"We want to bring them joy."

December 2017


Our member agencies step it up to brighten the holidays for vulnerable people in our community. Please consider joining us to make an impact during this season and all year long.

Merry & Bright

"Our main goal through the holidays is to provide reminders to our customers that people care about them. We want to bring them joy and encourage community involvement." Stephanie Shelton with member agency LifeDesigns shared that they host gift trees and special gatherings, and strive to also make staff who work throughout the holidays feel supported.

This season holds special meaning for many of us. A time to gather with friends and family to enjoy meals, gifts, generosity, and companionship. But for some neighbors it may be a time of isolation, sadness, and lack of connection.

Our member agencies step it up to brighten the holidays for their clients and we're asking you to join them and us by making a contribution to support vulnerable people in our community.

Agencies like Community Kitchen will serve a special holiday meal and distribute groceries on Christmas Day. Read more >>

Happy Holidays from all of us at United Way!


Know someone who could benefit from a year of free one-on-one financial coaching?

Financial Coaching Pilot Program Launches!

"What if my child gets sick? Can I afford to take the time off work?" "If my car breaks down, do I have enough in savings to cover the cost of repair?"

These are concerns we all may have. While we all want to save for our future, the reality is that it can be challenging.

To build financial literacy in our community, United Way is launching a free year-long Financial Coaching pilot program for 10-20 participants. Financial coaching is quickly gaining recognition on a national level as a proven, effective way to help people significantly improve their financial well-being.

Monroe, Owen, and Greene county residents interested in free one-on-one financial coaching should fill out the online application by December 15.


Your donation has a broad reaching impact through our local region.

Campaign Highlights

Did you know that United Way donors positively affect 1 in 3 local individuals in Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties? United Way fights for the education, earnings opportunity, and essential needs of everyone in our community.

Thanks to these organizations and their commitment to helping our community win:

	The IU Credit Union generously donated a corporate gift of $20,000 and their employees contributed an additional $22,046 (a 15% increase over last year).
	Duke Energy employees contributed an electrifying amount of $3,230.
	City of Bloomington employees value our community. They recently honored this commitment by donating $9,111 to the United Way campaign.

Interested in holding a fundraising campaign or having a United Way representative give a presentation to your group? Contact us at [email protected] today!


Thanks to BKD for fighting to ensure all those in our community can learn more, earn more, and lead a healthier life!

Campaign Spotlight: BKD

"BKD is always very excited to support Monroe County's United Way campaign." We caught up with Synda Hatt, Senior Associate with BKD to find out more about their United Way campaign.

"We recognize United Way's commitment throughout the year to helping the children in our community to be successful in school, families to become financially stable, and everyone in the community to have the essentials like health care, food, and housing, and to become vital members of the community."

Synda let us in on a few secrets of their fundraising success. Read more >>


Foster a love of reading, volunteer for "Read for 200."

"Read for 200" Seeking Volunteers

Would you like to help celebrate our city and county bicentennial by reading to kids? Men who can volunteer their time throughout 2018 to read to children are being asked to participate in the "Read for 200" bicentennial literacy initiative.

United Way is proud to join with the The City of Bloomington's Commission on the Status of Black Males to foster a love of reading among children. Volunteers will read a collective minimum of 200 hours to children in schools, community centers and other public spaces. Those interested have until Jan. 5 to sign up online at bloomington.in.gov/csbm.


Close out 2017 with a generous contribution to your community!

Make Sure Your Gift Counts Before Year's End

Time is winding down to make your charitable contributions count for this tax year! There are many ways to give, from monetary gifts by check or credit card, to gifts of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.

Click here to visit our Year-End Giving page for complete details of how to make sure your gift counts for this year.

For additional questions about your gift, email us at [email protected] or call 812-334-8370.

Join the conversation

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

[email protected]