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
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