March 2022 Newsletter
In this issue:
  • A Message from United Way President/CEO
  • VITA Application Deadline Approaches
  • Thank you to Casey's
  • Easter Bunny Breakfast Fundraiser
  • Dubuque COAD Celebrates Severe Weather Preparedness Week
  • Campaign Updates
  • Volunteer Opportunities
A Message from our President/CEO:
Dear Friends of United Way,

Last month I shared a bit about connections and how integral making connections is to health and happiness in all areas of our lives. It fuels me, to say the least. This month, I'll share something that isn’t all sunshine and roses. Fear is an unpleasant emotion, right? What if we flipped the switch to overcome our fear, to push through it? See how different that feels? Now, I’m not talking about "small fears". I’m talking about the kind of fear that means looking at something that is hard and setting your mind to work through it. Now THAT is an incredible feeling that builds confidence. And guess what--it usually takes a human connection to make it happen!

I am inspired by the acts of bravery and strength of so many of our community members whom we have seen face their fears every day. Can you imagine the fears one would have moving to a completely different state with their children to get away from an abusive partner? Or the fears you would face having to tell strangers you need help finding food or shelter? What about the fears you would feel as a parent, knowing your child is struggling with brain health issues and the wait for services is a month out?

Seeing and hearing about people who face their fears drives me to take action. It inspires me to face my fears and be part of the solution. My hope is that their stories inspire you too.

We are coming to the end of our annual United Way campaign, and we haven’t hit our goal of $1.2M goal yet. We have over $1.5M in asks to support poverty efforts across the tri-states and we can’t meet all these needs. But with your help, we can do more! As a United Way network, we can be there offering support to those facing fears that no one should have to face alone. This is what it means to LIVE UNITED.

Sincerely,
Danielle Peterson
President/CEO
If your income is at or under $54,000, you can take advantage of the free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at HACAP! Due to COVID, taxes will be completed via drop-off only. Returns are accepted until Tuesday, April 5.
Are you starting to do some spring cleaning? Our Women United Clothes Closet is looking for shirts and pants for spring and summer!
Our Clothes Closet provides work-appropriate clothes for men and women in need in our community. Call 563-588-1415 or email [email protected] for more information!
Thank you to Casey's
United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States wants to say a big THANK YOU to Casey's for their generous donation of $500!
This Easter, see the Easter Bunny at Kennedy Mall and support United Way! 50% of ticket proceeds will benefit United Way and PLUS, Kennedy Mall will match the donation amount!

Tickets are $20 per child. Tickets are limited and must be purchased ahead of time. Your ticket will include one kids meal and an hour of jump time with the Easter Bunny! Click below for tickets:
Danielle Peterson Prepares for Dancing with the Stars Dubuque Style!
Our President/CEO Danielle Peterson is going to be putting on her dancing shoes for United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States while competing in Dancing with the Stars Dubuque Style presented by the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce! Come see her show off her skills on June 4, 2022. Meanwhile, learn why she's doing this and donate to her fundraiser below.

Danielle shared, “Too many households in our community must make difficult financial choices every single day. Can I get groceries for the kids or purchase my meds? Should I put gas in my car to get to work or pay my light bill, so it doesn’t get shut off? Should I pay my rent this month or my childcare bill? I do this to be the voice of the 55,000 lives United Way impacted last year!” Danielle is proud of the collaborative work United Way is doing to bring community partners together to reduce and prevent poverty on a scale no one can accomplish alone in the areas of health, education, and financial stability. 
Dubuque COAD Celebrates Severe Weather Preparedness Week
From March 21 to 25, the Dubuque Area Community Organizations in Disaster (COAD) held their Severe Weather Preparedness Week. During the week, COAD raised awareness on topics such as thunderstorms, tornados, how to receive warning information, flash floods, and family preparedness. Find out more information at the COAD website below
Campaign Updates
As we near the closure of 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 March, the following businesses ran campaigns showing their support of United Way:

Creative Touch Gallery, ImOn Communications, Inclusa, John Deere Dubuque Works, O'Connor & Thomas, PC, O'Reilly Auto Parts, MercyOne, TriCor Insurance & Financial Services

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
Evening of Light Event Assistance

Join us April 28th, 2022 for our annual Evening of Light fundraiser event! We are in need of volunteers to assist with event set up, ticket collection, event tear-down, and more! This would be a great opportunity for someone looking for a more physical/community-based volunteer experience, or a group looking for an opportunity to volunteer together.

To learn more about the event and how you can help, please follow up with our volunteer coordinator at [email protected] or 815-402-3568.
Photographer

Use your photography skills to take adorable profile photos for animals that are available for adoption! Photos will be featured on our website and may be used in social media posts.
Animal handling training through DRHS is required to be able to work independently with the animals. 
Please contact our Manager of Volunteer & Foster Engagement at [email protected] to sign up. 

Volunteers Needed In Dubuque Area Classrooms

Junior Achievement supports schools by providing learning experiences focused on financial decision making, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. These programs are presented by community volunteers who not only deliver our lessons, but share their experience. We need your enthusiasm and willingness to teach young people how to dream big and reach their potential. JA provides all of the training and materials necessary to present a program. You present 5-6 lessons, each running about 45 minutes.

Ready to volunteer or learn more? Email Nora [email protected]
Whether you make a one-time gift or set up recurring monthly payments, every donation matters.
We are stronger together!