WE HAVE A NEW CEO!

It gives us so much pleasure to say this: Stephanie Nathan has officially joined our team!

Our staff has been patiently waiting for our new President and CEO to join us, with Interim Kyle B. Rahn holding down the fort since Lindsay Fox left us in April. We're thrilled to announce that, as of today, Stephanie has officially began her tenure as our #UnitedWayFAM leader. The team celebrated this morning with balloons, donuts, and coffee.

"Everyone has been so welcoming," says Stephanie. "The people of Fresno and Madera are truly fortunate to be served by a team who clearly has such a deep commitment to the work. I am excited to begin my journey and I am ready to jump in and get going."

Kyle isn't going anywhere, either: she has transitioned into the much-needed position of Vice President of Resource Development (our Resource Development Manager has been out since August on medical leave after giving birth to twins!). We're excited to begin this next chapter and can't wait for you all to work with these women in their new roles. Stay tuned for information on a meet-and-greet with Stephanie, tentatively scheduled for early January.

To learn more about Stephanie and Kyle, click on their respective names to read the press releases we sent out announcing their hires.

CENTRAL VALLEY EQUITY CONFERENCE TICKETS ON SALE NOW.

The Central Valley Equity Conference, which we're hosting with our friends from Central Valley Community Foundation, is quickly approaching! Individual, group, and students tickets are on sale now. If needed, discount and scholarship rates are also available by contacting our Resource Development Associate, Charles Wheeler.

Watch CVEC's keynote speaker, Nikiko Masumoto, talk about her experience learning how to follow in her father's footsteps as a peach farmer. Panelists and other presenters will be publicly announced in the coming week. They include experts in fields like education, housing, environmental justice, health, community investments, and more.

ELECTION DAY IS AROUND THE CORNER!

We believe that every Californian has the right to be informed, engaged, and empowered in the democratic process.    

U.S. Census data from 2020 estimates that as many as 1 in 4 eligible Americans are not registered to vote. According to Nonprofit Vote, millions of these Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, don’t update their registration, or aren’t sure how to register. 

Elevating community voice is fundamental to solving our nation’s most challenging community problems. When more Californians participate in elections, our communities are stronger, healthier, and more resilient.

Join us at unitedforgood.org to explore voter engagement resources and get ready to help your community participate in the democratic process this election season. Because votes—whether at the local, state, or federal level—shape communities. 

Here’s are some ways you can take action now:

• Check your voter registration status
• Know your voting rights
• Find your polling place
• Become a poll worker
• Share voter registration resources with your community

Democracy thrives when we all participate. Let’s empower every voter to take part in shaping our future.

WILDFIRE SEASON: ARE YOU PREPARED?

An alarming new study has shown that 58% of Californians lack a disaster kit, and 69% do not have any disaster plans. California continues to be at risk from unpredictable wildfires. New growth of vegetation, grass, and plants due to the rain also poses a significant risk once these fuels become tinder dry, as the can promote rapid fire growth.

Evacuating from your home early can mean the difference of life and death. When a wildfire or other disaster strikes, be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Having a 5-minute plan with an escape route can get you and your family out and safe. If you need additional time to evacuate or have livestock, you should pack up and leave when the warning is issued and not wait for an evacuation order. 

1. Have an established meeting place 
2. Pack an emergency kit with essentials like medicine, important documents, clothes, food, and water. 
3. Watch for weather reports and Red Flag Warnings. 
4. If you need to go, get your emergency bags packed and gather your family and pets.
5. Most important, don’t wait or hesitate – know when to go.

Visit firefightersonyourside.org for more information on creating a 5-minute plan and being prepared for disaster. 

UWFM IN ACTION

Our various outreach teams have been busy this past month. Pictures below show staff members and our new crop of Americorps interns at various events including FIRM's Halloween event, Assemblymember Arambula's Resource Fair in Selma, and Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce's "Prospher' Women's Symposium.

UNITED WAY FRESNO AND MADERA COUNTIES dismantles systemic barriers to prosperity through the creation and implementation of collaborative community solutions. organization has held a presence in the mid-Central Valley since 1924. www.uwfm.org