United Way looks forward to building on our work this year to galvanize communities, empower them to participate in our democracy, and contribute to solving their most-pressing challenges. This election should be the beginning of a renewed national commitment to civic and community engagement, and United Way looks forward to once again embracing our historic role of helping people come together to build stronger communities for all." Read full statement >>

Bella and James were surviving before the pandemic, but just barely. They each worked long shifts but still lived paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling to support themselves and their two children.

When the pandemic hit, Bella contracted COVID-19 and was out of work for a month. Because Bella's parents were high risk, she and James stopped asking them to watch the kids. It wasn't long before James' workplace closed. They filed for unemployment, quickly falling behind on rent and utilities.

Thanks to contributions from people like you, James and Bella were able to connect with United Way and find services to help with rental assistance, legal advice, childcare, and food.

Now, as our community looks toward rebuilding from the pandemic, let's Reimagine a better normal for Bella and James. Can we Reimagine a future where every child has good mentors in life; where all people have access to opportunities and justice in equal measure; where mental health services are equitably available; where basic needs are met for everyone in our community?  

When you give to United Way, you are helping Reimagine a more resilient and equitable future.

Companies and organizations across our community have begun their United Way fundraising drives, making a difference by helping Reimagine a better normal.

Fundraising looks a little different this year, but community members are taking on the challenge.

Northwest Bank, pictured above, kicked off their United Way fall fundraising with a state wide Day of Action where enthusiastic employees made Snack Attack kits full of nutritious snacks! Locally, 200 kits were delivered by the Greene County's Northwest branch and distributed to United Way member agencies LifeDesigns and Stone Belt.

Also pictured above, Executive Director Efrat Feferman visited the Bloomfield Rotary Club to share about United Way's work in Greene County, including COVID-19 relief and community initiatives.

In addition, the City of Bloomington kicked off their fundraising drive by meeting safely over Zoom.

Thank you to all who are supporting United Way and your community this fall.

Tune in virtually on Thursday, November 12 at 8 a.m. to join the discussion "On the Rise: Mental Health and Young Adults." The presence of Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, and the promise of job opportunities in our community make it a destination for many young adults. Join us to discuss how mental health is affecting this group of people, with a focus on the students who call our community home.

That harsh reality was at the center of the discussion at Wake Up! with United Way on Thursday, October 8. The topic of "Human Trafficking: Combating Exploitation and Abuse" was explored, helping community members understand what human trafficking is, how we can spot it, and what we can do to help. If you'd like to engage more with this topic, read the recap, watch the video, and find resources here.

Thank you to the speakers from October's Wake Up with United Way: Elaine Banter, Region 7 Coalition Coordinator at the Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (ITVAP); Dr. Deborah Getz, CYC-P, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Health Science at the IU School of Public Health; and Lindsey Stout, Assistant Crisis Intervention Services Coordinator at Middle Way House. 

Thank you to the speakers from a special evening Wind Down edition of Wake Up with United Way: Nicole Browne, Monroe County Clerk; Kylie Lewis, student organizer, Big Ten Voting Challenge; and Mary Ann Williams, Voter services co-chair, League of Women Voters. 

The topic of "Democracy 2020: Understanding Voting Rights and Access" was explored in mid-October, covering everything community members needed to know about the November election. If you'd like to engage more with this topic, read the recap, watch the video, and find resources here.

Thank you to the Bloomington Rotary Club for providing the funding and humanpower for a Day of Action in December. Rotary Club members will put together 600 literacy kits, including age appropriate books, workbooks, and writing activities.

The kits will be distributed to United Way member agencies that serve children and families. Thank you for making a difference for kids in our community!

The Children's Expo has been cancelled, so painting kits will no longer be provided there. You can enter using any art supplies you have on hand or email info@monroeunitedway.org to have them provided for your workplace fall fundraiser or other event.

Thursday, November 12, 8 - 9 a.m.

Tune in online! RSVP here.