Your United Way Helping to Build a Brighter Tomorrow
| YOUR UNITED WAY NEWS |
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| Volume 3, Number 3 August 2005 A quarterly publication of the United Way of St. Thomas-St. John • 340-774-3185 |
| HOW YOUR DOLLARS HELP
The United Way of St. Thomas-St. John has awarded more locally-raised monies to community programs and human service agencies than any private organization in the past 27 years. Community volunteers who serve on the Allocations and Agency Relations Committee dedicate an entire three months of their summer each year to review agency applications, make on-site visits and hold hearings with agency applicants to determine who will receive funds from United Way of St. Thomas-St. John.
This year, Adosha Francis, Vice President of the board and current chairperson of the Allocations Committee, and active committee members have been meeting evenings to conduct their rigorous review of budget requests from agencies. The United Way of St. Thomas-St. John has the unique reputation of ensuring quality assurance and accountability for utilization of funds by awarded agencies. The funding community and our donors have absolute certainty that dollars awarded will fully benefit the people in need of the services provided by the receiving agencies.
The Allocations Committee will recommend funding to meet specific challenges facing our community this year.
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Some of those challenges include, but are not limited to:
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Reduced local and federal govern-ment funding for human services. Many agencies have suffered major budget cuts that threaten their ability to remain operational. Funds may be allocated to those agencies trying to maintain current levels of service. |
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Increased juvenile diabetes and health issues among youngsters. The Virgin Islands Institute for Teaching and Learning has requested additional funds for their Health Connection Plus Program, which teaches children in elementary schools the connection between diet and health. |
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Increased growth of the elderly and disabled population. The demand for accessible transportation has increased dramatically as our population ages. Disabled citizens need more access to secure and maintain gainful employ-ment and improved quality of life. |
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| IMPACTING LIVES IN OUR COMMUNITY |
AGENCY SUCCESS - Civil Air Patrol
A recent graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School had an exciting opportunity as a result of cadet flight instruction conducted by Civil Air Patrol and paid for by designated United Way funds. Enrolled in the program at age 15, the young man learned to fly aircraft. A local Olympic athlete, who was competing in an athletic event in Puerto Rico, selected this young man to assist to fly the private jet transporting his team to Puerto Rico. His mother was so proud, because her son acquired leadership skills and learned to fly aircraft. Thanks to volunteer staff of Civil Air Patrol!
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V.I. Scouts joined 40,000 at Jamboree in Virginia, and returned home safely. Our prayers are with those who lost loved ones due to the unfortunate accident.
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Catholic Charities Summer Camp provided academic enrichment and fun this year.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: 2005 CAMPAIGN COORDINATORS
Thanks to all campaign coordinators who helped employee groups to make contributions in 2005. We wish to give special thanks to long-time volunteer Lydia Farrington at MSI, and first time coordinator, Kisha Callwood at the Daily News. They really went the “extra mile” promoting the campaign presentations and securing pledge cards from colleagues.
PACESETTERS Youngsters participating in summer camps conducted by United Way agencies produced hand-made cards to thank Pacesetters. 2005 Campaign contributions assisted in funding summer camp experiences for hundreds of youth this year.
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LOOK FOR YOUR INVITATION
TO THE 2006 KICK-OFF!!
Saturday, September 24, 2005
The 2006 Campaign Kick-off event will be hosted by The Ritz Carlton St. Thomas. Join us on Saturday, September 24th at 9:00 a.m. for the excitement! Thanks to Brad Jencks, General Manager, for his continued support. For campaign information or to request a presentation for your employee groups, contact our office at 774-3185.
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| More dollars are needed to support the agencies. Ask how to become a Pacesetter! |
United Way of St. Thomas/St. John
Nisky Center, Suite 220
St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: (340) 774-3185
Fax: (340) 774-3054
www.unitedway.vi
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| Join Us On These Dates! |
1st United Way Caribbean Conference
United Way of St. Thomas-St. John was represented at the conference by Raymond Green, President, Cheryl George-Chance, Co-Chair 2006 Campaign and Thyra Hammond, Executive Director. The conference was hosted by United Way of Jamaica from July 20th – 22nd. Thyra presented substantive information about our fundraising strategies and partners. Raymond Green moderated a panel discussion about Tourism and Charitable Giving in the Caribbean. Although the population of the Virgin Islands is much smaller than other participating islands like Jamaica and Trinidad, United Way of St. Thomas-St. John has the only Alexis de Tocqueville Society in the Caribbean, and our donors contribute more dollars per year. Hats off to Bob Austin, the Communications Committee and Gloria Gumbs, owner of Video Audio Communication, who produced the presentation!
COMING SOON: MAJOR BENEFIT CONCERT!
Watch for more information about a concert to benefit the United Way of St. Thomas - St. John.
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| Aug 11 |
Agency Luncheon
Host: Civil Air Patrol
12 noon 715-0394 |
| Aug 18 |
Board Meeting |
| Aug 27 |
Banco Popular
Community Fair
Emile Griffith Park
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Sept 8 |
Agency Luncheon
Host: Boy Scouts
12 noon 774-2752 |
| Sept 15 |
Board Meeting |
| Sept 24 |
Campaign Kick Off |
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Care enough about your community to give.
“Your Islands, Your Home, Your United Way”
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