Monthly News from United Way of Northeast Louisiana
January 2021 Edition
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Hello, 2021!
As we move into a new year with new opportunities and yes, some continued challenges, United Way of Northeast Louisiana needs your gift now more than ever.
For over 64 years, United Way has been a pillar of support in our community, fighting for the education, financial stability, and health of every person. Our dollars help address everyday issues in Northeast Louisiana like food insecurity, lack of access to medicine, and financial instability. Your pledge will mean so much to our community. Together, we can make a difference!
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Workplace Employee Campaign Spotlight:
Monroe Housing Authority
Our friends at Monroe Housing Authority did an outstanding job on their campaign this year! They more than doubled participation from 25% in 2019 to 58.1% in 2020! This resulted in the highest participation rate and employee giving at MHA in the last 5 years. They gave out custom “I LIVE UNITED” t-shirts for employees who donated one hour’s pay per month and had drawings for 3 hours of paid time off, gift cards, etc. Despite a challenging year in which their senior residents have not been able to congregate, the employees really stepped up to lead our community through their support of the campaign.
Great job, Monroe Housing Authority! Thank you! We are impressed by your commitment to LIVE UNITED.
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Workplace Employee Campaign Spotlight:
Union General Hospital
COVID-19 didn’t keep our friends at Union General Hospital from reaching their 2021 United Way NELA Campaign goal of $15,000! Despite the challenges presented during a global pandemic, these frontline workers prioritized the safety of their employees and pulled off a successful food auction by receiving bids through email!
Great job, Union General Hospital! Thank you! We are impressed by your commitment to LIVE UNITED.
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READ.LEARN.SUCCEED.
As with most things, READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. looks a little different this school year. In 2020, United Way NELA recruited previous community volunteers to become “Pen Friends” to help students practice and sharpen reading/writing skills and build positive connections with caring adults across our community. Since October, trained and seasoned community volunteers have been corresponding monthly with assigned students. "Pen Friends" will continue to correspond with READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. students through March 2021 as follows:
- Monroe City Schools: 2nd graders at Barkdull Faulk, Berg Jones, Carver, Clara Hall, Madison James Foster, Minnie Ruffin; 3rd graders at Jefferson.
- Ouachita Parish Schools: 2nd graders at Lenwil, Robinson, Shady Grove, and Swayze.
- Lincoln Parish: 2nd graders at Hillcrest and Lincoln Preparatory School.
- Union Parish Schools: 2nd graders at Union Parish Elementary School.
- Jackson Parish Schools: 2nd graders at Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School.
"Pen Friend" volunteers email letters for students to United Way NELA, which are placed in a reading packet (including books, activity books, pencils and other fun items pictured) to be given to the students on a monthly basis. To encourage reading outside the classroom, READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. also gives each child up to 20 new books to take home — at least one per month during the initiative and at least 12 books to take home for the summer months (to be received by students in May 2021).
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VolunteerUNITED Spotlight:
Brookshire's
Our friends at Brookshire's went above and beyond to help with our "To our Seniors, with Love" events in December. Brookshire's – North 18th location, Brookshire's – Sterlington, Brookshire's – Farmerville, and Brookshire's – Rayville and their awesome managers and staff rallied together to help place bulk orders for all of the needed food items. Additionally, Chris Valentine with the Brookshire's warehouse donated and delivered 400 boxes to our drop off location.
Brookshire's, your volunteer leadership in our community is making a difference. THANK YOU for helping us extend love and holiday cheer to some of our local senior citizens!
Tune in to Facebook every Friday for a VolunteerUNITED spotlight!
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Is your workplace or group interested in volunteer opportunities?
To build a volunteer project best suited to your group or company's needs, contact Jessica Hughes, VolunteerUNITED Manager, at [email protected].
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February 11th, 2021 is 211 Day!
211 makes a difference in the lives of millions of Americans every year. Do you need help paying a utilities bill, finding housing, buying food, accessing job training, navigating veterans’ services, or dealing with an emergency or crisis? Call 211 today or text your ZIP CODE to 898-211 to speak to one of our specialists. We’ll make sure you’ve got a plan, and put you in touch with the right resources.
Your local 211 is supported by United Way of Northeast Louisiana. Stay tuned on social media during the month of February for a 211 Day Campaign. We encourage you to share these helpful 211 resources with your friends, family, and colleagues.
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