Do you remember where you were one year ago? What you were doing? What you were thinking? Our United Way Board of Directors had just conducted our annual Board Retreat on Tuesday evening, March 10, 2020. We were learning about the impacts of poverty on our most vulnerable populations through our ALICE data. There were break out rooms, food, decorations…And it was all IN-PERSON! That has been my last “night on the town” in a year. By Thursday night, we picked up our first “to-go” order from a local restaurant. On Friday, I took a picture of our staff together in our conference room where we announced the next week we would start working with “Orange” and “Blue” quarantine teams. And so, our new “normal” began.
As we continue to live the history of this pandemic together, it’s a time for action: first, it was social distancing, then relief fund efforts, then later (and still) “masking up” for the community. This month our United Way is focused on the older population living in Greater Kingsport and the services we provide. One of the best “actions” we can take to help this population and our entire community is to share accurate information regarding vaccinations, and encourage our loved ones, friends and neighbors to participate!
Follow the many links in this newsletter for the latest up-to-date information regarding vaccination centers in our region. This is the one action that is needed from all of us to get our community on its feet again. Show you care. Call a friend, offer them a ride, share resources, and encourage them to get the shot. And also, continue to wear your mask!
United We’re Strong,
Danelle Glasscock
Executive Director
