Working Together: Updates from MCUM

Dear Katie,

My, how time continues to fly by! I have been on a small traveling frenzy this Spring, fortunately enjoying several trips up to my home state (Michigan) visiting dear family and friends, a long weekend in Ohio, and as I type this I am packing my bags for a week-long intensive HR-training! I look forward to reporting back next month on my favorite part(s) of the conference!

While myself and a few other directors are away, our friends at home will continue to chip away at our Each One, Feed One Food Drive, preparing for our NAEYC accreditation visit at Compass, and planning for the SSC's next Meet and Eat. If you have not done so yet, check out our Each One, Feed One webpage! Camden has created an interactive map that will show you the closest drop-off location AND the dates/hours each one will be accepting non-perishable items! Some of you may remember the "olden days" when 200 or so volunteers would disperse across every store in town collecting donations over a late August weekend; While it sure was inspiring to raise 15,000 pounds of food in one weekend, our new EOFO model is a response to both changing store policies and a change in pantry demand. The drop-off sites across town will allow Monroe County residents to flexibly access convenient giving!

This past month was busy - the Self-Sufficiency Center hosted a Summer Kickoff event for families, providing resources (including a notary!) and onsite sign-up support for low/no cost summer programming and giving away some essential summertime goodies, thanks to Ivy Tech Community College. Compass Early Learning Center had its annual "surprise" visit from licensing and I am THRILLED to report that we passed with flying colors! We also began some preliminary support planning for Church Women United & Methodist Women in Faith's Style Show and Tea event, which will be happening on July 12! See the flyer below to claim your free tickets to see sensational fashions from Opportunity House modeled by local women - including a couple of Compass children!

I look forward to a wonderful month ahead. Thank you for being a part of our work to empower local families as they break the cycle of poverty!

Katie Broadfoot, MPA

Executive Director

Monroe County United Ministries

[email protected]

812-339-3429 ext.11

Find a location near YOU! Donate by June 25th!

From Trials to Triumph: Laticia's Story

Laticia came to Bloomington in 2021 in search of a better life for her and her son, but upon arrival she encountered many obstacles to her family’s well-being. Rather than giving up, she chose to trust the process and believe in herself, seeking support from the community through MCUM’s Your Path program. In the face of several trials in an unfamiliar environment, Laticia kept her head held high and set clear goals relating to her education and career development. In the spring of 2022, she decided to make her dreams a reality and applied to Indiana University’s Master of Public Affairs program. Laticia was accepted to the program and is now over halfway through the two-year program! After graduation she has dreams of opening a youth center for underprivileged children, giving children from difficult circumstances a second chance at life.

Monroe County United Ministries is dedicated to helping women like Laticia achieve their dreams and create a better future for themselves and their families.

RSVP for Opportunity House Style Show

My First Library

Thanks to the Mike and Marti Ney People Helping People grant award, our 84 Compass Early Learning Center students will get to go home with one book per month for 8 months. The program, My First Library, will promote literacy in the home and provide a wonderful assortment of developmentally appropriate books to our Compass children's home libraries.

Pictured here: Mike & Marti Ney, Camden Hill MCUM's Development Associate/Grant Writer, and Indiana Members Credit Union CEO John Hewett.

Quick Links

Volunteers Needed!

We are in need of reliable delivery drivers and food pantry volunteers. If either of these interest you, please go to the links below!

Delivery

Pantry

Donations:

DROP OFF Monday- Friday

8am-4pm

827 W. 14th Ct.

Bloomington, IN 47404

MCUM PANTRY

Needed Items

Size 6 Diapers

Wipes

Pull-Ups

Opportunity Fund

Old National Bank Foundation has awarded MCUM $5,000 for our Opportunity Fund that will provide direct assistance to current clients with non-routine, necessary expenses that are not funded by other social safety net programs.

Thank you Baird

for donating 259 pounds to help us relieve hunger and promote self-sufficiency in our community!

Thank you to the City of Bloomington and to everyone who donated to our Swim Program! Our Pre-K Compass children are having a wonderful summer of swimming. This gives our children opportunities to be out in nature, learn about swimming safety and have fun! Thank you all!

DONATE TO BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY

Thank you for your support.

Leave a legacy. Ask us about our planned giving or donate today!

Monroe County United Ministries

827 West 14th Court,

Bloomington, IN 47404

812-339-3429