Monthly News from United Way of Northeast Louisiana
May 2022 Edition
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Introducing our 2022 Community Report
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Working with our volunteers and community partners, United Way of Northeast Louisiana's response in the community is constantly shifting to meet new and pressing needs. We're excited to announce the release of our 2022 Community Report, which gives an overview of our current and new work in the community. The 2022 Campaign Cabinet begins sharing its content with our existing workplace campaign CEOs in early June.
Today, we are excited to share the 2022 Community Report with all of YOU. Click the photo or the button below to download.
To get involved with United Way of Northeast Louisiana, contact us today!
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2022 Campaign Cabinet Orientation: Regional Parishes
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We're gearing up for a brand new Campaign Year!
On Wednesday, May 4th, newly-appointed Campaign Cabinet volunteers from our Regional Parishes attended a Campaign Cabinet Orientation in our United Way NELA Board Room. The room was filled to the brim with enthusiasm and excitement! Volunteers and staff enjoyed a sponsored lunch and discussed plans for Campaign 2022.
Special thanks to Rick Guillot of Origin Bank, our 2022 Campaign Chair.
If your company is interested in running a workplace campaign, contact us today!
Phone: 318.998.9227
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2022 Campaign Cabinet Orientation: Lincoln, Union, Jackson Parishes
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Cinco de Mayo was this month and our friends in Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes know how to celebrate!
On Thursday, May 5th, newly-appointed Campaign Cabinet volunteers from Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes attended a Campaign Cabinet Orientation at Ruston's Historic Fire Station. From delicious fajitas to colorful necklaces, volunteers and staff enjoyed this sponsored luncheon and discussed plans for Campaign 2022.
Special thanks to Cathi Cox-Boniol of Louisiana Tech University, our 2022 Campaign Chair for Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes.
If your company is interested in running a workplace campaign, contact us today!
Phone: 318.998.9227
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Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund
LA HAF provides mortgage assistance for homeowners financially impacted by COVID-19 who are behind on their mortgage and may be at risk of foreclosure. This program may provide up to $25,000 per eligible homeowner and is available statewide. LA HAF is not a loan program, meaning you will not need to pay back program funds, and there is no interest attached to the payments. The program is funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
Are you struggling to pay your mortgage due to impacts of COVID-19?
The Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund program is available to eligible homeowners. Learn more and apply for assistance today at haf.lacovidhousing.com.
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Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program
ERAP provides emergency rental and utility assistance to Louisiana residents in one of the program’s 57 parishes who are experiencing housing instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program focuses on paying past-due rent and utilities dating from April 2020, up to three months of future rent and current utilities, as well as some penalties and late fees. The program is funded through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations and American Rescue Plan Acts. Seven parishes—Caddo, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Lafayette, Orleans, and St. Tammany parishes—received direct federal funding to administer their own programs.
These programs are meant to provide you the means to keep your home during these difficult times. All eligible residents are encouraged to apply. As of today, Louisiana families have received over $100 million in mortgage, rental, and utility assistance through these federal assistance programs administered by the state and more than $188 million administered by local governments.
Are you struggling to pay rent and utilities since the start of COVID-19? The Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance program can get you back on your feet. Apply now and learn more at lastaterent.com or call 877.459.6555.
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Northeast Realtors of Louisiana Fan Drive
Fan Drive Dates: May 10-June 13
Fans will be distributed to senior citizens who do not have air conditioning across the region.
Fans may be dropped off at the NER office Monday-Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm during the Fan Drive dates.
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From Ready4K: Preventing Summer Slide One Moment at a Time
“Summer slide,” the euphemism educators use to describe the learning loss that occurs in students over the summer, is real. It stands to be much worse this year than usual. The economic, societal and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on families and communities has been far reaching and severe. As families enter the summer with limited options for childcare and engagement they will need continued support from the organizations that have already been supporting them the most.
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Ready4School is back!
We're excited to continue our second year of Ready4School, a partnership with local libraries across four parishes to gather school uniforms for elementary school children!
Beginning on Monday, June 20th and ending on Friday, July 22nd, children’s gently used uniforms, new shoes, socks, belts, and backpacks are requested from the community and can be donated at the following locations:
After drop offs are completed on Friday, July 22nd, United Way volunteers will sort the donated items and assist with delivery to area schools for the 2022-23 school year.
For more information, Call 211 or
Text your Zip Code to 898-211
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May 3rd – National Teacher Appreciation Day
May 3rd was National Teacher Appreciation Day. At United Way, we celebrated our local educators by inviting the entire community to nominate outstanding teachers for a social media giveaway. Out of nearly 300 responses, Jennifer R. Owens was randomly drawn as our winner! Jennifer received a $50 Amazon gift card. Congratulations, Jennifer!
Thank you to ALL our wonderful teachers across the 12 parishes of NELA. We appreciate you!
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Faces of 211: Chad Canal
This month's Face of 211 is Chad Canal. Chad serves as the Louisiana 211 Resource Specialist.
As the Louisiana 211 Resource Specialist, Chad maintains the 211 information system of community resources for effective information, identifies new and existing community resources, and provides statewide resource management support during times of emergency and disaster.
Chad is passionate about helping others and meeting new people because "you never know what you can learn from their experiences."
Chad has 3 children – Lizzie, Jase, and Kai. In his free time, he enjoys talking to/Facetiming his daughter who is in Baton Rouge attending LSU, coaching his oldest son Jase, or going to the movies/putting together Lego sets with his youngest son Kai.
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From SingleCare: How to Get Therapy Without Insurance
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? For many people, access and cost of therapy are obstacles to mental health treatment. Here are some tips, from our partner SingleCare, on how to find low-cost or free therapy.
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Young Leaders UNITED: Born Learning Trail Service Project
Earlier this month, members of United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s Young Leaders UNITED met at Kiroli Park in West Monroe to refresh the Born Learning Trail, generously sponsored by Drax Biomass.
The Born Learning Trail is a series of 10 interactive signs that offer fun, active learning activities for young children and their families. It helps parents, caregivers and communities create quality engagement opportunities when out on a stroll.
Thank you to volunteers from Drax Biomass, Centric Federal Credit Union, Thomas & Farr Insurance, University of Louisiana Monroe, Century Next Bank, and KNOE 8 News for helping make this possible and to the staff at Kiroli Park!
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Is your workplace or group interested in volunteer opportunities?
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We can help!
Whether it’s a one-day activity or long-term team-building project, VolunteerUNITED is available to assist you through the entire process.
Our customized options are organized to support United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s community impact work in education, financial stability, and health, all while meeting your organization’s community engagement goals.
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