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Dear Katie,


Happy February! In honor of this sweet month dedicated to love, I thought I’d share a few things that I LOVE about MCUM with you as my update this month:


I LOVE the potential in our programs. I have been toiling away at our annual report and created a graphic that highlights the fact that, when combined, our early learning center, Your Path, and basic needs assistance truly can bridge the gap between what an earner’s median wage brings in ($34,750/year) and the Self-Sufficiency Standard for Monroe County ($53,687 for an adult, a preschooler, and a school-age child – our top demographic served last year). Savings through Compass’ fee scale and utilization of basic needs assistance and Your Path can free up the equivalent of $18,938 for a household.


I LOVE how MCUM’s community of supporters has wrapped us in support this year to enable new projects. For example, through efforts by Indiana Members Credit Union and First Presbyterian Church last year, Compass children received a new book each month to take home – that’s 48 books over the typical 4 years a child spends with us. Research shows that children who have read 50 books by the time they go to kindergarten statistically are more likely to graduate high school. We are thrilled that, with community partners, we can move the needle toward that goal in a very significant way!


The last thing I will highlight is how much I LOVE hearing from families who received our support in the past and are doing well now. Last year, I was able to connect with a single mom whose child attended Compass Early Learning Center. The child has since graduated from high school and is attending Ivy Tech Community College. His mother works in the insurance business and is self-sufficient – so much so that she generously brought us a $1,000 check to “pass it on” to another working parent.


There are so many things to love about MCUM, the people, and the work here – if you want to learn more, I am always interested to chat!


Have a wonderful day!


Katie Broadfoot, MPA

Executive Director

Monroe County United Ministries

kbroadfoot@mcum.org

812-339-3429 ext.11

We LOVE MCUM


We've been celebrating love all month long at MCUM! Here are two of our Sea Turtles making heart art on Valentine's Day. Our Sea Turtle room is our newest room at Compass. We were able to increase our capacity to serve an additional 10 families from our waitlist. We sure do love all 94 families at Compass and all of the people we serve in Monroe County!


Spread love for our Compass teachers & staff by donating here www.mcum.org/donate Put in the comments a personal message for our staff for us to share!


PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

MCUM's Paths to Prosperity Fundraiser

presented by Edward Jones



Event Date: February 29, 2024 

Event Time: 6-9pm

Event Address: FAR 505 West 4th Street Bloomington, IN 47404

Ticket Price: $50.00 include appetizers, beer & wine, and beverages


Please join Monroe County United Ministries at Paths to Prosperity presented by Edward Jones at FAR on February 29th, 2024 from 6-9pm. Guests can expect to enjoy a short program, silent auction, wine pull, and mingling with new and old friends of MCUM! 


This fundraiser will kick off our spring campaign. Every dollar raised during this event and throughout the campaign will be invested back into our community to support a family’s journey to self-sufficiency.  

Indiana Diaper Bank

MCUM's newest partnership


1 in 2 families in Indiana struggle to afford diapers. Indiana ranks higher than the national average for children living in poverty. Those children are at greatest risk of diaper need and the effects that brings. Until recently, these struggling families had very few places to turn for front-line diaper programs. Indiana Diaper Bank provides diapers to local pantries that serve families in immediate need of diapers. We also work with a growing network of distribution centers that provide diapers as part of their monthly services and programs. Now, thanks to Indiana Diaper Bank we can provide upwards of 2,500 diapers per month to our SSC clients as well as Compass families. Learn more about our partner here https://www.indianadiaperbank.org/why-diapers

"As a person in the LGBTQIA+ community, it can be hard to reach out for help and know where I will be safe. MCUM was highly recommended as a safe place for those in the community to go and not face judgment." - SSC Client seeking financial and basic needs assistance.

Learning Spanish at Compass


MCUM's Compass Early Learning Center is continuing our partnership with IU Department of Spanish and Portuguese to provide thirty-minute learning sessions with our preschool classrooms. IU Students will be teaching some basic Spanish words and songs with our kiddos. Each week the IU student will leave a newsletter in our children's cubby so they can practice at home as well! Gracias to our community partners!

MCUM Staff Updates


Bloomington Health Foundation

Supporting MCUM's Mental Health


Thanks to our partnership with Bloomington Health Foundation we are able to provide our MCUM staff with access to mental health resources and therapeutic services through BetterHelp. Having access to mental health care online gives our employees the opportunity to speak with a licensed professional and the flexibility to do so in the convenience of their own home or on the go. We are so grateful to our friends at Bloomington Health Foundation for helping our helpers!

Volunteer Anniversaries


Elizabeth Johnson (pictured above) is celebrating 5 years of volunteering with MCUM! Elizabeth first became passionate about MCUM when her son went to The Christian Center (Compass' former name) back in the late 80’s. Since then, she has been an avid supporter of continuing our mission to end generational poverty, donating her time and resources in our food pantry, holding a 3-year board tenure- even serving as our Interim Interim Executive Director. Congratulations, Elizabeth and all of our other volunteers for your unending support!


  • Isaiah Del Fierro (1 year)
  • Dale and Theresa Glenn (1 year)
  • Elizabeth Johnson (5 years)
  • Conna Oram (1 year)
  • Errin Logsdon (1 year)
  • Karen Ruthenberg (1 year
  • Benjamin Watkins (1 year)


Ways to Give

Most Needed Items


February 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