 
LEADERSHIP INTRO
Ashley Wood
Director of Community Impact
Have you ever wondered "What does United Way do with that money that comes out of my paycheck every pay day?" This is your opportunity to learn more about the process. We bring together several community volunteers to aid our Board Members in evaluating the partnering applications submitted by our participating agencies. During the months of April and May, we are asking for your help.
In all, the commitment we ask from our volunteers is approximately 8 to 10 hours total in meetings and any outside time needed to review the applications submitted. The first meeting is approximately 1 hour and from there the groups will break out into impact areas and determine the times and dates that best fit their schedules for the following meetings. We are requesting this process be completed by May.
If you have been involved in the past years, I'm sure that you realize just how valuable each of the applicant organizations is to our community. By getting involved you will be an integral part of assessing our community's needs. If you are new this year, I guarantee that you will come away with a new appreciation for the great work done by each of these organizations.
If you are able to attend, please respond to our local offices.
Lake Havasu/Parker: Ashley Wood - [email protected] or 928-855-6333
Laughlin/Bullhead: Mary Schramm - [email protected] or 928-758-1030
Kingman: Laura Hansen -
[email protected] or 928-753-6720
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Bullhead Impact Story
by Westcare Arizona, Inc.
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"My name is Sam, I am 28 years old and I am on probation. I have a pretty screwed up family. I have a sister that has mental problems and uses drugs and I have a sister that is normal, whatever that is. My mom has her own issues. She enables my sister with mental problems and then gets angry about it and takes it out on me. I started using meth about 10 years ago. I was arrested a few times for possession of meth and that is how I ended up on probation. I have stayed clean for periods of time. The last time was for almost 2 years through support of NA and AA. My probation officer felt that since I kept relapsing and using my family as the excuse, I needed to get out of Lake Havasu City for a while and get clean and sober. He believed that if I could learn some tools to stay clean then it just may stick this time. I had a job, which is pretty rare these days and I did not want to leave town because I did not want to lose my job. We talked to my employer and he said he would hold my job for at least 6 weeks. So I came to the Diamond House in Bullhead City. I attended substance abuse groups at WestCare two times per week, went to AA or NA daily and got involved with people from group and the 12 step programs. I tested clean the whole time I was at Diamond House and started feeling really good. At 6 weeks, I decided to stay for another 2 weeks. I drove to Lake Havasu a few days a week to work and started to look for my own place as I did not want to go back and live with my mom and sister. I left Diamond House after staying for 9 weeks. I have come back to WestCare group a few times since then just to see the staff and see if some of the same people are still going to group. I have my job and I am still trying to get my own place. Looking back, I am really glad I came up to Bullhead City to the Diamond House.
The staff at WestCare was really supportive and kept a close eye on me, especially when I was hanging out with one girl in particular just a little too much and I am thankful for that. I thank my probation officer as well for convincing me to go to Diamond House. It was just what I needed to get my life back on track."
Westcare Arizona can be reached at (928) 763-7233
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Dine-Out in Lake Havasu for RCUW
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We have been working to secure partners in our newest program. Restaurants from around Lake Havasu City are jumping on board to offer River Cities United Way 10%-20% of participating guests food purchase. We will be featuring these partners on our website, Facebook page, and this eNewsletter.
Panda Express is our first signed partner, you can download their flyer and visit their restaurant Monday, February 24th.
Barley Brothers, Shugrues, and Javalina Cantina have given us their commitment to partner. We are still awaiting word back from other potential partners.
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Free Dental Exams
by Ashley Wood
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River Cities United Way is still offering free dental exams for families with students currently enrolled in local schools grades K-12 throughout Mohave and La Paz Counties.
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