Re-posted in support of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Original blog can be found here.
We at United Way join in the world’s grief at the unfathomable loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, killed in a helicopter crash [Sunday] morning. Kobe first came to the organization as the Honorary Chair for HomeWalk, United Way’s annual run/walk to end homelessness in 2011, bringing tremendous awareness and support to help our most vulnerable neighbors. He served in that role for several years, giving his time, talent and compassion for those...Blog
Friday, January 24, 2020
Today we'd like to shine a light on one of our sweet, loyal donors, Jenny.
Last year, when we were in need of sleeping bags for Treasure Valley homeless kids, Jenny stepped up to the plate to purchase several. She lives in Utah but didn't let that stop her! She sent our staff enough money for 3 sleeping bags and off-a-shopping we went! She really helped us fill a need in a pinch and we know her contribution meant the world to some local homeless kiddos.
This year, when one of our staff members mentioned our upcoming book...
Friday, January 17, 2020
For the next couple of weeks, we'll be featuring staff members and a special memory about their favorite books. We hope you'll stop by each day for a new story!
Claudia, Executive Assistant
The first book that I loved was Hansel and Gretel by the Brothers Grim. It was such a gripping and scary story with a happy ending. This first book that my sister and I loved together was in German, which was appropriate since my mother was German.
Donate to United Way here!
Friday, January 17, 2020
For the next couple of weeks, we'll be featuring staff members and a special memory about their favorite books. We hope you'll stop by each day for a new story!
Christa, Director of Community Engagement
My favorite children’s book is The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear. I have such warm memories of reading this book with my Mom – it was the book I requested so much that Mom could recite it from memory. I loved the deep voice she would use in context of the Big Hungry Bear, and looking at the detailed...
Friday, January 17, 2020
For the next couple of weeks, we'll be featuring staff members and a special memory about their favorite books. We hope you'll stop by each day for a new story!
Brittany, Community Engagement Manager
When my brother, sister, and I were young, we were obsessed with the way our dad read One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. We’d all sit on the floor with such anticipation, knowing all the fun that was in store, and he’d start off with the first line… ”From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” He’d start...
Friday, January 17, 2020
For the next couple of weeks, we'll be featuring staff members and a special memory about their favorite books. We hope you'll stop by each day for a new story!
Barb, Senior Staff Accountant
I remember my mom reading Where the Sidewalk Ends to us when we were little. It was one of the very few books she read to us. I think I loved it so much because she took the time to read to my sister and me. I was the youngest of four kids (in less than 6 years) and there was very little time for reading!
My favorite book that I read to...
Thursday, January 16, 2020
6th Annual United Way of Treasure Valley Book Drive Makes Big Impact on Low-Income Children
At United Way, we understand how critical access to books are to the success of all children in the Treasure Valley.
Experts are nearly in 100% agreement that babies should regularly experience books as soon as they experience speaking; essentially in the first weeks of life. “Reading aloud to young children is not only one of the best activities to stimulate language and cognitive skills; it also builds motivation, curiosity, and memory.” (source)...
Monday, January 6, 2020
Recent Federal changes to the purchase age for tobacco products is a big health win for Idaho youth.
On Friday December 20th, 2019, President Trump signed a bill into law that included raising the legal age to purchase tobacco (including popular e-cigarette and vaping products) from 18 to 21. Then just after the New Year, the Federal Drug Administration announced they would forbid the sale of most flavored e-cigarette cartridges. This comes after public health officials, parents, and youth raised awareness of the alarming increase of youth...
Friday, December 20, 2019
Farewell 2019 and the decade you take with you. You have been the decade of ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE is our friends and family who are working hard but not able to make ends meet.
As this decade began, United Way of Treasure Valley and most of our community leaders were focused on putting the Great Recession behind us. We issued a collective sigh of relief; said ‘good riddance’ to the economic stress and damage of the Great Recession and looked forward to better economic times in the new decade. And...
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
It's the morning of Thanksgiving and we hope that wherever you're reading this--on your phone in your warm bed, cozy on your couch with coffee, or perhaps in the car on the way to a Thanksgiving gathering, you'll stop and take stock of the things you're thankful for in your life.
Maybe it's your home which provides you warmth and safety.
Maybe it's your family who are healthy and doing well in life.
Maybe it's your job which gives you a means in which to provide.
Maybe it's your friends who support you and...