Think YOU have the best chili in town?
Then prove it! From novice and seasoned home cooks to professional chef -- show us what you've got!
Sign up by Tuesday, December 17th
to put your recipe to the test at the Chilly Cook-Off, a Freezefest event benefiting United Way.
Prizes awarded for best overall, best vegetarian, most creative, and hottest. Attendees can vote on for People’s Choice award and the winning recipe will be featured at the Chocolate Moose through late February. Interested in entering the cook-off? Sign up today - space is limited to 20 chefs.
Find information, guidelines, and registration forms
here.
More of a chili lover than a chili cook? Don't miss a chance to sample the best chili in town and vote for your favorite. In addition to delicious chili, enjoy ice cream generously provided by Chocolate Moose, music by Charlie Jesseph, and other entertainment. Tickets are $10 ($5 for children ages 3 to 12, free for children 2 and younger). Buy yours
here.
Freezefest is a celebration of winter taking place January 6-11, put together by the Cook Group, Hanapin Marketing, Visit Bloomington and other community organizations. Stay in the loop of Freezefest information
here.
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"After that phone call, things started turning around. It wasn’t easy and it took some time, but I saved my house, got some temporary help with food, and even got the legal advice to file for child support across state lines. That one call started the change that put us on a new path. Frankie loves his new little school. The people there are great, and his teacher says he’s a "sunny boy." I’m so thankful Frankie was able to keep that sunny smile."
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When Amy was at her lowest, she was working two low-paying jobs, still struggling to get by, worrying every day about losing her home, and doing her best to support her son, Frankie. Her income was just above the cutoff to qualify for government assistance, and she didn't know where to turn.
After someone suggested she call United Way, she was able to find resources to help her get back on her feet. Without the daily struggle and worry, Amy was able to focus more on herself and her son.
Your support of United Way helps families on the edge like Amy and Frankie find support to keep them from falling into poverty and homelessness, and to help give them opportunities for the future.
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Change begins with you! Are you in?
Donors and supporters like you have rallied together to raise $683,725 for the campaign to date.
This year’s campaign focuses attention on families like Amy and Frankie: ALICE households, Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, (but) Employed. In Monroe County, ALICE families total 30% of all households. These families do not qualify for federal and state programs, as might those living in poverty, which includes an additional 22% of county residents.
Change Begins with You Champions
- General Motors employees rallied in support of their community and region donating $7,945 to Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties.
- Bank of America generously donated $14,400 to make sure everyone has access to health, education, and financial stability.
- Staff at Indiana Legal Services, a United Way Member Agency, generously contributed $4,295 to help all those in need.
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Bank on Bloomington offers free personal finance classes
Bank on Bloomington's next personal finance class, "Retirement, Investment, and Long-Term Savings," will be held Thursday, December 12 from 6 - 7 p.m. in the Downtown Bloomington Transit Center conference room. Childcare is available if attendance is confirmed 24 hours in advance.
The classes were created to help community members strengthen their financial literacy and prepare for financial milestones in their lives. These recurring monthly classes will have varying topics. In addition to learning general knowledge, attendees will have the opportunity to ask one-on-one questions with instructors.
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Be a Tax Hero!
Not all heroes wear capes. Some volunteer to help hard working families file their taxes for free!
Enjoy problem solving and enjoy helping people? Last year Tax Heroes filed more than 2,300 federal tax returns & brought back more than $2.7 million to our community. It's not too late to join our Free Community Tax Service volunteer team for this tax season!
IRS Training and Certification provided at no cost — No experience needed.
Tax sites will open at locations throughout Monroe, Owen, and Brown counties the week of January 27, so get involved today!
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"Re-Imagining Health Care in Monroe County and Beyond" topic of Wake Up! with United Way
The 2019 season of Wake Up! with United Way wrapped up on Thursday, November 14 with Nancy Richman, executive director of Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), announcing and explaining VIM's exciting transition to a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC).
For the past 12 years, VIM has been the only source of free health care for uninsured and medically underserved residents of Monroe and Owen counties. With changes in health care over the years, more people in our communities have become insured. Unfortunately, people living in poverty who become insured still face the challenges that substandard housing, unemployment, lack of transportation, and food deserts have on physical and mental health. This transition to a FQHC offers great potential to bring transformative solutions to our community’s critical health challenges.
Read the full story
here.
Wake Up! with United Way will return in February 2020 to explore "Food Security in Monroe County" with a panel of various perspectives. Sign up for Wake Up! with United Way updates
here.
The Wake Up! with United Way 2019 season has been a collaborative project of United Way of Monroe County and Indiana University's Political and Civic Engagement Program, with thanks to Old National Bank for series support. If you are interested in sponsoring the breakfast series in 2020 please contact Sherrie at sherrie@monroeunitedway.org.
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As the end of 2019 quickly approaches and we pause in gratitude amidst the hustle and bustle, please consider the lasting impact you can give a family, like Amy and her son Frankie, this holiday season.
Please consider a generous year-end gift, a gift that will create a lasting impact well into 2020 for families with young children seeking a chance to thrive. You can reach beyond the holidays well into next year by giving generously to help families like Amy’s create a better future.
Learn about ways to give and how to make sure your gift counts for 2019
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 and grant initiatives, we work with 24 member agencies and other community partners to ensure families have opportunities and everyone can meet basic living needs.
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United Way of Monroe County
431 S College Ave
Bloomington, IN 47403
812-334-8370 // info@monroeunitedway.org
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