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Good News!
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On May 28th the first collaboration between United Against Poverty (UP) and Treasure Coast Technical College (TCTC) culminated in the graduation of 9 participants from TCTC's Pharmacy Technician Program.
By working closely with the staff at TCTC, UP's Success Coaches, and Success Training Employment Program (STEP) Facilitator, these students were able to receive wrap around support to help them be successful in their studies. This was especially critical when the COVID-19 crisis hit and had to transition to online learning. As a result of their hard work and dedication, they had some of the highest grades in the class, with 3 students earning a 4.0 GPA!
The next step for the graduates is to register with the State of Florida to take the Board Exam and become certified Pharmacy Technicians. UP has Employment Partners such as Cleveland Clinic, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Sam's Club who are eager to interview and hire these hard-working individuals.
Congratulations to Carolette, Monica, Brittany, LaKeydra, Cheryl, Jon'Terria, Misty, Jamaal, and Tina. We are so proud to have been a part of this STEP UP in your journey!
-Ingrid Bell
Success Coach
If you would like to learn more about STEP or other programs UP offers, please contact us at 772-564-9365.
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Success Training Employment Program Now Offered Online
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UP is excited to announce that we are now offering an online version of our
impactful
Success Training Employment Program (STEP)!
Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the state of Florida, UP has developed an online curriculum to continue providing participants with the opportunity to participate in STEP without having to leave the safety of their homes. This curriculum training has ensured that each participant will receive the same one-on-one and group curriculum digitally in order to continue our mission of helping people lift themselves from poverty.
Our first virtual STEP program begun on July 6th and has 14 participants enrolled.
-April McCoy
Programs Manager
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United Against Poverty of Indian River County is rising UP to meet the growing needs of the people we serve. Due to the marked increase of Florida's COVID-19 cases the in - person Success Training Employment Program (STEP) class has been converted to a virtual program. The first session began on July 6th.
The virtual curriculum was beta tested at our Orlando campus and received good reviews by students and facilitators. It is especially helpful to STEP participants with childcare limitations. Based on the success of the virtual curriculum for this cycle, a decision will be made whether or not to run this program in tandem with our classroom program for future class cycles.
We are ever so mindful of the need of our residents, staff, board members and donors to remain socially distant. We therefore are planning virtual fundraising alternatives for many of our events. We are also very aware that many local restaurants and businesses that have supported our events now need for us to assist them in growing their businesses back up. Special committees have been formed to find alternatives for our 2020 Burgers & Brews and Turkey Trot 5k events. Details for participation will be available on our website, social media and future editions of this monthly newsletter. Exciting fun is planned. Stay tuned for updates.
I am pleased to share with you that the UP Indian River Community Board now has two new board members. Alexandra McGee of Vocelle & Berg and Michael Hofmann of Florida Blue. Both of these individuals have been long-time supporters of our organization and have actively participated in raising funds for us to continue our work. Alexandra is heading up the 2020 Burgers & Brews event, and Michael is a member of an Ad hoc Development Advisory Committee.
Our campus remains open. The Member Share Grocery Program is fully stocked. The facility is sanitized regularly. Crisis navigation services, employment assistance and access to government programs continue. For everyone's safety, protective face coverings are required for all to enter the New UP Center.
As always, you are invited to tour our campus and join our efforts to meet the mission of lifting lives to economic independence. To schedule a tour or to join a committee, call 772-770-0740. Phillip Keeling, Development Manager, will be available to assist you.
Once again, I want to thank the UP staff for their continued commitment to the organization and people we serve. They too have had to deal with school closings, summer camp programs suspension and childcare needs.
Please keep United Against Poverty in mind when making donations. UP serves more people than any other social service organization in the state of Florida.
Stay safe.
-Barbara Lowry
Indian River Community Board Chair
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In Memory of Jamie Jackson
1957 - 2020
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our dear friend and former Director of Institutional Advancement, Jamie Jackson, passed away on June 23, 2020.
Jamie was born in Midland, MI, on June 25, 1957 to parents Peggy and James Penny. She graduated from Midland High School in 1975 and Northwood University in Midland, MI, with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Business Management.
Jamie began her work with the organization in 2007 as a consultant, spearheading the development of sustainable fundraising initiatives that have made the rapid growth possible. She then joined Harvest Food and Outreach Center as a staff member in 2013, working with the leadership group that rebranded the organization "United Against Poverty." In 2018, Jamie retired from her position as an employee with UP but continued to be involved as a volunteer.
Jamie often said the reason she came to work at UP was because of her excitement for the growth of the organization and its ability to have a national impact.
Jamie was a dedicated employee who understood the meaning of the word "team." Her warm, cheerful personality and bright smile were infectious to everyone she encountered. She made many great contributions to the organization and the lives that were touched by her work on a daily basis. She will be greatly missed and her work and dedication will never be forgotten.
-Phillip Keeling
Development Manager
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Featured Employment Partner
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On behalf of United against Poverty, I would like to recognize the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Vero Beach as the employer partnership of the month.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare sector had become strained and understaffed. This was especially noticeable in the area of Registered Nurses (RN) who specialize in infectious diseases.
UP was able to identify and refer a candidate from the STEP program for an open position with the VNA. Angela, applied, was interviewed, and subsequently offered the job. Angela has been working at VNA for over a month now.
UP would like to thank Brianna at the VNA whose assistance was critical in securing this opportunity for Angela as well as helping set the stage for future healthcare employment candidates from our program.
UP's partnership with the VNA and their enthusiastic support of the STEP program with a genuine appreciation for its participants is vital to continue UP's mission of lifting our neighbors-in-need out of poverty!
Sincerely,
-Ron Browning
Workforce Development Manager
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