November 2017


The United Way team is thankful to live and work in a caring and active community!

United We Give Thanks 
 
As we prepare for the winter months ahead, Thanksgiving arrives in time for looking in toward the things most important to us.

And as we turn inward, we feel thankful to live in a community where so many make room in their hearts for their neighbors. I am especially thankful for all of the folks contributing towards our shared mission - the generous donors who sustain us, our engaged workplace volunteers, a dedicated board of directors, our colleagues at member agencies who work tirelessly, and our talented and passionate staff and interns. We are a stronger community because of each and every one of you.

Turning inward also allows us to reflect on those for whom the season brings additional stress, isolation, financial burdens, or stark reminders of vulnerability to cold and hunger. If you or someone you know is struggling in any way, please call 2-1-1 to get connected with the right supports.
 
Many thanks,
  Efrat-signature 
Efrat Feferman, Executive Director  
 


Hip-hip-hooray for our new and returning Real Men Read volunteer MENtors!

Real Men Read Celebrates Five Years! 
   
Back and bigger than ever, Real Men Read has grown to serve every kindergarten classroom in the Spencer-Owen and Richland-Bean Blossom Community School districts.
 
Real Men Read positively impacts hundreds of kids in Monroe and Owen counties. Each month, MENtors join students to show that reading is a fun adventure. Just last year, 1,760 books were given to kindergartners to take home to start or grow their home libraries!
 
United Way, and these young children, appreciate the generosity of sponsors Owen County Community Foundation and Boston Scientific. 
 
To find out more or how you could become a sponsor, visit monroeunitedway.org/RealMenRead 


Thanks to Michael Shermis and the City of Bloomington for supporting United Way's annual campaign!

Campaign Spotlight: Michael Shermis and the City of Bloomington
 
"It was easy to step up when asked to organize my workplace campaign," said Michael Shermis,  Special Projects Coordinator with the
City of Bloomington. "United Way helps the community in so many ways beyond funding local nonprofits."
 
Michael has been involved with United Way of Monroe County, whether by serving on various boards or as part of the Community Service Council, since the early '90s. When asked to serve as the Employee Campaign Coordinator for the City of Bloomington's workplace campaign, he jumped at the opportunity.  
 
 
Want to learn more about how you or your group can make a difference in our community by raising funds? Interested in having a United Way representative give a presentation to your group? Contact Sarah Taylor at sarah@monroeunitedway.org today!   
 


Show your support on November 28th!

United We Give. United We Win.  
 
Stand up for your community by making a gift to United Way on #GivingTuesday. And, in the holiday spirit, encourage your friends and family to join you in donating!
 
Be sure to tag us in social media and share your support!  Read more here


"Shop & Cook Healthy Food on a Budget " participants learned hands-on how to get the most nutritional bang for a buck

Getting Money Smart (Week)! 
 
Monroe County residents increased their financial literacy during the annual Money Smart Week events held across Bloomington and Ellettsville during October. Adults of all ages learned about ways to keep expenses low, save money, and plan for the future.
 
"Money Smart Week afforded an exciting opportunity for our community to learn about key financial topics like slashing debt, managing credit, budgeting, and basic estate planning," said Amy Leyenbeck, Community Initiatives Director at United Way.
 
Read more about the events here.

 

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United Way of Monroe County is a nonprofit organization that improves  people's lives by addressing critical needs today and working to reduce those needs tomorrow. Through our Community Action Fund, Priority Funds, and grant initiatives, we work with 25 member agencies and other community partners to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earnings, and the essentials.
 
441 S. College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403 | (812) 334-8370