February 2022 Newsletter
In this issue:
  • A Message from United Way President/CEO
  • Welcome Investment Review Panelists
  • John Deere Dubuque Works Burger Night a Success!
  • Thank you to the John Deere Foundation
  • United Way Celebrates 2-1-1 Day
  • VITA Program is Open
  • Campaign Updates
  • Volunteer Opportunities
A Message from our President/CEO:
Dear Friends of United Way,

We sure crammed a lot of activity into these 28 days! My month was full of building and strengthening relationships. It was a great chance to re-charge and become even more excited about our mission, inviting others to join us in our work. Here are a few wonderful connections made this month and some resources you can check out to learn more:
  • EMPLOYMENT: I’ve met with many business leaders who are struggling to fill vacancies within their companies. We have spoken about creative plans to fill these needs and what barriers may be impacting the applicant pool. I was excited to see the revelation of the updated Access Dubuque Jobs site, thanks to our partners at TH Media and the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation. This updated resource is sure to help assist jobseekers and our local businesses in finding qualified applicants to join their teams. Be sure to check out all the amazing upgrades as you look or post new employment opportunities: https://accessdubuquejobs.com/
  • VOLUNTEERISM: Also, as it relates to employment, we know how important it is to feel a part of something larger than just your job, too. A great way to build a sense of teamwork is to volunteer together either during your time off or through a company-supported volunteer opportunity. There is still time to register a group of volunteers for the upcoming YP’s Dubuque Days of Caring event that will be held in April. https://www.dbqdaysofcaring.org/ You can also view all current opportunities to volunteer on our Volunteer DBQ portal at: https://www.volunteerdbq.com/
  • SKILLS: Another way to build our employment pool is to offer incredible opportunities to increase skills for in-demand jobs by enrolling in short-term certificate programs at Northeast Iowa Community College through Opportunity Dubuque. These are great opportunities to share with everyone and tuition is often FREE for qualifying students. They also have resources to cover childcare costs too, should you need it. Check out more here: https://www.nicc.edu/business-community/partnerships/opportunity-dubuque/
  • UNION ENGAGEMENT: When we think of area businesses, we may not necessarily think of the various Union workers involved within each of those businesses, helping to build and support our communities. United Way is fortunate to have support from various local unions, including UAW 94 and Carpenters Local 678. I was excited to meet with leadership from both this month to do some sharing and learning about issues impacting each of our organizations. Many local Unions offer apprenticeship programs that help prepare workers for highly skilled and specialized occupations, offering both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. To learn more about these opportunities and occupations, check this out: https://www.nicc.edu/academics/apprenticeships/

I encourage you all to make your own connections this month to fuel your soul and stay energized during the remainder of the wintry season. Stay warm and safe and thanks for LIVING UNITED!

Sincerely,
Danielle Peterson
President/CEO
Welcome to Investment Review Panelists
Since we have closed our 2022-2024 grant, now comes the work of scoring and evaluating the grant applications. We are excited to welcome our Investment Review Panel members to do this important job!
Investment Review Panel is a group of volunteers from a broad range of professional backgrounds that provide a thorough review of United Way agency grant applications, provide scores, comments, and ultimately funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors.
Alice Vontalge
Barb Kurt
Brian Lacy
Brian Markus
Digger Kurt
Ellie Osterburger
Gisella Aitkin-Shadle
Jean Lang
Jessica Schlader
Kathy Buhr
Katie Hensley
Laura Hodge
Laura Merrick
Lori Stewart
Malissa Sprenge
Nancy Fett
Peter Theisen
Ricardo Cunningham
Robert Moore
Sandra Kirkendall
Sarah Saylor
Steve Larson
Tyler Freye
Crescent Electric
City of Dubuque
ModernFold
A.Y. McDonald
Cottingham & Butler
Loras College (student)
Northeast Iowa Community College
Sisters of the Presentation
Clarke University
Dubuque Racing Association
Cottingham & Butler
Hodge
M&M Sales
iSolved
Turning Point/MercyOne
Loras College
Theisen's
University of Dubuque
John Deere Dubuque Works
Ruhl & Ruhl
WHKS
Woodward Communications
Alliant Energy
John Deere Dubuque Works Burger Night a Success!
Thank you to the Asbury Eagles Club for presenting a check to John Deere & United Way for $1800 as a result of the Burger Night fundraiser. The funds will be used by United Way to help address food insecurity in our community.
Thank you to everyone who supported us at burger night!
Thank you to the John Deere Foundation
United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States is extremely grateful for the generosity of the John Deere Foundation. We are fortunate to receive a $171,780.

The John Deere Foundation is focused on making investments in organizations that empower the most vulnerable families and youth in their home communities.
United Way Celebrates 2-1-1 Day
On February 11, we celebrated 2-1-1 Day. United Way is proud to be a supporter of the 2-1-1 Information Resource & Referral Hotline. 2-1-1 is a free, 24/7 multilingual hotline that connects people to the resources they need in the community. In 2021, 2-1-1 took 2,047 calls in Dubuque, Delaware, and Jackson Counties. You can find information on the reasons for those calls below.

There may be a time that you or someone you know needs help but doesn't know where assistance is available. 211 is a free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Iowa residents to the services they need. If you or someone you know needs help, visit 211iowa.org or call 2-1-1 (landline) or 1-800-244-7431 (cell)
VITA Program is Open
Is your income $54,000 or less? Then you are qualified for free income tax preparation! HACAP is running the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program from February 1-April 5.
Campaign Updates
As we progress into our 2021-2022 campaign year, we are excited to share about our collaboration and work with great businesses and our Funded Partners. During the month of February, the following businesses ran campaigns showing their support of United Way:

Home+FloorShow, Jim Kircher & Associates, Medical Associates, Prairie Farms Dairy, Q Casino, Remax Advantage Realty, Union Hoermann Press

Looking for creative ideas for your campaign? Look here on our campaign toolkit or email [email protected]

Thank you all for showing what it means to LIVE UNITED!
Volunteer Opportunities
Walk to End Alzheimer's Planning Committee

Lend your talents to organize one of our largest events. Committee meets once a month January through July and twice a month August through September. Members get the opportunity to work on sponsorships, recruitment, silent auction, fundraising, team retention, marketing & outreach, logistics, and mission. Event date is October 8th, 2022. 
We meet once a month until Walk Day. Both virtual and in person options.

If interested, reach out to Christine Hess at [email protected]
Spring Cleaning

This opportunity would be great for a group! Come help us do some spring cleanup around the homes we support. This could include landscaping, raking, cleaning, and more. 
Dubuque Shovel Crew

Volunteer on the DBQ Shovel Crew this winter!
As a DBQ Shovel Crew volunteer you will be paired with a resident in need of assistance who is not physically able to remove snow and ice from their city sidewalk and do not have other resources to remove the snow and ice such as neighbors, friends, or a hired service. We are seeking volunteers who can help throughout the winter season. The commitment is caring for one address all winter.

If interested, lease complete this survey DBQ Shovel Crew Initial Survey 
Whether you make a one-time gift or set up recurring monthly payments, every donation matters.
We are stronger together!