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As you may have noticed, our newsletter has showed up early this month. That's because starting now, Community Matters will be showing up at the beginning of the month. If you have any questions, please contact newsletter@unitedwaycapitalarea.org.
Thanks, and enjoy.
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John
My name is John. I'm 41-years-old. And I'm HIV-positive.
I enjoy an intellectually active, self-sufficient life, but because of a musculo-skeletal disorder I have, certain activities are difficult to complete. Like brushing and flossing my own teeth, for example.
For ten years I've received help from the Jack Sansing Dental Clinic, a program of AIDS Services of Austin. They've worked closely with me and my home healthcare assistants to make sure that, despite my challenges, I retain most of my own teeth. When faced with the need to treat my compromised teeth, the dental staff was able to perform limited dental restorations.
But it soon became clear that specialized resources were needed. Light sedation didn't work, as it reduced what voluntary control I did have, and so general anesthesia was the only safe option. Knowing that pediatric dentistry specialists also receive advanced training in the care of patients with significant physical handicaps, the team from Sansing sought the assistance of a local pediatric dentist.
In collaboration with a number of local agencies and an excellent dentist, the team arranged for me to receive comprehensive dental rehabilitation treatment under general anesthesia. They preserved all of my natural teeth. They even returned them to a condition that I can more easily maintain.
When I think of the people and groups that came together to help me, I can't help but smile.
The Impact of United Way Capital Area
Of the many ways United Way Capital Area is addressing the health needs of our community, dental care is one of the most exciting. Why? Because there is an enormous shortfall in community dental care for low-income and at-risk individuals, and because by providing even basic oral healthcare, people can avoid further complications and disease that arise from poor oral health. More intangible, though no less important, is the boost in confidence that comes with helping someone repair their smile.
United Way Capital Area is proud to be a key funder of the Jack Sansing Dental Clinic at AIDS Services of Austin.
Thanks to Darryl Gurecky, D.D.S. (Clinical Director - ASA's Jack Sansing Dental Clinic) for contributing to telling John's story. John's name has been changed to protect his identity.
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An update from Community Tax Centers, funded in part by United Way Capital Area, as of March 31, 2008 ...
Since the citywide opening of Community Tax Center doors in mid-January, our committed volunteers have prepared 13,279 tax returns and have returned more than $18.7 million dollars to the community.
Be on the lookout for the final 2008 Tax Season results from Community Tax Centers in the next edition of Community Matters.
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Financial Fitness Week
Austin is a town obsessed with personal fitness.
But during the week of April 21 - 27, Austinites will workout a brand-new muscle: their finances. That's Financial Fitness Week across the city, as nonprofit, private, and public agencies work together to educate and empower people with the financial knowledge they need to make more money, save more money, and manage their money.
Organizing partners include United Way Capital Area, the Alliance for Economic Inclusion, Senator Kirk Watson, and the Financial Literacy Coalition of Central Texas. Over 25 local banks, credit unions, professional organizations, and nonprofits have signed on to support and promote the initiative. We need your help to make this week a success!
There will be multiple events sponsored by partner organizations offering classes and resources on topics such as owning your own home; wise credit card use; spending and budgeting; and your credit report and credit score. With half of all Americans living paycheck to paycheck and rising credit card and household debt, financial literacy is more important than ever.
For more information:
- Visit www.financialfitnessaustin.org to see where and how you can get involved. (If it's not up yet, it will be soon. So check back regularly.)
- Download the Financial Fitness Week press release to learn more.
- Attend the Financial Fitness Week media event on April 16, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. at Mexican American Cultural Center (600 River St., Austin) to hear Mayor Wynn and Senator Kirk Watson discuss the role of financial literacy in Austin's future.
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Hands On Central Texas, the volunteer program of United Way Capital Area, invites you to a couple of special events in April.
Echoes of Color Film Series
presents
Unnatural Causes
What's happening to our health? The film "Unnatural Causes" sounds the alarm about the glaring racial and socioeconomic inequities in healthcare and search for root causes. It sifts through the evidence to discover there is much more to our health than bad habits, health care, or unlucky genes. The social conditions in which we are born, live and work profoundly affect our health and longevity.
The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Light refreshments at 6:00.
Film at 6:30-8:30 pm
George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center (Boyd Vance Theatre)
1165 Angelina
Austin, TX
For more information, call 974-4926 or write carver.museum@ci.austin.tx.us
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Spring Day of Caring
Presented by Freescale Semiconductor
On Friday, April 25, Austin will once again be overrun by do-gooders, as the annual Spring Day of Caring takes place. Hands On Central Texas, the volunteer program of United Way Capital Area, will send teams of volunteers across the city (and all of Central Texas) to lend their enthusiasm and talent to keeping Austin a caring community.
Kicking off in the morning with breakfast and entertainment, the Spring Day of Caring allows teams of volunteers to work together to help change Central Texas---for good.
Interested in participating individually or with a team from your workplace? Please visit the Day of Caring Web site by clicking here.
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United Way Capital Area's Spirit of Caring Celebration
An annual tradition at United Way Capital Area, this year's Spirit of Caring Awards Celebration is shaping up to be the best yet. The largest recognition event of the year, the Spirit of Caring Awards honor the most dedicated, compassionate, and enthusiastic members of the Austin community. This means paying homage to those companies, individuals, and nonprofit agencies who made an especially profound impact on the community over the course of the previous year.
We'll announce the winners of the awards in the May edition of Community Matters, so keep an eye out. And don't forget to thank your favorite volunteer or philanthropist.
United Way Capital Area thanks AT&T for its generous sponsorship of this event.
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Hispanic Engagement Survey
We have launched a survey that we hope will help us understand, engage and attract more Hispanic volunteers.
“Austin’s ethnic minorities have maintained a rich history of volunteering and philanthropy,” said Armando Rayo, director of the volunteer center of United Way. “This initiative focuses on the Hispanic community, and the insights the survey will provide will allow us to deliver a variety of signature projects designed to positively impact their lives.”
To participate in the survey, click here. or call the survey hotline at (512) 498-4900.
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March Giving Madness Winner!
The winner of the 2008 March Giving Madness raffle was Karen Peoples. Here she is with Bill Cryer (Executive Counsel for Public Affairs, Samsung) and David Balch (President, UWCA) in front of her new 50" Samsung HDTV. Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets in the raffle. And thanks again to Samsung for their generous donation.
"We like to see our donations encourage others to give, and there is no better group than United Way to accomplish this. When we join with United Way so often one plus one equals a lot more than just two."
- Bill Cryer (Executive Counsel for Public Affairs, Samsung)
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This Month's Features
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Upcoming Events
Wednesday, April 9
Echoes of Color Film Series presents UNNATURAL CAUSES at the Carver Museum (read more)
April 21 - 27
Austin Financial Fitness Week
April 25, 2008
Hands On Central Texas "Spring Day of Caring 2008"
Sponsored by Freescale
April 28, 2008
United Way Capital Area Spirit of Caring Awards
...see all news & events
Leadership Giving
Member Events
Tue, April 15, 2008
YLS Lunch with Leaders
How can I become a member?
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Thank Yous
- Sam Bryant – for hosting Foundation Roundtable this week.
- Dick Moeller and St. David's Foundation – for sponsoring March Impact Conversation with Tocqueville.
- Representative Patrick Rose for participating in the March Impact Conversation with Tocqueville.
- Jim Epperson and AT&T – for sponsoring 2008 Spirit of Caring Celebration.
- Truluck's and Republic Beverage – for hosting Wine Lovers for Charity Reception benefitting UWCA.
- Bill Cryer and Samsung – for donating 50" Samsung flat screen for March Madness online raffle.
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Have a LinkedIn account and want to show your support for United Way Capital Area there? Become a Linkedin United Way Capital Area Supporter!
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