Monthly News from United Way of Northeast Louisiana
February 2022 Edition
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Celebrating Excellence 2021: REGISTER NOW!
Celebrating Excellence is United Way of Northeast Louisiana's annual celebration of generosity and unwavering community spirit, seeking to honor community partners, campaigns, volunteers, and donors.
REGIONAL EVENT:
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022
Bayou Pointe (ULM)
*Breakfast served at 8:00am, Program at 8:30am
LINCOLN, UNION, JACKSON PARISHES EVENT:
Thursday, March 24th, 2022
Davison Athletics Complex (LA Tech)
*Breakfast served at 8:00am, Program at 8:30am
Registration is now open!
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CHILD CARE ISSUES RESULT IN $1.3 BILLION LOSS ANNUALLY FOR LOUISIANA'S ECONOMY
This month, United Way of Northeast Louisiana and the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana co-hosted a virtual Early Ed Awareness Event for NELA.
DID YOU KNOW?
- 67% of Louisiana's children birth to age four have both parents or their single parent in the workforce.
- Less than 15% of eligible children under age four in Louisiana had access to any public funding for child care.
In this brief, 45-minute presentation from the event, you will hear compelling facts about the impact of quality, early childcare and education, as well as meet and hear from two exceptional early learning center directors. The facts are so compelling that we are collaborating with the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (LPIC), Louisiana Association of United Ways (LAUW), and other United Ways across the state not only for this event, but to urge the legislature to appropriate $94 million of state funds to quality, early care and education programs. We ask that you spend a few minutes to become informed about why this issue is crucial to the education and economy in our state.
Use the link and passcode below to access this content.
Passcode: %Whh^1WH
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United Way NELA Agency Program Admissions Deadline Approaching
Earlier this month, United Way of Northeast Louisiana announced the reopening of its agency program admissions. Deadline for submissions is tomorrow – Friday, February 25th, 2022.
For many years, United Way NELA had an open admissions policy. It was a designated period on the calendar, and any local agency that expressed interest was able to apply. Then, instead of the annual campaign increases the organization was accustomed to, United Way NELA entered a period when campaign dollars flattened or declined. To maintain as strong of a funding stream as possible with its existing agency partners, United Way NELA closed its agency program admissions process. Admissions have been closed since 2017.
Janet Durden, President of United Way NELA, says the decision to have an open agency program admissions process is driven by the organization’s long-established values. “Our values, developed by our Board of Directors in 2002, are inclusiveness, integrity, compassion, respect, dignity, and positive impact,” she said. “An open admissions process is reflective of these values.”
This one-year funding opportunity allows any registered 501c3 agency that is located in the 12 parishes of Northeast Louisiana, provides health and human services, and is aligned with United Way NELA’s community aspirations and goals to apply during the open admissions period at https://www.unitedwaynela.org/our-partners. Deadline for pre-application submissions is Friday, February 25, 2022. For specific questions, contact Kim Lowery, Director of Community Impact and Organizational Strategy at United Way of Northeast Louisiana, at 318.998.9212 or klowery@unitedwaynela.org.
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Tax Assistance: VITA, TCE, and MyFreeTaxes
It's tax season! If you or someone you know needs assistance with filing taxes, there are several options available for those who qualify.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offer free tax help for taxpayers who make $57,000 or less, and persons with disabilities or limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance.
MyFreeTaxes.Com is a free online tax preparation service that is a safe, easy way for anyone of any income to file their federal or state taxes. MyFreeTaxes is mobile-friendly so anyone can easily access from their computer, tablet, or smart phone.
Toll Free Telephone: 855-698-9435
Return preparation via MyFreeTaxes began on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Submission of returns to the IRS opened on January 24, 2022.
As always, for questions or information, call 211 and a Call Specialist will be happy to help you navigate the process.
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Faces of 211: Cathy Strickland
This month’s face of 211 is Cathy Strickland. Cathy is a 211 Resource and Referral Call Specialist.
Cathy and her family moved to the Rayville community in August 2016 to be closer to their grandson. Traveling seven hours from Alabama seemed too far away. As soon as her youngest son graduated from high school, Cathy set out on her adventure.
Two weeks after she moved in, Cathy received a call asking if she would begin working as a temporary Call Specialist due to the Baton Rouge flood. It was a resounding YES! It was an eye-opening experience to hear all the heartbreaking stories of homes and belongings being destroyed. However, there were also stories of resilience, kindness, and compassion of neighbors helping neighbors. Cathy felt it was God that brought her to a position of helping people connect to resources, and being emotionally present with a smile in her voice, a listening ear, and a kind word.
During this time, Cathy was asked to become a full-time employee. She was elated to be a permanent part of United Way of Northeast Louisiana and the 211 Team. That was over five years ago, and as Cathy says, “It was the best move possible. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love getting to work for this organization and getting to see my grandchildren grow up. What could be better?”
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Are you 40 years old or younger? Looking for a way to get involved in the community?
Young Leaders UNITED may be the place for you!
Young Leaders UNITED, a collaborative of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, launched in the summer of 2021. Through volunteer, social, and career development opportunities, members of Young Leaders UNITED develop skills, knowledge, and a relationship with United Way NELA to create lasting change for generations to come through their engagement with Young Leaders UNITED and United Way NELA. They also have the opportunity to cultivate philanthropic giving alongside impact work.
For more information about United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s Young Leaders UNITED, text YLU to 91999 or contact asager@unitedwaynela.org.
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Is your workplace or group interested in volunteer opportunities?
We can help!
Whether it’s a one-day activity or long-term team-building project, VolunteerUNITED is available to assist you through the entire process.
Our customized options are organized to support United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s community impact work in education, financial stability, and health, all while meeting your organization’s community engagement goals.
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