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Monthly News from United Way of Northeast Louisiana
March 2024 Edition
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Our Celebrating Excellence event honoring our outstanding volunteers, donors, and corporate partners across our Regional Parishes was held on Wednesday, March 6th at Bayou Pointe on the University of Louisiana Monroe’s campus.
Our top 10 companies, referred to as Campaign Leaders, include:
Platinum: Origin Bank
Gold: Advancion
Silver: Argent Financial Group
Bronze: Ouachita Parish Schools
5. Progressive Bank
6. Strauss Interests, Inc.
7. Louisiana Tech University
8. Alli Management Solutions
9. Southern Apparatus Services
10. Centric Federal Credit Union
2023 Outstanding Campaign Coordinator Award winner, Meredith Miller, Guaranty Bank & Trust.
2023 Outstanding Campaign Coordinator and Team Award winners, Katie Davis and Team, Advancion.
2023 VolunteerUNITED Award winner, VCOM-Louisiana - Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
2023 LIVE UNITED Award winner, Entergy Louisiana
2023 Young Leaders UNITED Award winner, Lakeysha Bullock with Monroe City
Additional awards presented include New Campaign Award, Going the Extra 10% Award, Special Achievement Award, and the Circle of Honor Award.
Thank you to our keynote speaker, Secretary Ralph Abraham, M.D. with the Louisiana Department of Health, for highlighting the impact volunteers have on the well-being of Louisianans, how social factors determine wellness, and the focus on mental health that both he and Governor Jeff Landry share. Secretary Abraham also spoke on a few of the initiatives that LDH has in place to promote mental health throughout the state and how increasing mental wellness will positively affect health and happiness, crime reduction, and the workforce.
Special thank you to our event sponsor, Mid South Extrusion!
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Our Celebrating Excellence event honoring our outstanding volunteers, donors, and corporate partners across Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes was held on Thursday, March 7th at the Davison Athletics Complex at Louisiana Tech University.
Our top 10 companies, referred to as Campaign Leaders, include:
Platinum: Origin Bank
Gold: Advancion
Silver: Argent Financial Group
Bronze: Ouachita Parish Schools
5. Progressive Bank
6. Strauss Interests, Inc.
7. Louisiana Tech University
8. Alli Management Solutions
9. Southern Apparatus Services
10. Centric Federal Credit Union
2023 Outstanding Campaign Coordinator Award winners: Joyce Judkins and Josie Redden of Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc.
2023 Outstanding Campaign Coordinator and Team Award winners: Grambling State University Steering Committee (Tisha Arnold, Kristin Chester, Kenosha Hamilton, Alexa Johnson, Madison Johnson, Katrina Malone, Timothy Stewart, DeShannon Walton, and Adarian Williams, Chair)
2023 VolunteerUNITED Award winner: Super 1 Foods
2023 LIVE UNITED Award winner: City of Ruston
2023 Young Leaders UNITED Award winner: Tori Davis with Experience Ruston
Additional awards presented include New Campaign Award, Going the Extra 10% Award, Special Achievement Award, and the Circle of Honor Award.
Thank you to our three esteemed panelists, Sarah Berthelot, President/CEO, Louisiana Association of United Ways; Mayor Ronny Walker, City of Ruston; and Michelle Saucer, Community Impact Initiatives Director, United Way of Northeast Louisiana, for an informative and engaging discussion about ALICE (Asset Limited. Income Constrained. Employed.).
Special thank you to our event sponsors, Louisiana Tech University and Origin Bank!
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THE HEIRSHIP PROJECT:
What is The Heirship Project?
The Heirship Project is a project aimed at educating and assisting residents who need help obtaining a clear property title.
What is Heir Property?
Heir property comes about when necessary legal work isn’t done after a property owner dies. Heirs who have a verbal agreement to live on the property, but no legal title could face many obstacles, including selling the property, making repairs on the property, or qualifying for government aid to fix damages to the home.
When is The Heirship Project?
Date: Thursday, April 4
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Event Type: Community Workshop
Location: United Way NELA - 1201 Hudson Lane, Monroe OR Zoom
How do I sign up?
Interested individuals who need assistance obtaining a clear property title for heir property or who want to know more information about heir property may register at the link below. For additional assistance, contact 211. Simply dial 211 from any landline or mobile phone (available 24/7), or text your zip code to 898-211 (available Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm).
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BANK ON NELA:
April 18, 2024
United Way of Northeast Louisiana is hosting a BankOn NELA Credit Building Workshop on Thursday, April 18.
This workshop will teach participants the process of getting credit, analyzing good and bad credit, how to manage/harm one's credit, and understanding a credit report.
The workshop will be held at the Miller Roy Building located at 1001 Desiard Street from 12 to 1 p.m. There will also be a Zoom option available. Register below!
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AMERICORPS VOLUNTEERS:
This month we said goodbye to our AmeriCorps NCCC team, which helped United Way of Northeast Louisiana with our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. We were thrilled to have their support as we provided FREE tax assistance to individuals in our community. The volunteers also helped with Dollars & $ense, set up for Celebrating Excellence, and attended The Heirship Project Workshops.
Young adults interested in joining AmeriCorps NCCC can learn more and apply below! NCCC covers transportation, food, lodging, medical benefits, and a stipend, plus $6,895 for college, college loans, or trade school certifications!
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READY4SERVICE:
Ready4Service is a United Way of Northeast Louisiana initiative that is designed to get 4th & 5th grade elementary students involved in community service. The students who took part either earned the title of Student of the Year or are contenders for the title in the upcoming year.
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On Thursday, March 14th, 29 students from 10 schools in Monroe City and Ouachita Parish engaged with influential community figures, including lead staff from the City of Monroe, Monroe City Council Members, Ouachita Parish Police Jurors, and Ouachita Parish School Board Superintendent. They gained insights into local government operations and community services, followed by an active discussion covering various topics such as education, technology, sports programs, tutoring options, crime, and homelessness among humans and animals. The event concluded with one-on-one interactions and photos with community leaders. This enriching experience was made possible by the generosity of The City of Monroe, showcasing their commitment to youth engagement and civic involvement. Overall, the students cherished the opportunity to connect with local leaders and are thankful for the meaningful experience. | |
On Tuesday, March 19th, three Ready4Service students from Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School had a unique opportunity to interact with Mayor James Harris of the Town of Jonesboro. They participated in a simulated town meeting, followed by an active discussion covering topics such as road, water, and sewage improvements, as well as gun violence. The students were recognized with plaques and gift baskets generously donated by community members and organizations, presented by the mayor and his staff. Following the meeting, they had the chance for one-on-one interactions and photos with Mayor Harris and other town employees. The students were treated to pizza for lunch and had the chance to tour the future site of a park, which already features exercise prompts along a track and a tribute to The Deacons for Defense and Justice. This enriching experience was made possible by the generosity of The Town of Jonesboro, showcasing their dedication to youth engagement and civic involvement. The students treasured the chance to connect with the mayor and town staff, expressing gratitude for the meaningful experience. | |
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PLAYGROUND STENCILING:
Are you interest in volunteering with United Way of Northeast Louisiana? We have a volunteer event coming up on Friday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The volunteer event is put on by the LSU Ag Center. Volunteers will help with painting a playground and benches at Bryan Smith Park. The park is located at 424 Lee Street in West Monroe, Louisiana.
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please register below and a team member will get in touch with you!
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"ROCK THE BLOCK" EASTER EGG HUNT:
Are you interest in volunteering with United Way of Northeast Louisiana? We have a volunteer event coming up on Saturday, March 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. Shifts are available for volunteers who want to volunteer for a shorter period of time.
The volunteer event is put on by Serving With A Purpose. Volunteers will help stuff Easter eggs, host games, and pass out food and drinks!
The event with be held at the Berg Jones Elementary Field, located at 3000 Berg Jones Lane in Monroe.
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please register below and a team member will get in touch with you!
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GARDEN VOLUNTEERS:
Are you interest in volunteering with United Way of Northeast Louisiana? We have a volunteer event that takes place on every Saturday in the month of March. Shifts are available between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to come as often and as many times as they can!
The volunteer event is put on by the Ross Lynn Charitable Foundation. If you have shovels, rakes, or a wheelbarrow, please bring them along. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a lunch. Tools and water will be provided. The volunteer event will be held at Lincoln Prep School Garden located at 1453 W Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Grambling.
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please register below and a team member will get in touch with you!
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Stephanie's birthday was Sunday, March 10. | |
From ParentPowered: Family Math Activities: Keys to Building Everyday Math Moments at Home
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Why are math moments SO important? Math requires developing math language and habits of mind, as well as foundational skills and techniques. That means your students not only have to practice those math habits and skills to GET good at them, they have to practice to STAY good at them, too.
Math moments are the ways in which educators and families help students do both.
We know that families have a lot on their plates, so whatever we suggest has to be easy to do. In general, families appreciate low-lift, fun, and highly doable ways to support at-home learning. So the question is: How do we help families do this? Click the link below to find ou!
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Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes | |
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On Wednesday, February 22, Foster Farms presented a $5,000 check to United Way of Northeast LA for the Lincoln, Union & Jackson parishes workplace campaign. Another $5,000 will be presented later this year for a total of $10,000 to support our community.
Pictured: Rebecca Phelps, LaTonya Lacey, Shedrick Jones, Tiffany White and Vince Lucas, Plant Manager
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On Thursday, March 15, Scott Powerlines was presented with their Circle of Honor award. This award recognizes platinum level companies that support the purpose of United Way of Northeast Louisiana. It is designed to recognize not only dollar contributions, but also the quality of the campaign, participation, and employee support specific to United Way. The company had a minimum of 51% employee participation and an average annual gift of at least $200. | | | | |
