United Way of Douglas

& Pope Counties

Press Releases

Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - Echo Press - Volunteer Opportunities

Friday, May 23, 2008 - Echo Press - Tax Clinics hailed as as a big success

Friday, May 23, 2008 - Echo Press - Workshop offered for Volunteer Coordinators

Friday, April 25, 2008 - Echo Press - Commentary - Poverty Issue Grabs Attention

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - Echo Press - Letter to the Editor - Hats off to the Blizzard

Friday, April 18, 2008 - Echo Press - County receives money for food, shelter programs

Friday, April 11, 2008 - Echo Press - Big Needs, Not Enough Money

Monday, April 7, 2008 - Pope County Tribune - United Way starts working for Pope County

Monday, March 24, 2008 - Pope County Tribune - Volunteers needed to help distribute local United Way funds

Friday, March 21, 2008 - Echo Press - United Way seeks volunteers for allocation process

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - Echo Press - Volunteer Opportunities

Wednesday, February 13, 2008 - Echo Press - Volunteer Opportunities

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 - Echo Press - Free Tax Preparation Clinic Comes to Douglas County

Friday, January 25, 2008 - Echo Press - Fight Poverty; invest in children

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - Starbuck Times - Free Tax Clinics to take Place

Monday, January 21, 2008 - Pope County Tribune - United Way funding applications available

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - Echo Press -Volunteers needed in Douglas County

Wednesday, January 16, 2008 - Echo Press - United Way Accepting Funding Requests

Friday, December 21, 2007 - Echo Press - United Way Seeks Volunteer Tax Help

Friday, December 07, 2007 - Echo Press - Poverty Gets Personal

Wednesday, November 14, 2007 - Echo Press - Creating Pathways Out of Poverty

Friday, November 9, 2007 - Echo Press - Children Caught in Poverty Trap

Wednesday, November 7, 2007 - Echo Press - How Far Can $20,650 Go?

Wednesday, November 7, 2007 - Echo Press Editorial - Get Involved in poverty debate

Friday, November 2, 2007 - Echo Press - The Pitfalls of Poverty

Tuesday, October 30, 2007 - Pope County Tribune - Winter Coats wanted for Nov 7 Distribution Event

Wednesday, March 21, 2007 - Echo Press - Heart of Lakes United Way seeking volunteers for allocation review

Friday, March 9, 2007 - Echo Press - Heart of Lakes United Way seeking volunteers for allocation review

Friday, February 16, 2007 - Echo Press - Requests for Heart of Lakes United Way funding for 2007/08 are now being accepted.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - Echo Press - County Gets Funds for Food Shelf Program

Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - Echo Press - United Way open for funding requests

Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - Echo Press - Applications Open for United Way Funding

Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - Echo Press - Local United Way to also serve Pope County

Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - Echo Press - All about United Way

Wednesday, December 6, 2006 - Echo Press - United Against Meth

Friday, December 1, 2006 - Echo Press - Unicel employees donate record contribution to United Way

Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - Echo Press - United Way and Family MAMa embrace National Meth Awareness Day

Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - Echo Press - Help Deliver a Knock Out Blow to Meth

Friday, November 24, 2006 - Echo Press - Thumbs Up - Uniting Against An Enemy

Friday, November 24, 2006 - Echo Press - Meth takes center stage

Wednesday, October 18, 2006 - Echo Press - United Way gives away winter coats

Friday, October 13, 2006 - Echo Press - Fall fashion show set for Wednesday

Friday, September 29, 2006 - Echo Press - Cookin up 1920s style

Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - Echo Press - Hot Chili MAMas

Friday, September 22, 2006 - Echo Press - Annual chili cook-off set for Tuesday

Friday September 1, 2006 - Echo Press - The taste of fall will soon fill the air

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 - Echo Press - Heart of Lakes United Way elects new board members

Friday, June 9, 2006 - Echo Press - Going hog wild

Wednesday, May 10, 2006 - Echo Press - United Way funding requests at all-time high

Friday, March 9, 2006 - Echo Press - Panel members needed to determine United Way funding

Friday, August 12, 2005 - Echo Press - United Way Elects Board Members

Friday, July 15, 2005 - Echo Press - Corliss Stark will lead the 2005 United Way campaign

Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - Volunteer Opportunities

 Volunteers are needed throughout Douglas County, and you can help. For more information on the following opportunities and others, call the contact listed or the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties Volunteer Center at (320) 763-4840. You may also visit the Web site at www.uwdp.org for other opportunities.

AAAA Theatre is looking for people willing to help paint the new dressing rooms and bathroom after the remodel is done. Materials will be provided. Contact Mary at 762-8300.

 Bethany Community would like to have volunteers take residents outside for walks or to simply sit and visit on these nice summer days. Call Brenda at 762-1567 for more information on this or any of the many other volunteer opportunities they have.

 Knute Nelson is in need of volunteers to help transporting wheelchair bound residents to various events and activities within the facility.  The volunteer needs to be someone who is able to walk a great distance and is able to push wheelchairs.  No lifting required.  For more information, please contact Judy Thielke, Volunteer Coordinator at 763-1162.

 School District #206 is already planning for next year! Become a puppeteer and share important information with elementary students about child abuse prevention and disability awareness. Puppet shows begin in the fall. Training provided. Contact Ruth at 763-5397 or rturner@alexandria.k12.mn.us.

 Someplace Safe – Domestic Violence Center, is seeking volunteers to assist us in many ways. Make a difference in the life of someone today!! Please call 762-1995 and ask for Susie if you can help.

Friday, May 23, 2008 - Tax Clinics hailed as a big success

     The United Way Community Impact Coalition said it’s happy to report a total of 376 low-income individuals – 236 from Douglas and Pope counties – were assisted at the earned income tax clinics.The clinics were jointly sponsored by United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties and West Central Minnesota Communities Actions (WCMCA). Total refunds of $387,000 were claimed. This money is new money being brought into the local economy, helping those who need it most, noted local United Way leaders

     Research gathered from Alexandria Technical College and the Alexandria Senior Center indicated that their two clinic sites in Alexandria would not be enough to meet local needs. As a result, the Community Impact Coalition partnered with WCMCA to provide an additional location for residents with annual incomes of $40,000 or less.Both tax sites announced that they also had huge success this tax season. The Alexandria Technical College reported processing 216 returns, for a total refund of $217,979. The Senior Center assisted with 545 returns, for a refund total of $230,000.

     Additional highlights include:

     • Filing 28 adjusted returns, getting credits for individuals for prior years.

     • Assisted 91 recipients of Social Security and veterans benefits to enable them to receive the economic stimulus packages     due out beginning in May 2008.

     United Way leaders said it’s important when looking at this success to also recognize that money was placed in the hands of those who needed it most. The average taxpayer assisted at all three sites had an adjusted gross income of $10,109. The United Way and the WCMCA thank all the volunteers who helped at the clinics.

For more information or to find out how to get involved with United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties to impact this community, visit www.uwdp.org.

    Lakes Area Volunteers in Action (LAVA) is sponsoring a workshop for volunteer coordinators on Tuesday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria. Janene Riedemann will be facilitating the workshop. She brings a long history of volunteerism, including serving as director for the central Minnesota division of the March of Dimes until 1998 at which time she assumed her current position as director of volunteer services at St. Cloud Hospital.

    The two areas of discussion will be “Marketing Your Volunteer Program” and “Using Technology in Your Volunteer Program.” Advance registration for the workshop is $20. For a brochure or registration information, contact United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties at (320) 763-4840 or email united-3@rea-alp.com. You may also contact Karen Alvstad, LAVA president, at (218) 685-6176.

   United Way and the Community Impact Coalition are right on target in addressing poverty as a critical issue impacting our local communities. It seems that this issue has been receiving increasing attention throughout the country.

Whether Republican or Democrat, people everywhere are sitting up and taking notice of the financial struggles faced by an ever-increasing number of neighbors, friends and families. This is an issue that transcends any particular geographic boundary.

   John Edwards made it one of his action items prior to his brief run for president. He stated, “Restoring our moral authority means leading by example and making clear that the hard challenges don’t frighten us. There is no better opportunity than the challenge of poverty – the great moral issue of out time.” Noting poverty as the great moral issue of our time, he challenged the country to cut poverty by a third in a decade and end it within 30 years.

In Minnesota, The Legislative Commission to End Poverty by 2020, a bipartisan committee, was established in response to a group of concerned faith-based Minnesotans. Throughout the fall the commission traveled throughout Minnesota, gathering feedback from community members. Alexandria was one such stop in November. This tour helped the commission better understand the depth of poverty in Greater Minnesota. On the local front, the Community Impact Coalition was created with the intent of identifying solutions and changes that will have lasting results on our community. This is a unique opportunity to work alongside many citizens of Alexandria and to experience a sense of urgency locally as well as nationally.

   Many feel eliminating poverty is not possible and is a goal that our nation, state, and community should not actively pursue. While the question of whether or not poverty can really be “eliminated” comes up over and over again—it seems that there is a growing consensus that great strides can be made to reduce poverty. Take for example the focused effort on poverty by Tony Blair. In 1999 he announced a 20-year goal to end child poverty in Great Britain. The result to date – a 17 percent reduction! Jared Bernstein of the Economic Policy Institute stated there simply is no amazingly effective “silver-bullet” idea out there that we’ve somehow overlooked. He suggests it is getting the right combinations of “old” ideas and, more essentially, building the political will to implement them.

   When working with the Community Impact Coalition to address the daunting topic of struggling families in our community, I continually have to remind myself of the seventh guiding principle of the Legislative Commission to End Poverty:“ Government is neither solely responsible for alleviating poverty nor removed from that responsibility. Government is the vehicle by which people order their lives based on their shared vision. Society is well served when people bring their values in the public arena. This convergence around issues of poverty and the common good leads people of varying tradition to call on government to make a critical commitment to overcoming poverty.”So while government cannot be removed from the responsibility of alleviating poverty, they also are not solely responsible. We as a community need to understand our role. We need to uncover the right combination of “old’ and “new” that will have a long lasting impact on our community.

For more information on local efforts to address poverty, contact Jessica Boyer at (320) 763-4840. The Community Impact Coalition meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 a.m.

On behalf of United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties, I would like to thank the Blizzard team for their investment in the community. Throughout the season, members of the Blizzard team read to children attending Head Start and Young People's Place. This was done in conjunction with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library reading program, offered locally through United Way. A special thank you goes to the many Blizzard volunteers for doing such a wonderful job and for being excellent role models for children. Being able to offer these children this opportunity not only helps promote the magic of books, but also provides them with tools to better prepare them for school.  Hats off to the Blizzard, they definitely have helped make Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library a hit. Good luck in the next round of the playoffs!

Jessica Boyer, Community Impact Director,

United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties

Douglas County has been chosen to receive $13,582 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. Funding levels are determined by the federal-based employment and poverty statistics. These funds help provide emergency shelter for families as well as assistance for rent/mortgage payments to help people stay in their current housing. Qualifying organizations are urged to apply. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local governmental or private voluntary organizations chosen to receive funds must:

• Be non-profit.

• Have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit.

• Practice non discrimination.

• Have demonstrated the capacity to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs.

• If a private voluntary organization, must have a voluntary board.

A local board coordinated by United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties, made up of representatives from various community organizations, will determine how the funds awarded to Douglas County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service organizations in the area.

The deadline for submitting applications is 8 a.m., May 14, at the United Way office at 115 3rd Avenue West, Alexandria. Application forms are available at the United Way, (320) 763-4840.

“This is going to be the hardest year yet.”

“How do we tell people we can’t give them the money they need?”

“We are going to be $174,000 short.”

     These were just a few of the disheartening statements I heard Tuesday evening as I sat in on one of the citizen review allocation panels for the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties. Each year, the United Way asks citizens in the community to be a part of the allocation process. For the past few years, when Linda Roles, executive director for the United Way, makes her presentation at our office, I tell myself I am going to sign up for the panel. I never did.

But this year, when the presentation was made, it triggered something inside me and I made the decision to sign up.

     I was told that the members of the panel are responsible for making recommendations to the United Way board of directors to help them decide which organizations will receive funding. In order to receive funding, organizations have to write a grant to the United Way stating how much money is needed, how the money will be spent, what would happen if the money was not there and general information about the organization – financial records, history, programming, number of board members, etc.  I was nervous. How could I decide who should get money and who shouldn’t? What makes one organization better than the other? Whose needs are more important?

     Prior to Tuesday night, I received a thick packet containing information on four different organizations. The information for each was about an inch thick. Overwhelming? Yes. Interesting and worth reading through? Absolutely! In addition, the folder contained a ratings sheet for each organization for us to consider in order of high to low priority – nurturing children and youth; strengthening families; increasing self-sufficiency; promoting health and healing; and fostering independence for seniors.  We also had to consider five different areas, each with a certain weighted percent, and score them from one to five with one being unsatisfactory and five being excellent. The five areas included community needs (35 percent), agency management (20 percent), program efficiency (20 percent), financial (15 percent) and partnership with United Way (10 percent).

     On Tuesday night, a representative or two from each organization addressed the panel explaining the need for money. The amount requests varied greatly between the organizations. One asked for $20,000 while another wanted less than $2,000.  I think there were nine of us on the panel. Some have sat on these panels every year, while some, like myself, were first timers.  After each presentation, I wanted to hand a check over immediately and say, “Keep up the great work!” I wanted to give them more than what they had asked for. But that wasn’t going to happen. For the first time in years, the United Way can’t grant all the requests.

     It hurts.

     When talking with Linda Roles after the process was done, you could feel the hurt inside her heart, which by the way, has to be made of gold. This is Linda’s 10th year of listening to requests from community organizations. And this is the first time in those 10 years the United Way is short of funding and that frustrates Linda. “I don’t know how to tell the people we don’t have the money,” she said.

     There are nearly 45 organizations dependent on the United Way for funding. Organizations that range from area Early Childhood Family Education programs, the Alexandria Senior Center, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Alexandria Family School, Foster Grandparents program, The Salvation Army, Alexandria Literacy Project, Club 1 youth center and so many more.  All of these organizations are important. Each one serves a different purpose in the community, a different sector of people.

     The United Way is a phenomenal organization that does way more for our community than people realize.

I urge everyone to donate to the United Way. If you haven’t already done so, donate what you can. And if you already gave, give some more. I am. These organizations are counting on their communities to help them so that they, in turn, can help those in the community.

     To learn more or to donate, call the United Way at (320) 763-4840, send an e-mail to unitedw@rea-alp.com or visit the Web site at www.uwdp.org.

   An informal "leadership meeting" about United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties was conducted last week at Tom's Food Pride in Glenwood. Linda Roles talked with community members about the recent change that merged United Way in Douglas County with Pope County and its role in fundraising, fund distribution and community impact of those funds.  the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties will continue to conduct a community needs survey and is recruiting allocations volunteers in Pope County. Roles will be meeting with community and civic organization s and will speak at the Glenwood rotary Club this Tuesday.  The United Way's Community Impact Director, Jessica Boyer, has been working  with Pope County schools, social services, public health and early childhood.  More than $20,000 has been raised in Pope County so far and has been designated for Pope County.  Roles is also in the process of visiting with Pope County businesses and will conduct a public informational meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. next Monday, April 14 at the Church of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood.

   One of the most important things that the United Way does each year is to determine agency funding. Pope County residents are invited to be a part of this annual allocation process.

   On Monday April 14, agencies requesting funding during the year 2008/09 will present their programs to citizen review panels.  Sessions begin at 5:30 both evenings. 

   Panel volunteers will be assigned a panel at random to ensure non-biased community involvement. 

   Panel members will listen to agency presentations, ask questions and then as a panel, discuss the agencies and make recommendations as to whether United Way should fund them and if so how much.  

   One to two weeks prior to allocations, volunteers will receive information regarding location and time as well as a proposal from the agencies they will be reviewing.  To sign up, call United Way at 763-4840 or email www.united-3@rea-alp.com.  Sign up forms are available on the web at www.uwdp.org.

   United Way impacts lives in Douglas and Pope counties by providing resources to support programs for youth development, individuals and families in crisis, emergency services, rehabilitation and specialized education and senior services.  United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes our community to create sustained change.  

   One of the most important things that the United Way does each year is to determine agency funding. Douglas County residents are invited to be a part of this annual allocation process.

   On Monday and Tuesday, April 7 and 8, agencies requesting funding during the year 2008/09 will present their programs to citizen review panels.  Sessions begin at 5:30 both evenings. 

   Panel volunteers will be assigned a panel at random to ensure non-biased community involvement.  Panel members will listen to agency presentations, ask questions and then as a panel, discuss the agencies and make recommendations as to whether United Way should fund them and if so how much.  

   One to two weeks prior to allocations, volunteers will receive information regarding location and time as well as a proposal from the agencies they will be reviewing.  To sign up, call United Way at 763-4840 or email www.united-3@rea-alp.com.  Sign up forms are available on the web at www.uwdp.org.

   United Way impacts lives in Douglas and Pope counties by providing resources to support programs for youth development, individuals and families in crisis, emergency services, rehabilitation and specialized education and senior services.  United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes our community to create sustained change.  

Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are needed throughout Douglas County and you can help.  For more information on the following opportunities and others, call the contact listed or the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties Volunteer Center at 763-4840.  You can also check our website at www.uwdp.org for other opportunities.

 Douglas County Hospital: Volunteers can work in a number of areas, including Gift Shop, Information Desk, Mobile Meal Delivery, and in Radiation Oncology. Contact Vicki at 762-0624 for more information.  

Puppeteer: Address important information about disability awareness and child protection issues using puppetry. Puppet shows each spring and fall. Training is provided. Contact Ruth at 762-5397.

 If you have an interest in art and interacting with children, then Masterpiece Art is for you! Visit fourth or fifth grade classes and discuss artists and their paintings. No formal art background necessary and lesson plans are provided. Contact Ruth at 762-5397

 Camp Host/Hostess:  Host/hostess needed at Smokey Timbers youth and family camp on beautiful Lake Miltona. Spend the summer on a site with electricity and a boat lift in exchange for limited camp oversight responsibilities. Contact WesMin RC at 320-763-3191 ext 5.

 Foster Grandparents: There are openings in Alexandria, Brandon, Carlos, Evansville, Glenwood, Osakis and Starbuck.  Please contact Pat at 320-293-0682.

 United Way Allocations: Volunteers learn about the many valuable health and human service programs available in Douglas County and make funding recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors.  Panel members meet on the evenings of April 7^th or 8^th.  Contact United Way at 763-4840 or email united-3@rea-alp.com.

 Tax Prep Assistant: Assist low income individuals preparing their tax forms to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit.  Tax preparers, greeters, and a meal/refreshment coordinator are a few of the specific areas where you can help.  Contact Jessica at 763-4840 or united-1@rea-alp.com

Volunteers are needed throughout Douglas County, and you can help.

For more information on the following opportunities and others, call the contact listed or the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties Volunteer Center at (320) 763-4840. You may also visit the Web site at www.uwdp.org for other opportunities.

• Volunteers over age 60 who can commit a minimum of 15 hours per week and enjoy helping children in schools or other sites in the Alexandria, Brandon, Carlos, Starbuck and Osakis areas should contact Pat at the Central MN Foster Grandparent Program, (320) 293-0682.

• Love to fish? Assist participants who are 55-plus on fishing outings. Let’s Go Fishing with Seniors provides all the equipment, including the pontoon. Time commitment is two hours per outing. Contact Jim Schoeberl at (320) 763-6698.

• English as a Second Language tutors are needed locally by the Alexandria Literacy Project. A training workshop is scheduled for March 7 and 8. Outreach volunteers are also needed to help distribute flyers and brochures in the community. Contact Sandy at (320) 762-0627.

• Join a puppeteer team to share valuable disabilities information with elementary students in School District 206. Training is provided. Math assistance for high school students in algebra, geometry, probability and stats is also needed. Contact Ruth at (320) 762-5397.

• Allocations volunteers. Help determine how United Way donations are distributed and learn about the many health and human service programs available in Douglas County. Volunteers serve as members of citizen review panels meeting on the evenings of April 7 or 8. Training is provided one half hour prior to the presentations. Panelists receive copies of the requests about two weeks prior to the presentations. Contact United Way at (320) 763-4840 or e-mail united-3@rea-alp.com.

Tax Prep Assistant – Assist low-income individuals preparing their tax forms to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit. Tax preparers, greeters and a meal/refreshment coordinator are a few of the specific areas where you can help. Training will be provided. Contact Jessica at (320) 763-4840 or united-1@rea-alp.com.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was introduced in 1975. This credit encourages low-income individuals to work, while helping struggling families escape the hardships of poverty.

Approximately 4.4 million people a year are helped by this program, half of which are children. One of the single most successful tools in combating poverty is unfortunately underutilized by those who qualify.

According to IRS data, the average Douglas County EITC return in 2006 was $1,414. Yet 535 families eligible for the return did not file, leaving $755,882 unclaimed. That is $755,882 new dollars that could enter into the hands of those who need it most in this community.

Recognizing that one in four families fail to file and claim the EITC, United Way’s Community Impact Coalition partnered with West Central Minnesota Community Action to assist low-income individuals and families by offering an additional free tax preparation clinic. This service, available for families earning $40,000 or less, links families with entitled rebates as well as connects them with any additional services they may be eligible to receive.

Tax preparation clinics will be held at the Marian Building, 700 Cedar Street, Alexandria. This service will be available Thursdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m., through the 2008 tax season.

For more information on this service or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-492-4805, extension 100.

Poverty is a problem that must be addressed as the gap between the “haves and have nots” grows daily. Increases in gas prices and health insurance have had an impact on everyone, but for those families barely meeting their most basic needs, these increases have devastating consequences.

January is National Poverty Awareness Month and Americans are urged to focus their attention on poverty in the United States. In spite of the seemingly limitless prosperity and comfort that many Americans enjoy, 35 million Americans are living below the government-defined poverty level. These individuals are going hungry, foregoing medical care, doing without winter coats and gloves, and struggling to break free from poverty.

Children and youth are also deeply impacted by the effects of poverty. Approximately 3,000 residents in our service area are currently living below poverty level. One in 10 local children live in poverty; this is not taking into consideration the additional population that does not fall within the federal poverty guidelines but struggles to meet their basic needs.

Locally the basic needs income for our region is double the Federal Poverty Guidelines of $20,000, indicating there are more families struggling daily to meet their basic needs than many poverty figures indicate. The working poor are oftentimes forgotten, as they are not seen as “living in poverty.” They just miss qualifying for assistance and even as they try to get ahead they cannot meet their most basic needs.

This results in many of our local children not being afforded the same opportunities as their peers. We need to recognize the diversity of our community and strive to provide all children with increased access to opportunities and experiences. Almost 50 percent of Minnesota kindergarten-age children are not ready to start kindergarten. These children are lacking developmentally-appropriate language and literacy skills. Low-income children are typically another one to two years behind and oftentimes never catch-up. Research shows that of 50 children who are having trouble learning to read in kindergarten, 44 will still have trouble in 3rd grade – and children without reading skills by 3rd grade are unlikely to graduate.

Investing in our children and youth will have a positive impact on the community for years to come. Investing $1 in a child’s success early on saves $17 down the road with results measured in lower crime, fewer single parents, and higher individual earnings and educational levels. Early learning is the foundation for a strong, competitive economy. According to the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis, early learning can generate a 12 percent public rate of return. So by supporting investments in young children, together as a community we can start to make significant changes that will have positive, long-lasting impacts on the community we are so proud of.

For more information on local programs that address the ever increasing needs of our children and youth, contact Amy Reineke at 320-886-9412 or visit Douglas County’s Early Childhood Initiative Web site at http://www.buildingconnectionseci.org.

This information was submitted on behalf of Douglas County’s Early Childhood Initiative-Building Connections.

United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties funds local health and human service agencies that provide direct services in the following areas: nurturing children and youth, strengthening families, increasing self-sufficiency, promoting health and healing, and fostering independence for seniors. 

Citizen Review Panels consisting of 8-10 community volunteers will review agencies presenting their funding needs. United Way Board of Directors funding decisions will be based on panel recommendations.  All community members are invited to participate.  Pope County’s Citizen Review Panels will meet on April 14, 2008 at Glenwood Lutheran Church from 5:30-9:00pm. 

Applications are available on the web at www.uwdp.org or by contacting our office. Pope County funding requests need to be submitted to the United Way office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 29, 2008.

For more information on the allocations process or to volunteer to be on a panel, contact Jessica Boyer at 320-763-4840.

United Way’s investment of time, relationships, technology, expertise, money, and other resources are focused on specific strategies for improving lives related to pressing community issues.  If you are interested in learning more about the United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties, email Linda Roles at unitedw@rea-alp.com or call 320-763-4840.

Volunteers are needed throughout Douglas County and you can help.

For more information on the following opportunities and others, call the contact listed or the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties Volunteer Center at (320) 763-4840.  Information is also available on the Web site www.uwdp.org.

Allocations volunteers. Help determine how United Way donations are distributed and learn about the many valuable health and human service programs available in Douglas County. Volunteers serve as members of Citizen Review Panels meeting on the evenings of April 7 or 8. Training is provided one-half hour prior to the presentations. Panelists receive copies of the requests about two weeks prior to the presentations. Call (320) 763-4840 or e-mail unitedw@rea-alp.com.

Tax prep assistant. Assist low-income individuals prepare their tax forms to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit. Tax preparers, greeters and a meal/refreshment coordinator are a few of the specific areas where help is needed. Training will be provided in mid-January. Contact Jessica at (320) 763-4840 or united-1@rea-alp.com.

Volunteer greeter. Knute Nelson Home is looking for greeters at their reception desk on Saturdays and Sundays. Shifts are from 9 a.m. to noon and noon to 3 p.m. For information, contact Judy Thielke at (320) 763-1162.

Junior achievement leaders are needed for School District 206. The program runs February to April. Leaders work with elementary-age children. Contact Ruth at (320) 762-5397 or rturner@alexandria.k12.mn.us.

Foster grandparents. Local openings for volunteers interested in having fun while working with elementary-age children, focusing on developing their academic abilities and social skills. A small stipend for transportation expenses is available. Contact Pat Newell at (320) 293-0682 or pnewell@gw.stcdio.org.

Volunteers are in need of scrapbook supplies for The Salvation Army summer camps in June and July. Supplies may be dropped off at the United Way offices. For information contact Jenny at 304-4233.

United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties’ allocation process for 2008/09 agency funding is under way.  Applications are available on the Web at www.uwdp.org or by contacting its office.   Douglas County funding requests need to be submitted to the United Way office by 4:30 p.m. on January 31, 2008.

 United Way funds local health and human service agencies that provide direct services in the following areas: nurturing children and youth, strengthening families, increasing self-sufficiency, promoting health and healing, and fostering independence for seniors.

 Citizen review panels consisting of eight to 10 community volunteers will review a select number of agencies presenting their funding needs. United Way board of directors’ funding decisions will be based on panel recommendations.

All community members are invited to participate. Douglas County’s citizen review panels will meet on April 7-8 at First Congregational Church from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information on the allocations process or to volunteer to be on a panel, contact Jessica Boyer at (320) 763-4840.

 United Way’s investment of time, relationships, technology, expertise, money and other resources are focused on specific strategies for improving lives related to pressing community issues. If you are interested in learning more about the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties, visit www.uwdp.org. You can e-mail Linda Roles at unitedw@rea-alp.com or call (320) 763-4840

United Way’s Community Impact Coalition is partnering with West Central Minnesota Communities Action in an effort to provide a free tax service site for families of low income in central Minnesota. The service provides free tax preparation and links families with entitled rebates, as well as connecting families with any additional services they are eligible to receive.

To provide this service, the United Way is looking for volunteers for the following positions. Training will be provided. All positions are needed from the last week of January through mid April.

• Benefit screener – Screen families for eligibility in public benefit programs with an online screening tool called Bridges to Benefits. The position requires two hours of training in January, with a weekly commitment of about four hours.

• Tax clinic meal coordinator – Coordinate purchase and delivery of meals and refreshments for volunteers. One hour of training in January with a commitment of two to three hours weekly.

• Individual tax preparer and reviewer – Prepare and review state and federal tax returns using tax software. Requires eight hours tax prep and software training in January with a weekly commitment of about four hours.

• Tax site host and assistant – Greet customers, prepare refreshments, manage customer sign-in process. Requires four hours of training in January with a four-hour weekly commitment.

For information on these volunteer opportunities, contact the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties at (320) 763-4840.

To learn more about the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties, visit the Web site www.uwdp.org, e-mail Linda Roles at unitedw@rea-alp.com or call (320) 763-4840.

What does poverty mean to you?

To an area 11-year-old boy, it’s not having what his family wants, but instead only what they need; of utmost importance – that his mom and dad love each other and they stay together as a family.

For his 15-year-old brother, it means not having enough money to pay the bills on time.

Poverty takes many forms; those were just two shared at last Friday’s Legislative Commission to End Poverty by 2020 community forum at St. Mary’s Church in Alexandria.

“We don’t have homeless shelters, but we have people who have needs in our community,” said Linda Roles, director of United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties. “By the turnout today, it shows there are a lot of people who care and have a passion about making a difference.”

Steve Nagel, executive director of West Central Communities Action (WCCA), Inc., agreed. “It’s the whole community. It’s very encouraging to see all the folks here today to do what we can to end poverty.”

Along with several state representatives, about 150 people listened to fellow community members tell their stories of not only living in poverty, but also about the help they’ve received along the way.

Here’s what a few had to say.

• One local family of six relied on Rainbow Rider as their transportation. Having their children attend the early childhood program Head Start “built up our self esteem [and] made us feel like we were worth something,” the mother said.

• For a computer voice networking student at Alexandria Technical College, his education wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance and scholarships he received.

“My education was made possible because of the generosity of others,” he said. “It’s tough out here in Greater Minnesota to make education as readily available as it should be.”

• Despite being small business owners in Elbow Lake, one family struggles to make ends meet. When their income increases, their health premiums increase and access to other assistance – heating, for example – is lost.

“It all gets eaten up by needing to pay for all these other things you were getting help with before,” the woman said. “Living just above that threshold is a very bad place to be. We’re stuck on this cusp, and we just can’t get ahead because all that extra income is going to meet basic needs again.”

• That was echoed by another single mother. Following a $1 per hour raise, her childcare and MinnesotaCare premiums increased. She makes $59 too much each month to qualify for food stamps, so she ends up charging her groceries.

“It’s just a vicious cycle,” she said.

• Because her children are on MinnesotaCare Blue Plus, another woman has to drive them to the dentist in either St. Cloud or Fridley.

“How good is that for me or for them?” she asked.

• There would be no way one elderly woman could afford to heat her home without help. “I would be a very cold person if I didn’t have this help,” she said, adding that being raised during the Depression taught her not to waste anything.

• Following her divorce, one woman was left raising three children, ages 3 to 14, on her own. Without Head Start and assistance with heat, childcare and food, “I probably would be living on the street or in my parents’ basement. All of our programs and agencies are so excellent; I would hate to see them get lost.”

• Although she works full-time at Douglas County Hospital, one woman and her husband – he’s on disability – are always about $30 over the limit to qualify for assistance.

With $3 per gallon fuel oil, they’re “heating with the kitchen stove” so the pipes don’t freeze.

“There are those of us who fall through the cracks,” she said.

• Another Alexandria man was grateful for the help his family received from West Central Communities Action. After their mobile home park closed due to storm shelter requirements, WCCA helped them qualify for a low-income loan to purchase a home.

“We want to thank them for all the help they gave us,” he said, adding that he knows many who struggle every day, including one woman who had to choose between putting gas in her car or buying groceries.

In summary

The legislative commission will continue visiting communities around the state, listening to similar stories.

“Our charge is to come back in one year with legislative recommendations that will continue to help end poverty in the state of Minnesota,” said commission chair Carlos Mariani, DFL-District 65B.

The full Legislature will hear those recommendations by December 15, 2008.

Mariani said that although it’s the role of government to help end poverty, that goal can only be reached if government and the community work together.

Mary Ellen Otremba, DFL-Long Prairie, added that they will continue to look at and listen to all the pieces to put together a solution.

“I see it and I hear it all the time,” she said, adding that most living in poverty are the working poor. “Right now is the beginning of our journey to find that solution.”

Mike Woods, Douglas County Social Services director, reminded representatives that every item they vote on “has an impact on each and every person in this room right now.”

COMMISSION TO END

PROVERTY BY 2020

The Commission to End Poverty by 2020 is a collective group of 18 legislators – nine senators and nine representatives, half Democrats and half Republicans – as well as two citizen members.

The group is conducting listening sessions throughout Minnesota this fall and winter. It is an opportunity for legislators to meet people who are living in poverty, see the impact poverty has on communities throughout the state, and hear whether citizens have the will to support significant new efforts to eliminate poverty in Minnesota.

The commission is required to make recommendations to the full Legislature by December 15, 2008 on how to end poverty by 2020.

For more information, log on to: www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/lcep/.

COMMUNITY

IMPACT COALITION

The Community Impact Coalition represented by Douglas, Grant, Pope, Stevens and Traverse counties and is comprised of the following area organizations:

Douglas County Public Health

Habitat for Humanity

Douglas County Senior Liaison/Outreach specialist

Brandon Early Childhood Initiative

Douglas County Early Childhood Initiative

Pope County Early Childhood Initiative

The Salvation Army

Alexandria School District 206

Someplace Safe

United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties

West Central Minnesota Community Action, Inc.

WINGS

Widmark’s LLC

If you’re wondering how you’ll scrape up enough money for your next meal, pay the heat bill or keep a roof over your head, you can take comfort in one fact.  You’re not alone.

Over the last 50 years, the poverty rate as recognized by the federal government has fluctuated anywhere from a high of 22 percent to a low of 11.3 percent, to the current 12.3 percent. While the poverty rate is not at its all-time high, the number of those living in poverty is nearing an all-time high.

Poverty is not just an inner city issue, it exists right here in central Minnesota.  Over the past few weeks, the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties has shared many facts on poverty in this region.

“We know that the basic needs income for our region is double the federal poverty guidelines of $20,000, indicating there are more families struggling daily to meet their basic needs than indicated on the chart [see graphic],” said Jessica Boyer, community impact director with the local United Way.

“We also know that a family of four living at or below the poverty line does not have enough income to meet basic needs such as housing, utilities, transportation, food, child care and health care,” she added. “They are over budget and still do not have everything they need.

“Finally, we have shown the profound impact that living in poverty has on a child’s life,” Boyer continued. “These conditions affect children’s development, readiness to learn and succeed in school, and ultimately their ability to build better lives for themselves.”

United Way believes local children should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, Boyer said.  “We understand that in order to do this we, as a community, have to step up and take action that ensures that this happens,” she said.  Working with the community, United Way is trying to identify key areas to help parents secure income and build assets so they are better able to successfully address the physical, emotional, and educational needs of their children.

“We will assist and/or explore programs that provide food and safe housing for children in need,” Boyer said.  The United Way encourages community members to get involved in its efforts to create pathways out of poverty.  “A large part of our work is to make visible often what is not seen, to give voice to those without,” Boyer noted.

On November 30, 2007 the “Minnesota Legislative Commission to End Poverty by 2020” will travel to this region to conduct a community discussion on poverty and to hear from many who are struggling day-to-day with poverty.  Community members are encouraged to get involved in activities such as United Way’s Allocation Process. This process enables the community to see and fully understand the scope and impact of local agencies and their programs at work within the communities with the support of United Way.

This process also allows community members to have a voice in how much funding goes to the agencies and the programs the United Way is funding.  “We encourage community members to volunteer for United Way activities conducted throughout the year,” sad Boyer. “This past fall we once again conducted an annual coat distribution that provides coats and warm clothing to local families. We have also relied on numerous volunteers to assist with the kickoff of United Way’s new reading program ‘Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.’ Many other opportunities will also be presented in the coming months for you to give directly back to your community by becoming an active volunteer.”

Community members are further encouraged to support United Way as it continues its local fundraising efforts. Money raised in both Douglas and Pope counties during this time will directly impact and serve residents of the local area. 

If you would like to learn more about United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties or want to become involved, call (320) 763-4840 or visit the Web site, www.uwdp.org.

Are you struggling with poverty, searching for a temporary solution or looking for a way out?

The Douglas County area has several agencies and organizations that you can turn to.  The United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties provided the following list of contacts (the list isn’t all-inclusive but some of the agencies listed should be able to point you in the right direction):

2-1-1:  Call 2-1-1 for free 24-hour specially trained information and referral specialists.

Douglas County

Social Services

809 Elm Street, Suite 1186

Alexandria, MN 56308

(320) 762-2302

Outreach Food Shelf

1205 Lake Street

Alexandria, MN 56308

(320) 762-8976

West Central Community Action (Offering assistance to low-income families)

307 8th Ave West

Alexandria, MN 56308

1-800-492-4805 or (218) 685-4486

.

Salvation Army (Assists with temporary, emergency needs of individuals and families*)

P.O. Box 255

Morris, MN 56267

(320) 589-2329

www.thesalarmy.com

*Assistance includes (but is not limited to) groceries, fire and disaster victims, emergency meals and lodging transient aid, utility payments, clothing, furniture, fuel, medications, diapers, transportation, auto repair, etc.

Legal Services of

Northwest Minnesota

1015 7th Avenue North

P.O. Box 838

Moorhead, MN 56560

(218) 233-8585

www.lsnmlaw

*          Provides high quality legal services to low-income people and the elderly.

*          Assists with unsafe housing, victims of abuse, housing rights and obligations, abusive collection practices, disabled and seniors with basic subsistence.

United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties

P.O. Box 1148

115 3rd Avenue West, Suite 104

Alexandria, MN 56308

(320) 763-4840

www.uwdp.org

Alexandria Area Uncompensated Care Plan

525 Willow Drive

Alexandria, MN 56308

(320) 763-5979

*          Ensures that no one goes without medical care because of inability to pay for it.

*