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| In the Spotlight |
Mentor Month Shines Spotlight on UWCA Program
Growing up, most of us had someone who made all the difference in our lives. Maybe it was a parent or grandparent. A teacher. A friend. An adult who understood you and cared about you. As you were growing up, that person was someone you could look up to. Today in our community, too many kids are still waiting to meet someone who’ll make the difference in their lives.
In celebration of National Mentor Month, UWCA is highlighting local mentors and programs that show the importance of mentoring in youths' lives. Mentors like David Robb, Austin American Statesman; Alix Floyd, UWCA; and Janet Calhoun, UT Austin MBA student, are making a difference by helping local youths discover their potential.
This month's features include:
UWCA partners with seven nonprofits on a mentoring initiative 1 Hour For Kids. This initiative brings together nonprofits that specialize in providing mentors and tutors to vulnerable youth. These organizations work with kids in different ways, but all of their programs have shown the positive effect of connecting youth to supportive adults. Are you ready to make a difference? Learn how to become a mentor on the 1 Hour for Kids website.
MLK Day of Service Provides 7,500 Hours to Community
The rainy forecast didn't stop approximately 700 volunteers from participating in the UWCA MLK Day of Service on Jan. 15. The volunteers, of whom more than half were middle and high school students, participated in more than 20 projects across Austin and the surrounding area.
"I think it's really exciting to be with a whole bunch of people who are just dedicated toward one goal. Everyone woke up early and are here to give back and celebrate a wonderful day," said Lacey Allen, who works with College Forward through the AmeriCorps State program.
Northwest Hills United Methodist Church volunteers didn't let the rain cancellation of its project stop them. Its members joined other volunteers at Any Baby Can to help prepare materials for the upcoming 3M Half Marathon. "To have a community that is best for everyone, it takes everyone giving back and volunteering their time," said Sue Abold, who helps coordinate volunteer projects for the church.
Read more about the day on our blog.
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Getting Connected
Young Leader's Society Mixes Learning with Lunch
In 2011, UWCA's Young Leader’s Society will host seven Lunch with Leaders programs focused on providing professional development and education to young philanthropists.
The next program, titled “How to Effectively Utilize Volunteer Experiences to Positively Impact Your Career,” will be held on March 9 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m at Cover 3.
For more information visit the YLS website or email
alix.floyd@unitedwaycapitalarea.org.
YLS inspires philanthropy and volunteerism in the young leaders of Central Texas. YLS is made up of leaders, ages 21-45 who, individually or as a couple, invest a gift of $1,000 or more annually in United Way Capital Area.
Are You Ready to Make a Difference? Become a Volunteer Project Leader
Put your passion to work by becoming a leader in the community. Volunteer Project Leader Training is a course designed to equip participants with the leadership skills and tools needed to create positive change in the communities. Learn how to develop and lead volunteer projects from beginning to end.
Organize friends, coworkers and colleagues to take on a project, accomplish a task or support a nonprofit or community effort. Hands On Central Texas, a program of UWCA, inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that impacts the education, income and health of our community.
Sign up now for the next Volunteer Project Leader training:
Wednesday, February 16 -- 3 to 5 p.m. at UWCA, 2000 E. MLK Jr. Blvd.
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Your Local United Way in Action
UWCA Employee Honored by Alma Mater
Congratulations to UWCA VP of Business Strategy Lauren Paver on receiving a Distinguished Young Alumna Award from Southwestern University. She was chosen for her professional achievements and dedicated service to the community.
UWCA to Lead Annual Financial Fitness Event
UWCA will lead this year’s annual Financial Fitness Greater Austin (FFGA) initiative in April. FFGA is an education and awareness coalition with more than 60 entities in the greater Austin area. The program has been at the forefront of providing free financial resources, courses and scholarship opportunities to the Austin community for the last three years. Look for updates in the coming months.
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Friends and Partners
Texas Gas Get a '10'
Over the past few years, Texas Gas has been a dedicated leader in the community in both philanthropic giving and volunteer engagement. Their campaign theme for this year was 10, Ten, 10, which reflected their goal to reach $110,000 by October 2010 for UWCA. They not only reached their goal, but exceeded it with a grand total of more than $123K!
A multitude of factors contributes to their campaign success each year, including a strong campaign committee, United Way meetings, special events and the gratitude the company expresses to employees. This year employees enjoyed a well-deserved thank you event that included free lunch, games and raffles. Thank you Texas Gas!
Intel's LANfest Fun Benefits UWCA
In addition to their annual campaign and year-round volunteer engagement, Intel’s annual LANfest raised more than $1,500 for UWCA through entry fees, food sales and fun! a Intel's LAN (local area network) parties are open to the public and allow participants to play interactive computer games. LANfest events have raised more than $373,000 for United Ways and charities across the nation. Thank You Intel!
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In this issue
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Living United
“I have supported the United Way for 25 years because it makes a meaningful difference in the well-being of our entire community. I am especially committed to the goal of United Way Capital Area’s Success by Six program. The United Way Capital Area is helping Austin become an even better place to live!”
- Brenda Strama
Chair
Success By 6 Leadership Council
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Your Impact
More than 7,500 hours were served during the MLK Day of Service. This is the equivalent of more than $75,000 in volunteer time given back to our community.
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By the Numbers
In 2010, 267,000 people were linked to critical services, such as health care, housing and food, through 2-1-1, an information and referral line operated by United Way Capital Area.
2-1-1 Texas is a private/public collaboration of United Way Capital Area and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Learn more here.
Ask Debbie
How is UWCA preparing for the coming state budget cuts?
"We are convening stakeholder groups to educate and discuss the ripple effect and potential impact of the budget cuts to encourage smarter and solutions-focused thinking. We appreciate that you as our partners and supporters have many questions as we do. Until more is known and the legislature passes a budget we can only prepare, not decide the final outcome. We are moving ahead with our current plans and will remain nimble as more becomes known."
- Debbie Bresette, President,
United Way Capital Area
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