APR
2016
ISSUE
No. 35

Leadership Introduction
From Laura Hansen, Kingman Area Manager

Is it already April? Where does the time go? We will soon have our first year of the "Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, aka "VITA" under our belt. The learning curve has been steep but rewarding.

River Cities United Way devotes the greatest amount of effort where we can get the most impact for our community. The VITA program has given us a huge opportunity to put money back into the hands of deserving citizens.

We have assisted 140 senior citizens and families with Income Tax preparation, bringing back $126,052 to the RCUW region.

Many individuals came in with hesitation and insecurities regarding how this service could really be free . "What is the catch?" It was rewarding to put all their fears to rest and often when they left; it was with a big smile, handshake or a hug.

One little elderly lady was terrified. She recently lost her husband who had always been the one that took care of all the finances. She knew nothing about the process or how to go about filing the taxes. She was so nervous that she became physically ill. Her fears were put to rest and when she left, she was smiling and felt comforted. Remarks were "Thank You! I had no idea that United Way could show such kindness and concern for me."

I just want to thank the volunteers and partnering agencies that helped to make out first year of VITA successful.

Trapshoot Follow-Up 
23 shooters participated in the annual River Cities United Way Charity Trapshoot that was held Saturday, March 26th - and quite a show it was at Mohave Sportsman Clubs' 7 Mile Hill Trap Range.

Wyatt Magers, 14, (pictured below) - blew away the field and took top honors with a score of 95/100.  

 

Josh Schanaman (pictured below) scored 93/100 and took second place.



Brandon Matscke took third place with a score of 90/100


Each of the winners above received trophies courtesy of Nucor Steel, along with hats and a Nucor Steel water bottle.

Baskets were raffled off and won by Dave Vance, Ron Hopper and his wife, and Josh Schanaman.


Congratulations
Pat O'Connell 
winner of our CZ 612 12-Gauge Shotgun!

Every year ASU has a day in which students take time out of their busy lives to give back to the community - they call it "Devils in Disguise".

Saturday, April 9th River Cities United Way's Lake Havasu office was gracious enough to receive such assistance. With their help, we moved items from our front office where we had been storing things - to storage, cleaned it out of old paperwork to be shredded, and disposed of unnecessary clutter.

We would like to thank Rhiannon Watkins, Jacob Harris, Jimmy Gregory - and their coordinator Christopher Millett.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Additionally we would like to thank Rhaanon Watson as well as the Wood boys - Tim & Anthony, for assisting with removing weeds, trimming plants, and picking up trash and cigarette butts from the front of our building.
Impact Statistics 
 
Interagency  (Education)

66 individuals received 1,192 hours of support and education for parents through Interagency in 2014-2015.


Session 1 and 2 will be held Monday April 18th from 4 PM to 8 PM.

This 4-hour intensive workshop led by Ashley Wood from River Cities United Way teaches participants how to live thrifty, resourceful and empowered.

This course covers budgeting, money management, cleaning up your credit score, setting a savings goal, tracking your success, coupon clipping and more!  You won't find another workshop with this kind of practical help.  If you want to prosper in today's economy, you will find this fun-filled workshop incredibly helpful.

Class size is limited for optimal learning opportunity.

Those interested in attending should visit http://www.RiverCitiesUnitedWay.org/TRE

Upcoming Golf Tournament


Friday, May 20th
Strategic Planning


RCUW is moving forward with focusing on our goals of Education, Income and Health.  We need your help as a volunteer to define those goals and then help us to achieve them.  


If you do not currently serve as a Board Member, Area Specific Advisory Committee Member, Finance Committee or Marketing Committee, we would love to have your help.  Visit here for more info...  

More information to be announced soon!
WATCH YOUR EMAIL !!
 
You'll soon be invited to participate in our Self Assessment Survey which will be open for one (1) week.  We expect it will take approximately 30 minutes.   Your participation in helping us review our organization will be greatly appreciated.