Wake Up

Wake Up

Food Security: Feeding Monroe County

Monroe County has a 16 percent food insecurity rate, higher than both the state and national averages, but what exactly does that mean?

“It doesn’t necessarily mean that all those people are going hungry every day,” explained Julio Alonso, executive director of Hoosier Hills Food Bank.

The Changing Labor Market: Challenges for Today's Workers

Wake Up! with United Way -- The Changing Labor Market: Challenges for Today's Workers

Thursday, April 9, 2020

Join us at the Mill on Thursday, April 9 from 7:45 – 9 a.m. for a panel discussion lead by local labor leaders. We will explore changes in the labor market like gig economy, contract workers, and the challenges these new market segments pose for employees and their financial stability.

Re-Imagining Health Care in Monroe County and Beyond

Community members gathered for coffee and breakfast early on Thursday, November 14 for a very special Wake Up!

The Work Ahead: United Way's Advocacy Agenda 2020

Community members, nonprofit representatives, and civic leaders from around the region gathered on the morning of the October 10 to discuss the 2020 United Way advocacy agenda with Kathryn Habecker, impact and advocacy manager of Indiana United Ways, as a part of the Wake Up! with United Way breakfast series.

“I think it’s important to remember that advocacy really is inclusive of all people and many different topics,” Habecker said.

Homelessness: Unpacking the Point in Time Count

Bright and early on the morning of September 12, over 40 community members gathered to unpack the point in time count of homelessness in the Monroe County community and across the nation.

“We’re going to be talking about a lot of numbers today, and behind each number is a human person,” Executive Director of Shalom Community Center Rev. Forrest Gilmore said before beginning his presentation.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: What to Know

Early in the morning on August 8, community members gathered at the quaint BloomingTea with Jim Wiltz, PhD HSPP, director of Milestones, the clinical division of Stone Belt, for Wake Up! with United Way “Autism Spectrum Disorder: What to Know.”

“One question I often get is, ‘So, are you trying to cure autism?’ No, that’s not what we’re trying to do because that’s not really possible,” he said.

Unteachable & Difficult: Understanding Childhood Trauma

“You’ve each been given a magic wand to address the issue of childhood trauma. The catch is, you can only pick one thing. What would you pick that would have the biggest impact on this issue?”

Panelists explored this and other questions posed by the audience at the July 11th Wake Up! With United Way which focused on "Unteachable and Difficult - Understanding Childhood Trauma.”

“Disability Inclusivity in the Workplace" at Wake Up!

Coffee and scones were the perfect pairing with the third monthly Wake Up! With United Way breakfast panel. More than 30 attendees got up bright and early on Thursday, June 13th to participate in a discussion about “Disability and Inclusivity in the Workplace” at The Mill.

Wake Up! with United Way 2019

Wake Up! with United Way 2019

Wake Up! with United Way is a monthly speaker series featuring breakfast, networking, and an enlightening presentation and discussion of timely topics. Alongside friends, neighbors, nonprofits and community partners, learn more about issues that directly or indirectly affect everyone in our area.

“Evicted! Poverty, Policy, and the Law" Examined at Wake Up!

Community members were up bright and early to learn more about the topic “Evicted! Poverty, Policy, and the Law” during the second monthly “Wake Up! with United Way” breakfast panel. The crowd of more than 40 attendees gathered at The Mill on Thursday, May 9th to hear from panelists Marcy Wenzler from the Housing Law Center at Indiana Legal Services, Sarah Boomsma from the Bloomington Housing Authority, and Sandi Clothier, from Monroe County United Ministries.

Did You Know?

A gift of $2 per week provides 70 bags of healthy groceries to low-income families.

Of the high school seniors enrolled in mentoring programs at United Way member agencies, 94% graduated and 91 % have plans to attend college or vocational school

$60/week can provide materials for 3 volunteer-built handicap-accessible ramps allowing low-income seniors to live at home safely.

Nearly 24,000 rides on Rural Transit and bus passes have been provided so people without transportation could get to and from work

In Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties, 445 individuals saved $69,217 in prescription drug costs through the FamilyWize discount prescription drug card distributed by United Way of Monroe County at agencies, pharmacies and community outreach events.

At Big Brothers Big Sisters, a United Way member agency, 75% of youth improved or maintained their good attendance at school and 61% increased or maintained their good grades

Born Learning materials are free and help parents, caregivers, and our community create early learning opportunities for young children.

Calls made to 2-1-1 are free and confidential.

In 2017, 2-1-1 specialists and online database searches responded to 3,752 inquiries from Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties and made 5,138 referrals. Most callers were seeking help with housing and utilities assistance, and food.

Legacy Donors include United Way in their estate plans, including a will, a retirement plan, or a life insurance policy.

When you choose to donate to United Way, you improve a life.

Locally, 1 in 5 children are at risk of hunger

A gift of $9 per week ensures 3 days of emergency shelter service for victims of domestic violence.

88% of Amethyst House clients reported maintaining or increasing income and 100% learned new budgeting skills. 88% of residents in transitional housing programs increased or maintained their income.

Your donation of $1 per week provides 2 people with bus transportation to a new job for a month.

838 school children received supports like clothing, shoes, school supplies, medical services, and special transportation assistance through the MCCSC and RBBSC Assistance Funds so they could fully participate in classes

A gift of $10 per week provides 3 community events to educate low-income community members about legal rights.

A gift of $20 per week can provide 50 people with their birth certificates which will help them in securing housing, employment, and other necessary resources.

A gift of $3 per week provides 12 people with needed prescription medicine.

With 17 regional partners, the Free Community Tax Service helped low-income people in Monroe and Owen counties bring back over $2.9 million in refunds and credits

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