LIVE UNITED Y’All!

In honor of Black History Month, Making Connections Louisville is inviting the youth of our community to the Making Connections Youth Film Festival, which will screen award winning films made by youth Network members. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the filmmakers and learn how to create their own film projects.

The screenings will take place every Friday in February from 4-6pm at our very own Metro United Way building located at 334 East Broadway. Stop by and meet our future leaders, have snacks, and participate in discussions for the following:

Civil Rights: February 6 & 27

Don’t Fall for the Okey Doke & My Hood: February 13

Young Black Voter: February 20

For more information, please visit http://www.makechangetogether.org/youth

Hope to see you there!

General Black History Month, diversity, film festival, inclusion

My dear little nephew turns six years old next week.  When I look at him, I see a generous, curious, amazing little man.  I can’t help but be so hopeful about the future he will grow into.  If I could grant three wishes as he blows out the sparkly candles on that chocolate birthday cake, they would be for him to:

1. Maintain that beautiful, innocent spirit over time as he is exposed to the world.
2. Learn right from wrong and have the courage to stand up for what he believes.
3. Experience wholesome love and return it selflessly.

What do you wish for the little ones in your life?

Photo credit: massdistraction

General Children, Success By 6

Although I feel my life is one big blur and that I am going in a thousand different directions, I also feel as if I am standing still. As a single parent balancing all that I have to balance is challenging. With my own responsibilities and the never-ending cycle of extra-curricular activities three teenage girls can get into; it can make it difficult to even focus on anyone outside my own “private world”. Even when everything around me seems to be going haywire, I know that I HAVE to find the time to do something that will make someone else live or feel better. I encourage and instill in my children and others the idea that this is… what is right, not only for the community but for ourselves.

In the midst of all that my work day may include I know that I made a commitment to deliver meals one Wednesday a month to the sick and shut-in of our community. So come snow, rain, sleet, blazing heat, I know that I have to make sure that the clients of the Kling Center are going to receive their daily lunch. Many times I have thought, “Oh its ok for me to miss today, someone will cover it,” but am I really sure they will? No. So I often grudgingly grab my keys and head out, but by the time I get there I am so ready to make someone smile or laugh as I do my small part. Some may ask what do you get out of it. The smiles and words of thanks are enough, because I know I made a difference at that moment in someone’s life.

I solicit my kids to volunteer at my job or civic functions when I can and always have them doing something at church to help someone else. I have encouraged my extended family to participate in some shape or form at various times in the work that Metro United Way does. I suppose being of service to our community is deeply rooted in our family tradition. My dad has prepared Metro United Way’s annual staff  Thanksgiving luncheon for the past couple of years and what is left over is donated to a nursing facility that has been in the community for many years. My brother volunteered to assist with the clean up after hurricane Ike and when the windstorm of 2008 hit our community; he completed damage assessment through the Newburg community for Metro United Way’s Wind Warriors program. Each year he gives back by coordinating Newburg’s Community Day festival. My families commitment to giving back is the reason I view this as a personal responsibility and is something I am extremely proud to pass on to my children. I invite each of you reading this to start a “Legacy” of commitment and service to the community with your children, friends, and extended family. If you are not already involved, ask yourself why. We all have many things on our plates, but in the end it’s not about YOU.  It’s about the bigger picture and what you DO for others. I ask that you dig deeper than you ever thought imaginable. Be your brothers’ keeper, give back and do more. Be the stand up person you want the world to see… If you volunteer even in the midst of complete and utter chaos I promise you … you will feel better for doing it. 

As we are now several weeks into the New Year, with a new President seeking change and encouraging volunteerism, we all need to look within ourselves. Then ask, “How can I do and be better… Then ACT on it…

Giving back is the answer. God Bless.

General community service, making a difference, Volunteer

Hi Ya’ll,

It’s nice to meet you.   I’m Kerri, Kerri Cokeley.   Since I will be a regular on this blog I thought I would share a little about myself.   It may help you understand my random thoughts, observations, opinions, and rants that you are bound to be exposed to over time.

I’m an Associate Director of Community Building at Metro United Way in Southern Indiana.   You may ask, what in the world does that mean?   My best answer is that I help organize volunteers to fulfill the vision of our organization, “for our regional community to be the most vital, caring community in the nation.”

Another professional role I fill is that of Adjunct Professor of Business at Ivy Tech Community College, my Alma Mater.   I spent 9 years going to school at night and ended up with an MBA.   I expect that I will be in a classroom, one way or another, for the rest of my life.

I’m 30 years old.   Never married, but in a relationship.   I have three adorable “nibblings” – a word I invented to mean nephews and nieces.   I’ve also been a caregiver for my grandmother, or “Grandmammy,” in varying capacities over the past 10 years.

I’ve overcome a plethora of challenges from my childhood, and without the promise of a book deal, you won’t read those stories here.   Ha, ha.   However, you can know that my colleagues consider me proof that Success By 6 really is a cause worth promoting and growing – thanks to the wonderful neighbor Edith Murley who stepped in to raise me for the first five years of my life.

So, that may be more than you ever wanted to know, TMI.   But, I hope it gives some context for the future posts you will read from me.

Sincerely,
Kerri

General Community, Ivy Tech, Metro United Way, Southern Indiana, Success By 6

Did you watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” this past Christmas? I watch it every year because it’s one of my favorite movies and because I think it has something important to say. This 1946 Frank Capra classic tells the story of George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, who is given a wonderful gift – the opportunity to see what life in his hometown would be like if he had never been born.

I was having dinner recently with a friend of mine when our conversation took a similar turn. “We all like to think that our lives count for something; that we’re making a positive difference in the world by the things that we do and the way that we live our lives,” she said. “But are we really having much impact? If you and I had never been born, would this community be worse off for our not being here?”

It’s an intriguing question and one that really makes me think. The work that I do here at Metro United Way, the volunteering I do for my church and in the community, the way I interact with the people I come in contact with, the choices that I make – I like to think that it makes my little corner of the world a better place. But I know there’s more I can do that I haven’t done. I identify with Meg Ryan’s character in “You’ve Got Mail” when she says, “Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Small but valuable. And sometimes I wonder do I do it because I like it, or because I haven’t been brave?”

What would this community look like if we dared to be brave? Are we ready to be audacious and do whatever it takes to truly make our community the very best it can be? We can’t do it without you. As Clarence the angel says to George Bailey, “Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole.”

Don’t let there be a hole where your influence and impact ought to be.

Advocacy, General, Volunteering Community, making a difference, Volunteering

In some of his first acts as president, Barack Obama has set the groundwork for a different type of government – one that is more transparent, more open and most importantly, more accountable to the American people.  So, what exactly does this mean for us?  And more importantly, are we willing to do our part?

A more transparent and accountable government will not come without some commitment on our part.  Whether you’re a democrat, republican or independent, this significant change in our country’s leadership brings about exciting opportunities for all of us to re-engage with our government.  In “Change has come to WhiteHouse.gov”  Macon Phillips, Director of New Media for the White House, outlines participation as a priority for new media efforts.  That means they want every-day Americans like you and me to express our opinions and views on upcoming legislation.  Talk about getting your voice heard!  We have the opportunity to connect to our government and educate ourselves about important issues in a way that we never have before.  I’m excited and motivated by the concept of a more open and transparent government!  Are you?

But why stop there?  You can take part in shaping government at the state level as well.  There’s a great tool called bill watch where you can find information about new bills being introduced at the state level.  You can search bills by date, topic and sponsor.  And if you find one you take a particular interest in, you can track its progress.  The Kentucky Legislature reconvenes for Part II of its 2009 regular session on February 3^rd.  If there’s legislation you’d like your elected officials to consider, allow your voice to be heard!  Or join Metro United Way for Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol on February 12^th.   More information regarding children’s issues can be found here. 

Whatever issue you’re passionate about, there is no better time to take action than now!  I challenge us all (myself included) to take a more active role in our government!  If we don’t, who will?  What do you think? Are you ready to accept the responsibility of a ”government of the people, by the people, for the people”? (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)   

Advocacy, Events America, change, Children's Advocacy Day, government, Kentucky Legislature

The past twelve months I have adventured places I never thought I’d go.  I ran the mini marathon in April, in August I went back to college after a 25 year hiatus and now I’m writing my first blog entry! Who ‘da thunk?

Hi, I’m Jan. Through my role at Metro United Way I work closely with our traditional work.  I help facilitate the yearly review of our funded agencies.  This process in a nutshell: the agencies submit Investment Proposals (funding requests), volunteers review the data, visit the agencies and make funding recommendations.  (Lots more goes on of course…)

Today I want to share with you some of the data obtained in this process.  When I read it the first time, I thought, this so interesting– who else would benefit from this information?  Harrison County Community Services (HCCS) manages many programs but is funded by Metro United Way to support their Emergency Assistance program.  Director Shirley Raymond presented information to help dispel some of the myths in social services.  I recognize that this data is not research in the pure form and that some of it creates more questions than it answers.

Myth 1:  People are poor because they won’t work. Poor people “use” the system.

Data Fact: 2/3 of people in poverty receiving services are working an average of 1.7 jobs.

Myth 2: People experiencing poverty are uneducated and refuse to help themselves.

Data Fact: Of individuals who have received direct services from HCCS:

• 16% have qualifying disabilities.
• 22% were elderly
• 34% were children
• 54% of the adults in the households had high school diplomas, GED, some college or graduated college
• 8.2 % of adults had middle school education or less
• 17.8% of adults were in school, or continuing education

Myth 3: Folks are using/living on the system. [These beliefs are challenged by the data related to frequency of services over time.]

Data Fact: Of the 5,628 households in our system over 10 years;

• 34% received a service in only one month (the largest number in any category);
• followed by those who received a service in two or three months (26%)
• 5 households received services in 74 through 79 months (of the 120 months possible)

Shirley supplied additional data, but I don’t want to break the blog rules by writing too much my first time out!

With the current economy, the demand for these services is already seeing an increase.  Harrison County Community Services is seeing clients that have never been through their doors. They are seeing people adjusting their lives to “survival mode” where meeting basic needs is absorbing all of their resources.  Do you need help? Call 2-1-1, our free, confidential health and human service information line. Assistance is available 24/7 in over 100 languages. Are you in a position to give, advocate, and/or volunteer? Visit metrounitedway.org to find out how.

General blogging, Community, human service data, human service myths

Over the past few months my friends seem to ask me more and more how this organization can survive in this economy or whether there is any way that we can continue to provide many of our services to the community. To the surprise of my more pessimistic friends, typically my response is not the gloom and doom response that most expect in the current climate. People who do not work in non-profits or who do not work in the human and social services sector often times don’t understand. Of course we will survive, we don’t have any other choice.

While I would never dream of denying the challenges that our organization is going to face in the very near future, I am excited and invigorated by those same challenges. In order for any organization to survive, non-profit or otherwise, it must be flexible, willing to grow, and show an aptitude for innovation.  These are all qualities that Metro United Way has shown even in times of flourishing economies. Yes, we could sit back and say there is no way that we can continue to do what we do in the present climate, but I personally feel that would be the easy way out and completely irresponsible. It is my belief that in times of great challenge there is also great opportunity for those who are willing to seize it. This great community that we live in, I believe, is one of the most empathetic and caring in the nation, and now more than ever those “less fortunate” in our community need us — all of us. Now is our time to shine!

This year United Ways across the United States have adopted a new call to action, Live United. How does one Live United you may ask? Well, by Giving, Advocating, and Volunteering.

Give! We are in the home stretch of closing our 2008 Campaign, and our goal is within sight, but we still need your help. If you are able and would like to give please contact a Donor Relations staff member by calling the Metro United Way offices at (502) 583-2821 or going to our website.

Advocate! Tell others how you Live United and what you do to support the caring power of our community.

Volunteer! Share your time and talents with those who truly are in need. Again please visit our website for a list of possible volunteer opportunities.

And remember, “Together we are bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions.” (President Barack Obama)

Advocacy, Events, Giving, Volunteering Community, Economy, future, Live United, opportunity

Perhaps none of us are immune to the economic crisis we see unfolding before us everyday. Indeed, the Louisville area is struggling along with every other city in the nation. While we all have our own way of dealing with the implications of this terrible downturn, we must keep in mind its effects on the particularly vulnerable among us: the elderly, low-income families, the recently unemployed, the disabled, and our very young. Basic needs are more important than ever before. Investments and efforts to alleviate hunger and food insecurity, promoting housing and financial stability, and connecting people to public benefits and tax credits are all very important in providing the “safety net” we all hope is strong and stable when we need it most.

Many organizations, including Metro United Way, are coming to together to coordinate a response to the many needs we see growing in our community. Meaningful and relevant responses to immediate needs are obviously important now, but hopefully not at the expense of our long-term solutions. Our community can address critical and immediate needs without overshadowing the important work of developing long-term strategies that lead to a unique community strength, an ability to thrive, not just survive.

Everyday, each of us practice proactive measures to keep us from getting in bad situations in the first place. We can all relate to the importance of checking our engine oil before going on a big trip, brushing our teeth regularly, and the painting of the exterior of our houses. Prevention is a word we all know and understand in our everyday lives, it is no different for the life and vitality of our community. Advocating on behalf of others for greater access to public benefits like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp program), the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Earned Income Tax Credit is equal to advocating on behalf of the whole community, that means me and you.

These public programs not only promote physical and financial health, but bring so much back into the community, especially in tough times. SNAP creates economic activity by bringing dollars into local businesses, securing jobs, and ultimately bringing more taxes into our community. EITC is equally beneficial to stimulating the local economy, but many of the families eligible do not know about this very helpful credit. Finally, what better way to invest in our future than through our kids? They must be healthy now if they have the hope of being healthy later in life. Personally, I want to know that future generations in my community are there for me when I need them most. Selfish? Maybe, but I don’t think I am alone my thinking.

Interested in EITC work?  Check out the Louisville Asset Building Coalition website on how to become a VITA site volunteer: http://www.labcservices.org/

Want to help more eligible kids get enrolled in KCHIP? Check out Kentucky Youth Advocates website and learn more about Children’s Advocacy Day at the state capital on February 12: http://www.kyyouth.org/Advocacy/

Want to learn more about the benefits of SNAP and help eliminate local barriers to access SNAP? Check out the Food Research Action Center’s webpage on food stamps: http://www.frac.org/html/federal_food_programs/programs/fsoutreachprg.html#anchor826588

Advocacy, General, Health, Income advocate, Community, Health, Income

I began working in the early childhood field over a decade ago. Six years ago I came to Metro United Way and began my work with Success By 6. Throughout my career I have worked to support parents and caregivers in their roles in the lives of young children. Often times this meant providing “parent tips,” training, and advice to parents and child care providers.

Nearly three years ago, my son Luke was born, and I knew I was going to have to see if I could practice what I had preached. Would I be able to implement all of those “simple strategies” I’d suggested to others? Would I do some of the things that I had advised against? When it came down to it would I live up to my own expectations of what a parent should be?

Anyone who is a parent – or even knows a parent – understands that parenting is no simple job. In fact, it is the most important job that we will ever have, and it is a 24/7 kind of deal. So, there are many things that I was worried about how I would handle in my new role as “mommy.” Honestly, I can remember being extremely nervous about caring for the little umbilical cord stump and cutting his nails. I have no idea why these two things caused me such anxiety. Looking back neither was really a big deal at all, but I did learn that new parents worry about every little thing, and I was no exception – despite my years in the field. In thinking about the “big picture stuff,” I was concerned about healthy eating habits, sleep issues, maintaining a routine, instilling strong family values, and making sure that this little person was loved and nurtured – among others.

Early literacy skills and nurturing through reading have been strong focuses of Success By 6. In the months before Luke was born, I would sit in his nursery and read to my gigantic belly. Certainly, reading to my child everyday would be something I would do. Right? Over two and a half years later, my answer to this question is that we do read together everyday, for the most part, and like so many others it is a big part of our bedtime routine. However, it hasn’t always been quite as easy as I thought, and there are days when it can be more of a chore than a fun, nurturing experience.

For instance, when Luke was about one he was so busy trying to turn the pages himself that we didn’t always get to actually read the books. For an avid reader like myself, this was kind of annoying, despite the fact that it was absolutely age-appropriate. Currently, we are in the phase of reading and re-reading the same books over and over again. I have secretly thought about hiding Elmo’s Big Lift and Look Book so that I can get a break from it. He also has figured out that I think reading is very important. He uses this against me to put off going to sleep. He is certain that he can say, “One more book, Mommy” over and over to keep me in his room for as long as possible before I turn the lights off.

However, as all parents know, the joy that our children bring us far outweighs the fact that parenting is a hard job. There really isn’t anything I enjoy as much as laying in his bed at night curled up under the covers with his favorite books. He loves being read to and he is beginning to love to “read” his books to me. When he “reads” to me the inflection in his voice is modeled after how I read to him. His imitation of me in this particular way provides me with a great sense of pride and accomplishment.

Reading to Luke daily has been a confirmation to me that it is a vitally important component of what our youngest children need. It has shown me that although I am well-versed on this subject that I am always looking for new ways to do it better. And I have found that it is as much about providing that safe, nurturing experience as it is about setting the foundation for learning to read.

In the coming weeks, I will continue to explore other aspects of my personal Success By 6 experiment through these blog posts. I would welcome comments from others about your experiences with young children.

Education early childhood, parenting, reading, Success By 6