By the Way: News from United Way of Lebanon County (Mar. 2019)

 

By the Way...

Here's the latest information about United Way's transition into Collective Impact.

Meet Brian Garl, our 2018-2019 Campaign grand prize winner.

Sign up for your Day of Caring projects by April 5!

 

Collective Impact Funding Update

United Way is leading a movement in Lebanon County that works toward lasting change, establishes community pride, and helps every citizen - young and old - thrive. Through Collective Impact, we're focused on building stronger communities by leveraging partnerships and maximizing resources to strengthen the key areas of need in our county. Our goals by 2025 are to:

  • Ensure 90% of children read on grade level by third grade.

  • Ensure 100% of youth are connected to school or a place of work.

  • Move 7,000 adults to self-sufficiency.

Our funding decisions going forward will be focused on achieving these goals. We are currently in the process determining the grant recipients for our 2019-2021 funding cycle. Over the past several months, numerous organizations and community-based partnerships have gone through the application process. In the coming weeks, our volunteer-led Community Impact Panel will be reviewing the applications and meeting with each agency or collaborative to determine which programs can deliver measurable results that will lead towards lasting change. The applicants will have an opportunity to respond to questions brought up through these meetings before the final decisions are approved by the United Way Board of Directors. Grant recipients will be publicly announced by the end of May, and funding will begin on July 1.

We believe in Lebanon County's potential to be a thriving community where everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed, and we're excited about working collaboratively with others to build a sustainable, bright future for us all.

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Community Voices: Meet Brian Garl, Our 2018-2019 Campaign Grand Prize Winner

On January 31, we announced at our Campaign Celebration that Brian Garl was the winner of our grand prize 3-year lease on a vehicle generously contributed by Ebersole's, Klick Lewis, and Ladd Hanford. 
 
Brian has a unique story to share. He is a recovering addict and alcoholic with 21 years clean. After going through a variety of treatments and programs without success, he reached a point where he knew that he could no longer live high, but also didn't know how to live sober. With help from a work colleague, he finally entered a program that began his journey to sobriety. Brian eventually even took a position at a treatment center to help adolescents struggling with addiction and other mental health issues. He took notice that there were some who were fighting very hard in their battle who would not otherwise have had the means to enter the program without financial assistance.
 
About five years ago, Brian faced another life lesson going through a divorce. His financial situation changed quickly having to work through supporting himself on one income while having to provide support for his then nine-year-old son and six-year-old daughter. He knew that he had to be present and available for his children; they were the most important thing in his life. Money can help your life circumstances, but the moments you share and conversations you have with loved ones are so much more valuable.
 
Because of Brian's experiences in life, he recognizes that anyone can find themselves in a position where they need help. Brian publicly shares his story of overcoming addiction and the struggles that he faced. He chooses to give to United Way because it's something that he can do to help ensure that support is available to everyone in our communities. "If I can help even one person, then it's all worth it."

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Join More Than 1,000 Volunteers from Across Lebanon County for a One-Day, Hands-On Volunteer Experience Like No Other!

Sign up as an individual, a family, or a company team to participate in one of the many service projects across our county. Be sure to sign up by next Friday, 4/5, in order to get your LIVE UNITED t-shirt. (Team leaders, please be sure that you have signed up your individual team members by 4/5 as well to ensure that everyone gets a shirt. )

 

After Day of Caring, join us at the Lebanon Community Library for Spring Into Reading Fest to enjoy fun, FREE, hands-on activities for kids ages 8 and under, plus resources for families! The first 300 children will receive a United Way drawstring bag, book, and other educational resources! While there, grab a hot dog courtesy of Fulton Bank. 

 

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Book your appointment now to give blood during the Day of Caring Blood Drive at the Lebanon YMCA. You could save a life.

Give a pint, get a slice thanks to our friends at Domino's Pizza! 

 

Be sure to follow us to get the latest event news! 

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100% of Your Gift Stays Local

Thanks to the generosity of our Building Block Partners, 100% of your gift goes directly to impact programs here in Lebanon County. Thank you to these sponsors!

Questions or comments about our newsletter? Contact Flame Vo, Director of Marketing & Communications.