|
|
December 14, 2021 | Issue 2
|
|
A message from our President
Lisa Wright, M.Div., CFRE
|
Well friends, 2021 has been quite the year. Inland Southern California is still fighting back against the pandemic and its health and economic impacts on our communities. We have weathered the worst, and our communities are rebuilding in dynamic ways. |
|
|
This year called into stark relief the disparities in our region and just how many families are a single missed paycheck away from not being able to make ends meet. It also highlighted the need for ISCUW and the partnerships we have built to provide critical programs and services to families in need. I’m proud to say we are continuing to meet the challenges and needs of our region and working to assist even more people, grow our programs, and expand our reach. We are working to ensure that our region doesn’t go “back to normal,” but enters 2022 poised to make our communities more equitable and just. Places where all residents have the resources they need to live their lives with respect and dignity.
With the new year right around the corner I wanted to highlight the incredible impact we have been able to make in 2021. Over 12,000 Inland Southern California residents remained housed through our rental relief programs. Nearly 500,000 calls to 211 answered. Over 700,000 lives changed for the better. All made possible with your support and partnership. We know the past few years have been some of the hardest for our region, but together we will come back stronger than before. Thank you for your support in helping us get through these trying times and ensuring that our communities have the support they need to build a better future.
Thank you for all that you do,
Lisa
|
|
For many, the economic crisis of COVID-19 continues. There is still time to help everyone get the support they need to recover. |
|
UPCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES |
|
 |
The Real Cost Measure & 211 Regional Data Webinar
January 12, 2022
|
|
|
|
National 211 Day
February 11, 2022
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Golf Classic
March 2022
(exact date tbd)
|
|
|
|
90th Anniversary Gala
May 14, 2022, 6pm
University of Redlands
|
|
|
|
|
Mardi Crawl
July 15, 2022
Downtown Riverside
|
|
|
|
Stay tuned for upcoming information to your inbox and on social media for more exciting events as we rebuild our community, stronger and more resilient. Follow us! |
|
|
|
INLAND SOCAL UNITED WAY & 211+
KICKOFF EMPLOYEE GIVING CAMPAIGN
|
|
Local, national, and international corporations are not the only groups that have United Way Workplace Giving Campaigns. We are excited to share that we, Inland SoCal United Way & 211+ are kicking off our internal Workplace Giving Campaign, which we have continuing our theme of "It Starts with Us!" While we empower our team to give generously to impact the community, we wanted to take a moment and share a video, made by some members of our team, on why they give. |
|
While our team has their own donation page, if you would like to make an end of year individual donation, choose the donate button below. |
|
If you are a corporation and would like to make an end of year gift, discuss sponsorship, or schedule your own workplace campaign for 2022, email Jacob below. |
|
SAVE THE DATE: The Real Cost Measure & 211 Regional Data Presentation/Webinar |
United Ways of California, in partnership with the 29 local United Ways throughout the state, recently releases Struggling to Move Up: The Real Cost Measure in California 2021, the fourth study on what it takes households to meet basic needs in California.
On Wednesday, January 12, 2021 at 10:00am, Inland SoCal United Way and 211+ in partnership with United Ways of California will provide insight to the findings within Riverside and San Bernardino County. Additionally, 211 will present real data from calls and requests for services in our region, demonstating how the report and 211 data align, showing a true picture of our communities.
Information and Registration to follow.
|
|
|
Meet Belen Castro, Contact Center Manager with 211+ |
Belen Castro is our Contact Center Manager within our 211+ program. She started as a volunteer assigned to Community Connect from the County of Riverside Welfare-to-Work program with the Department of Public Social Services. In 2014, Belen was hired as an Information and Referral Specialist and then increased her knowledge working as a Crisis Counselor. Working in 211 was changing the life of this single mother and her child. |
|
|
"I learned so much about 211, which opened doors to learning about myself and what I am capable of" Belen shared.
The more Belen learned about mental health and crisis issues, the more she was interested in learning. "There is a stigma surrounding mental health in the Hispanic community. I wanted to learn more and make a difference in the Hispanic community, that it is okay to talk about mental health."
After four years of working in the 211 program, Belen continued to work diligently to support the community, knowing the importance to all people. With many staffing changes, she found herself without a manager or director for the program and as the only Lead I&R Specialist, she took much of their duties and was promoted to Call Center Supervisors.
When asked about the mergers of Community Connect and United Way, she said "there was some initial anxiety, but United Way was so welcoming. I thought it was cool they had career professionals dedicated to the community. I knew this would be a positive change for Community Connect and me." Shortly after the first merge, there was another. Inland Empire United Way and United Way of the Inland Valleys, with the newly joined Community Connect created Inland SoCal United Way. During this time, Belen stayed with 211, now Inland SoCal 211, where as a Supervisor, she supported the vaccine line. Eventually, she would find herself accepting the role of Contact Center Manager.
"Now that we are here, everything changed for the better. From Community Connect to two United Ways to Inland SoCal United Way, there is positive change overall. Beyond technology upgrades, but to be part of a larger team, and continue to make a difference."
"Working for United Way, I make a difference every single day and it is empowering to me as an indivual. I experience hardship in my past and am a single mother, and am grateful to be not only work, but have a career where I am helping people, who sometimes are just like me."
When not in 211, Belen raises her son Gabe who is a junior in high school. She loves watching movies, going to museums, travel, and be with her family. She is not only a demonstration of how people can thrive when they have access to resources and opportunity, but her heart and passion for live is an example of how we all #LiveUnited.
|
|
"Mujah is a wonderful person because she cares about people, and it shows. She is so helpful. You can tell when someone really cares about you and when they really want to help you and she does. I have helped my community for years and now I am in a position where I need help. With all the issues going on in the world today it felt so good that she took the time to focus on me and help me."
~211 Client
|
|
"Midred has the best customer service I have seen in I don't know how long. I will remember her name. I enjoyed talking to her so much. With all the stuff going on in the world it helps that you have a good person that works good with everyone"
~211 Client
|
|
Below is a success story of how Inland SoCal United Way's wrap around services supported a local member of our community.
RUBY
Ruby was referred to 211 Careers by the Riverside County Rapid Rehousing Program. Ruby was in a shelter with her four children and had no income. When we enrolled in our 211 Careers program, she started to actively look for employment. Her personal goal was to continue her certification in payroll administration and attain employment in local government. Like many of our clients, she was unable to attend interviews due to lack of income for transportation and childcare, two major barriers for people wanting self-sufficiency. Our team supported Ruby by identifying available resources to mitigate those barriers to employment. Ruby was recently offered full-time employment with Amazon, Inc. in Temecula, making more than $17 an hour. Additionally, in partnership with the County of Riverside, our Rapid Rehousing program successfully secured a home for her and her family. Making the holidays a little brighter, not only does Ruby now have a job to support her and her family, they have a place to live, and they were recently adopted to receive gifts for the Holidays!
|
|
Below is another success story of how Inland SoCal United Way's wraparound services supported a local member of our community.
LORENA
"I was afraid of not being able to find a stable job and support my daughter. All my previous jobs were temporary and I would find myself laid off again and again. I was also going through a separation from my husband due to domestic violence.
|
|
|
People recommended I call 211 and ask for help. I was afraid they wouldn't be able to help me. Thank God I did. They connected me to 211 Careers. My employment coordinator, Carmen, was able to help me find a job and feel confident again. The way they quickly and courteously assisted me was a beacon of hope. They gave me energy, hope, and a feeling of protection. I am so happy about the speed of process I was given the assistance and find employment so quickly.
When I wake up, I thank God for giving me life and letting me follow my dreams of one day owning a home, and for letting me feel safe because there are angels like [United Way] who help us. Thank you so much."
|
|
|
|
If you have a spare room and can host an 18-24 year old young adult for 3-6 months, we have an opportunity for you to change a life through the Host Homes Program. Learn more at
|
|
|
|
|
KickIt California: Quit Smoking, Vaping, and Smokeless Tobacco |
Spencer quit vaping with help from Kick It California. You can too. Chat with a Quit Coach today!
|
|
|
|
CalSavers Employer Compliance Deadline Approaching! |
CalSavers is California’s retirement savings program designed for the millions of Californians who lack a way to save for retirement at their job. CalSavers was created by legislation passed in 2016 requiring California employers who do not offer an employer sponsored plan and have five or more employees to facilitate CalSavers – an automatic enrollment individual retirement account (IRA) with no employer fees or fiduciary liability. |
|
California’s new mandate is phased in over three years, with deadlines based on employer size. Employers with five or more employees have until June 30, 2022, but are encouraged to register early. The registration deadlines for employers with more than 50 employees have passed. Eligible employers who have not yet registered should do so as soon as possible to avoid penalties. Learn how to get started at CalSavers.com. |
|
Get the MyShake App today! |
|
Every three minutes, an earthquake strikes California. Luckily, the MyShake App can help you and your family to not be caught off guard. The MyShake App (available for free on the Apple App store and Google Play) should be part of every Californian’s emergency plan. Here at United Way, we are partnering with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to spread the word about Earthquake Warning California, the nation’s first statewide earthquake warning system. This October, in conjunction with the Great California ShakeOut annual earthquake drill, we encourage all Californians to update their emergency plan, download the MyShake App, and adjust their phone settings to enable critical technology to work as intended. Read on to learn what to do to keep you and your communities safe!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
