Days of Caring brings the corporate and nonprofit worlds together in the spirit of volunteerism to address our community's most critical needs in Education, Income and Health. This specialized volunteer effort brings over 2,700 people together over a period of two weeks to help create lasting change in our community.

Join us September 10-21 for meaningful volunteer work at agencies throughout Greater Milwaukee. Projects range from painting a mural to building a playground, from reading to children to playing board games with older adults.

Project registration starts July 30th. Learn more about Days of Caring, including instructions on registering for projects and how your organization can make a difference at UnitedWaymilwaukee.org/DaysofCaring.

Excitement is building at United Way of Greater Milwaukee as we gear up for our 2012 campaign season. Join us to learn how you and your colleagues can make a difference and get involved. Please plan to attend one of the training opportunities that are available to you to help make your campaign a success.

Participants will receive:

• Updates on the mission of United Way of Greater Milwaukee and the impact of donor dollars in our community.
• Important information regarding key campaign dates, incentives and available tools.
• Opportunity to network with other Ambassadors to share campaign tips and strategies.

Please register online for one of the following sessions:

July 24 - 3-5pm
July 26 - 8-10am
August 28 - 12-2pm
September 7 - 12-2pm

All trainings take place at United Way at 225 W. Vine Street, Milwaukee.

Do you have a new Ambassador this year? Has your company's office recently moved or do you have any other workplace information you would like to share or change? Please email all updated company information to Barb Kierzek at bkierzek@unitedwaymilwaukee.org.

Education: Change Won't Happen Without You
Become a Reader, Tutor or Mentor. Today, fewer Americans are likely to earn a diploma than their parents. Research concludes that the solution will require greater community involvement. As a result, United Way of Greater Milwaukee is joining United Ways across the country in an ambitious goal to recruit one million volunteer readers, tutors and mentors by 2014. Locally, United Way of Greater Milwaukee has committed to engaging 3,000 people as volunteer readers, tutors or mentors.  Take the pledge to change the life of a young person.

Income: Jonathan's Story
The United Way-funded Grand Avenue Club supports people dealing with mental illness; not only through job placement, education, and recreational activities, but by making them feel valued and accepted in our community. "Grand Avenue Club has helped me feel more comfortable about waking up and facing the day with goals and intentions," says Jonathan, who joined the program in 2010. Read more.

Health: Eat Local - Visit Fondy Farmer's Market
United Way is committed to ensuring all people in our community have access to healthy, local and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables. Fondy Food Center, which "promotes good food from farm to fork," remains a proud program partner agency since 2008. The Food Center is committed to supporting small-scale Wisconsin farmers to ensure the supply of fresh food to Milwaukee. Fondy's offers cooking-based nutrition education classes for children and adults in addition to filling the need for fresh, high-quality, locally-grown food through a historic farmers market tradition on Milwaukee's north side. Stop by Fondy Farmer's Market and pick up some fresh produce this summer.

Summer is the perfect time for volunteering. Lend your muscle and make a difference throughout Greater Milwaukee.

 

Enjoy a Day of Fun with a Local Child: Share your time and energy and enjoy a day of fun activities with a child with special needs! As a volunteer, you'll be matched one-on-one with a child, to enjoy crafts, games, movies, gym time and more. Children range from infant to 18 years of age. Lunch and snacks are provided. Get Involved.

Be a Good Neighbor with Interfaith: Provide assistance with seasonal yard work including mowing, weeding, planting flowers and gardening for older adults in our community. Interfaith's Good Neighbor Program helps older adults maintain their independence by connecting them with individuals who are willing to assist with maintenance and household duties. Help an older adult today.

The summer months provide a great time to treat your employees to some fun for a good cause. We encourage you to stay engaged with the great work your dollars are doing in the community. Here are some suggestions:

• Ice Cream Cart - On a hot day visit employee cubicles and offices selling popsicles, ice cream sandwiches and other cold snacks. Donate the profits to United Way.
• Office Olympics 2012 - The Summer Olympics are here. Fire up the Olympic Torch (or grill) and let the games begin. Have a tricycle or office chair race. Use items around your work location for golfing, shooting baskets, etc. Hold spelling, typing or creative memo writing contests. Combine the event with a cookout. Design award medals to display in the winners? office space.

For tips and tricks on how to start an employee collection drive and get employees engaged year-round, please call Karissa Kleven at (414) 263 -8160 or email at kkleven@unitedwaymilwaukee.org.

Dates to Remember - Stay Involved