Mac user or having trouble viewing? Click here.
... or copy and paste the following URL into a browser window:
http://www.unitedwaycapitalarea.org/newsletters/2007_04_UWCA_Newsletter.html
|
Welcome to the first edition of Community Matters, the monthly e-newsletter from
United Way Capital Area.
This monthly newsletter will provide a wide range of content--from UWCA
activities to discussions on community issues, from upcoming events and volunteer opportunities to interviews
and profiles of local nonprofits and community leaders.
You have received this newsletter because either you
have made a donation to United Way or because you have indicated an interest in receiving news from United Way.
If you would like
to be removed from the newsletter mailing list permanently, please see below.
|
 |
|
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Welcome to the first edition of Community Matters, the monthly newsletter of United Way Capital Area.
We're glad you're with us.
So why have we named it Community Matters? A good question with several answers.
For starters, we all believe that our community does matter, every piece of it. Whether you live in the most
rural corners of Central Texas or reside smack dab in the middle of downtown Austin, many of the same issues arise time
and again. Whether you're a wealthy philanthropist, would-be volunteer, or simply a concerned citizen, you have a vested
interest in how our community continues to grow and improve. Whether you're new to the area or have called it your home
your entire life, you know that there is much we've done, and much left to do. And all of the components that constitute
Central Texas play a role in getting that work done--the people, the businesses, the nonprofits, and the desire to realize
our full potential.
But the name of this newsletter is also about issues--issues that directly affect that quality of life for all of us.
So we hope Community Matters becomes a conversation--a conversation about community, change, and how we all play
a role in making Central Texas a better place to live and work.
We make you this pledge: Each month, we will work hard to send you events, announcements, news, and opinions that
we think will keep the "conversation" lively and dynamic.
We know you believe in our community. We do too. And together, we can ... Change Central Texas—for good.
Sincerely,
David W. Balch
President & Chief Professional Officer
United Way Capital Area
|
David Balch,
President & CPO, United Way Capital Area
|
|
The Community Impact Model is an exciting update to how United Way Capital Area helps change Central Texas.
For years, UWCA was seen as, primarily, a fundraising entity--a clearinghouse that distributed money to thousands of
different nonprofits each year.
But the new "Community Impact Model" means that we have identified the community's needs we are uniquely positioned to impact
and are now ready to make bold, aggressive moves toward meeting those needs.
After much research, United Way Capital Area has identified three Community Impact "focus areas" to guide its future
work. They are ...
Click here to see the new Community Impact Model
|
Each month, we will include an "Impact Story"--an illustration of how United Way is addressing critical
community issues via myriad approaches and avenues.
I'm Charles.
Caring for your parent or grandparent as they enter their final years can be a heart-wrenching experience. But
that's precisely what our family had to do when my grandmother grew too ill to live on her own. So we moved her
in with my parents, who cared for her needs--osteoporosis and failing eyesight--for the last nine years of her life.
Luckily, there was Samantha. Samantha worked for Family Eldercare--a nonprofit organization and United Way Capital Area
partner agency whose mission is to provide care and service to the elderly so they might live as dignified and independent
a life as possible.
Every week, Samantha would visit Grandma. They would sit together--chatting up a storm, laughing, swapping stories about
grandchildren, playing games, and cooking fabulous meals for the family. Grandma adored her time with Samantha.
"Samantha planted some snapdragons for me in the front flower bed," Grandma once chortled. "Colorful and full of life,
just like her. She's a real character, you know."
The visits from Samantha also gave my parents time to run errands or just grab lunch and a movie--a relaxing afternoon
that they both cherished.
Family Eldercare blessed us, allowing my mom and dad to keep Grandma in their home until the very end. For that gift,
we are eternally grateful. And that's why I'm such a big believer in United Way: They invest in the people and organizations
that make our community such a great place to live.
Why United Way?
With the support of United Way Capital Area, Family Eldercare is able to devote full--time staff to folks like Charles'
grandmother--helping provide them with the basic needs and emotional support they need to live a full and dignified life.
Charles' family represents the real impact of United Way. After the experience with his grandmother, Charles led his
company's United Way Employee Giving Campaign, joined the Board of Directors of Family Eldercare, and became an active
member of United Way's Young Leaders Society.
At United Way, we're about helping people help people.
|
Brian Gallagher, President of United Way of America, visits United Way Capital Area.
|
Brian Gallagher, President of United Way of America, stopped by our office on March 29 to talk to the United Way staff,
board members, key partners, and other close friends. In town for the Key Cities Conference, Mr. Gallagher spent a few
hours sharing his thoughts on United Way's current direction, how the national office supports individual United Ways,
and how the Community Impact model is the best move for United Way.
|
United Way Days of Caring
Friday, April 20
This is your opportunity to participate in one of the largest volunteer events of the year. On April 20, hundreds
of volunteers will join Hands On Central Texas and spread out across the Austin area to help with a number of
projects--everything from improving school facilities to feeding the homeless, and more. Sign-up a team of friends,
family, or co-workers, or register individually. And be sure to attend the Kick-Off Event that morning at 9:00 a.m.
For more info and to register, click here.
Release of the 2007 Report Card on Child Well-Being
Wednesday, April 25 - 10:00 a.m.
Austin City Hall - City Council Chambers
After many months of review, and with the input over more than 30 organizations, United Way Success By 6 is ready
to release the 2007 Child Well-Being Report Card, which identifies how well Central Texas is preparing its children
to enter school. The results will help guide our future work and will highlight some of our successes.
Please join us on April 25.
For more information, visit
www.unitedwaycapitalarea.org/sb6.
Volunteer Project Leader Training
Wednesday, May 16
United Way Capital Area
Do you dream of ways to create a better, cleaner, healthier, and happier community? Then Hands On Central Texas wants to
help you. Register soon for the next Volunteer Project Leader Training event. The training will help you learn why
volunteering is so vital and how to design, implement, and evaluate your very own volunteer projects.
The training is free.
For more information, click here.
|
|
|
