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United Way of Jasper County
Community Investor Newsletter
December 2009
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$230,000 Raised in Pledges During Fall 2009 Campaign
Thank you to all of you who have donated to the campaign this fall. We wouldn’t be able to do everything we do without you! As of December 1st, we have received $230,000 in pledges toward our $350,000 goal. Although we have fallen short of our goal, we understand that our community residents are struggling with these tough economic times. Unfortunately, our county has not been spared by the poor economy and high unemployment rates. Don’t worry though, great programs will still be supported by the UW for this next year. We are still taking donations to make more funds available to our community programs, so please encourage those around you to make a pledge today or think about adding more to your pledge amount.
To donate to the United Way of Jasper County, go online
You WILL make a difference!
What does it mean to Live United and why should be it become a part of our everyday language? Because the bottom line is this...
Underneath everything we are.
Underneath everything we do.
We are people.
Connected. Interdependent. United.
When we reach out hand to one.
We can influence the condition of all.
Living United has to do with not just our money, but our time, our energy, and our voice. It has to do with lending our voice to those that are unable to advocate for themselves. It has to do with financially supporting programs that strengthen both individuals and the community as a whole. It has to do with volunteering our time and talent to enrich the life of another.
Upcoming Events!
12/3: 2010-2011 grant applications due
1/7: Allocation panel volunteer training
1/18-2-19: Allocation panels meet and community partner interviews take place
3/26: Allocation funding for 2010-2011 announced
United Way Allocation Volunteers Needed
United Way of Jasper County is currently accepting volunteers to assist with the allocation of monies raised during the Fall 2009 United Way Campaign. Volunteers will be asked to commit to two evening meetings in January and one in February, as well as reviewing, evaluating, and making funding recommendations for up to 7 grant applications. Each volunteer will be assigned to a focus area and will work with others assigned to the same group. Final funding decisions are made by the United Way of Jasper County Board of Directors. Training will be provided.
If you would like to participate in the allocation process or would like more information, please contact United Way at 641-792-1684 or send an email to
unitedway@iowatelecom.net by December 31, 2009.
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Each time you search the Internet or shop online at one of our participating stores, a donation will be made to
United Way - Jasper County at no cost to you!
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The United Way of Jasper County and Rene Moquin, a representative from Dialogos Consulting in Colorado, conducted community listening circles the week of November 9th-13th. These meetings were used to gather more input from community leaders to supplement the finding of the paper survey that was distributed in September. The circles consisted of professionals in business, education, clergy, healthcare, public safety, and human services. The feedback gathered at the circles will be documented in the final needs assessment report that will be completed by Dialogos Consulting. The United Way board of directors will be holding a special board meeting at the beginning of 2010 to discuss the findings and a plan to utilize information gathered.
Impact Stories from United Way Community Partners
DVA/SAC (Domestic Violence Alternatives/Sexual Assault Center)
A woman was assisted with making a plan to get out of the house safely with her 3 children. She worked on getting an apartment for them so when they left they had a safe place to go. She got a restraining order and she was assisted with her with legal fees from the funding we receive from United Way. She has now filed for divorce, has physical custody of her children with appropriate visitation with their father. She has gotten a new job and reports that things are going much better for her family.
Peck Child Development Center
At the end of February one of our single fathers who has two preschool age children enrolled at Peck CDC lost his state funding due to receiving a small raise from the company he works for. This raise caused him to go over t caused him to go over the income guidelines for his state assisted program that was paying for his two children to attend Peck while he worked. This father tried to appeal his case but was not successful. With United Way dollars Peck was able to offer him a lower fee from our sliding fee scale plus scholarship him reducing the cost even more to make his childcare manageable within his budget.
Kid Assist
“One of our clients had spent a lot of time on his back on the floor due to serious health concerns. He was gradually getting used to tolerating sitting up, but had no motivation to try to roll, get into sitting, or put weight into his legs when held up in a standing position. We initially brought in a piece of equipment called a feeder seat. With this chair, you can gradually place the child in a more upright position so that their body can adjust to it. A year later, I was able to bring a used manual wheelchair for him to try. I had scheduled a visit with the family and the wheelchair vendor. The wheelchair needed some slight adjustments to make it fit our client well. After being placed in the chair for the first time, he placed his hands on the wheels and moved around the room. Now, two months later, this child is attempting to get around his house, has learned how to get in and out of sitting and is attempting to pull to stand. Now he is moving around independently like other children do. He has learned the power of mobility by using a wheelchair, and we are certain that this client will learn to stand up and walk.
2009-2010
Board of Directors
Gary Parsons, President
Andrea Smith, Vice President
Corrine Coyle, Treasurer
Tammi DeJong, Secretary
Sheri Benson
Don Black
Michelle Cazett
Mary Entz
Dan Goetz
Jamie Grout
Dan Livengood
Jeff Maki
Tiare Mathison
Mark Parriott
Toni Peska
Lori Schakel
Kala Shipley
Happy Holidays from the United Way of Jasper County Board of Directors and Staff!