United Way of Southeast Missouri | August 2018 Newsletter
Let's Get Ready to RUUUMMMBLE!
This year’s campaign theme ‘UNITED WE FIGHT, UNITED WE WIN,’ created a lot of fun at our 2018 Campaign Kickoff luncheon, especially with Darren Burgfeld as our ‘ring announcer.’

Thanks to our Kickoff sponsor, Home State Health, our corporate investors, our workplace and individual donors, our 24 partners, and numerous volunteers, we raised $3,000 for mini grants, premiered the moving video KFVS12 generously helps us with every year, closed with some exciting news about a one-of-a-kind event coming in May (details on that in next month’s issue) and shared some powerful data on the collective impact of the United Way network.
Each year our partner agencies and programs must provide an Outcomes report of how they invested United Way funds and the impact they made. Our Community Investment Committee of volunteers from the region reviews these Outcomes. This same group will review the requests for funding when we begin that process again in 2019 and determine which programs we will invest in that support our fight for health, education, and financial security for everyone in the four counties we serve for 2019-21.
Here are some of the impressive results from our 2017-18:
  • Collectively, the 24 partners and 30 programs that comprise the network of United Way of Southeast Missouri touched 32,964 lives: infants, children, students, working parents, senior citizens, and struggling individuals of all ages.
  • We helped 17,474 people in Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City, and Bollinger County by supporting Meals with Friends at the Salvation Army and food pantries with the Jackson Ministerial Alliance, the Scott City Ministerial Alliance, and Little Whitewater Baptist Church.

When Mini-Grant Partners Win, We All Win!
At last year’s kickoff event three partner agencies were chosen by volunteers to pitch mini-grant ideas to a room full of United Way donors. The introduction to this concept was a huge success, with 150 individuals contributing $2500 during lunch; so we decided to try it again in 2018.

Over the last year, United Way of Southeast Missouri has been able to touch the lives of nearly 33,000 individuals, children, and senior citizens in our community. But the need doesn’t end there. The mini-grant program is our way of helping partners get a jump start on new initiatives that can further their reach and go beyond the goals of their original programming guidelines.

We're only halfway there though! Will you join our fight by donating just $10?  Click here  to make your pledge now. Thank you for Living United.


Save the Dates!
There are many ways to be involved with our organization and community. We hope to see you at one or more of these events!
Get on the Bus! Agency Tour
Friday, October 19th
2pm-5pm; location TBD
Over the Edge
Friday, May 17th
Towers South - SEMO Campus
Volunteer Corner
Are you looking to get involved and give back?! United Way and our 24 partner agencies are always looking for volunteers. Whether you have some extra time at work to dedicate to giving back, or you're looking for a team-building exercise with a spin, our volunteer corner has something for you. Check out our current opportunities below.
Read to Succeed
Volunteers are needed to help with our Read to Succeed program! Various session times are available throughout the day at Cape Girardeau Public Schools. Volunteers have the opportunity to read one-on-one with a student in grades K-6.

Contact Robin Koetting to learn more!
Jackson Senior Center
The Jackson Senior Center is looking for volunteers to help with meal delivery and dish washing! Volunteers are needed all days of the week for various times.

Contact Janet Hitt at 573-243-4241 to learn more!
Boy Scouts of America
Volunteers are needed to assist with various functions of the Boy Scouts of America organization. Scouting experience is not required.

Contact Ashley Duerst to learn more!
Old Town Cape
Old Town Cape is seeking volunteers to help with event set-up and tear-down at the Riverfront Market on Saturday mornings and Tunes at Twilight on Friday nights.

Contact Emily Vines to learn more!
Safe House for Women
Volunteers are needed to receive, sort and stock donated items for our thrift shop. This is a great opportunity for a one-day service project for a company or organization.

Contact Elizabeth Hileman to learn more!
Thank You 2018-2019 Corporate Investors!
United Way of Southeast Missouri | 573-334-9634 | www.unitedwayofsemo.org