STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT UPDATE:
ARE OUR CHILDREN READY?
The Ready Children Impact Council (RCIC) is a dedicated group of United Way volunteers focused on early childhood development. Composed of community leaders, content experts, residents, funders and public sector representatives, the council is committed to United Way’s goal of raising happy, healthy and ready children. Their efforts are guided by the Bexar County Children’s Agenda, developed by ReadyKidSA Coalition. The Bexar County Children’s Agenda is a roadmap for implementing a shared community agenda that shapes and promotes the well-being of children. 
READ ACROSS AMERICA
The Volunteer Center at United Way celebrated Read Across America Day on March 2, 2018, at Beacon Hill Academy. Women United volunteers supported the initiative by reading to the Pre-K through 4 th grade students and engaging in educational activities. Each of the 406 students received two books, thanks to our continued partnership with UPS, as well as a library application to all San Antonio libraries. The older students received the book Wonder . Miss Fiesta Carla Juarez also participated in the event shining the spotlight on reading and education.
 
The National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.
#BIGGIVE2018
Get ready! Support us on March 22 for #BigGive2018. It’s a fun, easy and flexible way to donate to United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County as we bring people together to address challenging community issues. We focus on improving early childhood care and education for children, helping students succeed in school, strengthening individuals and families, and providing safety net services. The Big Give makes a difference and helps us all Live United! #GiveUnited
FAMILY SCHOOL COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
PARENT SYMPOSIUM
Texas State Senator José Menéndez recently joined parent volunteers at the Family School Community Partnership’s 3rd Annual Parent Symposium, "Creating Change for a Thriving Community," on February 15 at St. Philip’s College’s Sutton Learning Center. The symposium is an initiative of United Way’s Successful Students Impact Council.
EMERGING LEADERS COUNCIL SUPPORTS LITERACY
Thank you to everyone who donated or volunteered for the United Way Emerging Leaders Council Literacy Kit Project. Together, we provided literacy kits to 465 local schoolchildren.

From kindergarten through third grade, kids are learning to read. But after third grade, they must read to learn. And when they fall behind, it’s nearly impossible to catch up.
FREE TAX PREPARATION THOUGH APRIL 17
VITA is ready to help those earning up to $60,000 with FREE tax preparation at 20 VITA sites across the city open through April 17, 2018. Local tax filers may take advantage of Virtual VITA by dropping off information and returns to be processed within 48-72 hours. Express Service includes expedited tax preparation with only one W-2 to process. VITA is an important tool in helping to ensure that all eligible residents are able to claim the EITC, Child Tax Credit, and other credits for which they might be eligible. For more information on VITA locations and services, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.vitasa.org .
UNITED WAY SHOEBOX PROJECT
March 5 - April 27, 2018

EMERGING LEADERS - CLOSE UP LEADERSHIP PANEL DISCUSSION
March 8, 2018

EMERGING LEADERS - HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
March 10, 2018

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS NOMINATIONS
Now - March 21, 2018

WOMEN UNITED CAMPAIGN CHAIR RECEPTION
March 28, 2018

MEN'S FINAL FOUR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
March 29 - April 2, 2018

KIDS FESTIVAL
April 28, 2018

WOMEN UNITED POWER OF THE PURSE
May 17, 2018
MISSION UNITED MAKING A DIFFERENCE:
"MARY'S" STORY
The Veterans Affairs (VA) Oncology/Radiation Department recently contacted United Way’s Mission United for assistance for a 52-year-old homeless Army veteran in their care. “Mary” was undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer, with over 20 radiation sessions ahead of her. Initially, she had reservations about staying somewhere at the VA’s expense. After Mary arrived for treatment, the admissions staff soon realized that she was not living at the address she previously provided. She was living in an abandoned downtown building and, therefore, didn't live within their radius to support her lodging expenses.
COMMUNITY PARTNER HIGHLIGHT:
RANDY OVERCOMES THE CONSEQUENCES OF INCARCERATION
“Randy,” a military member, was attending a class at a local substance abuse facility when he admitted that he was addicted to methamphetamine. Over time, he was arrested for breaking into cars trying to obtain money to buy drugs.

Upon his release from the Bexar County Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (SATF) residential program, Randy connected with Chrysalis Ministries , a United Way nonprofit partner, where he attended job readiness classes and worked with a case manager who provided him a weekly job listing of employers that were hiring employees despite criminal backgrounds.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
PATRICIA RAMIREZ-LONG
Congratulations to Patricia Ramirez-Long! Patricia’s career as an educator for over 26 years led her directly to The DoSeum . She has taught thousands of children through the years and is now teaching in a volunteer capacity. Volunteering with The DoSeum for nearly two years, Patricia and has made an impact not only in the lives of the children, but also with the staff.

PHONE: (210) 352-7000