Friday, June 12, 2020
Last week in our Feel Good Friday Update we acknowledged where our country and our community is related to the murder of George Floyd. I, like many of you, still feel anger, sadness and frustration, but I am heartened by some of the things I’m seeing.
 
I attended a peaceful protest last weekend and saw a huge group of my community members standing together and standing up for change. I saw a diverse group made up of black, brown, white, young and old, standing together with one voice.
 
Last week, I also asked you to email me at StandUpDE@uwde.org if you choose to unite with us to fight against hate, racism and injustice and I was inspired by the number of you who reached out and said “Sign me up”. 

While we have a very long way to go, I find hope in the passion and action I'm seeing.

There are some who are asking an important question, what is different about this time?
 
I believe the difference is YOU. It’s your voice, it’s your passion, it’s your commitment to real action. I believe that because of you and our ability and commitment to work together c ollectively, we have a time like no other to drive real change in our communities.
 
We don’t have all the answers but we are open, we are listening and we are in this with you. In this week’s Feel Good Friday Update, we wanted to share some resources that we’re finding helpful and we hope you will too. 
 
There have been great organizations and groundwork laid with our partners across the state and this is a great time for you to find ways to connect to this work and take real action.
 
If you are looking for ways to be involved and engaged, we have some resources below and if you want to partner with us as we continue to fight for equity, please email me at StandUpDE@uwde.org .
 
During these times, I choose to believe in the power of YOU. 
 
Michelle Taylor
ACTION TO TAKE TODAY
Complete your Census.  The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding every year, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade:   https://2020census.gov/en.html
Register to vote. Every election helps determine the distribution of critical resources and political representation at the local, state and federal levels. The upcoming election is no different. Voting is not only your responsibility but it’s also your opportunity to show up for yourself, your family, your future and your community. Make a plan to vote today, share it with the people in your lives and then follow through! https://ivote.de.gov/voterview
Sign up to volunteer. Visit our U Volunteer portal to view opportunities to help your community. www.uwde.org/volunteer
Join YWCA Delaware’s Racial & Social Justice program: Dialogue to Action: Antiracist Programming to Eliminate Racism - This program dives into the real issues and root causes, and evolves into action that directly addresses systemic and institutional racism. https://www.ywcade.org/what-we-do/rsj/dialogue-to-action/
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Join YWCA Delaware’s Racial & Social Justice program: Dialogue to Action: Antiracist Programming to Eliminate Racism - This program dives into the real issues and root causes, and evolves into action that directly addresses systemic and institutional racism. https://www.ywcade.org/what-we-do/rsj/dialogue-to-action/
Watch : The 13 th , a documentary on Netflix that explores the history of inequality in the United States
Listen: Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast features movement voices, stories, and strategies for racial justice.
Read : Heavy , An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon about his struggles growing up as a black man in Mississippi.
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS ON SOCIAL TO EXPLORE
Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League
Coalition to Dismantle the New Jim Crow
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS ON SOCIAL TO EXPLORE
Color Of Change
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI)
Food Bank of South Jersey Brings Meals to Hundreds in Salem County
United Way of Delaware extends a huge thanks to Food Bank of South Jersey for partnering to help over 700 Salem County residents receive meals. We also extend a big thanks to Atlantic City Electric, an Exelon Company for providing the location for the distribution and to Carney’s Point Police who volunteered their time to ensure the two-hour contact-free drive-through distribution went off without a hitch.

During the event, many volunteers from all of the partner organizations worked together seamlessly to set up the food boxes which contained a combination of nonperishable items and fresh fruits and vegetables for Salem County residents hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis. Volunteers helped direct traffic, ensure safety, distribute information, lift and load boxes, and respond to any need that arouse.

Thanks to all of our volunteers and our great partners for making this happen!
Making a Meaningful Impact
Recently our great partner Catholic Charities provided the following testimonial from a senior that received assistance.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those responsible for allowing me to receive an allotment from your most gracious group. Most recently my health has continued to deteriorate and as an aging at risk senior citizen this service and assistance cannot be overstated. Please know I am reaching out from the bottom of my heart in thanking you and offering my sincere heartfelt appreciation. Providing assistance to my humble abode and residence is a godsend and blessing that I truly love and sincerely appreciate. If this service and offering continues in the future please know that I would respectfully request that I be kept on the delivery and informational file list as my abilities to transport myself are seriously now challenged daily. Thank you so much again for everything that you do and have done. With the most sincerest appreciative heartfelt regards, I remain, Very truly yours, Sincerely, Robert”

To Give to our COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
which goes towards helping Delawareans like Robert click below:
Delaware Center for Justice
Here is a testimonial from our friends at the Delaware Center for Justice:
A client who was homeless with her three children was anticipating moving into an apartment prior to COVID-19. She was working a part-time job to save for move-in monies. The client lost that part-time position due to COVID-19 and feared she would not be able to save enough money. The funding from United Way allowed her to secure stable housing for herself and children after a year of homelessness.
“This is keeping a roof over my head right now. This support is such a blessing, I don’t even know how to say how thankful I am.”

Thank you to the Delaware Center for Justice for the great work you are doing!