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.

Our special focus is on helping our children attain greater educational success. Why? Because the data tells us that kids who start school behind often stay behind, and in fact, nearly 2/3 of students who reach 4th grade without proficient reading skills end up on welfare or in prison. Those who arrive ready to learn are far more likely to enjoy school success, ultimately graduating high school on time ready for college or career. That means they will be more financially stable, live longer and healthier lives, and become positive contributing members of our community. Together, this adds up to changing their odds to achieve their fullest potential and for lifelong success.

Our preschool Ages and Stages Questionnaires program helps parents know where their child stands developmentally and how to keep them on track so they arrive at kindergarten better prepared to succeed. Once in school, the powerful system of quality out-of-school time (OST) services we are building together helps them stay on track to a brighter future. This OST system now reaches more than 25,000 school age youth annually, and this means that they are more likely to stay in school and graduate high school on time.

The strongest communities ensure that everyone has the resources they need to thrive and succeed. And children living in these communities have a better chance for a brighter future, because healthy lives influence everything from how well a child is able to learn in the classroom to how much an adult is able to earn in the workplace. That's why our network of partner agency programs and support are there for thousands of families and individuals every day, helping them to solve problems, address challenges and achieve their fullest potential. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year, MUW's 2-1-1 help referral service helps people find the services and supports they need. Last year 2-1-1 handled more than 100,000 inquiries for help in knowing where to turn, many seeking assistance for the first time.

In a nutshell - together, we can create hope in place of hopelessness for many. That truly matters and we want to say thank you to our supporters for being there and being part of the solution to the very real challenges and barriers that can tear our community apart; we are proud of the work being done.

When we Live United together, we are in fact changing the odds for many of our children and families. Now is not the time to lesson our efforts together; indeed it is the time, as one volunteer put it, to "double down" and continue to be part of the solution by remaining committed to our work so we can do more as we tackle some of the toughest challenges we face to ensure that everyone in our community achieves their fullest potential through education, financial stability and healthy lives - the building blocks for a good quality of life.

Let's make sure we change the odds for every child to succeed, every step of the way, from cradle to career so that hope - not hopelessness - wins outs to build a brighter, stronger and more vibrant community for all.

I look forward to the future successes we create together.

Sincerely,
Joe Tolan

Joe is the President and CEO of Metro United Way. A native of New York City, Joe pursued a career in social work and earned his masters degree in Social Work from Loyola University. He’s been with Metro United Way since the mid-80’s where he served in several positions, including Chief Operating Officer, prior to assuming his current role as president and CEO.

Joe has served on numerous boards and community task forces throughout Louisville. Currently, he serves on the boards of The Housing Partnership, The WLKY Bell Awards Foundation, the West Louisville Economic Advisory Board and more. Joe is married to Terry and is the proud father of three daughters.

Joe can be reached at joe.tolan@metrounitedway.org.