people we could reach if everyone forwards this eNewsletter to ten people.
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CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHT
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"What I learned from United Way"
When Karen Kosch-Bimshas, an HR Specialist at Rady Children's Hospital, attended campaign training last month, she took home more than a packet of materials and a SeaWorld pass. She experienced "A Day in the Life," where she walked in the shoes of a San Diegan struggling to make ends meet.
"No one likes to go to the DMV or the doctor's office or the pharmacy," she wrote, "but when I have to do these things, I have a job that provides sick leave, paid leave and insurance. I have family who will pick up my kids if I can't. I'm lucky, but many people who live in our community aren't and these appointments aren't just inconveniences. They are overwhelming struggles. Struggles that make life extremely hard for them to make a living and support their families."
Read the rest of Karen's story here.
 | | Karen Kosch-Bimshas |
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I AM THE "I" IN
UNITED WAY
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Who are you in your community?
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Every day, you touch lives in a positive way, and maybe you don't even think about it.
We have captured the spirit of community in a short film representing what it means to LIVE UNITED in San Diego. After you watch it, take a moment to share your story.
Imagine what we could do if our caring power was multiplied. It all starts with you - share your vision for your community for a chance to be featured in our ad campaign!
 
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The Art of Living United
It's About Community
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Join Us at Our Fun Fall Events!
Trick or Treat on Magic Street
Thursday, October 31
4:00 - 9:00 pm
Otay Ranch Town Center
2015 Birch Rd
Chula Vista, CA 91915
Magic 92.5's family-friendly Halloween event.
More info click here.
Community & College
Thursday, November 14
6:00 - 7:00 pm
The Stronghold Creative Studios
and Gallery
1835 Main Street
San Diego, CA 92113
Hang out in Barrio Logan's arts district with Xavier the X-Man® and youth from Juma Ventures. Learn how you can volunteer to keep college in a student's future.
Hosted appetizers and drinks.
RSVP here
CEO Farewell Reception
Wednesday, December 11
5:00 - 7:00 pm
United Way of San Diego County
4699 Murphy Canyon Road
San Diego, CA 92123
For more information Contact Holly Baughman at 858.636.4157
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LIVE UNITED SPOTLIGHT
Fond Farewell to our President & CEO
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How do you honor eight years of outstanding leadership and great progress for our entire community?
You start with a toast.
San Diego community leaders and executive volunteers, United Way staff and supporters will gather on Wednesday, December 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. at our Murphy Canyon offices to honor Doug Sawyer for his dedication to the San Diego community. Board Member and community volunteer Linda Katz said it best: "We have been fortunate to benefit from his business acumen and caring spirit - a rare combination in one individual."
Read more on our blog.
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