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WHY I LIVE UNITED?
I wanted to be involved in my community and I knew Twin County United Way was a sound organization. I wanted to help people who are less fortunate. I knew there are great agencies in the valley with dedicated staffs. I wanted to do my part.
Not until I became a board member did I realize the direction and impact TCUW could have in our community. When I came on the board I became involved in our community needs assessment. We went door to door and interviewed the community. Based on the survey results TCUW was able to develop community solutions and set a path to improve outcomes in education, income and health. I quickly realized that our local United Way was going in a direction that will truly benefit the community. I knew by partnering with our community agencies TCUW could make a difference.
I recently watched a touching piece on the CBS nightly news about the CIRCLES program. The news piece explained that CIRCLES matches low income families with middle income families to form a support network. The goal is to engage communities in helping families move out of poverty. They interviewed a young single mother of four. Thru her involvement with CIRCLES the young mother had found a job, improved her credit score and got out of debt. The storey applauded the results of the CIRCLES program. As I watched the nightly news I felt good that our community had such a program and that TCUW had a part in supporting this program.
I believe that by joining together we really can make a difference in our community and make this a better place for our children and families. That is why I Live United!!
Susan Colburn
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
TCUW Board Member
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We accomplish more when we work together
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We are excited to give you a glimpse of what we have accomplished together as a community. Our 4 Success Boards give you a clear picture of the impact we have made as we have come together to advance the common good. Click here to to view these success boards and how we're LIVING UNITED.
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Success Stories From the Field |
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Community Action Food Bank
Due to the economy, a number of clients applied for energy assistance and food assistance whom Community Action Partnership had not seen before. A woman who had been fully employed at a job that paid well and had good benefits was laid off unexpectedly. She struggled to keep up with her bills, but came to see Community Action Partnership after her utilities were shut off. We were able to get her electricity turned back on, and negotiate a credit on her next bill, which gave her time to find another job before her utility bill was due again. This help combined with the food box she was able to take home that day, along with fresh foods such as eggs, sandwiches, milk and bread gave her more time and resources to put into her job search. Resources included being able to come back to the food bank for perishables weekly, assistance with fuel for her car to get to job interviews, referral to a local church that houses a professional clothing closet for job seekers, and a resource guide for other needs.
Connie Granbois
Community Action Partnership Food Bank Manager
The Idaho Foodbank
In September the Culdesac Food Pantry opened it's doors. Named "Raising Hope", this opening was a result of a joint effort of two TCUW Agencies, Community Action Partnership and The Idaho Foodbank, through the food sustainability coalition "Tables of Hope". This project established a part time Feeding Site, Community Garden and finally the Food Pantry. This is a valuable asset to the Culdesac Community and is backed by the local GEMS organization, the City Council and the City of Culdesac. The Raising Hope Manager, Kim Mosses, also is working with the Girl Scouts who have taken over the responsibility of the Community Garden. Culdesac has undergone significant changes in the past two years with more challenges to come. Culdesac is an example of what a small community can do to better the environment for its residents and improve local services to those in need. Being at the edge of Nez Perce County, services were only available to those in need by going to Lapwai or coming into Lewiston. This project demonstrated the ability of small rural community to better help themselves and build a stronger self-sustaining community.
Chuck Witman
The Idaho Foodbank Manager |
