Newsletter | October 14, 2024 | |
Campaign Kick-off Breakfast: Celebrating final year of Teaming Up for Tomorrow Campaign | | |
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We are deeply grateful to our community partners who joined us to kick off the final year of the Teaming Up for Tomorrow three-year campaign. Over the past two years, we have come together to volunteer, fundraise, and connect to support working families and individuals across our region. Our goal for this campaign was to increase giving by 15%, and we are thrilled to announce that in year two, we not only met but surpassed this goal, thanks to the incredible support and collaboration of community leaders and organizations throughout Southeast Idaho.
Beyond increasing giving rates, our Campaign Cabinet has expanded the reach of our United Way staff, fostering new business relationships, recruiting new donors, and expressing gratitude to all who contribute to our mission.
We are excited to share that a generous collective total of $156,000 has been provided by the following partners to help kick off this campaign year:
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Portneuf Health Trust: Katie, Micaela, Mitzi, and Clark presented a significant contribution of $140,000, which will greatly enhance our community's health services.
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Kiewitt: Simon Zulu, Project Manager in Soda Springs, presented a commendable new gift of $10,000 on behalf of Kiewitt.
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Citizens Community Bank: Denise Wheeler, Joyce Blanscett, Dacie Randall, Nickole Romriell, and Shea Cooper presented an annual gift of $2,500 on behalf of Citizens Community Bank.
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ICCU: Ginny Hoyle, Laura Smith, Ashlie Rauh, Maren Ruth, Morgan Place, and Emily Sturman represented ICCU and presented their generous contribution of $2,500.
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College of Business: A $1,100 preschool scholarship, presented by the College of Business, will provide vital support to families in our community, ensuring early education remains accessible.
At United Way of Southeastern Idaho, the support of our community fuels everything we do. These generous contributions remind us of the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to making a lasting impact. We are incredibly grateful to all our partners for helping us launch this pivotal year of our campaign, and to the workplaces that lead by example with their early efforts. Together, we are creating meaningful change and building a stronger, healthier future for everyone in our region.
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Campaign Leader Day
September 29,2024
Relive the highlights from our inspiring day with local Campaign Leaders!
We were thrilled to bring together community leaders from various organizations to kick off the 2024-2025 Teaming Up for Tomorrow Campaign. Together, we're ready to make a bigger impact!
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UWSEI's Director of Education Advocates for Rural Communities in Washington D.C. | |
By Tennille Call, Director of Education, United Way of Southeastern Idaho | |
Pictured from left to right: Robert Sanchez, Executive Director, IDAEYC; Deidre Deculus Robert, Director of State Office Operations, USDA; and Florina Ruvio, Community Engagement Coordinator, IDAEYC. | |
A couple of weeks ago, I had an amazing opportunity to visit Washington, DC, as one of four people from Idaho invited to attend the USDA Rural Development Summit on Childcare. It was such an honor to meet with our national delegation—Senator Risch, Senator Crapo, Congressman Mike Simpson—as well as officials from the Department of Health and Human Services and members of the White House administration.
What really stood out during these discussions is just how much rural communities are struggling because of the lack of access to childcare. It’s a huge challenge, and we’re committed to finding solutions that make a real difference for families, businesses, and the workforce as a whole.
Our approach to advocacy has been evolving to address this. On a national level, we’re connecting with our representatives in Congress, ensuring rural childcare stays on their radar. Here in Idaho, we regularly meet with state officials and legislators during our annual early learning visits to the Capitol, where we invite them to see firsthand what’s happening with early childhood education.
Locally, I’m working with Mayor Blad and his Childcare Advisory Board to bring together like-minded childcare providers, so we can talk through the issues we’re facing as a community. We’ve also been meeting with local business leaders each month to find practical, local solutions—because this isn’t just a family issue; it’s affecting our workforce and economy, too. Plus, we’ve got an incredible collaboration with nonprofit partners who meet monthly to figure out where we can step in and fill the gaps to support kids and families.
One of the most exciting things happening right now is our work with eight preschool centers as part of the Bannock County Preschool Cohort. Our aim is to create early learning centers that aren’t just about childcare but about enriching children’s minds and preparing them for the future.
I’m truly grateful for the partnerships we’ve built across the community to tackle this important issue. If any of this resonates with you, or if you’re thinking, “How can I help?”—please reach out! I’d love to have more hands on deck as we work to make a difference for our kids, families, and communities.
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Supporting Families: Lakeshore Activity Kits Fuel Read Talk Play Moments! | | |
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In collaboration with the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, the Idaho School Readiness Project and Idaho State University, these Lakeshore Activity Kits are on their way to families that have their little ones at centers that are part of the UWSEI Preschool Cohort.
These kits will support families in creating Read Talk Play moments at home, bringing early learning to life!
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEND A HAND TO OUR YOUNGEST RESIDENTS? | |
JOIN US!
RIBBON CUTTING
of the NEW
BORN LEARNING TRAIL OCTOBER 15, 2024 @ 5:15 pm
Alameda Park
(E Pine St. side of the park)
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 or visiting a local playground.
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Read Talk Play in the Park with the ISU Bengal Dancers! | |
Thank you Bengal Dancers, Benny the Tiger, DJ Adrian, and Community Partners for helping make this event a success! | |
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Last week, we said a heartfelt goodbye to our incredible Director of Health, Amy Wuest.
During her four years with United Way of Southeastern Idaho, Amy led impactful initiatives like Ride United, providing life-saving transportation to patients, and co-developing findhelpidaho.org, a vital resource referral tool for our community.
"Working at the United Way has been an absolute privilege as it helped me to put my academic knowledge into practice in order to advance the common good," said Amy. "While I am sad to leave the United Way team, I know that we will continue to work together to bring the expertise of academics to bear on solving some of our community's most complex problems."
Her leadership, dedication, and collaborative spirit have left an indelible mark. While we’ll miss her deeply, we’re so proud of her next chapter as Idaho State University's first Director of Research Development. Best of luck, Amy, and thank you for all you’ve done!
Learn more about Amy's outstanding efforts by clicking READ MORE below!
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TICKET SALES END OCTOBER 16TH! | |
Come and Enjoy!
A Thrilling Murder Mystery: Step into a world of intrigue and deception, solving puzzles while figuring out "whodunit."
- 80s Dance Party: Rock out to the best 80s hits with DJ Adrian keeping the energy high.
- Neon & Nostalgia: Dust off your favorite 80s outfits and relive the fashion that defined the decade.
- Discounted Hotel Rates to make it a night to remember!
- Gourmet Dinner of Choice: Fuel up for the fun with a delicious dinner as you unravel the mystery.
- Sizzle in Style - Whiskey River Sirloin, or
- Fin and Flash - Sweet Soy Glazed Salmon
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A Heartfelt Thank you to Our Donors and Volunteers! | |
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We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support in creating baskets for children aging out of the foster care system. Your kindness and generosity truly make a difference in their lives. Our partners at Children and Family Services are profoundly thankful for your compassion and commitment to helping those in need.
Together, we are making a lasting impact!
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UWSEI TEAM SPOTTED IN THE COMMUNITY! | | |
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Our wonderful CEO Shantay Bloxham was invited as the guest speaker for this year's JRM Foundation for Humanity Annual Fundraising Gala Event.
"It was an incredible honor to join my friends at the JRM Foundation at their recent Gala and such a privilege to speak about "The Power of Community". It reminded me how deeply connected we all are and that when we come together, we amplify our ability to create lasting change. It's not about one person or one organization, but about the collective strength we bring to uplift each other and build a brighter future for all." - Shantay
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Bingham Crisis Center Color Run | Volunteering with our community members to keep the Portneuf Complex Squeaky Clean! | |
As part of ISU's Healthy Campus Initiative, our CEO Shantay completed 300,000 steps in the Month of August! She was recognized amongst other executives in the September Chamber All-Member Meeting. In honor of the accomplishment, the Portneuf Health Trust donated $2,000 to the ISU Nutrition Program for each Executive who completed the challenge, providing a total of $20,000! | |
Creating meaningful change requires a collective effort, and that's where you come in – our valued volunteers, donors, group members, and advocates. Your involvement is the driving force behind the positive impact we strive to achieve. There are various ways you can contribute to our cause, and we're excited to invite you to join us in making a difference. | | | | |
