 |
|
| In the Spotlight |
UWCA named Manor ISD Community Partner of the Year
UWCA was recently honored as the Community Partner of the Year for its work in education by Manor ISD's Partners in Education program.
UWCA's work in Manor schools focuses on improving student success in elementary and middle schools and ultimately increasing high school graduation rates. Decker Middle School was recently chosen to be one of three middle schools that this fall will share more than $1 million for services customized specifically for student needs.
"We chose Decker Middle School for this pilot program as both the students and the staff is open and enthusiastic to new ideas," said Debbie Bresette, UWCA President. "We expect the results to include increases in attendance, test scores and parental involvement and a decrease in behavioral referrals."
Manor afterschool staff continues to be an active participant in the development and implementation of the Youth Program Quality Initiative. UWCA is offering low cost professional development opportunities and self/external assessments for 18 programs.
"I can't express how great a partner (Manor ISD) has been," said Laura LaFuente, Director of Community Building in Education. "They've been incredibly open and appreciative of the work we do."
This spring, Kindergarten teachers at all Manor ISD elementary campuses participated in UWCA's child development data mapping project. Collecting and mapping school readiness data will help UWCA and other community partners identify the greatest needs and assets in the Manor community. As a result, United Way and MISD can more effectively meet children's needs and prepare them for success in Kindergarten.
|
Your Local United Way in Action
UWCA President Participates in National Mentoring Conference
Highlighting a mentoring partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), UWCA President Debbie Bresette spoke recently to more than 700 attendees at the BBBS National Conference in Dallas. Bresette discussed how mentoring at middle schools is one strategy that will ultimately lead to improving high school graduation rates. In the fall, BBBS will increase mentoring services at Mendez and Webb Middle Schools in AISD and participate in UWCA's Middle School Matters pilot program.
|
Friends and Partners
Deloitte IMPACTS Webb Middle School
Each year, local Deloitte employees join together to volunteer and make an impact in the community. This year UWCA helped Deloitte, a financial consulting firm, partner with Webb Middle School to complete site improvements, such as painting classrooms and building a butterfly garden, and teach students life skills such as goal setting and money management.
"By partnering with United Way, we know that the impact we're making for Webb Middle School today is something we can continue to do because of the relationship we have with (UWCA)," said Shaune Littleton, who coordinated the IMPACT Day with co-worker Peyoosh Jain.
"The variety of work we're doing allows all our people to choose something they like to do and it's helping the school in many ways," Jain said.
One of the day's highlights was Deloitte Foundation's Life, Inc. training, which includes a curriculum to teach different aspects of how to create a successful career for middle and high school students. Sixty students completed activities such as setting career goals and understanding the value of money and how to manage it. Some parents joined their students and learned job search strategies including resume writing and interviewing skills.
"When I was in middle school I didn't have access to these resources. In this phase of their life it's good to be able to see different perspectives from folks who are already in professions so that they can start thinking about it," said Nishant Agrawal from Deloitte who coordinated the training. "I think it can have a significant impact on their careers going forward."
Bank of America Receives United Way National Award
Congratulations to Bank of America for winning the 2011 Spirit of America Award from United Way Worldwide. Nationally, Bank of America has invested more than $450 million with United Way since 1999. In 2010, bank employees donated more than $25 million and more than 500,000 volunteer hours were devoted to UW projects. Last year in Central Texas, Bank of America employees donated more than $40,000 and volunteered generously to support UWCA's Bank on Central Texas initiative.
The Spirit of America Awards program, now in its 24th year, is United Way's highest national honor for a corporation. It recognizes the United Way Global Corporate Leadership Company with the most comprehensive commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities.
|
|
In this issue
|
|
Living United
"I can remember the first time I heard the old adage, 'Service to the community is like the rent you pay for the life you have.' I was fortunate in my career to become connected to United Way and through this long relationship, I have developed a trust and deep appreciation for the work (UWCA) does.
As a retiree, I no longer look for monetary rewards or my own achievement for gratification. The personal reward I get is that I'm accomplishing something that betters the community and I can feel good about it."
Paula Vaughn
Volunteer, UWCA Information Technology Committee
|
Your Impact
In 2010, 4,222 Hands On Central Texas volunteers provided 17,300 hours to the community, including 23 schools and 110 nonprofit organizations.
|
By the Numbers
A snapshot of demographic changes to the Central Texas student population during the last 10 years shows:
- There are 38 percent more Central Texas students attending public school, almost twice the growth rate of the state.
- The low-income student population has grown 71 percent. Nearly half of Central Texas students receive free and reduced lunches.
- The number of students whose first language is not English has grown nearly 137 percent, with some school districts now serving five times the number of these students as 10 years ago.
Help students in Central Texas succeed by mentoring a student through UWCA's 1 Hour for Kids or by making a donation.
Ask Debbie
Why is mentoring an important part of UWCA's work with youth?
"Many of us take for granted those adults that helped shape our success in our adolescent years. In Central Texas, too many middle school students are in need of supportive adult role models.
Middle school is a critical juncture in any student's life. During this time, students are going through major life and academic changes. Gaps in educational achievement increase rapidly, which is why the middle school years are exactly when we need to be there to help. Research shows that middle school students with at least one supportive adult in their lives are almost twice as likely to graduate as those who do not."
Read more about how mentors are changing lives here in Central Texas here.”
- Debbie Bresette, President,
United Way Capital Area
Let me know what's on your mind.
|
Find us on your networks:
BE AN ADVOCATE
Forward this e-mail to your friends using the link provided below, and they will have the option to subscribe.
To stop receiving this newsletter, use the SafeUnsubscribe link, also found below.
|
|
|
|
