Metro United Way Blog

Little Libraries = Rewarding, Interesting Gig!

April 12, 2018 06:00:00 AM

Kathy Kremer

Community Volunteer

When Deb Anderson, the Jeffersontown Public Library manager, shared an opportunity with our book club friends that Metro United Way was looking for volunteers to fill "Little Libraries" in the California, Parkland, and Shawnee neighborhoods, I signed up.

I live in the Highlands now, but when I was a little girl, I spent lots of time with my grandparents. Mom grew up in Parkland, and Dad lived in Shawnee. Occasionally, when I am delivering books, I drive past their houses.
Growing up, my mother borrowed books from the Parkland library, and the first job her sister, my Aunt Emily, had as a newly-minted librarian was at the Portland branch.

Being one of those lucky early retirees who left her day job a few years back to figure out what to do next, I signed up for this because it was something I could do for something I loved. It wouldn't take much time either.

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Youth Programs: Quality Matters to Make an Impact

October 25, 2017 07:09:24 AM

Angela Ditsler

Director of High School Graduation
Metro United Way

When you find something that works, you stick with it. That’s exactly what we’re doing with the out-of-school time (OST) partners we work with at Metro United Way! In 2014, through our partnership with BLOCS (Building Louisville’s Out-of-School Time Coordinated System), we introduced 38 local program sites to a process called the Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI). National research told us that adopting this method would improve the quality of youth programs. Still, we wondered: will it work here, too?

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Creating an Awesome Staff Culture

August 31, 2017 07:00:00 AM

Mary Gwynne Dougherty

Vice President of Human Resources
Metro United Way

As Metro United Way's Vice President of Human Resources, my goal has always been to create a working environment for our staff that is the best in our community - one that fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration and engagement. Our employees are committed, skilled and compassionate. They often go well above and beyond their job responsibilities to make sure we’re doing all we can in the fight for education, financial stability and health for every person in our seven-county region.

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Unwavering commitment: Our kids deserve nothing less!

August 10, 2017 06:00:00 AM

Dr. Marty Pollio

Acting Superintendent
Jefferson County Public Schools

"I love my job. And I'm really, really good at it. And I'm going to save your son."
-Dr. Zain Khalpey

In a recent ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, heart surgeon Dr. Zain Khalpey recalled sharing those very words with a mother whose son, Craig, a young, seemingly healthy hockey player from Arizona, suffered a cardiac arrest before a match and collapsed on the ice. Craig's heart had stopped for 83 minutes and, by most accounts, he wasn't expected to survive. However, thanks to Dr. Khalpey's remarkable talent and extraordinary passion for his job, he did. Dr. Khalpey saved Craig's life.

Dr. Khalpey's mindset is a powerful one and exactly the kind of attitude all educators need to have every day we go to work. As an educator who has served the students of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) for more than two decades, I know the challenges that so many of them often face. That's why, as we begin a new school year and welcome our students back to class next week, we'll seize every opportunity in JCPS to have moments like Dr. Khalpey had - important chances to say, "I love my job. And I'm really, really good at it. And I'm going to save a child's life."

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Stemming Summer Learning Loss for Preschool Age Children

July 31, 2017 08:00:00 AM

Jimmy R. Wathen

Specialist, Child Development & Education
Jefferson County Public Schools

According to the Campaign for Grade Level Reading (CGLR), a national group advocating that all children read at grade level by the third grade, summer learning loss is one of several critical areas affecting a child's ability to succeed in school. Other areas include school readiness and chronic absenteeism. CGLR research shows that summer learning loss is particularly stifling for children in poverty. In fact, children in poverty can lose up to two months of reading growth during the summer months if they are not exposed to literacy or other enriching activities.

Nowhere is this more evident than with Louisville's youngest learners enrolled in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) preschool programs. End of year assessments indicate that our students are well on their way to being prepared for kindergarten. However, once the "summer slide" takes effect the gains tend to dissipate once they start kindergarten and are administered the state mandated Brigance assessment...

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Retirement: An Opportunity to Reconnect

July 21, 2017 09:09:19 AM

Alan Engel

Retire United Steering Committee
Metro United Way

Having worked in the nonprofit sector for 41 years I was ready to retire in 2010. When I first entertained the idea about two years prior, I wasn't sure how I would react, who I would connect with, and what I would do post career. Would I consult, travel or just hang around? A friend of mine who had gone through the same process a few years earlier suggested that I take six months off after formally retiring and do no volunteering or make other commitments. Just enjoy the freedom, the serenity, the sleep, and chance to play golf whenever I felt like it. This was the best advice I received!

Retirement is an adjustment; after all, I had been working my entire adult life or in my case even before, having paid my way through school working in the steel mills in Ohio...

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10 Steps to Get Kindergarteners Ready for School!

July 10, 2017 07:30:00 PM

For children to grow into successful adults, they need a supportive and healthy early foundation that prepares them for kindergarten. This is important because when kids start school behind, they tend to stay behind. In fact, nearly 2/3 of students who reach the fourth grade without proficient reading skills end up on welfare or in prison.

So what can you do? Here's a great checklist to help your kindergartener (or one you know!) get ready for school!

10. REGISTER

If your child will be five years old by August 1, 2017, register incoming JCPS students HERE. You can also register in person at JCPS: 4309 Bishop Lane.

Here's where these counties register:
Oldham County, Shelby County, Bullitt County in Kentucky
Clark County, Floyd County, Harrison County in Indiana.

9. VISIT SCHOOL

Most schools host orientation and back to school events, or you may call and ask for a visit. You may also visit the school playground after hours or on the weekend...

Begindergarten Gets Big Results

June 12, 2017 08:31:29 AM

Dr. Brian Kehrer

Green Valley Principal,
New Albany Floyd County Schools

Photo credit: News & Tribune

For the fourth year, Green Valley Elementary is offering Begindergarten - an early kindergarten experience made possible through a joint effort with Metro United Way and New Albany Floyd County Schools. The program is designed for children who have not had a preschool experience. As Principal, I have seen a great benefit to our students who participate in this wonderful four week summer program.

Children who attend Begindergarten are given the chance to adjust to being at 'school' in a smaller class size than a traditional classroom of 18-28 students. This exposure allows not only the child to learn new procedures and routines, but it provides the teacher more time to spend with each child and develop a relationship and work with the child on early academic skills...

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Survive & Thrive: A Tale of Two Parents

May 24, 2017 07:00:00 AM

Kish Cumi

40203 Project Coordinator
Metro United Way

I recently met two parents. One had a "thrive" mentality. The parent who was thriving was intentional in her parenting and purposeful in her choices for the social emotional and academic growth of her children. She homeschooled her children and was astute in her educational and extracurricular planning for each one of her children. They had access to unique resources, and her children were able to live comfortably as their family income was in the top 2% in the nation. She was optimistic about the exponential growth and excitement for learning that she noted in her children.

The other parent I met had a "survive" mentality...

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Tina: 30 Years Impacting Our Community through Volunteering

April 12, 2017 09:00:00 AM

Tina Hood

Director of Volunteer Services,
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana

At the age of 12, I joined the Portland Boys & Girls Club and my great future started there. As a Club member I participated in many programs, met some near and dear friends, received guidance from some great mentors and started my volunteer journey with the 4-H Club. The Portland Boys & Girls Club was always a safe place to go after school to meet with friends, participate in group clubs, sports activities and art. After high school graduation I aged out of the Boys & Girls Club program but always made time to stop by and spend time with the staff members and Club kids. On one of my visits I learned that an arts and crafts position was vacant and I eagerly applied. That is when my 30 year career began with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana.

During my 30-year career I have held many positions within the organization (Art Instructor, Program Director, Unit Director and Director of Operations) that have allowed me to have a positive impact on many young lives. My current role as the Director of Volunteer Services is definitely my favorite. When I began this chapter in my career, I quickly reached out to Metro United Way because the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kentuckiana has been a long-standing agency partner.

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The Barbershop = A Place for Strengthening Families

March 07, 2017 07:30:00 AM

J. "Divine Cuts" Alexander

Owner/Operator
Haircutz!

I've been a barber in the Louisville community for 21 years and am currently the owner/operator of Haircutz! and The Campus Barber Shops. I also created Urban Barbers of Louisville where we "restore the professional image of the barbering community by altering your outer appearance to enhance your inner confidence." On the first Monday in November the past three years, we have celebrated Barbers Day of Louisville that Mayor Greg Fischer officially proclaimed in 2014. On this day, we recognize barbers who have years of service in our community.

Although the core base of Urban Barbers of Louisville focuses on serving the African American community, we are willing to partner with any organization that's willing to help reach our youth.

This is why we're excited to be part of Metro United Way's Books and Barbershops initiative where we encourage children in our shops to read and have greater self esteem, self love, and self interest in oneself. This also gives young men and boys an opportunity to engage with positive black male role models about the importance of literacy and goal setting.

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One Little Number. So Many Reasons.

February 20, 2017 08:00:00 AM

Most everyone knows to call 9-1-1 in an emergency and they will be helped with dispatched police, fire or medical responders if necessary.

But did you know there is another three digit number to call in non-emergency situations that is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year?

It's 2-1-1.

Every day people across our community turn to 2-1-1 for information and support - whether financial, health or other challenges, often for the first time. It's a confidential referral and information helpline, website and app that connects people of all ages to the essential health and human services they need.

The caller is connected to a resource specialist who can put them in touch with organizations that provide critical services that can improve - and save - lives...

Mentoring - Just Being There Is Enough

January 18, 2017 02:31:50 PM

Matt Bowman

Physical Therapist
Agility Health

I know it sounds dumb sometimes but when people ask me why I mentor I say "because I can." Same as when people ask me why I run..."because I can." I think to me that means that every one of us has the ability to mentor. Mentoring is just your story shared with others. But just as important, it's their story shared with you. It's not trying to fix someone...it's just listening. It's showing someone that life is about opportunity. No matter what decisions you've made in the past, or will continue to make in the future, you always have opportunity.

Personally for me, I get the opportunity to mentor young boys, most of whom do not have a father or consistent adult male in their life. I lost my father to cancer when I was 27, so I have lived a large portion of my life without a father. I didn't ask for it, just like the boys I mentor didn't ask for their fathers to not be present in their lives. Mentoring gives me the opportunity to go through life with other sons just like me. We learn from each other.

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Mentoring Provides our Youth Purpose AND Success

January 11, 2017 09:30:00 AM

Pashens L. Fitzpatrick

Woman, Christian, Attorney,
Mentor, Sister, Child, Friend

When asked why I mentor children, for me the answer is simple - It's a calling, so how can I not?

At an early age, my parents put my siblings and I in several different activities to expose us to new people, different cultures, and family lifestyles. For me, being active and involved made all the difference. Organizations like the Girls Scouts, Black Achievers, church choir, and many other youth groups shaped who I became, gave me purpose, fostered in me a love for being with and helping others, taught me commitment to others, and gave me personal fulfillment. It is my strong desire to share that with the kids I mentor.

Today many children simply do not have purpose. They sit at home unfulfilled and bored because many parents today do not understand the importance of social and educational enrichment and for their child to be a part of something. They do not get the role this plays in teaching compassion, as well as getting their kids into college and on the path to a successful future.

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It's an honor to introduce myself

January 03, 2017 03:11:34 PM

Theresa Reno-Weber

President & CEO
Metro United Way

Dear Metro United Way Friends and Family -

Happy New Year!

I am truly honored to be writing to you as Metro United Way's new President and CEO, beginning today! As we head into 2017 and Metro United Way's centennial year, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and say thank you to each of you for your continuous support of Metro United Way. Without you, Metro United Way would not be in our community doing such necessary and impactful work.

Throughout my life and career, I have been driven by a desire to positively impact the lives of others. I have been fortunate to follow a path that has allowed me to do that in a number of settings: from my earliest beginnings as a Girl Scout Gold Awardee, to protecting our borders and the lives of others as an officer in the United States Coast Guard, while developing effective strategies for non-profits and federal agencies to scale their impact as a consultant with McKinsey & Company, and to most recently creating a nationally recognized city office focused on delivering better services to individuals across Louisville...

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A Mentor's Passion: "I'll do anything for the kids"

December 29, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Jacob "Da Specialist" Robinson

Owner
Elevating Stylez Barbershop

The barbershop has always been a place in the neighborhood where everyone can be themselves, we communicate freely and discuss current events, issues and solutions. When children visit me for a haircut, I ask them questions about life, school, and we discuss the importance of making good decisions. Over time we build a relationship and trust. Barbers' roles as community mentors are huge because young men look up to us!

A few months ago I heard about Metro United Way's new Books & Barbershops (B&B) initiative. This was around the same time that I was planning an event to provide free back-to-school haircuts for kids. I learned that Books & Barbershops is a partnership with barbers in the community that provides a bookshelf with books for children; the idea of a reading space in my barbershop was a perfect fit for me, because "I'll do anything for the kids!"

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Warmest wishes for today and the New Year

December 19, 2016 09:17:00 AM

Joe Tolan

President & CEO
Metro United Way

Dear Friends,

In this season of celebration and near the start of a New Year, I want to extend to you both my warmest holiday wishes and my sincere thanks for your past support.

The end of December also brings my retirement from Metro United Way. I'm humbled and honored to have led this organization for 15 years, connecting a dedicated group of individuals and organizations to work together to improve lives and help solve community problems.

I've been fortunate to experience the rich differences among the counties in Kentucky and Southern Indiana that we serve and the caring community members who work hard to improve them. Those perspectives have given me a deep respect for the people who serve in all of our partner organizations and those who support us through their generosity in donations, like you, and with dedicated volunteer time and efforts...

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Volunteer this Holiday Season - to Help Others and Yourself Too!

November 28, 2016 09:29:22 AM

The holiday season is here - and with it are opportunities to spend time with family, take days off work and, often, a greater sense of wanting to help those in need. So the holidays should be a great time to volunteer, right?

Actually, volunteering ANY time of year is a great idea and makes its biggest impact year round. But, if you are motivated to volunteer this holiday season, we have a list of great opportunities for you to give back to kids and families in our community - HOLIDAY VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

...

Reading With Kids - Act of Love, Security and Belonging

November 01, 2016 09:40:02 AM

Carrie Gerard

Executive Director
Eastern Area Community Ministries

I was online buying books in less than a minute after I saw Metro United Way's Facebook post about the Books & Barbershops initiative. My happiest parenting moments have been snuggling up with my boys and sharing a story. Likewise, some of my fondest memories are of me curled up in the lap of one of my parents and listening to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or one of the Narnia books. My hope is for every child to experience that.

The very first book in my shopping cart: The Colors of Us. My oldest son and I must have read that together a thousand times. Such an important book for a peachy, freckly, somewhat splotchy mom to read to her creamy, latte'-toned, flawlessly smooth-skinned toddler. No two people are exactly the same color. And the complexion descriptions are endless! But they are all beautiful. And no one flavor or shade is better than the other.

This was a refrain and understanding that we lived, breathed and believed in our household from the moment Ethan came home. As a family, we were never going to "be the same." Other people who looked at us would always know that our family was different. Ethan wasn't going to have my nose, or my eye color and obviously not my hair. But we were all going to have the same understanding: the color of our skin doesn't define our place in the world.

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What is LINC?

October 19, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Tiara Volpe

MRI Technologist
Jewish Medical Center East

What is LINC? This is the question that came to mind when I was invited to the LINC event at Copper and King's Distillery in November 2015. While the acronym stands for Lead. Impact. Network. Change., it was not until I attended the LINC event that I truly understood what it meant. It's an ambitious endeavor calling on young professionals to first understand the needs of our community and then band together to enact change.

There is so much to love about LINC events. Every one that I have attended has an incredibly fun atmosphere that sets the stage for young professionals to network in a relaxed environment. The events are free and attendees can enjoy complimentary cocktails and appetizers. The best part is seeing so many wonderful people coming together to serve our community and have a great time while we're at it!

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Louisville, Kentucky named one of six Culture of Health Prize winners

September 27, 2016 09:00:00 AM

Joe Tolan

President & CEO
Metro United Way

Founded in 1917, Metro United Way (MUW) is proud to serve a city that is now recognized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) for its culture of health. And, we are very proud to play a key role in several initiatives that helped our community win this distinguished prize.

Education is MUW's top priority, but we know that quality education leads to better income and a healthier life. RWJF defines health in the broadest possible terms, also recognizing that many things, including better education, lead to better health. MUW leads two major collective impact initiatives to improve the quality of education for our city's children. At the request of Mayor Greg Fisher, we have served since 2014 as convener for the Ready for K Alliance, the early care and education pillar of Louisville's new Cradle to Career pipeline. In this role, we are bringing together key stakeholders in academia, government, business, and philanthropy to increase kindergarten readiness across the city so that our kids get a stronger start on lifelong learning and success in life...

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We're About One Word: Readiness

September 19, 2016 08:00:00 AM

Angie Ditsler

Director of High School Graduation Initiatives
Metro United Way

When I joined the High School Graduation team at Metro United Way (MUW) two years ago I remember hearing the phrase "we must improve the high school graduation rate!" repeated many times. Naturally - and because MUW has trained me well - I turned to the data to see for myself if this is true. While there is certainly room for improvement I was surprised to learn that Jefferson County Public School's (JCPS) high school graduation rate is nearly 80% and Kentucky boasts one of the ten highest graduation rates in the country.

I wondered if improving the graduation rate alone was where we needed to be focusing our energy. If so, I reasoned, then academics and test scores seemed like a logical focal point. However, I dug deeper and discovered that the "Graduating College/Career Readiness Rate" was certainly nothing to boast about. In JCPS that indicator stands at only 63%. Why such a big gap? I wondered. And how in the world is this community going to work together to close it?

Enter out-of-school time (OST) programs. Metro United Way and our partners in this work, JCPS and Louisville Metro Government, believe strongly that OST programs have a major role to play in closing the readiness gap.

"How?" you ask. Simple.

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Hope in Place of Hopelessness

August 15, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Joe Tolan

President & CEO
Metro United Way

We are living in very challenging times. The growing number of horrifying acts of violence here at home and abroad generates strong emotions, including anger and fear. Many of us believe that a major contributing factor is the sense of utter hopelessness that some individuals and families chronically feel.

As all of this is on our minds, a frequent question many of us ask ourselves is "WHAT CAN I DO"?

If you are a supporter of Metro United Way through volunteering, advocating or donating, we want you to know that you are doing a lot right now as a valued partner of ours. Your support and involvement is touching thousands of lives every day in our community...

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Playing with Worms Helps School Readiness!

July 18, 2016 08:00:00 AM

Lisa Branstetter

Early Childhood Specialist
Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C)

Robin Schotter

Communications Manager
Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C)

When you think about school readiness, not very often would you also think about worms. But developing school readiness skills is exactly what the children at the Dorman Preschool Center in Shelbyville, Kentucky were doing on the day their director brought in a bucket of worms for them to explore!

Immediately the children showed curiosity in the worms as they explored what the worms could do, how they looked, what they felt like and how they moved in the dirt and across the table. One child became interested in laying the worms in various shapes to make letters. She started with an "O" but quickly realized she could make an "L" and a "Z." She then wanted to make an "A" and realized she needed another worm and had to ask another child for one of his. In this one experience, she identified letters, expressed her needs and wants, attended to tasks, worked well alone, showed curiosity and motivation to learn, and spoke in a five to six word sentence - all skills identified by Jefferson County Public Schools as ones children need to be ready for school...

Summer Programs = Big Part of Youth Success

July 11, 2016 07:00:00 AM

Ji Ji El Masri

Out-of-School Time Data Manager
Metro United Way

For many young people, summertime is an opportunity to play, explore, and have fun outside of the confines of school walls. We adults know that there's a little more to it than that! Summer is an essential opportunity for youth to have experiences that enrich and complement the school year and promote learning and development.

Unfortunately, we also know that not every child has this opportunity. As school doors close, many children struggle to access learning opportunities, and without these ongoing opportunities to acquire knowledge and practice essential skills, children fall behind over the summer months, a troubling reality referred to as the "summer slide."

Students typically score lower on tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on those same tests at the beginning of summer. And while most students experience some learning loss during the summer, this loss is far greater for low-income students, who lose more than two months' worth of math skills and reading achievement over the summer months. When this pattern continues throughout the elementary school years, lower income youth fall more than two and a half years behind their more affluent peers by the end of fifth grade...

When You Read More, You Know More

June 20, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Gregory Allen

Retired, U.S. Postal Service

I am a believer that reading opens the minds of young people and will help our youth be more informed and ready to tackle issues now and later in life. We want kids to have fun while they learn and to be open to different authors and types of books: fiction, poems, and biographies. When you read more you know more!

A wonderful way to encourage reading in our community is through Little Libraries. We have a Little Library in our front yard in the Chickasaw neighborhood and our grandchildren love it! Each visit they get a book or two to read and take home. Other children in our neighborhood also stop by and pick up books. We love the idea of being able to assist Metro United Way with their libraries by making books available within walking distance for our neighborhood children...

Together we can make a difference : Live United for Black Male Achievement

June 06, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Daryle Unseld, Jr.

Director, Community Engagement
Metro United Way

I write this blog with a heavy heart today as I learn of another senseless murder of a young black male in this city I love so much. My range of emotions includes anger, sadness, guilt and hope.

Anger related to the societal issues that disproportionally plague communities of color, breeding violence and mistrust. Sadness for the family and loved ones directly affected. Guilt in knowing as a community, we could always do more to save our young people. And hope for a day when we succeed in dismantling the drivers of generational poverty and inequity in our community so each one of our youth can succeed in life.

I have a fundamental belief that the issues of poverty in our community can only be resolved by addressing the structures that perpetuate inequity. Responding to the reality of our challenges will require deliberate focus on solutions to issues that disproportionately plague low income communities broadly, and black men and boys specifically.

At Metro United Way, we've committed to developing strategies that work with families and communities to advance the emerging field of Black Male Achievement. We know that piece-meal approaches will not achieve transformational change. Nor will believing that mentoring alone will overcome structural inequality or that a single grant cycle will change life outcomes...

Pomp and Circumstance - Our Favorite Song!

May 20, 2016 01:56:47 PM

May brings on our favorite time of the year. Yes, we love all the fun of the Kentucky Derby, but actually, we're referring to GRADUATION SEASON!

Whether it's children graduating from preschool headed to kindergarten, or students graduating from high school prepared for college, work or life - we celebrate all kids who are achieving this huge milestone!

Let us help honor the graduate in your life; please tweet or Instagram a photo of your Class of 2016 graduate to #Classof2016LiveUnited. We would love to share on our social channels as well as our website to celebrate our community's students!

You can also email pics to melody.murphy@metrounitedway.org

Why this dude cares about Black Male Achievement

April 28, 2016 10:48:31 AM

Logan Murphy

Executive Director
Elevate Recreation

A little over four years ago, I began focusing my time, energy, and resources into a nonprofit I had started in 2006 as a college student called Elevate. It became my fulltime job. Our mission was and still is today to use sports, recreation and play as tools to develop consistent, positive relationships with people who need it the most.

A major part of the work we do is with fourth and fifth grade students in Jefferson County Public Schools who are identified by their school counselor or principal as needing positive, adult relationships in their lives. Through consistent, weekly mentoring our volunteers aspire for the young men and women in our program to become better in all areas of their lives: physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, social, and so on.

As our work began to expand from one school, to three schools, to more than a dozen schools in the last four years, we began to notice a trend that a majority of the boys we were mentoring were black.

How Mentors Helped Me Realize More Than An NFL Dream

April 13, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Terry Samuels

Agency Principle
Allstate Insurance

My coach came to the gym in a SUIT! His name was Johnny Bald - a good looking man that I wanted to be like - even look like - and I will never forget him. I was 13 or 14 years old playing basketball for the Newburg Boys and Girls Club.

I remember laughing and saying to him, "Man, we're a little league team. Why are you coaching us in a suit?"

What he said to me next has stayed with me over 30 years: "This may be the only time you see somebody like you, dressed in a suit that's not selling drugs, stealing or doing something illegal, and if it's good enough for NBA coaches, why not me? You need to see this!"

Those were words I needed to hear. I was raised in a single parent home by my mother. We struggled financially and at one point lost our home. I never forgot the feeling of not owning our own house and moving from place to place staying with different family members. I would go to high school and act like everything was good but I really didn't want to go "home." Some of my friends, after reading this blog post, will just now learn of this.

Experiencing poverty like that made me focus on becoming a professional athlete and like Robin Hood, I wanted to rescue my family...or so I thought...

To Make Change in the World, We Must Collaborate

March 30, 2016 04:00:00 AM

Emily Sprawls

Business Integration Management Services Coordinator
Metro United Way

About ten years ago, while a student at the University of Louisville, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a semester volunteering as an elementary school English teacher in a small, rural town in Costa Rica. To give you an idea of life in San Martin, there was just one telephone which was located at the only store which also functioned as the bar hangout in the evenings (which was men only, please!). There was no restaurant or bank, and the high school was located in the next town over.

Another volunteer teacher and I taught classes at the two-room elementary school and lived with host families just down the road. Part of our volunteer assignment was to coordinate a community project to fill a need in the town. Of course, being foreign to the town and to the country, we did not know what was needed and what we could actually accomplish with our very limited budget (about $50.00). So, we turned to the parents of our students to tell us what they would like to see happen in their community and to ask for their blessing and their participation.

The project that was decided on was to paint a world map mural on the exterior wall of the "salon" - the dance hall/main gathering space for the community. Students, parents and other community members worked on the mural with us for several days and it turned out beautiful. It was so cool to see the kids' amazement at how small Costa Rica was on the map and how gigantic Russia is!

7 Tips and 20 Minutes to Change a Life Forever

March 07, 2016 07:00:00 AM

For a child, reading is critical to the foundation of all future learning. That's why we're celebrating National Literacy Month, which promotes a love of reading among children.

Reading with a child for just 20 minutes a day can help develop their love of books and reading - critical to the foundation of all future learning. Children LEARN TO READ through the 3rd grade, and by the 4th grade, they READ TO LEARN. Without gaining the necessary skills that reading provides during their early years, starting and staying behind in school can be the inevitable result.

We know that kids who aren't reading on grade level by the 3rd grade are 4x more likely to dropout of high school. And 75% of prison inmates do not have a high school diploma.

So it's pretty simple. Our kids must learn to read and the best way to encourage a love of reading is for parents and caregivers to read to children every day, even as babies...

Why Tax Time matters to working families

February 22, 2016 02:44:17 PM

Ron Hatch

Executive Director
Louisville Asset Building Coalition

For many working families, doing your taxes correctly is incredibly important. We have an obligation to pay what is required - but not more than we should. The current tax code can be complex and confusing and getting it right can feel like a daunting task. You want to make sure you claim the deductions that you should and access the credits that benefit your family.

There are several tax credits that can have a big impact on the tax experience of working families. These can literally make thousands of dollars of difference in what you pay in or in the amount you receive as a refund. These credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, the Credit for Retirement Savings, the Credit for Dependent Care Expenses and the education credits. EITC for a married couple with three children with an income of a little below $20,000 is worth up to $6,200 this year.

We have known for a long time that many people miss these credits by either filling out their returns incorrectly or by not filing a return. The IRS has indicated that nearly 25% of the people with incomes in any given year simply do not file a return. This leaves millions of dollars unclaimed. This is money that could and would be spent in our local economy.

In 2001, Metro United Way joined with the Annie E. Casey Foundation and several local partners to launch the Louisville Asset Building Coalition (LABC) to help hard working families capitalize on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits they are eligible for. There are two ways that LABC can help ensure that you get your taxes done right...

One Little Number. So Many Reasons.

February 11, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Most everyone knows that in an emergency to call 9-1-1 and the caller on the other end of the phone will dispatch police, fire or medical responders if necessary.

What some may not know is that there is another three digit number to call in non-emergency situations that is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It's 2-1-1.

2 Questions. Powerful Answers.

February 02, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Commitment to equal opportunity - a society in which every child has the same chance for success regardless of his or her background - is among the most deeply-held convictions shared by Americans yet immense disparities continue to exist in outcomes between black male children and their peers.

That's why we launched our Black Male Achievement initiative, and recently asked a few of the organizations receiving Black Male Achievement Innovation funds two questions about mentoring for their youth and Black History Month (it is February, you know!).

Here are some of their answers...

Beyond A Buzzword: Why Mentoring Must Matter in 2016

January 27, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Darryl Young

Mentor Coordinator
Right Turn/
Kentuckiana Works

Benjamin Franklin once quipped that nothing can be sure in life except for death and taxes, speaking to the unpredictable roller coaster ride that most of us travel for our 75 or so years of existence. In a world that strives so hard to live in either black or white, we most often find ourselves in the most nuanced shades of gray. True definitiveness is indeed one life's rarest commodities.

Yet, while I may or may not have the wisdom or foresight of a founding father, I feel comfortable in adding a certainty to his very short list: mentoring matters. Mentoring matters now possibly more than it ever has, specifically to our youth. It has never been more important to our most underserved, under-represented and marginalized youth in our society...

WHY DO KIDS NEED A MENTOR?

January 22, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Mentoring, at its core, guarantees to young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations.

Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset...

Happy Volunteer Year!

January 14, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Joe Tolan

President & CEO
Metro United Way

2016 New Year's Resolutions: Read more. Spend less. Make healthier choices. And help others to do the same.

These thoughts reflect the encouragement from United Way Worldwide* to communities served by local United Ways throughout the world.

Why? Because United Way envisions a world where every individual has an opportunity to succeed, and entire communities thrive as a result. To realize that vision, at Metro United Way, we focus our resources - including volunteers - on education, financial stability and health, the building blocks for a good life and a strong community...

How we talk is transforming how we work

January 12, 2016 06:00:00 AM

Ben Reno-Weber

Project Director
Greater Louisville Project

Over the course of the last several years of working in the education community in Louisville, I feel like there has been a fundamental shift in the conversation. Where once in meetings the most common phrases were, "I think...," or "We should...," and "My organization...," what I hear much more often now is "Have you talked to...?" and "The next time we meet, we need to include..." and "How are we going to test that?" There is a real sense that we are better off working together than we could be working alone, and that we need to focus on data-driven solutions.

How we talk is transforming how we work.

Several initiatives within our community are using the language of Collective Impact to describe how they are working together to achieve our common goals.

At the Greater Louisville Project, we have always been focused on using community-level data to track our progress on the things that make our community competitive against our peer cities. What is exciting about collective impact is that it aligns our community's activities with our collective goals and invites everyone involved in the work into the conversation.

Collective Impact involves a couple of important components...

Five Reasons Volunteer Mentors Matter

January 05, 2016 05:00:00 AM

January is National Mentoring Month! Research proves that caring volunteers working with students of all ages have the power to help kids boost academic achievement and put them on track to enter kindergarten ready to learn and graduate high school on time - which benefits all of us. Here are five reasons volunteer mentors matter from Brian Gallagher, President and CEO of United Way Worldwide:

I want to acknowledge one form of leadership that's essential to creating the kind of lasting change we seek for our communities - the volunteer mentor.

Their compassion and commitment impacts all of us. The change they create happens in backyards and ballparks as well as the workplace and through large institutions. And, the results they yield can be felt for generations.

In particular, a volunteer mentor can have a profound effect on the life of a young person. From my experience, here are five powerful reasons why...

How OST Programs fit into the Cradle to Career Continuum

December 21, 2015 06:00:00 AM

Priscilla M. Little

Initiative Manager
The Wallace Foundation

In Louisville, the city is bringing together resources and champions to support the city's children and future leaders through its Cradle to Career Initiative. The Cradle to Career Initiative calls out several ambitious goals that will drive success including: kindergarten readiness; improved school attendance and on-time grade promotion and graduation; the development of critical social-emotional skills such as persistence and positive behaviors; and, critical workforce skills such as communication and teamwork. Out-of-school time (OST) programs can be vehicles for accelerating the success of such efforts.

Regular participation in quality OST programs can reap a host of positive academic, social, and emotional outcomes for youth, thereby contributing to the goals set forth in the Cradle to Career Initiative. Yet, too often OST programming is decentralized and disorganized, with different programs - and the government agencies and private groups that fund them - operating in isolation from one another. Often, the result is lack of access to high-quality OST programs, particularly for those young people most in need. In response to this trend, many communities, like Louisville, are beginning to take a coordinated approach to improving access to quality OST experiences. Louisville BLOCS, a city-wide partnership between Metro United Way, Metro Government and Jefferson County Public Schools, is working to improve opportunities for youth through increasing access to quality OST programs. As such, BLOCS is well-positioned to ensure that OST programs contribute to the supports called out in the continuum envisioned by the Cradle to Career Initiative.

Defying the odds

December 10, 2015 06:00:00 AM

Jonathan Beatty

Servonta

When you think of the word achievement for black males, the visual of a young man from eastern Kentucky is not likely what comes to mind.

But that's me.

I have been defying odds my entire life, and because of my incredible family, mentors and community, I've achieved what some people would think is impossible for a black man who grew up in a trailer park. From multiple college degrees to a top performer at two Fortune 30 companies, my story is one of tragedy, triumph and tenacity. It's an honor to share it with others as a source of inspiration and validation that dreams do come true when you have opportunities, and are fully committed to achieving them.

I was born and raised in Hazard, Kentucky to a minister father and a mother who worked at the United States Postal Service. Though neither had a college degree, my parents always preached education as the way to a better future. I loved sports like most kids, and was voted captain of my football team from 3^rd - 12^th grade because of my desire to lead and win. Although I was skillful on the field, my focus was always ensuring my grades were better than my ability to play. As such, by my senior year I was being recruited by several colleges and universities, including every Ivy League school in the country due to my 4.3 cumulative high school grade point average.

That, however, never happened...

Unleashing Women's Potential to Do Good

December 03, 2015 06:00:00 AM

Janet Boyd

Senior Grants Manager
Metro United Way

Educator and social reformer Dorothea Dix once said, "In a world where there is so much to be done, I felt strongly impressed that there must be something for me to do."

Many women feel the same as Dix. Some "do" by performing charitable labors. Others "do" by making charitable donations. The Women's Philanthropy Institute says that women in the U.S. are more likely to give philanthropically than men. As an example, of the individual donors to Metro United Way whose gender is known, 52 percent are female. We women are a powerful force for good!

Members of my book group were feeling the need to "do" something philanthropic a few years ago. We had all been social activists of one kind or another over the many years of our lives but, even though we still wanted to contribute, we were tired of being on the front lines. The answer to our problem was interest-free microloans to women trying to improve their lives around the world.

Advancing Education from Cradle to Career

November 10, 2015 06:00:00 AM

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer

The path to a successful career starts long before a twenty something puts on a tie for his first job interview. It starts well before a high school senior starts answering questions about what she'll do after graduation. In fact, we're already taking the first steps toward our future careers around the same time we learn to walk.

Research tells us that career readiness is a long process with deep roots and many parts. And if we want to prepare our young people for reliable and rewarding work, we have to start early and help them along the way. These ideas serve as the catalyst for a lifelong learning initiative we call Cradle to Career.

One of our city's guiding values is lifelong learning. In the 21^st-century economy, some form of post-high school education or training is essential. Today's young adult must have specific skills to earn a wage that will support a family. In financial terms, the young adult without a college degree will earn a million dollars less over his or her lifetime than those who have a degree, and that gap is only going to grow.

Too many of our children aren’t ready for kindergarten on the first day. They've grown up in environments where they've not been spoken or read to as much as their peers. These children face a disadvantage that some manage to overcome, but many don't.

We realized we had to address these issues while also working to understand where business, technology and the economy appear to be headed. We want to encourage people to pursue the kind of degrees and training that will lead to long-term employment here in our community. That's the best outcome - good for individuals, families, neighborhoods and our city as a whole.

Working with Kiva Zip to Create Lasting Impact in our Community

October 28, 2015 05:30:00 AM

Ben Donlon

Director of Financial Management and Strategic Business Analysis
Metro United Way

What happens when you combine the efforts of a global network of individuals who want to help small business owners with easy to obtain, internet-based microloans with an organization whose mission is to improve lives and our community? Answer: real, measurable change!

At the Kiva City kickoff event in November of last year, Louisville Mayor Fischer said of Kiva, "It's good for the economy, but it's also good for the soul of our city." Kiva Zip provides individuals who want to start a small business access to 0% interest loans funded by individuals passionate about helping entrepreneurs. Mayor Fischer's words strike to the core of the missions of both Kiva and Metro United Way.

Live a Life Driven By Purpose: Follow Your Passions

October 19, 2015 05:00:00 AM

Joel Stone

Director of Private Banking
Fifth Third Bank,
Kentucky, Inc.

"Living a life driven by purpose is more meaningful and rewarding than meandering through life without direction." I first heard Bob McDonald, now the retired Chairman and CEO of Procter and Gamble, speak these words at a United Way luncheon in Cincinnati in 2010, and I really took his message to heart. So much so, that I have that phrase posted in my office and I look at it every day.

At that time in 2009, I was a young banker trying to establish "purpose" in my professional, personal, and civic life. Thanks to strong mentors, influencers, and my girlfriend (now wife) in my life, I felt good about my professional and personal life; however, my civic life was a mess. Unfortunately, my civic engagements had become too numerous and cluttered, and my ability to add value to these great organizations was limited. There wasn't any intentionality in what I was doing to serve my community.

Changing the world one scholar at a time

September 02, 2015 01:23:46 PM

Cathe Dykstra

Chief Possibility Officer, President & CEO
Family Scholar House

As summer ends and a new school year gets underway, I have something to confess. Each September, I find myself drawn to the school supply aisle in every store, enticed by the packages of fresh pencils, clean notebooks, and miscellaneous compasses and protractors. I love the new beginning that comes with each school year and the opportunity for each student to realize his/her potential through education and knowledge. Since all of the single parents in the residential program at Family Scholar House are working toward their educational goals, as are their children, a new school year can be a fresh start for everyone.

Time Flies When Kindergarten Is 5 Years Away

August 13, 2015 10:24:33 AM

Alex Clark

e-Communications & Website Manager
Metro United Way

Leading up to becoming a father nine months ago, it seemed that everyone had tips, advice and words of wisdom. I accepted these with the full knowledge that until I was a father, I wouldn't truly know what I was in for. And understandably, that led to a lot of nervous excitement. Similarly, I started my job at Metro United Way in July of 2014 without truly knowing what I was in for. Until I immersed myself in the crucial work of MUW, I didn't truly understand what changing the odds for our kids and families meant. I also didn't realize that having a baby and working at Metro United Way would create such a profound connection to and passion for the work.

Kindergarten: One of Life's Biggest Transitions

July 16, 2015 12:55:29 PM

Kate Schiavi

Youth Services Manager,
Louisville Free
Public Library

This year my son, Sam, will start kindergarten. His feelings about this are equal parts excitement and uncertainty. Starting kindergarten is a big deal - in fact, I feel it's one of life's great transitions. Children often leave the comfortable environments they have known their short lives and are introduced to new settings, people, and ideas. Therefore, it is important to celebrate this rite of passage and make sure our children are prepared and enthusiastic about their new journey.

Stop Learning Loss. Keep Kids Learning!

June 26, 2015 04:17:13 PM

TJ Delahanty

Manager,
Out-of-School Time

On Friday, June 19, we joined thousands of citizens across the country to celebrate National Summer Learning Day. We pledged then and every day to #KeepKidsLearning.

Why? Because we believe that 59 organizations in Louisville providing summer learning programs at 160 locations to thousands of youth can make an impact in our community, especially with those who struggle to keep up.

From Sippy Cup to Graduation Cap in :13 Seconds.

June 02, 2015 04:35:14 PM

Melody Murphy

Senior Manager,
Digital Engagement

Well, not really but it seems like it.

My oldest child, Nate will graduate from Jefferson County Public School’s Ballard High School this Friday, June 5.

I can't believe I just typed that. But it's true.

It really hit me (hard) when I saw this BuzzFeed post a few weeks ago:

23 Reminders Of What The World Was Like When The Class Of 2015 Was Born

Will Nate really never watch his favorite preschool show Blue’s Clues again? Is it even on anymore?

Dads Matter... A Lot!

May 27, 2015 04:32:53 PM

Shawn Gardner
President & Founder
2Not1 Fatherhood & Families

Years ago when I was out in the community with my four daughters I was often asked, "are you babysitting?", "where’s mom" or something of that nature. I guess they thought there was no way I could actually just be doing what dads do. In tandem with that reoccurring scenario, I talked with another young father that prompted a workshop-type discussion in our community around fatherhood. It soon became evident that there were support services provided to moms that would have benefited this dad’s efforts to be a better father too.

These conversations led to a partnership with Neighborhood Place to provide a series of fatherhood workshops in our community. Dads learned parenting skills, the community benefited from the insight gained from the discussions, and I recognized my calling for founding an organization to advocate for fathers and to strengthen families - 2NOT1.

40 years: A Connector, Engager and Cheerleader.

May 12, 2015 04:31:52 PM

Mary Sullivan
Manager,
Corporate Volunteer Engagement

It's amazing to think about how my volunteer experiences - from the time I was 8 years old growing up in South Bend, Indiana until I was a college student at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan - prepared me for a 40 year career in volunteer management with Metro United Way.

What brought me to Metro United Way in 1975? I had a degree in Urban Studies (note that there was no degree in volunteer management back then, but there is today!) with lots of volunteer experience; my dad was an active volunteer for United Way in our home communities and suggested I send my resume to United Way Worldwide. I completed their intern program and landed a job in Louisville with Metro United Way. While there have been some tough times and challenges in my career, I've embraced the mission of Metro United Way and the community that adopted me.

A few highlights?

Play. It's Important to Our Kids' Success.

April 27, 2015 04:29:08 PM

Claude Stephens
Facilitator of Outreach &
Regenerative Design
Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest

If our aim is to create a generation of creative leaders well versed in social justice, primed for exploring the world and ready to address the mounting challenges of the future - we would get out of the way when children play. But for the most part, that is not what we do. We adults tend to schedule, plan, control, design and engineer most of the real value out of play. Worse, we undervalue play as a pastime.

"Play is the highest form of research." - Albert Einstein

Ask anyone over fifty about their experience with play growing up and they will likely tell you that their parents showed them the door in the morning and then rang the bell when it was time for supper. Between those moments children were engaged "in the highest form of research."

Children are drawn to trees. A large downed tree will hold a child's attention far longer than any engineered climbing structure.

A Love of Language. A Love of Books.

March 12, 2015 09:25:07 AM

Judy Schroeder
Senior Manager,
Neighborhood Engagement

When I was little, I can remember only one set of books in the house. My dad read the paper. But my mom would open up My Book House, the BIG BOOK of nursery rhymes, and the next volume with fairy tales from around the world. Now, that was a long time ago…once upon a time…but I don’t remember any of my neighbor friends having lots of children’s books, either.

Maybe that’s why I can relate so well to Metro United Way's Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and the families enrolled, as well as our neighborhood parent advocates. The day I got that Golden Book, What Do Daddies Do All Day?, it was absolutely precious to me. (My daddy was just starting out as a mailman.)

So, how did I find this love for language that I have? For expressing myself? For being curious about others? For reading? My mother talked to me, that’s how. She actually asked questions, my whole life. Even as an infant, I’m sure, because I watched her do that with each of my brothers and sisters.

Black History Should Be Taught All Year, Not Just February

February 19, 2015 09:26:38 AM

Delquan Dorsey
Executive Director,
Governor's Office of Minority Empowerment

It was February 1996. I was a graduating senior attending Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Like many of the "Divine Nine" - African American Fraternities and Sororities - we have numerous programs that serve the African-American community. On this particular day, I was excited to participate in one of my favorite fraternity programs.

My brothers and I were passing out “Black History Facts" - dressed to impress in our best suits, shirts, and ties. The Black History Facts included information about famous African-Americans who had made a positive impact in America. On the cover of the literature was Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black History."

Kids Have Voices Worth Listening to... Hear Them Out

February 12, 2015 09:28:13 AM

Regan Hunt, Executive Director
Kentucky Voices for Health

For the past 11 years hundreds of Kentuckians of all ages have convened in Frankfort during the legislative session for Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol. Those who attend have one thing in common: we all
want Kentucky to be the best place in America to be a kid!

What's amazing about this particular day is that kids are actually telling us what we can all do to change the world today and in the future. To quote Kid President, “If you make the world better for kids, you make it better for everybody." But how?

Start with something that impacts daily life.

I recently watch a documentary about The Rethinkers, a group of kids (and supportive adults) in New Orleans advocating for better school breakfasts and lunches, going so far as meeting with the corporation that provides the food they eat. These kids were passionate, armed with data, and driven to change their world. And, they did! The students helped negotiate a signed contract promising fresh, local produce that would be served at least twice a week in every school in the district's cafeterias.

This Keeps People Working, Out of Poverty and Improves Kids' Education and Health. WHAT IS IT?

January 30, 2015 09:29:26 AM

John Nevitt
Senior Manager, Family Stability

A group of leaders across Kentucky have been working for the past few years to develop legislation
that would allow our state to join 25 other states that have already adopted a State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), modeled after the federal credit.

So, what is a state EITC and why is it important?

The federal Earned Income Tax Credit helps low-to-moderate income working families offset their income taxes so they have more money to meet their basic needs and support positive outcomes for their children. A state EITC provides an additional credit at a percentage of the federal level to make an even greater difference for families. This is particularly helpful in light of the rising cost of healthcare, transportation, and utilities.

In the 2012 tax year, the federal EITC paid over $917 million to nearly 400,000 families in Kentucky, with the average credit about $2,300 per family. If a state credit were in place at 15% of the federal credit, this would represent an additional $138 million going back to hard working families across our state, at an average of $345 per family.

So, how exactly does this credit help families?

Hope for Boys and Young Men of Color

January 19, 2015 09:31:33 AM

Daryle Unseld
Senior Manager,
Community Engagement

As I reflect on my time as a youth growing up in Louisville, I’m thankful that I had many caring adults who encouraged me to dream past high school. I can’t help to think where I would be without that encouragement from those who served as an extension of my parents and grandparents, by pushing me to work hard, study hard and make the most of myself. From all walks of life, this cadre of both formal and informal mentors never gave up on me, and wouldn't allow me to give up on myself.

I can also name countless individuals including relatives and close friends whose dreams have been derailed. The fact remains that in our community, many of our boys and young men of color fall into the category of “at risk." And while we wait for the calvary that’s never coming, the gang and drug culture consistently but negatively demonstrates how effective mentoring partnerships work.

I can speak from personal experience that as a young black male the struggle is real! And because of who you are, and where you come from, often times you are marginalized into insignificance by the mainstream.

There are some harsh realities facing many young people in our community. Particularly, issues that disproportionately affect boys and young men of color:

8 Tips to Help Your Entire Family Eat and Be Healthier in 2015. Really.

January 05, 2015 09:32:23 AM

Healthy living is an essential part of achieving a successful life...for all of us. And getting your entire family to make better choices and eat healthier doesn't have to be difficult, time-consuming or expensive. Try these easy tips and see if 2015 can be your healthiest year yet!

• Limit fast food, processed snacks, soda, candy and other unhealthy food choices. Opt for a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low fat dairy foods.

1 Zip Code. 17 New Libraries.

December 22, 2014 01:29:17 PM

Mary Grissom
Director of Engagement Initiatives

I'm honored to be part of and a recent graduate of Leadership Louisville Center’s Bingham Fellows program that chose "investing in West Louisville's path to prosperity" as its focus for 2014. Because of my role at Metro United Way, I'm especially passionate about this because a huge part of this work is a project called "Early Education 40210."

The 40210 zip code, which includes the neighborhoods of Algonquin, California and Park Hill, has one of the lowest rates of kindergarten readiness in our community with only 35% of kids screened as ready for school this past year. And we know that children who start behind, tend to stay behind - leading to significant achievement gaps and challenges in graduating high school on time.

In partnership with Metro United Way, Jefferson County Public Schools and the Louisville Free Public Library, Early Education 40210 focuses on parent engagement in child development, early literacy, and quality early education and childcare settings.

Early Education 40210 efforts include:

This I Believe

December 09, 2014 09:34:12 AM

Joe Tolan

President & CEO

We hear a lot about the magic of BELIEVING during the holidays, and my message to you for the season reflects that.

At Metro United Way, we believe everyone can achieve their fullest potential through education, financial stability and healthy lives. And that success in life starts with a quality education so that kids are ready before they even set foot in a classroom. Sadly today, 47% of children in our community are behind when they enter kindergarten.

6 Words. 1 Journey.

November 13, 2014 09:35:32 AM

Robin Schotter
Early Childhood Specialist, 4-C

When your goal is to foster a community of learners, that goal is never completed. Metro United Way and Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C) have been partnering to prepare kids for kindergarten through their Excellence Academy for almost five years.

Throughout this journey, there has always been something new to explore, a new way to look at something, and something new contributed from each of the mentors, administrators, directors, teachers and children. We want a program that is responsive to those involved and embraces change. It starts now and never ends.

Engaging in dialogue about how children and adults learn means sharing knowledge back and forth. It means being vulnerable, trying new things, talking about and reflecting on success and failures. It’s a culture that we have to create.

It Takes a Journey to Appreciate Home

October 23, 2014 09:36:11 AM

Janet L. Boyd
Senior Grants Manager

Candide, a character created by the French writer Voltaire, had to travel around the world in order to discover that true happiness was to be found in his own back garden. I only had to travel as far as Nashville to be reminded that Metro United Way – right here in Kentuckiana’s own back garden – is a place where happiness begins.

While attending the Tennessee Humanities Council’s Southern Festival of Books in early October, I had the good fortune to hear Nicholas Kristof speak. Kristof, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with the New York Times who has used his talent and prominent position to help make the world a better place, was there promoting the book he and Sheryl WuDunn have just published. In A Path Appears:Transforming Lives, Creating Opportunities, the authors help people who want to make a difference figure out how to navigate myriad opportunities and take risks that might pay off in ways they never imagined.

What Would YOU Say to a Kid Who Wants to Drop Out of School?

September 29, 2014 09:37:30 AM

13 Pictures That Will Inspire Your to Read to a Child

September 09, 2014 09:38:27 AM

Imagination Will Get You Everywhere

August 26, 2014 09:40:24 AM

7 Every Day Ways to Help Kids LOVE to Read

August 12, 2014 09:41:54 AM

Happy Birthday Who?

July 29, 2014 09:42:38 AM

12 Pics that Scream "SUMMER IS AWESOME!"

July 17, 2014 09:43:24 AM

How to Banish "I'M BORED" this Summer

June 30, 2014 09:44:44 AM

Kindergarten or Bust!

June 16, 2014 09:45:26 AM

Girls CAN Be Good At Math - Don't Buy Into the Falsehood

June 02, 2014 09:46:29 AM

Are We a Product of OUR ENVIRONMENT or of OUR OPPORTUNITIES?

May 19, 2014 09:47:33 AM

5 Easy Ways To Get Your Child Excited About Reading

May 05, 2014 09:48:02 AM

4 Power Skills Kids Need to Succeed and Employers Want

April 21, 2014 09:48:49 AM

TJ Delahanty

Manager, Out-of-School Time
Metro United Way

An Out-of-School Time (OST) program is any program that offers enrichment activities to school-age youth during hours that school is not in session. And OST Programs are recognized as playing an important role in the ultimate success of our children.

Schools are aware that they cannot lay a strong foundation for academic achievement alone. Parents in our community who work know what a key role affordable, safe and supportive alternatives for school-age children play. And community leaders appreciate that many children need much more than just a safe place to “get them off the streets.”

But how exactly do OST programs instill skills in our youth?

Are our youth building the kind of soft skills that enable them to interact effectively with others? Or are they learning leadership skills, showcasing academic achievement or creating job proficiencies? Or are OST programs providing alternative activities, character building, resiliency, risk prevention or youth development?

The truth is that OST programs provide all of this and more! However, a lack of a definitive term for these skills is hurting our ability to agree on what works. We need to be clear on what each of us can do to help our young people be fully prepared for college and work and to, in time, become contributing members of our community.

Metro United Way believes that OST programs offer safe places, supportive environments and opportunities for young people to pursue interests and develop Power Skills.

CONTINUE READING...

What Children Need The Most In Order To Learn Isn't Always In The Classroom

April 07, 2014 09:49:30 AM