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Hello Katie,


Happy June! I hope this edition of our Working Together newsletter finds you and yours well! So far, this summer has been a bit of a whirlwind as I have been enjoying some PTO and extra time with my family. However, here at MCUM, our great work has been getting done.


I am excited to welcome four incredible part time staff to our team this summer: Laura, Jenna, Matthew, & Nina. Their roles vary but primarily they're keeping the development duties afloat, writing grants, doing social media, and studying labor law. They’re all doing great and are a joy to have in the office!


I am happy to have some extra hands internally, but I could use YOUR help. Specifically, I am looking for someone willing to drive to Indianapolis every-other week with our Transit (don't be intimidated - it drives just like any other mini van!) to pick up our Bishop Storehouse donations. This would be a Monday or Tuesday morning OR a Wednesday afternoon, somewhat flexible based on volunteer availability. I'm looking for someone to commit to July - September (6 trips total) to take this load off our plates! Please email me if you can help! If Indianapolis and the Transit feel like too big a commitment, I am also looking for someone who can pick up donations at the Bloomington Panera every-other Monday around 10 pm.


Please enjoy this e-newsletter and, as always, reach out if you would like to connect!


Katie Broadfoot, MPA

Executive Director

Monroe County United Ministries

kbroadfoot@mcum.org

812-339-3429 ext.11

Meet Jacky:

Spreading Smiles


Meet Jacky, the friendly face at our front desk! She makes every visitor feel welcome with her contagious positivity and helpful spirit. Jacky is a mom of 3 kids, and has been here now for just over a month. She just loves helping out anyone who walks in; it really warms her heart to lend a hand. “It is very heartwarming to see people get the help they need.” Don't miss the chance to swing by and say hello to Jacky!

Unlocking Bright Futures: My First Little Library Program


The Outreach Committee of First Presbyterian Church partnered with MCUM to support our My First Library program, an essential component of our Compass Early Learning Center. This partnership beautifully aligned with their Matthew 25 initiative, providing a seamless avenue to enact positive change. Through their support, FPC generously contributed $1,275 to sustain the program from April to July 2024. In addition, they raised $4,000 for the full school year starting in August 2024. According to USA Reads, “Books in the home are the single biggest indicator of academic success — surpassing income, parents’ education, family composition, and all other factors.” This infusion of funds will empower MCUM to provide enriching books for our students, fostering a love for learning and literacy among our community's youngest members.

American Legion's Impactful Partnership


The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) has a rich history of dedicated service and community support nationwide. Here in Bloomington, local Unit 18 stands out as a prime example, greatly enriching lives through their impactful engagement. This year, they are particularly proud of their collaboration with Monroe County United Ministries (MCUM), which has extended their reach and deepened their community impact.


A highlight of their partnership with MCUM has been their involvement with Compass Early Learning Center. Members of Unit 18 have volunteered their time to read books about veterans, soldiers, and the military to students, fostering a passion for reading and learning. This program exemplifies ALA’s commitment to education and community service.


Additionally, Unit 18 has made significant contributions to MCUM's food pantry by donating 500 boxes of macaroni and cheese. This act of generosity underscores the Auxiliary’s dedication to providing essential services to those in need. In the spirit of compassion, Unit 18 sponsored two families through MCUM, ensuring the children had a joyful and memorable Christmas. These efforts embody the Auxiliary's core values of service, caring, and support for community members, veterans, and their families.


Through these initiatives, the American Legion Auxiliary continues to honor its legacy of service while nurturing a more connected Bloomington community. Together with MCUM, they are building a brighter future, one act of kindness at a time.

Race to 500 Results


We had 7 groups meet or surpass their goals, which added more than 35,000 items to our food pantry for the summer. This was our biggest 500-themed drive yet and added great variety of important staples to the pantry supply. Over the summer, our pantry tends to have more traffic because kids are out of school/home for the days. Be on the lookout for information about our next food drive: Each One, Feed One, tentatively scheduled for mid-September across local grocery stores.

Ways to Give

Most Needed Items


June Pantry Items

Laundry Detergent

Dish Soap

Shampoo/Conditioner

Jiffy Mix

Ramen

Beans

Rice a roni

Mashed potatoes

Pasta sides


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


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

Donate




  • Leave a legacy - email Katie about leaving MCUM in your will.


  • Endowment- Find out more by visiting our Community Foundation Fund











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

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