Our Challenge
Challenge (noun)
-a call or summons to engage in any contest, as of skill, strength, etc.
- something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc.
- difficulty in a job or undertaking that is stimulating to one engaged in it.
Everyone likes a good challenge now and then. When I think about what it is that I find challenging; my challenges have changed over the years, including those that I am willing to accept. For instance, in college one of the challenges I faced was to chart my course, choose a major, and complete large multi-page papers (ugh!). Five years ago, I chose to take the challenge of a life-long commitment in marriage, and at the same time plunged head first into my work and career. My most recent challenge was diving head first into mommy-hood which – for those of you who are mothers, or play the role of a mom, you know – it is your biggest challenge ever. There are challenges that I took 10 years ago that I wouldn’t take today. And there are those challenges today that are more important than ever; that didn’t seem very important 10 years ago.
In our Southern Indiana region, Mayor Galligan of the City of Jeffersonville, and Mayor England of the City of New Albany recently initiated the Second Annual Mayor’s Challenge for Metro United Way. The two Mayors have accepted this challenge to raise additional resources for Southern Indiana and the losing mayor will drive a street cleaner around the winning mayor’s city. This past year Mayor England had to clean up around Galligan’s city hall. Galligan said, “I’m proud that so many employees from Jeffersonville and New Albany decided to participate in Metro United Way’s campaign, because giving back to your community is so important.” Because of this challenge there will be additional resources for the residents of Floyd and Clark counties due to the employees who chose to participate by giving to the Metro United Way campaign.
For these Mayors it was important enough to them to take the challenge. Is it important to you that:
- Food pantries are available in your community?
- Shelters are accessible to families after a house fire?
- Seniors have access to transportation to and from doctor’s appointments?
- Children are mentored and have role models available?
- Low-income and uninsured residents have access to preventative healthcare?
Currently in our community, of the agencies that Metro United Way funds there is clearly an increase in need. Did you know that the Family Health Center of Floyd County has seen an increase in its new patients from an average of 20 to 30 per month this time last year to its current average of 20 to 30 per week? Additionally, agencies who operate food pantries have seen a 40% increase in first time recipients.
One way our community can become the most vital, caring community in the nation is if you and I choose to be challenged. How can you raise resources for your community? Who can you challenge, how can you make a difference this year for over 90 agencies and 160+ programs in your community?
Take the Challenge. Live United.
Nice article Sarah. I hope others pick up the challenge. Gil