Welcome back to United Way of Lancaster County's newsletter. We hope you are enjoying keeping up to date with us! Take a look below to see what we've been up to in September. It's been an exciting month!

Kate Zimmerman will be joining the United Way of Lancaster County team as the new President & CEO.


She will start next month after wrapping up her tenure at Leadership Lancaster where she spent over a decade. Under her leadership she secured an endowment for the leadership development of marginalized communities, led Leadership Lancaster through the process of acquiring its own nonprofit status, and grew programming to expand capacity for more equitable representation in leadership positions across Lancaster County.


The United Way team is excited to work alongside Kate to make Lancaster County a better place for everyone!

Week of Caring 2023


United Way of Lancaster County expanded the annual Day of Caring into a Week of Caring this year. The first annual 7-day event brought together over 400 hundred volunteers who engaged in 29 projects throughout the county, benefiting local non-profits and the wider community. Projects included school garden preparation, indoor and outdoor cleanups, painting, building, and more. See below for photos of some of our amazing Week of Caring volunteers hard at work!

211 Adopts New Data System


PA 211 as a statewide system has completed its transition to a new data system that will provide more functionality and interconnectivity between multiple data systems using API’s. This database will not only cut down on duplicate data entry by Resource Navigators assisting with Special Projects, but it will also open the door to partnerships with a multitude of community based organizations and health care systems. 

Volunteer with VITA!


VITA is still recruiting volunteers for the 2023 Tax Season! For anyone interested in volunteering, please reach out to maldonado@uwlanc.org.


VITA will be holding informational meetings about volunteering on Wednesday, October 4th and Wednesday, October 18th at 10am and 6pm both days.

Craft & Mingle with Women United


Interested in learning more about Women United? We are hosting a crafting and mingling event at Reology on Wednesday, October 25th from 5-7pm. Complimentary food and drinks will be provided to attendees.


Women United is seeking new members to join our network of women passionate about making change in Lancaster County. Memberships are now starting at $250 to become a full voting member. Join us and help improve the lives of women in our community.

LEARN MORE

We launched the first individual cohort of Project Blueprint


The nine-month training program aims to nurture and develop individual leadership skills while equipping participants with the capabilities needed to effectively serve on the boards of community organizations.

Our inaugural cohort consists of 15 individuals with diverse backgrounds, including new board members, dedicated community volunteers, and existing employees eager to enhance their leadership skills and grasp the qualities required to be effective and inclusive leaders in board roles.

Our shared goal, through this program, is to equip participants with the knowledge, expertise, and insights necessary to make a meaningful impact within their communities and organizations.


The first session centered on Inclusive Leadership and delved into the essence of being an authentically inclusive leader. Participants had the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the concept of inclusion, gaining insights into actionable steps they can take to become inclusive leaders within their respective communities.

Early Learning PA


United Way of Lancaster County is a member of the coalition for Early Learning PA (ELPA). With 77% of children in Lancaster County unable to access quality pre-k education due to staffing shortages and closed classrooms, we look to our neighbors with the goal of amplifying the voice of the community as we advocate for policies that will improve the state of early childhood education in our Commonwealth. A new report has just been released publicly called the State of Early Care and Education. We invite you to read this important piece and to continue to speak up for youngest children.


We need your support! Make your voice heard at the link below:

PLEDGE TO SUPPORT ELPA
READ THE REPORT

Level Up & Launch Fellow Highlights:


The Factory Ministries joins the Level Up & Launch fellowship to level up Workforce Advocacy Program which support employees in achieving success. The program also empowers businesses to create workplaces that attract, support and retain workers.


Food Hub is using funding for their Welcome Place Overnight and Day Shelter programs. They will develop a re-entry & reintegration program focused on the individual needs of clients discharged after mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and/or incarceration.

Donate to The Factory Ministries, Food Hub or any of the

eleven Level Up & Launch fellows at the link below:

DONATE NOW

Age-Friendly Summit - Thursday, October 12th from 9am-2pm @ Holiday Inn Lancaster, 26 E. Chestnut St.


VITA Volunteer Informational Sessions - Wednesday, October 4th and Wednesday, October 18th 10am and 6pm @ our downtown VITA location, 245 W. King St.


Craft & Mingle with Women United - Wednesday, October 25th from 5-7pm @ Reology


ExtraGive - Friday, November 17th - Keep an eye out for updates!

Interested in this week's news highlights from

our community & beyond?


Each weekday, One United Lancaster compiles a list of pertinent local and national news stories.

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