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Executive Director's Corner
Danelle Glasscock
Hello,
One of my favorite songs has to do with being "up on a mountain." Many of us in our community have had the chance to hike or drive to a vast view and see the "world far below."
I tried out a new hobby last weekend and went backpacking. As my son and I hiked along, I had many thoughts about life. The first one had to do with extra weight. My son and I had spent a lot of time thinking about the amount of weight in our backpacks and how to minimize that weight. We had gone on a "test hike" where I had decided a lot of things I thought about taking along had quickly gotten marked off the list. As we set up camp one night, I left my pack at the campsite and went back to the stream to get some water. How light I felt without carrying my pack! I thought about my daily life and how much "weight" of the world do each of us carry every day that we need to lay down, to give up and let go of?
The second thought was how much of our hike was uphill and downhill. It seldom seemed that we were on a level path. As I looked at my calendar this week, I applied the same analogy. It seemed like the last two weeks we had been hiking "uphill" at work. This week should be "downhill" week. Life is like that, some weeks/months/years seem more uphill and some are more downhill. Such is the ebb and flow of life, but along the way we need to enjoy the journey.
The third thought as my pack got heavier and my feet got wearier, was a story I had heard often about helping others. The words from the story are, "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." This story gives an example of living generously. I thought about how hard it is to ask for help. That if I had asked for help on the trail, I may have only asked for help to carry my pack for one mile, but how grateful I would have been for two. I thought about the lives that we are improving through the financial gifts of generous donors through United Way. I thought about how many of our agencies go the extra mile in helping a person at their time of need.
A summary of the story is "Live generously." I'm lucky in my job to have a front row seat to seeing many people in our community living generously. People who take joy in giving back and helping others. People who are setting the example for their children and other children in our community of the happiness that comes from giving back.
I thank each of you for being on this journey with us at United Way. I'd encourage you this weekend to lighten your load, enjoy your journey and to go the extra mile. Believe me, the views from the top are incredible and they aren't far away.
Live United,
Danelle Glasscock
Executive Director
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United WE READ
Summer Book Club
As the school year ends the United WE READ Afterschool Summer Care Excellence team has been working hard to prepare for the 2014 Summer Club taking place June 1-30. On June 30, children will be able to participate in the Summer Book Club Celebration that will be a beach luau at the Riverview Splash Pad.
In order for the children to participate in the Summer Book Celebration, they will have to complete a book report based on the book they read. Kindergarten and 1st graders will be reading Little Critter: Going to the Sea Park by Mercer Mayer and the 2nd and 3rd graders will be reading Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach by James Dean. During the celebration, the children will be able to play games, get their face painted, and participate in a literacy activity based on the book they read.
This year more than 550 children are expected to participate through various summer programs like the Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport, Girls Inc. of Kingsport, YMCA, Holly Hills Learning Center, Jackson Elementary, Kingsport Parks and Recreation, Lee Family Learning Center, and Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
If you are interested in having your child participate in the Beach Book Party please contact one of the sponsoring organizations mentioned above or visit your local library.
During the 2013-2014 school year, United WE READ piloted a volunteer reader program at Andrew Johnson, Andrew Jackson, Ketron and Sullivan Elementary Schools. Volunteers assisted 2nd graders who were close to reading proficiency to reach this goal. UWGK would like to thank the 48 volunteer readers from Eastman Chemical Company, Eastman Credit Union, Domtar, Tri-Summit Bank, Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Kingsport Tomorrow, Bloomingdale Baptist, etc. for helping to build a literacy-rich community.
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We invite you to be part of this important initiative! You can click here to sign up!
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UPCOMING EVENTS
- Week of Caring June 16-20th. Contact Johanna Morales if you are interested in participating.
- Community Impact-An Overview Volunteer Training June 20th 11:30am-1pm. Contact Kandy Childress to register.
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Agency Spotlight:
Hope House
by Heather Cook
Hope House is a nonprofit, faith-based ministry that assists young women in crisis pregnancy situations. Serving the community since 2002, the ministry consists of a long-term residential program supporting and encouraging ladies to become self-sufficient. The
organization also has a Center for Women that provides services for expectant mothers, new mothers, single dads, grandparents and even some married couples.
Over 1,000 clients have been served by Hope House through their Restart Program and Center for Women, which houses the Fresh Start Program. Services include pre- and post- natal care, education opportunies, healthy pregnancy, childbirth, new baby care, parenting instructions, maternity and baby items, transporation, spiritual guidance, and much more.
The motto for Hope House is "We care about life," this motto is brought to life everyday through their countless dedicated efforts from the staff and volunteers serving our region. At Hope House, both mothers and babies are valued. It's not just about providing services, but also building relationships. As a result, Ashley, who found Hope House online, became a client in the residential program with what seemed like little hope only to now be an employed citizen with a college degree that even owns her own house with her beautiful daughter. Ashley is simply one example of how Hope House is making an incredible difference in the lives of those in our region.
The volunteer base is strong and vibrant at Hope House. In 2013, 109 volunteers provided over 1,000 hours to the organization. Some of those services include providing transporation, support and encouragment, as well as teaching the 90+ classes offered each year ranging from financial independence to potty training and more. In addition to service, all supplies, such as diapers, are donated to Hope House through individuals, churches, and other local community nonprofits.
To become a volunteer who provides hope to the future generation, please contact Angie Martin at [email protected] or at 423-247-7994. You can also drop off diapers, formula, baby clothes and items at their location at 1567 N. Eastman Rd. Suite 7. |
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