Blog
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Original source here.
Mentoring creates meaningful connections that can positively impact the lives of both mentor and mentee. Those who receive mentorship are more likely to see improved academic, social, and economic prospects. Those who mentor are able to build important leadership and management skills, while giving back to their community.
There are 46 million young people, aged 8 - 18, living in America. 16 million of them are growing up without a mentor. That's one out of every three young people who, outside of their family at home...
Monday, March 25, 2019
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“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen King
Think back to your favorite childhood book. Remember the feeling you got when it was time to read that story? Maybe you snuggled up with a parent or a sibling while they read aloud. Maybe they used a silly voice for a special character. Did you laugh at the same parts over and over again? Did you have almost the entire thing memorized or have a favorite page?
A single book can be magic.
But in 2017, we learned that for low-income kids in Idaho, only 1 in 300 will know...
Monday, March 25, 2019
Original article found here.
The research is clear. Below are fifty facts about early literacy that inspire us every day to keep working to make a difference in the lives of children.
Literacy, Language, and the Brain
1. The greatest amount of brain growth occurs between birth and age five. In fact, by age 3, roughly 85% of the brain’s core structure is formed. In contrast, the majority of our investments are made in the traditional education years of K-12, which begin at age five. “Lifetime Effects: The High/Scope Perry Preschool Study...
Friday, February 8, 2019
Original Story by Idaho Press Tribune, February 8, 2019 by Reporter Betsy Russell.
Among those testifying so far this morning at the open public hearing on health and welfare issues:
Retired pastor Jon Brown told the House and Senate Health & Welfare committees, “Five years ago I brought you demographics about the Medicaid gap group. Today, I’m tickled to death — I am pleased as punch,” now that Idaho’s voters have passed Medicaid expansion. Brown shared the story of his father, a coal miner who shot himself to death...
Thursday, February 7, 2019
As President of United Way of Treasure Valley, I see first-hand the value of health insurance as a work support for all working Idahoans. United Way’s ALICE Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is a snapshot of Idaho’s hard working, low-wage earners, and is the only data providing cost of living estimates in each Idaho census tract. ALICE doesn’t make enough to meet a basic survival budget, let alone afford the full cost of health insurance. Lack of healthcare has a tremendous impact on the daily lives of Idaho’s working...
Friday, January 25, 2019
Each fall, when large numbers of area companies hold their workplace giving campaigns, a group of Loaned Executives works with United Way to raise our visibility and reach our fundraising goal. Concentrated into just four months, it's hard work, but also a tremendous opportunity to get acquainted with local issues and those working on them. It's also a chance to network in the business community, and make contacts that can later benefit the Loaned Executive's company.
Companies typically choose rising stars for their Loaned Execs, or...
Thursday, January 24, 2019
“United Way values the important contributions of all federal workers in our community. Many of these federal employees have not only served our country in various roles but are generous donors and volunteers in their own communities,” said Nora J Carpenter, United Way of Treasure Valley President & CEO. “It’s our turn to help these public servants living in Idaho. Locating resources can be challenging. Uniting community services and resources to make them easier for people to find is an important role United Way plays for...
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Name: Mindi McAllaster
Profession: Associate Broker, Windemere Professionals Real Estate
Years Serving United Way: Since 2002
Volunteer Role with United Way: Former Board member, Former Loaned Executive, Financial Stability Grant Committee, Women United
Cause: Affordable Housing
How’d you get involved with United Way?
While working as the Director of Development for the Eastern Oregon University Foundation, Mindi was exposed to many community nonprofits as an extension of the local university. “While working with the for Eastern Oregon...