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Dear Katie,


Spring has… sprung? I see snowflakes at the moment, so, I’m not so sure. But! What I do know is that here at MCUM, we are ready. This month we have launched our Spring Campaign where we hope to raise $50,000 and feed 700 families. We’ve made it easier than ever for you to feed a family. Simply click here to let us know how many families you will feed and then either print the shopping list on your own or come on by to pick up a bag and list – fill it up – and then return it to us by the end of April. Donating is always easy if you give online, here.


We said “bye!” to winter with a very successful Paths to Prosperity event on February 29, presented by Edward Jones. Raising just north of $25,000, we are thrilled with the impact our guests will have on the families we serve. Thanks for coming! If you missed this year’s event, please plan to come next time! It was a lot of fun.


This month, 4 of us are gearing up for Empathways’ conference – A Path Forward – in Boston, MA. We will spend one week learning about program design, impact evaluation, policies, and more from national poverty experts, practitioners, and partners in alleviating poverty. I cannot wait!


Be sure to check out the full newsletter to see what else we have been up to. Thanks for reading!


Katie Broadfoot, MPA

Executive Director

Monroe County United Ministries

kbroadfoot@mcum.org

812-339-3429 ext.11

Paths to Prosperity Fundraiser

Raises $25,483 to fund MCUM programs


February 29th, 2024 Monroe County United Ministries hosted it's first annual Paths to Prosperity Fundraiser presented by Edward Jones. This gathering of MCUM supporters, volunteers, staff, and clients packed FAR Contemporary Center for the Arts on Leap Day to raise funds for their intergenerational programming. Attendees delighted in the artful atmosphere, indulged in delicious hors d'oeuvres, and competed in friendly bidding wars for locally donated auction items.


Katie Broadfoot, MCUM's Executive Director, took the stage to speak about what an incredible year MCUM has had in being a leader in our community's efforts to end generational poverty. Following was Pam Bindenagel, a MCUM client, whose world was turned upside down when she took custody of her four young grandchildren. She told her heartfelt story of being welcomed into the Compass family and her "MCUM angels" setting her up for success.


This evening wouldn't have been possible without MCUM staff, sponsors, and community supporters dedicated to ending generational poverty for Monroe County families. Thank you for helping us raise $25,483 and reaching out goal!

Spring Campaign March 1-April 30

Goal of $50,000 & feeding 700 families


Monroe County United Ministries Spring Campaign kicked off on March 1st with a goal of raising $50,000 to support our intergenerational programs. We are asking for your support to sustain our mission through 2024 and beyond so that families experiencing hardship have access to the powerful combination of affordable, high-quality early learning and individualized economic mobility services. 


Donate to our Spring Campaign today and help us reach our goal of raising $50,000 to fund our services.

Spring Campaign Food Drive List

Sign up here to support a family in need!

Union Savings Bank Partnership

Brings financial literacy & more to Compass


Thank you to Sarah James from Union Savings Bank Bloomington for coming to Compass Early Learning Center to teach our young people about financial responsibility! The children received piggy banks and coloring books and listened to a story about the importance of saving!



This event is kicking off our 2024 partnership with Union Savings Bank. MCUM was awarded $25,000 in grant funding for our rental and utility assistance program as well as community outreach. Thank you, USB!


Compass ELC Little Bites


In partnership with the MCUM Self-Sufficiency food pantry Compass hosted their first Little Bites. Little Bites was the first of many in a series to introduce Compass caregivers to MCUM's services, provide a space to learn and play with their children, and connect with other families in our program. Erin Vaughn, our Self-Sufficiency Director, brought all the fixings to make a take-home chili dinner. Ingredients were mixed into a bag to take home along with ground beef. The chili bags were enough to feed a family of 4. These classes will be offered throughout the year. Our next class for Compass families we will be making tortillas! Stay tuned!


MCUM Staff Updates

Hola Bloomington hosts MCUM


Giovanni Perez, MCUM's Social Services Coordinator, shares information and services provided in Spanish for the Hispanic and Latino population of Monroe County. 17% of the population that we serve in our client-choice food pantry identify as Hispanic. We are so grateful to have Gio to connect with these clients and share resources in their native language.


Escucha el programa en español para saber más información sobre los servicios y apoyos en español para la comunidad Hispana y Latina de Bloomington.


Listen to the episode HERE

Ways to Give

Most Needed Items


March Pantry Items

Carrots

Potatoes

Tomatoes and tomato sauce

Ramen

Baking mix

Crackers

Laundry soap

Shampoo

Conditioner

Feminine hygiene products


Amazon Wish Lists

Arts & Crafts

Pantry Items



MORE INFO HERE

Volunteer Opportunities


Delivery Drivers Needed

  • Weekly or once per month
  • Only deliver to Monroe County
  • Routes are designed to be simple
  • Email Alysha at abell@mcum.org


Food Pantry Shifts

  • Multiple shifts available


My First Library

  • Read to children at Compass from 10:30-11:0am ever first Friday. Spots fill quickly. Email Darcie Casey dcasey@mcum.org if you are interested.


Indiana Diaper Bank

  • Volunteer to go to Indy every 3 months to pick up diaper order. Please reach out to Erin at evaughn@mcum.org if you are interested.


SIGN UP HERE

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Thank you for your support.

Leave a legacy. Ask us about our planned giving or donate today!

Monroe County United Ministries

827 West 14th Court,

Bloomington, IN 47404

812-339-3429