LIVE UNITED Y’All!

By Sommer Lally

The first day of Spring is tomorrow and I don’t know about you but, for me, it can’t get here soon enough!  Maybe it has something to do with my name but I hate cold weather like a cat hates water so, the arrival of Spring is always something I look forward to.  But this year I am especially excited.  You see, I bought my first house last fall and I’ve not yet been able to enjoy basking in the sunshine in my new yard. 

My husband and I already purchased and assembled (okay, okay, he assembled) a grill and have plans in the works for patio furniture.  Even better, I’ve talked him into making improvements to our landscaping.  As you can see, right now the landscaping leaves (no pun intended) a little to be desired.

I’m thinking some nice evergreen shrubs and some leafy bushes might do the trick.  There’s just one little catch.  As I’ve been reading up on landscaping tips, it has become clear – much to my chagrin – that we won’t reap the benefits immediately.  It will take years for the shrubs and bushes we plant this spring to grow and mature into the beautiful landscape of my dreams.  Slowly but surely, it will get there.  I just have to be patient, which is not my strong suit.

When I think about it, landscaping is kind of like the work around community change that we’re doing here at Metro United Way.  Community change doesn’t happen over night, it takes years to see the results of the work you’re putting in today.  But you better believe when 2018 rolls around and all of the children in our community are prepared to enter kindergarten and half as many high students are dropping out, we will know that our efforts were worth it.

What about those of us who need to see the immediate results?  I would put myself into this category which is where the grill and patio furniture come in.  They’ll allow me to enjoy my yard immediately, albeit in a different way.  The same is true for our focus on basic needs here at Metro United Way.  Our investments in early childhood education and drop-out prevention will pay-off in the future while those in basic needs help the community right now. 

It helps me to think of our work in this way.  How do you think of Metro United Way’s work?  What helps you to better understand and communicate to others what we do?

Education, General Children, community change, early childhood, making a difference, Metro United Way

By Jan Sherrell

photo by David Reece - click for link

It feels like Metro United Way is in the midst of big changes and changes are unsettling. Wednesday I had a flash of a moment that encouraged me – that change is positive … in due time.

Over 5 years ago Metro United Way rocked our agency world by implementing new submission requirements – asking for outcomes and indicators of all our programs. We wanted to know what changed in the clients’ lives and how did agencies know that change happened. We were met with much resistance and it was a “change is tough” time.

Wednesday I facilitated a meeting at Jefferson Alcohol & Drug Abuse Center (JADAC) to review their year of service Metro United Way funded. I had such an affirming comment from the director, Diane Hague. JADAC houses a substance abuse treatment center with a $6.5 million budget. Metro United Way funds $27,780 for their Concerned Persons program. This is a program that JADAC feels is imperative for friends and family of the addict. It teaches them what is helpful behavior and what is not supportive behavior when dealing with addicted loved ones.

Diane’s comment was:

When we first started attending the Metro United Way info meetings and trainings about outcomes, indicators, etc, etc, my first reaction was —“More hoops to jump through for Metro United Way.” I even went so far as to think—“Is it worth it for us to have to do all of this for the amount of money we get from Metro United Way?” Finally after the training and looking at what we would need to do for our Metro United Way program in order to conform to the new requirements about outcomes, the light bulb came on. I understood. Why would anyone want to pay for something if they didn’t know what the outcomes were? We began looking at what we wanted for outcomes in our Metro United Way program and what was the best way to gather that info.

We decided the best way to get the info about the outcomes was to ask the participants. We were already doing client satisfaction surveys so we added our outcome indicator questions on those surveys.

Then another light bulb, why not do this for all of our programs? We were giving out client satisfaction surveys in all of our programs, why not ask outcome indicator questions for all programs on these surveys? We started with a few programs and then expanded to all programs and even expanded the number of indicator questions in many programs. We now have a whole report called Outcome Predictor Responses which shows each program and its 2 to 10 indicators and responses by quarter. We review this report every quarter in our Quality Improvement committee and make changes in programming as a result.

So we have Metro United Way to thank for jump starting us into thinking about what was it we were looking for in terms of outcomes in all of our programs. How do we know we are truly making a change in the client’s lives? We continue to make needed changes as a result of the survey responses

So a belated very big thank you to Metro United Way for this initiative!!!!!!

General Agencies, change, outcomes

By Kelly Hutchinson, Donor Relationship Manager

Talk about pomp and circumstance! One can only imagine what a great and inspiring commencement address students and proud family members would hear if President Barack Obama delivers the graduation address message to the Eagles at Eastern, the Yellow Jackets at Central High School or some lucky Bulldogs at New Albany High School. I am sure any school in our region would never be the same.  

Well if you haven’t heard yet…this could really happen thanks to an exciting contest that is underway and dubbed as The Race to the Top High School Challenge. The “Race” as I will call it, encourages schools to share how they are making strides on personal responsibility, academic excellence and college readiness.

What a great opportunity to spread the word and encourage your favorite school or student you know to check it out, enter the contest and GO FOR IT!  Don’t delay as the deadline is fast approaching for March 15^th and President Obama will select the winner of the contest from the entries who make it as finalists. The application has four essay questions that focus on demonstrating how your school is helping prepare students to meet the President’s 2020 goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.

Regardless of your political views, we can all agree that we all win in our community when children succeed in school, graduate on time and continue to college or gain technical skills for employment in today’s economy.

As a proud member of the EHS class of 1982…I do not remember who spoke in the hot gym at graduation. I bet if it had been the President of the United States of America I would have!  To learn more visit     http://www.whitehouse.gov/commencement

Education, Events, General Cental High School, Eastern High School, Graduation Commencement, New Albany High School, President Obama, Race to the Top, School Contest

“I’m starving!” How many times do we say this with out actually considering what it means to truly be starving? Better yet, how many times do we say this while we’re in the McDonald’s drive-thru waiting on our two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun? Don’t forget the fries, diet coke, and yes, I think I will super-size!

My point is that most of us have not experienced true hunger. Most of us have not struggled to scrape together enough money each week to feed our family. Skipped our own meal to allow enough food for our kids. Picked food out of a dumpster or crossed our fingers that the diners we’re waiting on will accidentally leave their doggie-bag behind. That is starvation; hunger. It’s real and it’s all around us. According to Dare to Care Food Bank, “Over 175,000 people in Kentuckiana struggle daily to get the food they need to be healthy.” This number takes a minute to digest (no pun intended).

The good news is that there are organizations working to change this. Today I want to talk about Dare to Care Food Bank and the great work they are doing particularly with mobile pantries.

The traditional food bank model relies on neighborhood food pantries to get food to people needing help. Dare to Care provides the partner church or other nonprofit with food and they then distribute the food to those needing emergency food assistance.

Many families and individuals, however, need help but live in neighborhoods lacking these partner pantries. They may have other issues that also prevent them from accessing a traditional pantry.

The Dare to Care Mobile Pantry is a direct service to reach those in crisis who are struggling to access the help they need. With the Mobile Pantry program, Dare to Care brings the pantry to the neighborhood. Partnering with an agency that wants to help its neighborhood but doesn’t have the ability to operate a regular pantry, Dare to Care will schedule a time when it can deliver perishable and non-perishable food for immediate distribution. Dare to Care staff stay with the delivery truck to assist with the program.

This innovative program has improved nutrition in areas of Kentuckiana where fresh produce and emergency food are otherwise inaccessible.” (This information was taken from the Dare to Care website, click here to learn more.

Since beginning my career with Metro United Way in July 2009, I have had the pleasure of volunteering at five Mobile Pantries. The experience has made me very thankful for the life that I have. Recipients line up early, sometimes before the truck arrives, with old grocery bags, laundry baskets, boxes, anything they can use to carry their food. One Tuesday in December, it must have been 20 degrees, I remember being cold in my thick winter coat, gloves, hat, and scarf. When I pulled up to the volunteer, a least a fifty people were already waiting. Many of them had small children and hardly any of them had coats. These people were willing to freeze to get a few bags of food. This is starvation.

Mobile Pantries are happening each month, click here to help or contact Mary Sullivan at mary.sullivan@metrounitedway.org.

Volunteers setting up at City View Park.

Advocacy, General, Volunteering dare to care, hunger

By Angie Ditsler

Photo by guldfisken - click on photo for link

Russ told me once that his earliest memories as a child are of his mom walking him to the Crescent Hill Library every week to read to him and let him pick out books to take home. He told me that even as an adult he still vividly remembers the smell of the books in that library, and they conjure up fond memories for him every time he drives past it to this day.

Needless to say, this has led to ongoing jokes in our family about “smelling books.” Whenever I can’t decide which book to pick up next to read, Russ’ typical response to me is usually something like “Well, which one smells better?”

On a more serious note though, we’re both grateful to have been instilled with a love for reading in our childhood. Evening routines for us usually involve a glass of wine and a good book, and one of our favorite things to do on Sundays is to peruse the aisles of Books-a-Million or Barnes and Noble then relax and read until the store closes.

An aspiring writer himself, my husband devours books at about twice the rate I do. Russ accomplished a long-time goal of his when he recently published his first novel, a political thriller called Agent of Influence. He spent six years researching and writing his book, and the past year and a half has really been a team effort as we’ve worked together revising, editing, and trying to get it published. Being exposed to books at an early age has really inspired us and honed our talents in different ways: I always remind Russ that he is the creative genius in the family, while I have eye for detail.

Now that I get to work on various Success By 6 initiatives in my professional life, the importance of exposing young children to positive and healthy experiences early on like reading really hits home for me. One thing that my husband and I agree on is that when we have children of our own some day, we want them to grow up smelling books the same way we did. Who knew that a memory like the smell of a book could have such an impact on someone’s life?

Education, General Agent of Influence, books, reading, Success By 6

by Jan Sherrell

It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.
– Tom Brokaw

I’ve recently been thinking about what a burden it would be to win the lottery or to have been born with a silver, diamond studded spoon. No, really! Surely the newness of being really rich would wear off. You would become suspect of the motive of everyone around you. Wouldn’t there come a point when I have bought enough shoes that the thrill of the hunt is gone? Travel would lose its draw over time. Eventually my mind would turn toward others. What good can I now do with all this richness?

To be crazy rich- what would that be like? It could be a real burden. It would be important to me to really accomplish something. I could, of course, form another nonprofit like tons of well-meaning folk do. A nonprofit sporting my name doesn’t really appeal to me, though. Digging in and really determining what could make a difference in my community or even the world (if I go with the super crazy, stupid rich) is not a simple task. I am not a talker either, I’m a doer. So it would be a challenge for me to slow down, study some issues, learn much and develop a strategy. I’d definitely bring in people smarter than me.

Would I have to narrow down into one goal and fund initiatives around it so that you could see and measure a change? Or would I fund lots of interesting, proven initiatives, sharing the wealth across a gamut of needs? See what I mean about the burden it would be? Someone always has an opinion on what you did or did not fund. Being generous can be criticized if it doesn’t agree with someone else’s agenda. Careful what you wish for. Winning that lottery may not be nirvana.

Metro United Way isn’t super crazy rich. But our work is supported by the resources given us. We take time to study the community, to know the issues, to listen to the experts. We are striving toward naming goals, setting strategies and objectives to get us there.

To give money is an easy matter and in any person’s power, but to decide to whom to give and how much and when and for what purpose and how, is neither in every person’s power, nor an easy matter.
–Aristotle

Just because these quotations both point out it is hard work to determine where to put your resources, it shouldn’t stop you from going ahead and giving and trying to change things for the better. Hmm, guess I’d have to really buy a ticket before I need to worry about being super, crazy rich from winning the lottery.

General community issues, decision making, goals, lottery, rich, strategy

By Howard Mason

Although no longer affiliated with Metro United Way, the regular participants of the Social Change Book Club have decided to keep it going. This is the fourth incarnation of the book club since its initial meeting in July, 2006.

The Social Change Book Club is still open to everyone who is interested in understanding, participating, leading, or supporting social change. Each month we select a book and get together to discuss. Selections rotate among three themes: social changes, how we work with others to make change happen, and the inner qualities needed to bring change into the world.

People just show up if they are interested–no RSVP, commitment, etc. It is great when people have read the book, but that is not a requirement to come and discuss.

We got this going because there is a lot to learn about how to make social change happen and people who are interested in changing the world need opportunities to share stories and experience community with others who care.

We meet the third Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m.  Our home is Heine Bros. Coffee, 119 Chenoweth Lane, St Matthews. We are grateful for the invitation and hospitality.

Maya Angelou’s Letters to My Daughter, our February 15 book, is her first original collection of writing to be published in ten years–anecdotal vignettes drawn from a compelling life. She writes, “I gave birth to one child, a son, but I have thousands of daughters. You are Black and White, Jewish and Muslim, Asian, Spanish speaking, Native Americans and Aleut. You are fat and thin and pretty and plain, gay and straight, educated and unlettered, and I am speaking to you all. Here is my offering to you.”

Power and Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change by Adam Kahane is our March 15 book. Kahane suggests that power, our desire to achieve our own purposes, and love, our desire to heal the whole, are complementary drives. Both are required to effect sustainable social innovation and change.

If you would like to receive news of the Social Change Book Club, send an email to socialchangebookclub@gmail.com

General, Volunteering Book Club, Community, gathering, learning, Social Change

By Angela Ditsler

No one needs to be reminded of the freezing temperatures that have been lingering outside for days. And with three inches of fresh snow on the ground, there is no doubt that winter 2010 has officially arrived! With these changes of season, I’ve noticed more stories in the news lately about people in need in our community- children in need of winter coats, and shelters in need of volunteers to feed the larger-than-usual number of homeless people that have been filling the shelters at night. Whether it’s due to the cold temperatures outside or simply the spirit of the New Year, I’ve been thinking lately that I’m probably overdue for performing one of those small acts of kindness that make a big difference.

Thankfully, a note left on our doorstep last weekend while my husband and I were out gave me an idea. A local organization had stopped by looking for donations and left their phone number on the slip of paper asking us to call if we had anything- clothes, toys, or household items- to donate. It gave my husband and me the idea to do some “winter cleaning.” By Sunday night, we had several bags of sweaters and jackets, 4 boxes of pots, pans, and dishes we don’t use, and an old vacuum cleaner ready to be given away. I them emailed a friend and former co-worker this week who works at Kentucky Refugee Ministries to see what items were on their “wish list” this month. I’ve made arrangements to drop off all those items at KRM tomorrow morning. Now, my house is a little cleaner and more organized, and more importantly, I feel good knowing I’m able to contribute some items to someone who needs them more than I do.

What small act of kindness can you do this winter season? Did you get a new winter coat for Christmas this year and can give away your old one to someone else? Can you give an hour to deliver Meals on Wheels during your lunch break one day this month? Can you carry your neighbor’s trash cans in for them from the curb so they don’t have to venture out into the snow? Did you receive an unexpected Christmas bonus at work and are willing to write an extra check this month to a local charity? Every small act of kindness is appreciated by someone, and endless opportunities for doing them are around us every day.

General Community

By David P. Calzi, 2009 Metro United Way General Campaign Chair

Reflecting back over the past months during the 2009 Metro United Way Community Campaign, I find myself asking the question, “What Matters?”

What matters most right now is that the needs in our Community must be met head on. The effects of this poor economy continue to be felt on all fronts and the demand for services of the agencies that Metro United Way supports continues to grow beyond levels that we have not seen before.

Our campaign goal of $28.5 million was not established with some complicated formula. It was merely based upon what is needed to at least maintain support at 2008 levels for our network of Metro United Way agencies, investment in special initiatives to prepare our children to be successful in school, and responding to emerging community needs due to the continuing economic crisis. When I agreed to that goal I knew then it would not be easy to achieve but felt that we at least needed to strive to meet last year’s results to help ensure consistent funding of the important programs of Metro United Way agencies.

I am an optimist but I believe that we are in for another rough ride in 2010. In 2010, the economy may improve, companies may have a better year, the unemployment rate may go down but the flow through to meet immediate needs won’t show up right away. Each day that I work with the staff of our Metro United Way it has become obvious to me that their work never ends. They work tirelessly for the betterment of our Community and there is no rest for their efforts. We must all stay vigilant and continue to support their valiant efforts and help them to wrap up this current campaign hitting the established goals.

It is amazing to realize how far we have come during the most challenging economic times many of us can recall. Many dedicated companies, organizations and individuals have made a tremendous commitment, worked hard and given very generously during the campaign. For that the Metro United Way staff and I are grateful and extend our most sincere thanks.

What matters now is every gift, regardless of the size. Each gift will truly make a difference in the life of one person and in the life of our community. Our Metro United Way is here for everyone in our community and needs the support of each of us. It is really easy to give on line or you can call 502 583 2821 to make a gift.

Thank you for joining me in our continuing efforts and best wishes for a happy and safe new year.

Sincerely,

David P. Calzi
2009 Metro United Way Community Campaign Chair

General

By Kate McNatt

Metro United Way wants to thank all the kind folks at General Electric, who just donated 4,600 portable space heaters to people in need during these cold winter months. Metro United Way will be the leader in distributing the space heaters, and the Salvation Army, a Metro United Way agency, is going to serve as the distribution site.

There are two opportunities to get involved (see below).  Volunteers will be handling boxes of heaters and should be able to lift up to 36 lbs.  Boxes may be dusty or dirty so please dress accordingly.  If you can help, please call Patty Belden at 502-292-6152 or email patty.belden@metrounitedway.org.  As always, thanks for your support!

Thursday January 14th – Distribution to Agencies

Location: Salvation Army

6709 Preston Highway

Louisville, KY 40219

Shift A: 1:00pm – 3:00pm         Volunteers Needed = 6

Shift B: 3:00pm – 5:00pm         Volunteers Needed = 6

Shift C: 5:00pm – 7:00pm         Volunteers Needed = 6

Friday January 15^th – Distribution to Agencies

Location: Salvation Army

6709 Preston Highway

Louisville, KY 40219

Shift A:  8:00am – 10:00am      Volunteers Needed = 6

Shift B: 10:00am – 12:00pm     Volunteers Needed = 6

Shift C: 12:00pm – 2:00pm       Volunteers Needed = 6

Events, General, Volunteering Community, Live United, making a difference, opportunity, Volunteer