We Can LIVE UNITED

Mentor and Mentee Celebrate Three Years of Their Extraordinary Relationship

2011-07-15T10:07:00.004-04:00

While her own family remains in Puerto Rico, where she was raised, Mariela Oyola-Brauch beams, “My relationship with my mentee, Bridgette, is more than merely a mentoring relationship – for me, she and her family are my family.”

When her employer, Procter & Gamble, partnered with Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC) to recruit Hispanic employees to join their mentoring initiative, Mariela felt compelled to enroll. She says, “I wanted to help cultivate a future generation of Hispanics who are educated and involved in their communities.”

CYC, a United Way of Greater Cincinnati agency partner, provides mentoring and college readiness services to young people in grades 3 through 12, ensuring that these children graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary education or rewarding employment.

Mariela’s mentee, Bridgette, who will begin her 8th grade year at the Academy of Multilingual Immersion Studies (AMIS) in the fall, recalls the day she finally met Mariela after discovering the program through her school. She thought, “Wow, I got her! Everyone wanted her.”

Young and approachable, Mariela saw Bridgette from then on as much as possible – sometimes two or three times a week – to cook, play volleyball, swim, or see a play.

Research shows that a child with a sustained and supportive relationship with at least one caring adult achieves positive outcomes like academic success and social skills development.

Bridgette’s grades had always been a point of contention. But now, well into the third year of their relationship, even this trying area is seeing improvement. And, more confident and outspoken than she was before she met Mariela, Bridgette has been recognized as “student of the month” several times.

Mariela recollects to when Bridgette felt that there was no point to graduating from high school. She remembers a night when Bridgette modeled Mariela’s lab coat and pretended to be a doctor. For Mariela, that night constituted a turning point – and Bridgette now expresses hopes of becoming a nurse.

Recently, Mariela was awarded the Wendy Steel Award for Excellence in Mentoring. Having now run the mentoring initiative at P&G for two years, she aspires to expand the program by collaborating with supplementary community partners and encouraging P&G employees abroad to initiate their own programs.

With reflection, Bridgette says, “If I wasn’t with Mariela, I’d be lost. I think I’d get in trouble in school and my grades would still be low.” Mariela counters, “I just hope that Bridgette continues to be a great daughter and friend, and that she finds something that can sustain her.”

Mariela smiles, “It’s our community’s responsibility to foster youth. Mentoring has been the most gratifying experience of my life.”

For United Way’s annual Day of Action, held this year on June 21, nearly 75 mentors, mentees and prospective mentors participated in United Way’s Mentoring Fair, in conjunction with United Way Worldwide’s efforts to recruit one million volunteer tutors and mentors over the next three years. To find out more about mentoring, or to find a mentoring opportunity that aligns with your interests, please visit http://uwgc.volunteermatch.org.

Industrious Mother Achieves Employment After Her Apartment Complex Closes

2011-06-29T11:40:00.005-04:00

Shay was referred to Welcome House (WHO) of Northern Kentucky when the complex she was living in announced it was closing for extensive renovations. One month later, Shay and her nine-year-old daughter, Khiarah, moved into WHO’s Gardens at Greenup.

WHO collaborates with the community to provide a continuum of services for individuals and families who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Gardens at Greenup is a residential-based program of WHO for single parents and their children with on-site support services.

United Way of Greater Cincinnati is focused on ensuring that all families and individuals achieve financial stability. We work with systems and partners to guarantee that low-income working families and individuals have stable incomes and accessible financial resources.

Residents at the Gardens have their own individual case management plans, and are required to either be in school and/or working, maintain passing grades, and participate in budgeting classes, with a shared goal of becoming self-sufficient and, ultimately, financially stable. “Gardens is like a family,” says Shay. “We carpool to school together, watch each other’s kids, and meet regularly to share meals.”

Soon after Shay and Khiarah moved into the Gardens, she learned of an opportunity to be matched with a United Way Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) member who would act as her mentor.

The WLC is committed to making a positive impact on the community with a special emphasis on helping women become more self-sufficient. WLC members co-host regular workshops, including parenting, good health, resume writing, and financial planning classes for the residents.

Together for two years now, Shay and her mentor, Kathy Gaines, principal at Deloitte & Touche, share a mutual admiration. “Kathy gives me the valuable perspective from someone who has already worked hard to be successful and knows what my next move should be.”

With support from Kathy and the Gardens’ services, Shay became the first in her family to graduate from college last year, and is now working part-time as an advocate at the YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, another United Way funded program. “If not for the Gardens, I may not have graduated—they’ve helped me in so many ways.”

Kathy says, “Despite her significant challenges, she’s remained aspirational. Instead of getting discouraged, she got determined.”

New to Cincinnati, Young Attorney Finds Volunteer Niche with EITC Tax-Prep

2011-06-27T13:59:00.004-04:00

United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s efforts to provide solutions for increasing income, establishing savings, achieving home ownership, and enhancing economic self-sufficiency are critical in today’s economy. United Way’s Regional Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Collaborative helps families make work pay by providing free tax preparation services at nearly 80 sites throughout the region.

New to Cincinnati, University of Michigan Law School graduate Jonathan Brodhag, pictured above, perused UWGC’s web site, uwgc.org, for an engaging volunteer opportunity. He says, “The EITC tax prep opportunity grabbed me mainly because it fit my schedule as I was studying for the bar exam, and I was able to use my accounting skills.”

Jonathan is now in his second year as an EITC tax-prep volunteer and is working as the assistant city solicitor with the City of Cincinnati’s Economic Development Department.

In his capacity as a volunteer, he has enjoyed meeting many unique individuals. “A number of people have made an impact on me. From the couple in their mid-80’s to the single mom or dad showing up with all their kids, it’s admirable that they took the time needed to prepare—maybe while even holding down two jobs or coming off the third shift.”

Financial stability is one of the key factors to building strong and stable families, and, in turn, strong and stable communities. By accessing public benefits, such as the EITC, families can build savings and sustain financial assets.

Jonathan comments, “The program is providing such a great service—if you can wait 10 days to get your refund, you can get it all done for free!” While many filers are subject to service fees and refund anticipation loans sold to them by for-profit businesses, this free service returned $19.1 million to families and individuals through 16,553 filed returns in the 2010 tax-filing season.

Local Mother Embraces Learning Outside of the Classroom

2011-06-22T10:23:00.004-04:00

The Brafford girls, pictured at right, were invited to participate in the bornlearning™ Academy at Beechgrove Elementary almost two years ago. Developed by United Way of Greater Cincinnati Success By 6® in partnership with Kenton Country Schools and Northern Kentucky University faculty, the bornlearning™ Academy is a workshop series that teaches parents of children from prenatal to five years of age how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.

Because youth spend 80 percent of their time in settings other than school, academic enrichment must be advanced through real-world experiences and community activities. Class topics vary each month, focusing on interactive activities using household items. “The concept is so simple, but so powerful once you've been given the tools," Kristen said.

High school dropouts are more than 18 years in the making. Children start learning at birth and the foundation for future learning is laid in the first few years. Disadvantaged children may come to school at least two years behind their peers in pre-reading skills, and most never catch up.

Kristen says, “If my mom had known how important the first five years are, things may have turned out differently for me.” However, her girls are adapting to the Academy’s lessons immediately, both of whom are now reading at a first grade level. She says, “My girls can’t wait for school everyday, and are already planning their futures.”

As a convening leader in early childhood, United Way is committed to ensuring that children are prepared to enter Kindergarten ready to succeed. As part of our initiative, 15 additional schools in the Northern Kentucky area have begun reaching out to families in their communities through the bornlearning™ Academy, beginning to build partnerships early and create effective transitions to school.

"I am so proud to be a part of a community that is willing to take time and effort to make our children's future a priority," says Kristen. "It's not only their future, but ours as well."

2011-06-21T15:46:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it takes a dog - or two!

Can dogs Live United? We have certainly seen them dressed in Live United t-shirts on occasion, posed for that great photo op. But can they make a contribution to United Way's goals for a region of healthy people and vibrant communities? Just a few weeks ago, I could not have imagined that a couple of "throw-away" dogs would be adding - in their own, small way - to the health of my family and my neighborhood.

Although my husband and I had talked about adding a dog to our family for more than a year, we had not done anything about it, since we have a rescue cat and were unsure how that would mix. But it seems this dog ownership thing was meant to happen, once I looked into the eyes of one particular canine specimen who seemed to be saying, "I am going home with you. End of story." And it wasn't just that one, beautiful soulful-eyed dog in the crate at the adoption event outside the pet store where we had gone to get something for the cat. He had a companion - a little fur ball of energy - and they were labeled "inseparable, two adoptions for the cost of one."

Jump ahead a few weeks. These two loving adult dogs have moved from "death row" of a kill shelter to a rescue agency and, ultimately, to our house. They now have us walking our neighborhood two miles a day at a minimum. And while this has always been an exercise goal, we have come up short on a regular basis. But no more. Our new routine - and the joy these creatures' open hearts are providing - should help us battle pounds and stave off future health issues.

Other dog owners will relate to a dog's ability to build community. Neighbors who never gave more than a casual wave have become acquaintances and, in some cases, friends. It turns out the woman who helped us the day one of the dogs escaped goes to our church. She has been checking on us and our progress with our new additions. A young dad who brings his two-year-old to the street to pet the dogs has a brother-in-law from my husband's hometown. And, as it turns out that drivers will slow down much more readily for dogs than they will for mere human pedestrians, they add to our safety.

We have even talked about the possibility of having them become therapy dogs, if we can get them to pass the behavior evaluation. They seem like great potential candidates for listening to struggling young readers or visiting hospitals or nursing facilities. Now that would really be a way for these two critters to Live United. Pass the extra-small t-shirts!

Grandmother Finds Purpose and Inspiration Through Her Volunteer Work

2011-06-20T10:31:00.004-04:00

Following her retirement, Catherine Owens reflects, “I was just spending my days in front of the TV. I knew there was more for me out there, I just didn’t know what it was.”

Now, ‘Grandmother,’ as she is affectionately known, is a daily fixture and vital member as a full-time community volunteer with the FamiliesFORWARD program at Hoffman-Parham Elementary School in Evanston. Catherine, pictured at left, accompanies Charlene Miller , prevention specialist for the site (pictured at Catherine's right), on students’ home visits after school and chaperones dental or eye doctor appointments.

FamiliesFORWARD, a United Way of Greater Cincinnati agency partner, brings children, families, schools, and communities together for mutual benefit through full-service family resource centers in schools, including behavior management and after-school programming.

Education is the cornerstone of individual and community success. Research has shown that a sustained and supportive relationship with at least one caring adult is proven to promote positive outcomes, like academic success and social skills, and reduce risky behaviors, such as alcohol and tobacco use. In addition, quality home visitation programs have been proven to encourage a nurturing home environment, increasing children’s success in school and life.

Catherine first encountered FamiliesFORWARD when, then 63 years old, she and her daughter were logging the required 500 hours of manual labor on the Habitat for Humanity house she was rewarded. Finding herself in need of clothes and food for her grandchildren, the agency provided the help she needed.

Today, as a FamiliesFORWARD liaison, she talks to the 7th and 8th graders she works with “about the importance of respecting their parents, and taking value in their appearance. I encourage them to make wise choices and not go down the wrong path.”

Her work with FamiliesFORWARD introduced her to Janilan, a 7th grader who was going down that wrong path. She remembers, “He wanted to run the streets.” With her intervention, Janilan is now a regular visitor to her house. His life has turned around, and his mother credits Catherine with all the progress he’s made.

Home-Delivered Meals Mean Everything to 86 Year-Old Grandmother

2011-06-16T09:36:00.003-04:00

Once a committed volunteer at the Middletown Hospital, 86 year-old Wilma (pictured at left) now lives alone, legally blind due to macular degeneration. Wilma was first referred to Middletown Area Senior Citizens, Inc. (MASC), a United Way of Greater Cincinnati agency partner, five years ago for transportation services when she could no longer drive.

United Way is committed to building a stronger, healthier community by supporting agencies that engage individuals, like Wilma, who are frail or elderly in programs that promote wellness, independence, and social engagement. Because older adults with fixed or limited incomes often consume diets of lower nutritional quality and are twice as likely to have poor health status, MASC provides nutritionally balanced home-delivered meals, transportation services, and social services aid to persons 60 and over who are homebound, unable to prepare their own meals, or have no one to cook for them.

The agency has since expanded its outreach to her, including daily home-delivered meals and Becky, an in-home aid who comes once per week. Becky helps with grocery shopping and bill paying, but, most importantly, provides Wilma with moral support and companionship. Steve, a MASC employee, visits Wilma daily, delivering not only a nutritional meal, but also checking on her well-being and making sure she’s OK.

Wilma says, “I wouldn’t have any reason to get out of bed and get dressed if it weren’t for Becky or Steve coming over.”

Through such outreach programs, we can help individuals, like Wilma, maximize their independence, financial stability, and quality of life. 3,571 Middletown clients were served by home delivered meal programs in 2010.

Read It Or Weep

2011-06-15T12:19:00.006-04:00

Use it or lose it.

It's an old adage I've always heard regarding the human body. Get out there and move, or someday your body will betray your brain, your intentions, your memory.

The same can be said for the brain, itself.

Probably the most valuable organ in the human anatomy, the brain operates in many ways like a muscle. First, we learn our A-B-Cs. Then we learn how to read and write simple sentences. Someday, some of us go on to write books, dissertations, legal arguments and other complicated papers.

But it all starts with being able to read words like CAT, DOG and BUS.

Reading is one of the most fundamental skills we can develop to help ensure continued life success. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is doing a great job of encouraging both kids and adults to pick up a book with its Team Read summer reading program.

It's as easy as creating a profile, logging on and entering the books you read over the course of the summer. Participants are eligible to win prizes including Cincinnati Reds and Coney Island tickets and Nook Color e-readers.

Sounds pretty nifty to me.

So, create a profile for your child or yourself, log on, and get reading.

Your brain will thank you.

Displaced Worker Avoids Foreclosure and Receives Job Training

2011-06-13T15:28:00.004-04:00

The Greater Cincinnati area is plagued by rising foreclosure rates. Due in part to persisting unemployment and underemployment, 2,940 Hamilton County households filed for foreclosure in 2010. In addition, both foreclosure listings and completed sales are up from 2009, providing additional incentive for lenders to pursue foreclosure proceedings.

In October of 2009, Ron was laid off from his position as an electrician, where he had worked for thirty years. His wife also lost her job around the same time, and was then unable to return to the workforce because of health issues.

Ron immediately approached his bank to explain the situation, and was successful in negotiating a temporary agreement, which he followed to the letter. Though he put as much money as he could into the newly established escrow account, he was still behind on his mortgage payments when he approached Working In Neighborhoods (WIN).

WIN provides counseling to families and individuals at risk of foreclosure, helping them negotiate a loan modification or a refinance agreement with their lenders. WIN negotiated with Ron’s lender and provided budget counseling. They referred him to additional resources for which he was eligible. As stipulated in their agreement, Ron tracked his expenses and provided regular updates on his job search.

Ron was unsuccessful in finding gainful employment seven months into his job search. With a referral to Super Jobs, another United Way agency partner, for job training, Ron was thrilled to secure a scholarship to attend trucking school.

While still in the program, Ron contacted top trucking companies, making in-roads to possible job openings. After he graduated at the top of his class, he received an offer within a week, and now makes more money than he ever did in 30 years of electrical work. In addition, Ron successfully secured the $5,000 he needed to submit his mortgage payments in full.

As taxpayers and neighbors, we are all affected by the hidden costs of foreclosure. As families lose their homes and connections to their communities, neighborhoods deteriorate, and municipalities face additional financial burdens to inspect, maintain, or demolish foreclosed and vacant properties, United Way is committed in our partnership efforts to continue providing solutions for individuals and families to increase income, establish savings, achieve home ownership, and enhance economic self-sufficiency.

A Child's Take On Volunteering

2011-06-13T15:23:00.004-04:00

I think children should volunteer because it helps their community. Also it can help people and the environment.

It can also be fun because they can volunteer in many places. My teacher volunteered at the zoo and loved it. She had fun and learned a lot.

But kids can volunteer at school or even at a local town center.

I just think volunteering and interacting is an important thing kids should do.

- 9-year old Emma's take on why children should be introduced to volunteering

LIVE UNITED for Leadership

2011-04-04T10:48:00.002-04:00

One person can make a difference.

It's a trite idea but something that I grabbed on to when I was younger. Between my parents, some inspirational mentors and committed teachers, I managed to develop the belief that I hold the power to make change.

It seems I am not the only one who believes this.

Sunday afternoon brought with it the amazing opportunity for me to speak to some students involved with Leadership Scholars. I was invited to serve as a panelist to discuss my involvement in the community and why I remain dedicated to the cause.

It's an easy thing for me to talk about. I've always been a "joiner," especially if the end goal is to make a difference.

About 50 high schoolers from around Greater Cincinnati joined us to hear from myself and two other panelsts about how we've developed to aspire to leadership, beginning with our respective service endeavors as young people.

The students asked us about significant milestones in our past, what we hope to accomplish in our future, and some of the biggest obstacles we've faced as we've traveled the path of service.

There are so many young people in our community seeking opportunities to learn more, do more and experience more. For those of us farther along the path, we have an obligation to raise up these young people, encourage them and give them the tools they need so they can carry on with our work in the future.

Sunday's forum gave me a much-needed reality check and inspired me to consider how I'm engaged with the community. I left asking myself How can I make the biggest impact? How can I help shape tomorrow's leaders? How can I leave a lasting legacy on the future?

What about you?

Lessons Learned

2011-03-21T14:40:00.002-04:00

The highlight of our weekends is usually the time we get to spend with the boys at a local residential home. Even if I'm feeling slightly crabby, or absorbed in a problem of my own, when we walk onto that unit, and thier faces light up - nothing else matters. Regardless of what we end up doing that afternoon - fixing their Mp3 players, making cookies or just playing a board game - I know that I got as much or more out of the visit than they did.
One of the boys is prolific writer - he eagerly shows me his latest chapters in his book, or the newest addition to his play. His writing is autobiographical - and heart-wrenching for me to read. But it's his resiliency and motivation - despite the horrors of his recent past - that strikes me the most. He wants to get published - and I don't know the first thing about it - but we're going to work on it together. Because his determination and belief in himself is undeniable.

Thanksgiving.

2010-11-24T09:24:00.006-05:00

8 a.m., the day before the holiday. I pull into my local Starbucks and hurry in for a vital fuel up.

The shop's decked out for the holidays, but I don't take time to peruse any of it. I've got pre-holiday deadlines to worry about. So I'm a bit impatient waiting for the teen in line in front of me to order -- they clearly don't know the lingo to speed things up.

Order finally placed, I hover expectantly at the counter, waiting for my drink.

A distinguished looking older gentleman strides up to the counter beside me, waving a credit card. The surprised barista gives him a sideways look, indicating the line to order and pay is a few steps to the right.

I'm a bit annoyed that he's placed himself between me and my latte.

"No," he says, "I want to buy their drink. The next people in line in the drive thru."

For a moment I selfishly think perhaps I should have tackled the lengthy drive thru line -- maybe I'd have been that lucky next person in line.

Then I realize I'm witnessing the pay-it-forward concept in action.

A simple gesture. A way to acknowledge what one is thankful for and at the same time, spread a bit of unexpected holiday cheer.

Or, maybe even, help and a bit of hope.

He wasn't wearing the shirt -- but he certainly was living it.

Retaining Young Talent Through Voluntarism

2010-10-13T11:46:00.003-04:00

A quick Google search of any mention of "young professionals" in the headlines, and it is clear many communities are worried about brain drain.

That's when young thinkers and doers leave communities for opportunities in bigger cities.

According to the latest headlines, brain drain is a concern among Vermont's gubernatorial candidates the Rochester, New York Rotary Club, and education experts in Washington.

It seems Cincinnati is not the only place consumed with the hows and whys of keeping this creative and innovative class.

The young professional set (or whatever other moniker you'd like to choose) is typically made up of single or newly married urbanites who do not have children. They are well educated, are upwardly mobile and pursue careers in fields including marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, design and the environment. These folks are in their 20s, 30s, and even 40s.

This group of people seeks out opportunities involving culture, nightlife, dining and voluntarism.

That last category, the one that gets them involved and engaged with their community? I think that's the one that can help a YPer plant roots and commit to staying where they are.

Some YPers take on volunteering as an opportunity to flex different professional muscles; others look for an opportunity to do some heavy lifting and make the world around them a little bit better. There are lots of reasons why Gens X and Y are giving up their free time to non-profits, and likely just as many benefits.

For one, organizations are getting help pushing their work forward. It takes many hands to do the work of a NPO, and many of those hands are attached to volunteers.

All this YP volunteer work is leading to direct, tangible change in our communities, too. These 20 or 30-something volunteers are helping sustain the arts, crucial human service needs, educational efforts and other valiant causes.

And through it all, these YPers are forming new bonds, learning things about the community around them and discovering other opportunities beneficial to their personal and professional endeavors.

I like to think that volunteering might just be the glue that keeps YPs sticking around a city.

Take note, Cincinnati.

Ask Not

2010-09-27T13:39:00.004-04:00

My cargo pants are covered in paint.

They're rolled up in a ball in my laundry room as I explore ways to best remove the purple and salmon streaks. Even if the paint stains stick around, I'm proud to have sacrificed some time (and some pants) for a good cause.

I was one of over a thousand people who signed up to participate in ArtsWave's Paint the Street project. ArtsWave (formerly the Fine Arts Fund) is a great community effort and this latest project was an effort to help beautify Over-the-Rhine and bring people together for some exposure to art.

After my painting shift, I served as a volunteer for a couple hours, snapping head shots of the participants for a massive collage showing off the diversity of the "street artists."

Volunteering is a horse of many different colors, isn't it?

A discussion about volunteering today inspired me to read John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech from 1961. Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, I was able to listen to a taping of President Kennedy saying these words as I read along, allowing the message to really make an impact on me.

Indeed, we all have, in our "mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life."

Almost 50 years after this iconic speech, our society still relies on millions of people and their commitment to service.

Each of us has a talent, and whether that talent is writing or cooking or building things with one's own two hands, we can share that talent and help someone else strive for a better life.

Some attorneys donate pro bono legal services. Some literary types commit to literacy efforts. Some contractors donate the muscle and materials to help build homes for those less fortunate.

Me?

My talent is public relations and social media, and I donate my expertise and skills to non-profit organizations when time permits.

But I'm happy to pick up a paint brush when asked, too.

Want to explore volunteer opportunities in Greater Cincinnati? Visit United Way's The Volunteer Connection to find an opportunity that takes advantage of your time and talents.

Money Matters

2010-09-15T14:41:00.004-04:00

I know how to stretch a dollar.

Years ago I was a lowly journalist with an equally lowly paycheck. I learned how to make twenty bucks stretch until the next payday.

Sometimes that stretching had to cover a week or so - more like some extreme ashtanga yoga than a little bit of stretching, huh?

I figured it out quickly. Bread, eggs, cheese and milk - I could get all of these things for about five bucks or less and feed myself some hearty meals over the course of a week. Breakfast, lunch and dinner was always some variation of those groceries and whatever I had left in the pantry and freezer (usually a can of beans, some ramen noodles and frozen veggies. Frozen chicken breasts if I was lucky).

Meal time was always a creative endeavor when I had to make ends meet.

Or is it Ends Meat?

For all my bellyaching, I was grateful I knew I could make it to a payday.

There are lots of folks out there who aren't as lucky. They don't have a steady income, or they don't have enough money to put food on the table while they're stretching to payday.

United Way tries to serve up a one-two punch to help people battling low income struggles.

First, United Way supports programs that help keep food pantries open in Cincinnati, Covington and other Tri-State communities.

The other, perhaps more enduring effort invests donor dollars in programs that help people gain more job skills. This helps people in need seek better jobs with higher wages and health benefits.

If these folks have more assets, they'll be better able to support themselves and their loved ones.

And maybe, someday, they won't have to stretch to payday. Maybe someday they'll be able to save some cash, invest and have some assets for retirement.

Isn't that what we all want?

If you'd like to support the annual United Way campaign, please click here to make a donation of any denomination. Every little bit helps support someone else seeking the basic things for a better life.

Saying Thanks.

2010-07-27T09:09:00.003-04:00

The staff team at United Way is mid-way through a two-week thank you blitz. We're calling thousands of our most loyal donors -- just to say 'thanks'.

I made a couple of calls last year that stuck in my mind.

One to a gentleman who'd given through his workplace campaign for many, many years. His wife answered. After learning who I was and why I was calling, she asked me to hold on -- he needed to hear what I had to say, but was on the roof cleaning gutters, she'd go get him. And she did. I felt a little guilty, getting him off the roof just to say thanks. But he loved it.

Another call was to a woman who turned out to be a 30-year donor employed as a receptionist at one of our partner agencies. She shared stories of how personal her gift had become through the years as she greeted folks coming through the agency's doors.

Sometimes the folks on the other end of the phone are surprised. Other times they're just chatty.

Yesterday I spoke with a gentleman I'd reached on his cell as he and his wife were driving back from a Florida vacation. He was somewhere in north Georgia. We compared weather notes and agreed there was apparently no escaping the heat this summer.

I said thanks.

He said 'no, thank you for what you all do.'

Lots of phone calls. Lots of smiles.

Summertime... and the Learning is Easy.

2010-07-01T15:10:00.008-04:00

Remember Summers when you were a kid?

Your bike stood ready in the drive.

The neighborhood pool beckoned each day as the temp climbed higher.

And your math book was safely out of sight.

Mine certainly was. And I paid the price when school started again each September, a state of angst that continued well into Winter. It's hard enough to find a favorite flip flop come Summer's end -- let alone remember how decimal points work.

Fast forward many years, and kids are still falling behind in math and other subjects during long breaks, with some more at risk than others. Giving them every chance to stay on the path to success is critical, maybe now more than ever. Like me, they may not realize for years just how critical.

I got the chance to share this perspective with a 7 year-old who was angry, sad, and even a bit embarrassed at having to attend a summer school session designed to keep her on track. All valid emotions magnified by the fact her twin would be heading to swim lessons at the same time. While I assured her an hour a day for three weeks wasn't the end of her summer fun, her grandpa made a really big deal out of the fact she got to go to the high school years before her sister would. Suddenly, it was cool to do math in June.

That's a lucky 7 year-old. Too many other kids aren't in a school district with such programs available.

As you continue your Summer fun, think about how you can also make the long school break less of a challenge for a child in your life. Find a local program that can help keep kids engaged while school is out. Consider volunteering your time. Or simply give a few kids in your neighborhood a lift to the local library.

It's Summertime. And the learning is easy.

Volun-cation

2010-06-14T14:09:00.003-04:00

The mercury is climbing, the humidity is as thick as pea soup.

And many people are taking time off this summer to give back.

Instead of staycations and Americations, many Americans are choosing to use their vacation time and resources to jet off for a service project.

Just this month, CNN explored why so many women in particular are choosing to give up their vacation time to volunteer for others. Industry experts say as many as 70 percent of all volunteer travelers are women, and they're heading to New Orleans for rebuilding efforts, to Africa to serve as teaching assistants and to Haiti to help with earthquake relief.

Give Back Cincinnati is one outlet for Young Professional volunteers to give up some of their vacation time for service efforts beyond Cincinnati. The organization is taking volunteers to New Orleans on August 1, and to Ghana on October 1. These annual projects continue to make an impact in the respective communities and a worthwhile place to commit your time.

Maybe you can't give up a whole week or more.

Maybe a day is more your style.

United Way's Volunteer Connection is a perfect resource for people exploring ways to use a single vacation day to make the most impact. Whether you want to get involved with hunger issues or mentor a child, United Way is able to share thousands of service opportunities to interested volunteers.

So, next time you're considering the best way to use your vacation time, think about giving back.

We promise you won't get stung by a jellyfish.

I don't know if you've been told...

2010-04-06T14:40:00.004-04:00

...Live United is the goal. Put that to the tune of "Sound Off" and you have our attempt at a snappy Live United chant, created on the fly during the Findlay Market Parade. We walked on a gorgeous day behind a gorgeous little vintage restored red 1948 GM pickup filled with the owner's grandkids in Live United t-shirts. It was kitted out with a nicely branded Give/Advocate/Volunteer 2-sided banner on a wooden stand in the back. We followed the Northwest High marching band, so we had the beat going! As this was our first year, there were just five of us. We represented 211, PIRC, EITC, Marketing, and Community Impact/Inclusion. We were happy to hear shouts of support for United Way from the crowds along the way. We all concluded we should try to repeat our efforts next year but bring a bigger group, and create and practice our chant ahead. More voices for LIVE UNITED.

Sophomore

2010-03-08T10:36:00.001-05:00

This is the second day that I volunteered for the 2009 tax season. I actually was running a little late this day. The site opens at 9, and I didn’t get there until 9:30. The last time I volunteered the site was late in getting set up, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect going into this day. When I got there, however, the hallway was already filled with patrons waiting to get their taxes done. I walked into the computer room and almost all the computers were filled with volunteers completing returns. I was kind of shocked and surprised to see that many volunteers. I felt guilty that I was late, but after seeing so many people here, I kind of felt that they didn’t really need me.

Barb*, the site coordinator for Madisonville, greeted me and quickly set me up on an open computer. It was pretty crowded around all the computers, with all the volunteers and patrons sitting there. Crowded was a good thing though, because that meant that we had a lot of help and a lot of people getting help.

I have to say that as far as returns go, it was a pretty uneventful day. I think this might be because my skills were getting better, or because most people have the same type of returns. The hard returns are completed by the most advanced volunteers, so I see mostly basic returns anyway. One return stuck out in my head, though. It was actually somewhat of a mistake on my part. An elderly, married couple can in together, but they, for some reason, insisted on filing separately.

For those who don’t know anything about taxes, married filing separately (MFS) is the worst possible status you can file because neither person will get any kind of benefits. This status is basically reserved for people who are still legally married, but don’t actually live together. I had to help a women last year with this status because she was trying to deal with legal issues from her husband, whom she implied was abusive, but she was still legally married so she couldn’t file single status. She didn’t qualify for any credits and got a very low amount back. She may have even had to owe, though I can’t really remember.

So this couple comes in with no marriage problems, but thinks that MFS will help get more back on their return. The screener and I both tried to convince them to file MFJ (Married Filing Jointly) because they would benefit more, but they insisted on doing MFS. I wonder if they truly understood what we were trying to tell them. They did not want to be persuaded by us and this is essentially their tax return, so I can’t force them to file something against their will. They have to answer to the IRS on their taxes, not me.

I filled out the husband’s return and the wife was waiting to be helped by the next available volunteer. The husband was not getting anything back from federal or state at this point. I called Barb over for a quality review and she was kind of shocked that they wanted to file MFS. I told her they insisted on filing this way, but she talked to them and finally convinced to do MFJ and explained that this status would benefit them the most. I should have talked to her in the very beginning before I started working on the husband’s return, because then she had to delete his partial return from the computer. However, I’m glad they listened because they were able to get a fair amount back on their return, which is always better than zero.

Even though we had a full waiting area of patrons, we had many volunteers. We were able to help every person waiting and we got done an hour early, which has never happened to me at this site. I was kind of happy to get done early, and some the volunteers hung out after we were all finished and just chatted for a bit. It was nice to get to know some new people, and see familiar faces from 2 weeks ago.

This week I will be volunteering at a different site other that Madisonville for the first time. It will be interesting to see the differences between sites. Look for my next blog in a week or so.

Name has been changed to protect identity.

Valentine's Day Eve

2010-02-22T15:24:00.006-05:00

The 2009 tax season has started out a bit different than the ’08 season did. I got engaged over the summer, so much of my free time is spent with wedding planning stuff. Because of that, I got kind of a late start with getting certified this year. There was a lot of information that I had forgotten, so I needed to refresh some of my tax knowledge. A big shout out to my fellow UW volunteer, Jack, for keeping me motivated on studying. I think we helped each other pass the test. We didn’t cheat—don’t worry. It was more like group study.

I finally got certified by the end of January and decided to do my first day on Feb. 13th—showin people some love by doin taxes. I now live very close to Madisonville Community Center, so I knew I would be going there again. I kind of have a soft spot for this location now.

A new and great improvement this year from the 2008 tax program is electronic scheduling. Whoever thought of doing this for the EITC program is a genius. It is so much easier to plan when and where to volunteer. As soon I got certified, I scheduled every day I want to volunteer this year. I made a goal of volunteering 4 days this year, every other Saturday in February and March. That is more than what I did last year, but still allows me time to do wedding planning.

The tax site had closed the previous week due to the weather, so I knew there was going to be a lot of people waiting to get their taxes done today. When I got there, people were waiting outside because the Community Center employee was still getting things set up. I only had to wait for 5 minutes, but some people had been waiting out in the cold for a little while. The earlier you get there, the sooner you get done.

The employee let me inside because I was a volunteer, but when I went to the computer room, there was nobody there. This shocked me because the site coordinators are always there early to set up. I was worried that this session might have gotten cancelled and I didn't know (nor did all the people outside). Or, if they were running late, it would take us that much longer to get through everyone. The employee began setting up chairs for people to come in and sit down.

I was really worried we were gonna have to turn people away, but 5 minutes later, Barb*, the new site coordinator, came in. She had gotten stuck outside. I had worked with Barb last year as a volunteer, so I knew who she was very experienced. It was nice to see a familiar face.

John*, another volunteer, also came in and we all got everything set up quickly. The patrons came in and started filling out the necessary paperwork to get them started. There were not as many people as I remembered from last year, and not as many as I was expecting. But there were still enough to keep us all busy. Another employee of the Community Center came in and set up the computers for us. Mary*, another volunteer, came in as well. There were 4 of us so far, which was a good number. Mary was a returning volunteer and John was new. We also had another new volunteer, Kim*, come in a little later.

I had a different perspective this year. John and Kim had little to no volunteer experience so far, so they had to rely on Mary, Barb and me to help them. It was kind of cool to return the favor from when I was helped a lot on my first day volunteering. Like I said before, the volunteers all work together to make sure we are doing everything right and making sure we help as many people as possible. Every return is double and triple checked before it gets filed.

Most of the returns I had this day were pretty simple. Everything came back to me quickly and easily. Like I said--learning to ride a bike. I only had one person with real estate taxes and mortgage interest. The hardest return I had was a person who lived in Ohio, but worked in Kentucky. So I had to figure out how to put several local taxes on a single W-2. I was actually very proud of myself for completing this one—I learned something new this day.

Most people who I helped were single filers, no kids, with straightforward income and deductions. Something I was kind of shocked about was the number of people filing unemployment compensation—definitely a lot more last year. I think I only had 1 married couple. Of course, we had more than that being helped by the other volunteers. Mr. & Mrs. Wilson* returned from when I helped them in 2008—yeah!! They were helped by another volunteer, but I was glad to see them again. I don’t think they remembered me, though...

Since most of the returns were fairly simple, I was able to get through them pretty quickly. The time it takes to actually fill out the return is not very long. It actually takes longer to interview and review the return than it does to fill it out. When doing a return we have to make sure we go through an interview before anything is started on the computer. Patrons absolutely have to have an I.D. and their Social Security cards for themselves, and their spouses and dependants if they have any, before we do anything. We tell them before they even fill out the paperwork to have all their documentation or else we can not do the return. I have had to send some people home to get their stuff before—they don’t like to hear that, but it’s to protect them.

The Community Center told us we had to finish everyone by 3 p.m. We are supposed to close at 2 p.m., but I learned quickly that doesn’t ever happen. Usually we just do everyone, even though it takes us over the time limit. I mean we don’t want to turn people away who have been sitting there all day to get their taxes done. We were pushing it to the max this day in order to get all the people filed. We did end up having to tell some people to come back the next time because they had really complicated returns and we didn’t have enough time to get through them on this day.

The most memorable patron I helped this day was George*. Most of the people we help have low income. George was no exception, but his was probably one of the lowest I had filed. However, he was the happiest person I have probably ever helped (at least he seemed that way). He was very talkative the whole time I was doing his return—very friendly personality. He moved here from another state and was in the construction business, but was having a hard time finding a steady job. He worked part time at fast food restaurant and went down to Job and Family Services to find employment every chance he got. He was trying to get on the construction crew to build the new train rail from Cincinnati to Cleveland that is apparently starting up in a year or so. I must live in a box because I don’t remember hearing anything about this before George told me. That is why he became my favorite patron of the day.

I volunteer again this weekend. Look for my blog about it next week!

*Names have been changed to protect identity.

It’s like learning to ride a bike.

2010-02-22T12:54:00.001-05:00

When I was asked to blog about my experience doing taxes for UWGC’s EITC tax program, my first thought was “me? blog? this should be interesting…”. I’ve never really blogged about anything before. I’ve tried to blog before and it never really intrigued me. Maybe I’ve just never really been much of a writer or maybe I’ve never really had much to write about.

However, I was glad I was given this opportunity because I really do want to share my experiences about doing taxes for people. Mainly because it’s been a very interesting experience (and I’m sure will continue to be so) and also I want to show that anyone can really do this. You don’t have to be a “numbers person”, you just have to be willing to take some time to learn and to stick with it because the more you do it, the easier it will become (as with anything I guess).

You may wonder why I would choose to do taxes in the first place. Well I have to admit; I started doing this mainly for myself. I wanted to learn more about taxes. I’ve always been a seeker of knowledge and I wanted to better understand how to do my own taxes and I figured this will be good way to start. I also love to help people and work with people, so that was also a big motivating factor.

I’ve always been big on volunteerism. I started volunteering when I was in high school, mostly with my church, but that mentality stuck with me. I participated in a few Crosstown Helpouts in college and I really loved doing that, so I knew when I would have more time to help others, I would make sure I did that.

Doing taxes for people is unique. It’s not just simply fixing up a building (which is great and also much needed), but it’s still just as instantaneously gratifying. You can give someone immediate results—you fill out the tax form, the software program calculates everything, and—BAM—you’re done! You can tell the person immediately how much they can expect to get back (or how much they may owe, which was very rare) and see their reaction. It’s different than some volunteering programs (such as tutoring) where you have to track changes over a long period time to see results. That’s probably the best thing about doing taxes.

My very first day doing taxes was very intimidating. My first choice of sites didn’t have as much need for volunteers (but it was the closest to my house, which is why I chose it first), so I decided to try one that would need me more help and I would have a better chance of making my time worthwhile. I went to Madisonville Community Center. This was probably the second closest to my house, that I had a vague idea of its location. I had never been to this community center, so when I walked in (carrying my back of books and resource materials), I told the front desk person I was here for the tax program. He immediately told me to write my name on a list that already had about 30 names filled in. I told him I was a volunteer and was here to do taxes, he pointed me towards the room where they were set up and said I could go right in. I walked down the hallway that was lined with about 30 people sitting on both sides, all staring at me as I walked past them. It was 15 minutes until the site opened and there were already this many people waiting. They were all here to get their taxes done by me and other volunteers. I felt extremely insignificant and not important enough for these people to sit and wait all day just for one of us to help them. I also now felt very responsible. I was going to make sure I could do everything I can so these people will get the return they deserve—and they truly did deserve it.

For all the praise I got when I told people I was doing taxes (which I don’t really deserve), the site coordinators deserve an infinitely more amount of praise. Without the site coordinators, there would be no tax program. The volunteers can only do what the coordinators have set up for them to do. Each day that I volunteered for the 2008 tax season (I admit I only volunteer 2 days, each time was at Madisonville), Melissa*, the site coordinator, was there early to set up all the materials, computers, get the patrons ready by having them fill out prep paper work, get the volunteers set up, and brought food for us (which was very much needed and appreciated).

Melissa really helped me get orientated to this environment and she was always helping me when I had a question about something. She was being pulled in a hundred different directions, but made sure the patrons were the top priority and made sure we were able to help everyone that came. The other volunteers were also extremely helpful to me. I don’t think I would have gotten through that first day without them. We relied on each other and helped each other when we had questions or needed a return checked. We are each other’s support.

It’s kind of an odd experience doing someone’s taxes. They are giving some of their most personal information to you and trusting you with that. Whenever I did someone’s taxes, it felt weird because they would be watching me the whole time (which they should). I felt like I was under a microscope, with someone watching over my shoulder the whole time, just waiting for me to mess up and prove me a phony. I didn’t want to tell people it was my first year doing taxes, because then they would worry that I wouldn’t know what to do and I didn’t want them to feel like their trip there was a wasted effort.

Though I did pass the certification tests and knew how to do a basic return, there was still some learning curve to doing taxes. I only knew about tax forms I was familiar with, which was basically just W-2’s. I have never owned a house and I’m not retired, so I had to learn the different types of income and expense forms. It’s different from reading about something in a book and seeing it in real life. The hardest thing about learning how to do taxes is not what all is involved in completing a return; it’s where to enter it in the tax software. The computer can calculate everything for you and kind of “dummy-proof” it somewhat, but I still needed to know the exact line to actually enter real estate taxes, for example. I think it took me 1 ½ to 2 hours for me to complete each return on that first day (it now takes me about half that time).

Although the thrill of learning is what originally interested me in doing taxes, the people are what kept me doing it. The people that came in to get their taxes done truly touched my heart, and made me grateful that I was a small part in making them happier. I don’t remember everyone I helped last year, but a few did stick out in my mind. One couple I remember was Mr. & Mrs. Wilson*. They were probably the third or fourth return that I did. He was retired and she was still working. They were very sweet and had the most trusting faces. They had a bit of an age gap between them and when I saw Mr. Wilson’s birth date, I was taken off guard. Not because I thought he was really old (which he was about the same age as my grandma), but I just thought about all the things he would have went through and witnessed in his lifetime. This was an African-American man born during the Great Depression. He lived through WW2, Civil Rights era (was alive during Martin Luther King Jr.’s life) and the Vietnam War. He lived most of his life before I was even conceived. All the things that I read about in history books—this person has lived through them and experienced them in a different way than what my parents and grandparents would have. And I know there are a lot of people still living that have gone through these things as well, but just seeing it there on paper and having him sit there right next to me kind of awed me. Yet they were probably some of the most patient and kind people that I had helped through my entire tax experience.

The second time I did taxes last year, which was a couple of weeks later, Mrs. Wilson came back with her grandson so he could get his taxes done, too. He was a junior or senior in high school and it was his first year filing taxes, with the W-2 from his first job. I thought it was really awesome for family generations to connect in that way and I thought it was very respectable that Mrs. Wilson would help her grandson begin to do things for himself. I connected with him because I remembered when I filed my first tax return with the W-2 from my first job, as well.

Another person that stuck out in my mind was a single mom, whose name I can not remember. She qualified for the Earned Income Credit and was able to get back about 2 ½ months worth of income back from her taxes. I was glad she was able to get that much back because she seemed like a hard working person just trying to take care of herself and her kids.

I just think it’s pretty awesome that someone can get a check from the Federal Government worth over two months of income. That, right there, makes all my efforts worthwhile. Even though I was only able to volunteer 2 days last year, I knew I wanted to do taxes again in 2009. Look for more entries on each day that I volunteer this year.

*Names have been changed to protect identity.

Long Lasting Change

2010-02-02T10:10:00.001-05:00

We're growing by leaps and bounds on Reading Road.

Check out this video to see the latest in our construction efforts, and the massive transformation expected at United Way!

Serves You Right

2009-12-11T09:17:00.001-05:00

I think I was 13 the first time I walked into United Way's building on Reading Road.

I wasn't the organization's youngest intern, and I wasn't beginning my career as an 8th grader.

No, I was seeking out a volunteer opportunity as part of a confirmation obligation.

My mom took me to the "Community Chest" building, as it was called back in the day, to meet with someone who could place me with an assignment that fit our family's schedule and availability. After all, someone had to drive me to this mythical volunteer opportunity, right?

This was a commitment for my parents just as much as it was for me.

My recollection is hazy, but I remember sitting in a staff member's cube (it's killing me that I can't remember who it was, but then again, I was 13) for about 15 minutes or so, then leaving with an assignment at a senior center/nursing home facility in Montgomery.

My first day was scary - I had never really interacted with adults without my parents, and I wasn't quite as confident on my own. I also was a bit uneasy about seeing some of the seniors who needed more care. I didn't know how to communicate with them, and I wasn't sure if they wanted to communicate with me.

Over time, I really enjoyed the experience - making crafts and singing songs with the residents. I also loved it when they told me jokes or let me wheel their chairs to their rooms for them.

Truth be told, I was also a big fan of spending a couple bucks on soda and candy at the nursing home's vending machines.

The experience was my first foray in volunteering, and it helped me realize how important it is to give back what you can.

For me, it's time.

Twenty years later, a good chunk of my personal life is dedicated to voluntarism. Just last night, I spent a couple hours singing Christmas carols, stringing lights on a tree and enjoying cupcakes with children staying at a local battered women's shelter. While the moms joined us for the festivities, they all insisted the occasion was a way for the children to have a fun holiday moment in light of personal difficulty.

"Thanks for coming here and letting the kids have a nice evening," said one mom to me as another woman's baby sat in her lap, complete with rosy cheeks.

That's all the thanks I really need when volunteering. In fact, I don't really need any thanks. I'd much prefer a quality, one-on-one moment with an individual with whom I can pay my blessings forward.

And maybe a trip to the vending machine.

$2.84 - the Worst Cup of Coffee I Ever Had

2009-12-09T14:47:00.007-05:00

In an effort to keep warm during this week's blast of cold air, I stopped for a coffee at a local drive thru on my way back to the office from an early morning meeting. A busy local drive thru on the edge of one of our community's most challenged neighborhoods.

The drive thru line was long and I was in a hurry, so I pulled into a parking space to take my chances inside. As I left my car I noticed a young man standing just to the right of the drive thru line. He was near a large panel truck taking up more than one parking space, so I figured perhaps he was there to make sure the line would break and allow the driver the ability to maneuver the truck out of the space. Smart.

Inside, I found a shorter line and a merry staff -- the snow flurries and biting winds were obviously good for business. Folks in front of me were buying breakfast pastries and fancy lattes. A bit of a coffee snob myself, I wasn't sure this place could make a good latte, so I was planning on ordering their version of a red eye -- coffee with a shot of espresso.

I rationalized the extra cost for the espresso was well worth it, paid the $2.84 with my debit card and headed back outside, hot drink in hand.

Before I got back to the car I heard someone call 'ma'am, excuse me ma'am'. I hate being called ma'am -- that's my mom, not me. But I turned and found it was the boy by the truck calling me.

'I hate to bother you, but could you spare any change? I'd like a cup of coffee.'

Ten different thoughts ran through my head as I formulated my reply: He must be cold. Oh, he's not with the truck. Wow, smart place to seek spare change. I don't have any change. I could tell him to call 2-1-1. If he has a phone?

That was probably the worst cup of coffee I ever had.

United Way 211 reached 100,000 calls from folks in Greater Cincinnati just a few weeks back. That's more than ever in one year and the year's not over yet. Help with food, shelter, utility assistance -- it's all just a call away. Or check out the resources online at www.uwgc.org/211

A Family In Need

2009-12-07T10:05:00.001-05:00

ProKids families are often helped by church groups or other individuals during the Holidays. However, the organization has one family whose need is so great that they are asking the entire community for assistance.

It is a family of 8 children who need the basics -- shoes, coats, laundry detergent and other personal products.

If you would like to join with others to help this family, please contact Sandi Cook (Holiday Giving Coordinator and Volunteer Extraordinaire) at sandi.prokids@gmail.com or 702-4733 for more information.

Volunteer for the Holidays - Sign Up Now!

2009-12-04T12:36:00.008-05:00

The holidays are a great time to volunteer. Many people are on vacaton from work and school, and brightening the day of someone who needs it is a wonderful way to use some of that time while giving back to the community. But wait too long to sign up and the opportunity could be filled. I once found myself in a city away from my family, unable to get home for the holidays, and got rejected from helping out at all the places I called because I had waited too long.

Below are a few December 25 ideas to check out from United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s special holiday edition of the Volunteer and Go Guide. Be sure to check the Guide or the contact listed below for more information, including any minimum age/minor accompaniment requirements:

Help prepare, set up and serve the meal and clean up. Call ahead to sign up.

- Feast of Love Ministries, 45224. Contact: Karen Lane, 513-541-5676.
- Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky, Covington, 41011. Contact: Lucinda Groves, 859-431-1077 or lgroves@mhanky.org.
- Our Daily Bread, 45202. Contact: Kathy Ray, 513-621-6364 or kathy@ourdailybread.us.

Deliver a hot turkey dinner with flowers to an older adult who would otherwise spend the holiday alone. The visit is just as important as the meal, if not more so. Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly, 45239. Contact: Karen D’Alessandro, 513-542-7555 or kdalessandro.cin@littlebrothers.org.

If you miss out on an opportunity on the big day itself, consider other holiday volunteer ideas. These include helping out with the toy train exhibit at Behringer Crawford Museum, Covington, 41011; holiday preparations, FreestoreFoodbank, 45202; Holiday in Lights, Hamilton County Park District, 45231; gift wrapping, Holly Hill Children's Home, California, KY, 41007; holiday party, St. Joseph Orphanage, 45239; Toy Shop (45202) or Red Kettle Campaign (various locations), The Salvation Army of Greater Cincinnati; sleigh drivers, stocking elves, Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, Inc., Covington, 41011.

But why stop with the holidays? Your time and talents are needed year-round. Help out as a tutor or mentor for youth, prepare taxes to help hardworking families, spend time with an older adult, and more. Search the quarterly Volunteer and Go Guide to check out the United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s The Volunteer Connection’s secure searchable database or call United Way 211 (dial 2-1-1) to find the right opportunity for you.

Walk the Talk for Your Children - Volunteer Now

2009-12-02T16:32:00.012-05:00

At this time of year, lots of parents think about getting their young children involved in volunteering. And, while the holidays can be an excellent time to start, don’t worry if you miss this opportunity in December. You can walk this talk any time of year.

My own parents set the tone for me, volunteering at church and school events. I got involved in my local community as a young teen and continued through high school. Then after a break and once my child was in kindergarten, I decided it was time to get back to giving back and start setting an example.

I also wanted my only-child to experience life from the viewpoint that it wasn’t always about just him. I chose an area of interest – literacy tutoring – and found myself at the library every Monday night. If, for some reason, my husband was not available at home, the kid came along with his own books, crayons, etc. I continued as a volunteer and eventually became a Court Appointed Special Advocate with ProKids for children in the juvenile court system for abuse and neglect.

The result? As a teen, my son became involved as a volunteer at the YMCA. As a college student, he spent a spring break in New Orleans cleaning up after Hurricane Katrina and then served a year in AmeriCorps following graduation. As a grad student, he has chosen a school in a city far from home so that he can be more involved as a volunteer around climate issues. And he could end up in the Peace Corps one day. So yes, your example will likely create a lasting impression on your children and a sense of passion for issues that concern them. You just may end up amazed at the direction it leads and proud of the passion you have instilled.

Looking for volunteer ideas that fit your interests? Visit www.uwgc.org/volunteer or call United Way 211 (dial 2-1-1).

The Holiday Spirit Over The Telephone Line

2009-12-01T15:10:00.003-05:00

The holidays can be hard.

Between the parties and the gifts and the implied obligations and the expenses - the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas sometimes carry an undue burden.

And don't even get me started on the stress of all the family togetherness.

I've come to know lots of people who are coping with hardship this holiday season. These friends have either lost their jobs in the crippled economy or have taken significant pay cuts in a move to keep the family afloat.

Whenever these people tell me about their struggles, I am quick to tell them about United Way 211. Whether you need help paying your utility bill, or are looking for a volunteer opportunity to pad your resume while in transition, this help line is a great resource for folks in need.

My other favorite part of 211 is how this number is a great place to turn if you're feeling the warm fuzzies during the holiday season and searching for an opportunity to give back. The call specialists on the other end of the line have hundreds of volunteer opportunities at their fingertips. Looking to mentor a child? Have a desire to roll up your sleeves and put some sweat equity into a home for a family becoming first time homeowners? 211 can pair you with a volunteer opportunity that meets your desires and availability.

How's that for spreading the Christmas Spirit?

Vote And Make Long Lasting Change

2009-11-02T09:48:00.004-05:00

Each of us has a right and responsibility to head to the polls tomorrow.

With your ballot, you have the power to express your opinions on a variety of issues that will impact Greater Cincinnati's families, individuals and neighborhoods.

That's why United Way of Greater Cincinnati is taking a stand and supporting four following ballot initiatives that compliment our commitment to supporting education, income and health in the region.

Issue 4
Everybody deserves the chance to fight drug and alcohol addiction and get their life back on track after battling substance abuse.

Right?

United Way supports Issue 4 because it aims to provide family health and hospitalization services and treatment programs and aim to keep 1,500 out of Hamilton County's jail system each year. This levy has the potential to impact families all across the county, especially those families working to help loved ones fight drug addiction.

Issue 4 will provide services for substance abusers, treatment and a halfway house for DUI offenders, assistance with those inmates transitioning back into society and a program to help women get out of prostitution.

These are scenarios that can destroy a family. Issue 4 aims to help folks break the cycle and establish the essential patterns for a healthy life.

The levy would raise $37.3 million over five years. The levy would cost a $100,000 homeowner $10.09 annually - that's $10.64 less than the Drake Levy (which covers similar services, but expires this year).

Issue 5
This tax levy has the potential to provide critical services to people with mental, medical emotional and physical problems. Services include individual care, respite care, training, schools and other education for those folks.

In Ohio, MRDD support rely greatly on county tax dollars. This new levy will not cover the current standard of services provided in Hamilton County - a consultant estimated these services would cost $445 million over the next five years to account for inflation. The proposed levy only accounts for $388 million over five years, but County Commissioners felt it was a bit difficult to ask taxpayers for more more money during the current period of economic hardship.

The proposed levy would ask a taxpayer with a $100,000 home to pay $104.44 per year.

Issue 7
A library's resources can unlock adventure for children and grown ups alike. Whether it's the latest children's book to hit the shelves or vital internet access that helps an adult seek higher education, libraries are essential to a strong and thriving society.

United Way supports Issue 7, a new levy for the County public library system. This levy will provide funding for staffing, operating costs, maintenance and facility improvements. The State of Ohio cut its library funding by 28 percent, creating a $16 million deficit in the library system's 2010 budget.

Circulation is at an all-time high, and the library has cut hours, reduced staffing and postponed or cancelled capital projects in an effort to be fiscally responsible. Without additional money, the system may have to close 15 to 20 branch libraries.

One of those branches could be in your neighborhood.

The Library currently receives ZERO funding from the City of Cincinnati or Hamilton County - that's quite unusual, considering Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton all support their respective library systems with property taxes.

This tax levy intends to support a resource that supports early care and education, creates access to job information and Earned Income Tax Credit initiative services and provide a safe and positive setting for latchkey children.

The proposed levy would cost $29.68 in new property taxes for a homeowner with property valued at $100,000.

Issue 52
Tax dollars are imperative to maintaining and improving the Cincinnati Public Schools system. Issue 52 aims to renew an operating levy that was first approved by the people back in 1980. This tax levy makes up for 14 percent of the district's total operating budget.

This levy DOES NOT raise taxes.

The State trimmed the '09-'10 CPS budget by $6 million, leading the district to cut personnel by 1,100 and make other cuts to produce a $467 million balanced budget.

CPS is upgrading some of its school buildings, using taxpayer-approved bond money that cannot be shifted to support school operations.

The proposed levy would provide about $325 million per year for five years.

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If you'd like to read more about all of the issues facing voters at tomorrow's polls, please visit the League of Women Voters site. If you need to know more information about the location of your polling place, please visit the Board of Elections site.

Wear It On Your Sleeve

2009-10-21T10:42:00.006-04:00

I've been advocating for important issues since I was four-years-old.

It started way back on a sunny spring day in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Sunshine is at a premium during that time of year in the Twin Cities, and the weather must have made an impression on me as I played at a park with the rest of my Montessori class.

There we were, running around the swings and slides, when one of my classmates offered me a big, red, stop sign-shaped sticker denouncing acid rain.

I happily grabbed that Stop Acid Rain! sticker and slapped it on my metal, Holly Hobby lunch box.

To this day, my mom says that's when she knew I was going to grow up to be an activist.

Since that glorious day near Lake Minnetonka, I have trumpeted issues that matter most to me. I've gotten involved in political campaigns and used my personal blog as a forum to champion ideas important to my community.

I am committed to using my passion, my energy, my time to making a difference.

Whether I help make change in the community, in my neighborhood or in one person's life, I am confident my work is making our world just a wee bit better.

Everyone has the potential to advocate. If you have Facebook or Twitter, use your avatar to raise awareness for a cause that's important to you. If you have a stretch of lawn in front of your home, raise a yard sign informing your neighbors about an issue you care about.

Next time you join a friend for coffee or a cocktail, take a moment to tell them what you really care about, and how they can help support your cause.

Heck. Plaster your car with bumper stickers.

Just get the message out.

We each have a voice and a channel for advocacy. It's not just about writing your lawmakers about issues that need attention - it's about telling your family, friends and co-workers why they should care about something that's important to you.

Sharing the message is one way we can rally the troops.

Even the little four-year-olds.

This is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

The Price of Produce (and meat, and eggs, and bread, and...)

2009-10-12T13:31:00.003-04:00

Three days away from payday, and I am cutting corners.

So goes the ebb and flow of my financial forecast. Once the paycheck rolls in, I dole out what's required to cover my debts and financial obligations, saving what's left to fill the gas tank, cover my grocery expenses and otherwise support my thriving social life.

Life tends to get a little leaner the further out I am from payday.
Those leaner, meaner days mean cracking open tuna cans stockpiled in the pantry for just the occasion or forgoing a night out on the town for a cozy evening in with a cheap (but equally tasty) Three Buck Chuck or something comparable.

I am intimately familiar with scraping by until the day of my next direct deposit. This is less of a reflection on my salary and more a reflection on my ability to manage finances, but I digress.

Times can be tough for just about anyone.

In regards to my more frugal circumstances, today's lunch presented something of a challenge.

How does one eat a meal for less than $3.50?

Such a daunting task is possible when one plans accordingly - preparing a meal at home and packing it up before work, or toting along a one-dollar frozen meal from the discount section of the grocery freezer case.

But when an individual (read: me) is lazy and less inclined to plan ahead on occasion, said individual is forced to hunt-and-gather for food at fast food joints close to the office.

I made it back to my cube with a McChicken sandwich, small fries and small diet soda - my wallet only $3.18 lighter after the trip.

My lunch time challenge and results made me think about the cost of an average meal around the world, and how my three-bucks-and-change respite is likely an extravagance when compared to what other people have to spend on lunch.

I just crossed this interesting piece on the cost of groceries around the world, and the related explanation of how the prices were assessed. While India turns out to be the world's source for most inexpensive groceries, the price of eggs and bread is still probably too steep for a country coping with up to 42 percent of its population below the international poverty line.

India isn't the only place coping with poverty.

Right here in Greater Cincinnati, we have people struggling to cover their utility bills and rent. Local families and individuals are stretching even further, hoping to make ends meet and put food on the table every evening.

Thankfully, United Way 211 is here to help those in need. Whether you need assistance in buying groceries, or are interested in finding a quality child care program for your little one, United Way 211 is a resource for anyone needing almost any kind of help.

United Way 211 is also a great source for people seeking opportunities to give help.

You can learn more about United Way 211 by clicking here.

If you'd like to support United Way's work to create change and improve lives across Greater Cincinnati, please click here.

Living United at the Hometown Huddle

2009-10-07T11:39:00.010-04:00

Geoffrey Pope of the Cincinnati Bengals and Karen Snyder and Nickol Mara of United Way of Greater Cincinnati read over instructions before beginning the '09 Hometown Huddle project in Price Hill.

Daniel Coates of the Cincinnati Bengals, Yolanda Miller of United Way and Roy Williams of the Cincinnati Bengals pause for a photo break at the Hometown Huddle - a joint effort between United Way and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Michelle Rummel of United Way teams up with Domata Peko of the Cincinnati Bengals for the '09 Hometown Huddle project, which involved building a pars course for children and a community garden at the Price Hill Community Center.

Carol Aquino and Rob Reifsnyder of United Way of Greater Cincinnati meet with organizers and volunteers at the '09 Hometown Huddle.

Volunteers Bob Kobman and Nate Wolff of Sherman Williams go over the plans to build a shed at the '09 Hometown Huddle.

J.P. Foschi of the Cincinnati Bengals helps other volunteers build a fence at the '09 Hometown Huddle project in Price Hill.

United Way Loaned Executive Becky Fellerhoff of Macy's puts on her LIVE UNITED t-shirt to help build some children's exercise equipment at the '09 Hometown Huddle community project.

Cincinnati Bengal Bobbie Williams digs in and helps build children's exercise equipment at the '09 Hometown Huddle project in Price Hill.

You can check out more Hometown Huddle pictures by visiting our Facebook page.

Good Company.

2009-10-05T13:26:00.003-04:00

An engineer. A clinical psycologist. A commercial real estate professional.

I was in pretty good company at Friday's Youth Succeed Impact Council meeting. The volunteers around the table come from varied professional and personal backgrounds, but they come together because they're passionate about ensuring youth in our community have every opportunity to succeed.

They, and dozens of other volunteers, aren't just wearing the shirt. They're living it. With concern. With integrity. With perspective. With knowledge. Some for mere weeks. Others for years ranging from two to 30+.

That's what I call Living United.

Learn more about ways you can Live United at www.wecanliveunited.org.

We're Not Alone

2009-09-15T14:23:00.005-04:00

You may or may not know UWGC is one of several hundred United Ways across the country. Each is locally governed operated, yet despite our varied geographies, we're very much about Living United. Not just wearing the shirt, but bringing those words to life to benefit our communities each and every day.

Our friends in Kansas just took telling the story of what it means to wear the shirt to a whole new level. Check out their Live United video here.

Once you stop chuckling, find out more about how we Live United in Greater Cincinnati here.

Step By Step

2009-09-02T12:50:00.005-04:00

I think I probably started volunteering when I was seven.

Give or take a year, that's how old I was when I joined Girl Scouts. Ours was a troop that focused on helping others who were less fortunate than us. We helped orchestrate canned good drives and other projects that aimed to support those in need.

Even as a little girl in a Brownies uniform (yes, complete with the brown, felt beanie), I felt the *warm fuzzies* that come with doing a good deed.

As I got older, volunteering was something required for my confirmation in a suburban Cincinnati church. I think we were expected to fulfill 40 hours in a designated time frame - a fair accomplishment for a group of 15-year-old 8th graders.

Some of my time was spent at a local senior citizens' home, making crafts, singing songs and helping the ladies and gentlemen with simple tasks like getting around the facility or maybe eating their lunch.

That was my first exposure with seniors - an experience I appreciate because it showed me the frailty of life at that age. These were folks whose bodies couldn't keep up with their minds. They needed a little TLC and attention to accomplish the tasks they regarded as simple even a decade prior.

My favorite volunteer opportunity involved helping campers at Stepping Stones Center's summer camp. Stepping Stones is a United Way agency partner with programs that receive support from contributions made by donors like you and me.

Stepping Stones offers a day camp that lets children with disabilities explore everything you'd expect at any other summer camp - crafts, nature, swimming, sports and music. At 14, I helped wheelchair-bound kids find the same freedom I found in a swimming pool. We sat at the same picnic tables and enjoyed brown bag lunches after morning craft sessions.

While I experienced the entire opportunity as a volunteer, I was struck by how much fun I had at the camp. My time at Stepping Stones also showed me that people with disabilities were just like me - they had fun in the water and enjoyed forming new friendships over peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and juice boxes.

These young brushes with voluntarism made me realize how important it is to me to give back my time to worthy causes.

Someday when I have children, I'll insist they roll up their sleeves and commit to a few hours of serving others, too.
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Want to find your own *warm fuzzies* moment? Contact United Way's Volunteer Connection to discover opportunities right in your community.

Got a moment you want to share? Tell us how you LIVE UNITED and leave an email address in the comment field - we'd love to share your story!

Groceries and More.

2009-08-31T11:56:00.005-04:00

I'm not a good grocery shopper. It's one of my least favorite chores. I decided to change things up a bit recently and visit a larger store in an entirely different neighborhood.

It's a neighborhood known for its vibrancy, for the young professionals who call it home. So I was sort of surprised to share the aisles with a very different demographic.

Let's call them seniors. Better yet, let's call them independent seniors, because that's without a doubt what they were.

Shopping. Chatting. Patiently waiting for their bus or other ride. Going about the same weekly chore I was.

More than a few of my fellow shoppers no doubt could share a story of how United Way touches their lives.

They may spend the occasional afternoon at a local United Way-supported senior program, socializing with friends and sharing memories.

Or they may receive transportation to and from doctor's visits.

Little things that go a long way toward helping older adults maintain independence and a good quality of life.

By the time I left the store, I'd found a whole new layer of vibrancy in that neighborhood. And for me, a good reminder of why I'm Living United.

I Wear It On The Inside

2009-08-27T09:58:00.004-04:00

Someone just made a comment about my four inch heels.

She was struck by how tall I appeared today - with these babies on, I hit just about 6'. I have no idea why I was compelled to wear a skirt and heels this morning - maybe it's the spectacular summer weather or a desire to put the pants on pause. Whatever the reason, I'm a little bit more dressed up than usual.

Black skirt. Black top. Long, flowing fushia scarf. A sparkly pendant around my neck.

What you don't see is my LIVE UNITED shirt.

Every day, I wear my LIVE UNITED shirt on the inside. Whether in jeans and a T or my little black dress, I am always committed to giving my time and talents to help others.

I'll be wearing my LIVE UNITED shirt tomorrow while volunteering at an event benefitting the Cincinnati Parks District. Granted, I'll really be wearing black pants and a white button down shirt, but inside, I'll know I'm doing something to make this community a little better.

Cincinnati's parks are a treasure, and I am glad I have a chance to give them a bit of my time.

A couple weeks ago I really did wear my LIVE UNITED shirt while volunteering at a United Way agency partner. I joined other members of United Way's Emerging Leaders' Society to sort and fold clothes for the agency's Clothing Closet. The store helps people buy gently worn clothing at a significant discount, funneling more money back into the agency.

Good wardrobe basics can carry a hefty price, and I am jazzed my time will help someone else fill their closet affordably.

Next week, as I put on a nice pair of slacks and a blouse to volunteer for a local women's organization, no one will see my LIVE UNITED shirt - but I'll be wearing it on the inside. The organization is committed to training and development for its members, as well as supporting programs that assist women and children.

I love being a part of something that I know is making a difference in Greater Cincinnati, as well as preparing me for leadership opportunities in the years ahead.

Today I'm wearing a skirt and heels.

Tomorrow? Maybe jeans.

But next time you see me, look a little more closely. You just might see my LIVE UNITED t-shirt, too.

Virtual Reality.

2009-08-26T10:18:00.003-04:00

Today's the day UWGC goes virtual. The 2009 campaign kicks off online for the first time ever in our community.

We're gathered in a war room, blogging and chatting away. Any minute now we'll be joined by a handful of local celebs -- a Red, a Bengal or two, and various media personalities.

To say we're excited is an understatement.

The help and hope United Way provides to those in our community is critical. If you want to LIVE UNITED, and explore the stories of folks who already are, visit www.wecanliveunited.org.

School Days.

2009-08-25T09:01:00.007-04:00

Alex is my friend's 2 year-old. I spent a Saturday morning with him a few weeks back while his mom was at an appointment. After he waved goodbye at mom, we settled onto the floor in front of the toy box.

First he pulled out a lion. "Lion, roarrrrrr," he pronounced, handing it to me. He waited a second for me to figure out my role, decided I didn't get it, so pulled out another toy and handed it to me.

Ah. My turn.

Uh oh. What exactly was this thing? Bendable, purple and obviously well-loved, I didn't have a clue. I looked at Alex, his big blue eyes eager, an expectant grin on his face.

"Horsey, neeeeigggh," I tried.

He scowled at me, shook his head. "Dog. Woof," he corrected me, taking the toy back and holding it close.

Seriously? I'm being schooled by a 2 year-old.

Granted, I don't have kids of my own. And it's been years since I spent every Saturday evening babysitting the little boy down the street. Back then, the routine was I read to him, watched him play in his sandbox, then put him to bed and he fell asleep. I watched television until his parents came home. Not exactly two-way interaction.

Alex and his mom have had their routine since the day he was born. They talk. They read together. They explore. While mom's at work, he's safe and happy at one of their city's highest- quality child care centers.

There's a lesson there.

2009-08-21T15:58:00.001-04:00

Need a reason to give to United Way this year? Here’s one: I recently heard this from a young mother who was a recipient of United Way-funded housing assistance: she needed an affordable place to live, and had to make a choice - live under a bridge with her children, or move into substandard housing with mold growing under the carpet, and “just buy a lot of bleach.” She chose the bleach option until it got unbearable, then found help from a United Way agency that located a safe, affordable apartment for her family. I can feel lucky that, in my life, I have never had to face choices like this. For those that do, I know my United Way gift can go a long way in providing a young mother peace of mind.

Welcome!

2009-08-19T15:34:00.000-04:00

Thanks for stopping by!

Check back often to read how we LIVE UNITED in Greater Cincinnati. We'll share stories from our community, and yours -- highlighting folks who aren't just wearing a t-shirt, but living it.