Working Together: Updates from MCUM

Dear Katie,

I hope this month's email finds you well! As usual, it has been a full month here at MCUM — and I can't wait to tell you about it!

Last week, we launched our FIRST-EVER Your Path module, which focuses on kindergarten family readiness. The transition to kindergarten can be a surprisingly difficult adjustment for the whole family. When you think about all the logistics of the transition, like learning the school bus schedule, the fact that school ends by 3 PM and aftercare options for kindergarteners are scarce, and, perhaps most shockingly, the fact that parents of kindergarteners have to pay book fees of up to $200/child (can they even read yet?!), it can all feel overwhelming! I will be thrilled to report back next month on how our incredible coaches have helped local families reduce these stressors! We have 29 Compass kiddos moving to "big school" in August, so we hope to support several of those families with this initiative!

In other news, our interns completed their semesters last month, and one of them, Gabe, finished his internship altogether! He went out with a bang, throwing the It Takes a Village fair in partnership with Bloomington's three Rotary clubs. Several hundred families came through, enjoying free resources and getting to know our local community of infant and young child specialists.

I am sure I could go on, but I will stop there so you have energy to read the rest of this newsletter. Be sure to like us on Facebook so you can get the day-by-day recaps, callouts, and information you want!

Katie Broadfoot, MPA

Executive Director

Monroe County United Ministries

[email protected]

812-339-3429 ext.11

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Kindergarten Family Readiness Module, a part of our Your Path program!

This FREE 4 session program is designed to assist local families with the transition as their children begin kindergarten, and will cover topics such as transportation, after-school programs, and school lunch. Incentives will be offered along the way!

If you or someone you know is about to make the transition to kindergarten in the fall, this program is for you!

Kindergarten Readiness Module: SIGN UP!

Quinn's Path to Self-Sufficiency

In 2003, Quinn was enrolled in our Compass Early Learning Center, allowing Quinn’s grandmother to work to support their family. 15 years later, Quinn's family was tragically evicted from their home. Facing financial hardship and post-traumatic

stress, they left school as soon as they were 18 to enter the

workforce. Quinn eventually returned to MCUM as a Your Path participant with the goal of earning their high school diploma. Their hard work, planning, and regular meetings with a Self-Sufficiency Coach paid off when they passed the High School Equivalency Test with a score of “College and Career Ready." Equipped with their new education credentials and goal-setting toolkit, Quinn is excited to start a new life in Chicago with their partner.

Monroe County United Ministries is dedicated to helping people like Quinn achieve self-sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty. Give today to help end generational poverty for the people we serve.

Pictured here: Clear Creek Christian School students and MCUM's Compass Early Learning Center children on our newly installed Buddy Bench

Buddy Bench Brings JOY to MCUM

Clear Creek Christian School, a private school just south of Bloomington, donated a bench to MCUM this week for one of our playgrounds. But this isn't just any bench — this bench is made from over 750 pounds of recycled plastic caps that the students had been collecting since January. The caps were melted down and molded into a Buddy Bench. A Buddy Bench is a place for shy children to sit if they are looking for a playmate. We are so grateful for our buddies at Clear Creek Christian School for all of their hard work and service to our community!

EACH ONE FEED ONE FOOD DRIVE

Our largest annual food drive begins next month! Stay tuned for more information about a drop-off site near you! If you are interested in hosting your own Each One Feed One drop off site, please contact Darcie Casey [email protected].

Quick Links

Meet & Eat

at MCUM

TOPIC: Homebuying

Date: June 9

Time: 12-1PM

Donate $60.19 to give a child in need a Summer of Swimming! Put "Summer Swim Fees" in the notes in online donation page.

Donations:

DROP OFF Monday- Friday

8am-4pm

827 W. 14th Ct.

Bloomington, IN 47404

MCUM PANTRY

Needed Items

Fruit

Crackers

Jiffy Mix

Helper Meals

Peas

Corn

Toilet Paper

Development Director Darcie Casey giving a presentation at local Kiwanis Club. If you would like a MCUM update for your club, congregation,

or business,

reach out to [email protected]

Thank you to Hoosier Energy, for your generous donation of 574 pounds of food to our pantry!

Teacher Appreciation

We celebrated our AMAZING teachers at Compass Early Learning Center all week long for Teacher Appreciation Week! Their love and passion for their students and teaching shine every single day in each of their classrooms! Thank you for everything you do for the children in your care, we hope you feel appreciated every day, because you are!

Thank you for your support.

Monroe County United Ministries

827 West 14th Court,

Bloomington, IN 47404

812-339-3429