This is for Willy...

Every time I think about Hillside Family Services, I think of a little boy named Willy- who lived at Hillside. When I was growing up I swam on the YMCA swim team with Willy. There was one meet that I will never forget- it was the East Invitational’s. Willy was about 11 years old and he had been burned over 75% of his body. It came time for his race, and the other swimmers finished several laps ahead of him. Willy kept swimming and on his last lap, everyone in the pool area was on their feet cheering for Willy. When he finally finished- he said that it was the biggest accomplishment of his life! It still gives me goose bumps thinking of that day.

Not only did Hillside help Willy, they help about 7,000 families and 12,000 kids a year. They offer many programs to help kids and families stay on track. United Way funds 4 programs at Hillside. There are many programs that Hillside has all over NYS, but the one that stood out the most to me was the Alternative for Independent Youth. Under this program there are drop in centers where police take the kids if they don’t have a safe home. Hillside also offers the curfew center. At these centers they have programs for teens to get their GED’s or an apartment.

Walking thru the Hillside campus it almost reminded me of the University of Rochester campus- with the old beautiful buildings. They have everything a kid could possibly need and more.

If you haven’t already- check out my blog on Creastwood Family Center- it’s a part of the Hillside Family Agency.

I know that Willy impacted my life- has a Hillside child affected yours?

The Vineyard

Last week I visited The Vineyard – an pie-shaped, 2.7-acre parcel of farm land, tucked away in a northeast neighborhood, not far from the public market

The Vineyard is a project of the Northeast Block Club Alliance and the NorthEast Neighborhood Alliance, a group of neighborhood organizations who are intent on making their neighborhood vibrant again. The farm started as a “vacant” parcel of land, littered with garbage, a few dilapidated buildings, and trees downed by the 1991 ice storm. Now it is a wonderful site: tidy rows of vegetables, poking through black landscaping cloth, are all set up, ready for lots of water and cultivation. Shirley Edwards, who is leading the project, showed me the tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, shallots & onions that have already been planted. Carefully trained along wires, grape vines separate some of the vegetable rows. There are also several fruit trees on the property that provide pears & apples.

Shirley & her crew are in the process of developing an urban agriculture education & training center where the volunteers & neighbors who tend and harvest the crops can prepare food products & sell their wares. I was there because UW gave them a neighborhood mini-grant to purchase some of the equipment for the commercial kitchen. They are also selling their produce at the Public Market & to local restaurants – you’ll see their vegetables being sold under the name of GRUB – Greater Rochester Urban Bounty. Because they’re a not-for-profit, all of the funds that are raised go back into the farm & the neighborhood programs they run. In a neighborhood with fairly few grocery options, their hope is to reconnect the neighbors with healthy food choices that they themselves produce.

As you head towards the back of the property, there is a screened-in gazebo and a series of small flower gardens that have been developed by the neighbors. This may sound like a cliché, but its true: while you’re enjoying those gardens, you completely lose sight of the fact that you standing in the middle of a busy urban neighborhood because the only sounds you hear are the birds singing.

Goodbye to Douglass (but they will keep steppin’!)

Have you ever watched a step team perform? You feel the beat deep down inside and you just can’t sit still. At least that’s how I felt watching the Frederick Douglass Step Team perform. (Click here to see them in action!)

You might be wondering why I might be blogging about a high school step team. Community Place of Greater Rochester, which offers several United Way-funded programs, also hosts a Step Off competition each year. The uniforms each team wears are incredible, but they're also expensive. So, we wanted to reward the team that was able to -collectively - increase their GPA the highest over the school year by helping them pay for their uniforms. The Douglass team showed the greatest academic improvement, so we sponsored them.

To be a member of this step team, which is run by Community Place, the students have to fill several requirements. They have to have a GPA of at least a 2.25 and do community service. Most of the team members raised their GPA from a 2.25 up to a 3.75. They practice every day for several hours. Let me tell you- it’s a lot harder than it looks! I tried doing a couple step moves and my feet and hands were numb!

Since the Frederick Douglass school closed at the end of the school year, the members of the team are going on to different schools. They will be starting at School Without Walls, Edison, and Wilson – some will go to MCC in the fall. But all the steppers all agreed that they will stay together as a team - thru the Community Place.

Leaving Douglass was really hard for this 21 person team, but they have become more like a family because of this. As one of the steppers told me, it’s not just a past time- it’s an obsession. I saw this obsession first hand. Once they started steppin - they wanted to go thru all of their favorite routines.

These students have learned a bigger life lesson than they were planning on. They joined the team for fun and they walked away with more than they ever planned on… including better grades and a stronger commitment to our community. And, that’s the big win.

Happy July 4th Lynn

Tomorrow - which is July 4th - marks an important day for Lynn Kouwe... whose snuggling with those adorable kids in this picture.

She's the director of the Patricia Carter Child Care Center at Nazareth.

We got to know her because she's also a United Way Campaign Coordinator.

This Independence Day, Lynn turns 50 years old. An important birthday by any stretch of the imagination.

But, it also marks a decade of Lynn's battle against breast cancer. She was diagnosed shortly after she turned 40. Since then, she has undergone four different hormone therapies, three rounds of chemotherapy, and five sessions of radiation.

All this, and she still manages to work full-time... and she's dedicated to United Way.

Happy Birthday Lynn. We're so proud of who you are, and all you do.

If you want to read more about Lynn's story, click here to read it in our Real Time magazine.

A Breath of Fresh Air

I was burned out. “I swear, if I have to look at this program one more time”.....these were the thoughts running thru my head last week as we prepared for our campaign celebration breakfast this past Friday.

In the middle of the preparations for this event, I scheduled a tour of CP Rochester. I’m glad I did – because it helped me remember why I love working at United Way so much – why we do what we do here. To be able to put a face on the people that we help every day is amazing. Just walking thru the halls of CP Rochester - full of bright murals and smiling faces - gave me an overwhelming “warm and fuzzy” feeling. Let me tell you a little bit about what I learned.

United Way funds a really cool program at CP Rochester - called the Assisted Technology program. It was actually featured in this year’s campaign film with Doug Lemke. CP Rochester helped Doug get the computer that he communicates with. Before he lost the ability to speak, he recorded several things in his own voice so that he could play them back to his family. In this years film- it shows how Doug is able to say “I Love You” to his family. Every time I watch that part it brings tears to my eyes. CP Rochester even has an apartment that they train people with disabilities to live independently and be self sufficient.

No matter how stressed and frustrated I get at work- I just think of all the people I have met at my agency visits, and it calms me right away. That is the lesson learned of the week: how does your job make a difference in the lives of others?

The campaign may be over, but we can't stop now!

Thanks to your support, we made our 2007 campaign goal – and we are standing proud because of what your gift will do to help people in our community who need help the most.

It may seem a little trite, but I feel like I have grown up in this campaign. This is my second campaign with the United Way of Gr. Rochester - but now I feel like have arrived. I have been through it, and I did it. Thanks to wonderful United Way supporters like you.

You helped us accomplish so much – and while this campaign may officially be over, in many ways, we’ve only just begun.

Here’s a glimpse behind the scenes here at United Way:

As I write this, our finance department is working long and hard to get the numbers totaled - making sure every penny is accounted for.

Our Community Impact staffers are working with the agencies and the programs we support, and they’re looking at applications from agencies who would like our help.

Our leadership staff is doing an incredible job giving us direction and insight, and probably most importantly, there is our support staff. Their work is never done and they are truly the cog in all our wheels.

What I am trying to say is, campaign “crunch time” may be over, and while we all are looking forward to returning to a more “normal” pace – we are hard at work, year round, to make sure your donations are making the biggest difference in our community!

What about prom, Blane? ... WHAT ABOUT PROM?!?

So this friend of mine who is a tenth grader at Jefferson High School went to the prom recently. I'll be honest- when she called me, all excited: "Guess what! I'm going to the prom!" Super United Way Girl's first reaction was to THINK: Hoo boy, who's paying for this. I know- I am. My friend- let's call her D for Drama- has a boyfriend who has been locked up in Industry for several months, so I asked her (somewhat grumpily, I'm sure) who was taking her. When she told me it was a friend who was a senior, graduating, and going to Syracuse University in the fall, I cooed, "Ohhhhhhhhhh! When do we go shopping?"

It's a bit tough for me to easily (or at least succinctly) describe my relationship with D. When I used to work at a human services agency (this was BEFORE I became Super United Way Girl), there was a family who lived a couple doors down, and their kids used to play in our parking lot. Some of them lived with grandma; others were dropped off for grandma to watch during the day. I remember having some random thoughts about signing up for Big Brothers Big Sisters. I was 31, no kids of my own, no nieces or nephews even. I'm sure my biological clock was somehow involved: "must... get... mommy/auntie...fix."

So anyway, D was 6 and decided that I was her best friend. To the best of my memory, she asked me one day whether I had any candy, I went to the drug store across the street to get her and the other kids some, and she told me I was her best friend ever. (This is how clueless I was about kids- I didn't even think about nut allergies or anything like that).

D's grandma had custody of her and some of her cousins. D's mom has struggled with drug addiction, and D was born with drugs in her system. The family doesn't have a lot of money for "extras", so I started to take her (usually with her sister and/or a cousin... or two) to different places (the Strong Museum was a huge favorite) and hook them up with activities such as Baden Street's summer camp. And D's and my relationship evolved so that I became her informal mentor. Now, I'll be honest- if I could do this all over again, I would DEFINITELY do it- but I would have formalized this relationship through Big Brothers Big Sisters or another mentoring program. Why? Because I was 31 with no kids of my own and really pretty clueless in a lot of ways. I actually had worked as a mentor/advocate for a couple of years, but with older kids, and in some ways, my paid work experience was more of a hindrance than a help. With D, my role was somewhat muddled- sometimes I ended up acting like the typical mentor (let's do this fun thing, let me help you with your homework) and other times I acted more like a social worker (not a very good one, because I didn't have the objectivity I needed to deal effectively with different situations. There probably is truth to that old adage that a doctor should never treat his/her own relatives.)

D was an extremely cute, sweet kid who is now developing into quite the lovely young lady, but she has had different behavioral issues that have been really difficult for me to deal with and understand. It's always a roller coaster ride- we'll have one marking period where she is a high honor roll student where every comment on her report card is "Is a pleasure to have in class", and the next one, she gets a long-term suspension for fighting. So if I could go back in time, I would have signed us up with a mentoring organization for access to training and support. Personally, I think it would have been good for both of us.There are a lot of ways D has had a positive impact on ME. One can (and people often do) look at kids like D in terms of negative categories. She lives in a home where none of her immediate family has graduated with a high school diploma. Many members have struggled with addiction and mental illness, and have lived in many poor, high crime neighborhoods where the issues her family deals with are not the exception, but the rule.

But D is more than a list of problems or "risk factors". She is smart, exasperating, funny, loving, flirty, mature beyond her years one moment and a little girl the next- not that different from my teenage niece-by-marriage in a lot of ways.

The big difference - D's environment has a LOT more negative influences and not as many of the positive ones that my niece can just take for granted. I worry that D's boyfriend from Industry- or the kids who sell drugs in her neighborhood- will pull her toward illegal or unhealthy behavior. And I inwardly cheer every time she makes a friend who is doing well in school (i.e. Mr. Syracuse University prom date!) or a teacher takes a special interest in her. Hopefully, D has enough positive influences going to enable her to "break the curve" and achieve her goal of becoming a teacher. (She certainly has the brains to do so.)

My experience with D, as well as my professional experience in human services, has convinced me that it is not realistic to expect one short-term program to be the silver bullet for life long success for kids like D. But our friendship has also convinced me that it is important NOT to write these kids off, and the combined efforts of different persons in the community can make a big difference in helping underprivileged youth develop their talents and achieve in school. This is one reason why I'm so glad that United Way funds programs like Community Place of Greater Rochester's Beacons Youth Development Program (which is strives to create a "culture of opportunity" for youth like D as an antidote to the streets) and participates in cross sector collaborative efforts like the Rochester Children's Zone.

Prior to the prom, D told me at least three times: "I'm going to be the first in my family to go to the prom and the first to graduate from high school." (I asked her which she thought was more important to ME, and she rolled her eyes and said "graduation"). I plan to be up there in the front row at graduation with enough tissues for me, her mom, and her grandma, and to hopefully, embarrass the hell out of her with cheering and screaming.

(PS - If you want to learn more about becoming a mentor, visit Big Brothers, Big Sisters web site at http://www.bbbsr.org/)

New Job Brings New Experiences

Let me first tell you a little bit about what I do here at United Way. I recently moved from the resource development department to the Community Investment division as Program Officer. So essentially, my job is to work with some of the agencies that fall under the “Strengthening People and Families” area.

As a way to become more familiar with my new responsibilities, I’ve been visiting the different agencies– to get a sense of how the programs we support work. One of the first programs I went to was the ARC of Monroe County, Arc Works Program. This is a sheltered work program - and although I knew what a sheltered work program was - I have never visited one. For those of you who don’t know, a sheltered work program is a place where someone who has a disability who wishes to work can go receive training and employment.

As I pulled into the large parking lot of Arc Works on Lyell Avenue, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I first met with Kathy, the Sr. Administrator of Transition Services to learn more about the program. She explained that the ARC Works Program provides specialized employment for adults with developmental disabilities. People who participate in the program receive paid work opportunities, support, as well as paid holiday and vacation time.

Next I got to tour the facility. I originally thought this program would be done in several office rooms throughout the building – but, to my surprise, it was a huge warehouse filled with people working diligently at their task at hand. At the different work areas, I learned about the jobs people were doing – like sorting, packaging, counting, moving, and testing various objects for different companies.

It was incredible to see how certain machines were adapted so that people with various abilities could use them. For example, one person was using a machine – making a certain part for an automobile - by folding levers over. Another person was making the exact same part by pressing a button. In another area, I saw someone putting 6 objects into a bag, then into a package. I noticed the worker was first placing the objects over a sheet that was taped to the table - with the outline of the object - and then began bagging them. When I asked about this process, Kathy explained that the sheet served as an aid for the person who had difficulty counting - to be sure that they were putting the right amount of objects in the bag.

It was really great to see first hand how the Arc Works Program worked, and to see a United Way supported program in action – helping people who otherwise may have been overlooked, work to their full potential. If you want to learn more about Arc Works, visit http://www.arcmonroe.org.

Stamp Out Hunger

This morning United Way received a very important package – a big envelope full of thank you letters written by the first grade class at School #33. They were thanking us for having them be a part of our Stamp Out Hunger kickoff on Monday.

In case you didn’t know - Stamp Out Hunger is a yearly event put on by our local letter carriers and United Way. This year, we kicked off the week long food drive at Freshlink Farms in Penfield. The first grade class learned about healthy eating choices, and got to see how vegetables are grown using hydroponics (the really cool science of growing plants indoors using nutrient solutions instead of soil). The kids toured the whole farm and even were able to try a fresh cucumber and edible flowers. (Some of the kids didn’t care too much for the flowers!) At the end of the tour, the kids also go to plant their very own basil to bring home.

During the summer there are few subsidized meal programs and the food pantries are stretched to their limits. That’s why Stamp Out Hunger is so important to families in our community, and the food pantries. (By the way, hunger isn’t just a city issue. Some of your friends and neighbors in the suburbs might be having trouble making ends meet too – you never know!). The good news is - you still have time to make a difference. Leave your non perishable foods by your mailbox through Saturday – things like cereal, mac and cheese, peanut butter – that kind of stuff. It’s that simple, and you can feel good about helping our community.

Can I Brag?

Have you ever had a job where your mentality was, “I come in. I do my work. I go home.” Maybe you are there now?
I was there. I was there even a year ago! I have been at United Way for over 3 years. I used to think of my finance job as JUST that - A job.

I am not sure what changed for me this past year – But can I brag about what those changes look like? It hit me one day. I love my job. I love who I work with.
I love what United Way stands for. And I LOVE that I am a part of it.

I took a long, hard look around me & came to some realizations. I feel as though I am a part of a family. I am different, yes. My fashion sense may be a little ………unique & I have different views & opinions (everyone does!) & my sense of humor may be a little ……dry – and yet, I feel accepted.
I realized that I respect my co-workers and they respect me. If there is ever a problem or concern, it seems to work itself out. I am given the freedom to be honest & voice those concerns.

I am given opportunities to expand my horizons – to learn & grow.

We are all a part of a very important task. An important goal. I am a part of it.
How can I even blog this into words how proud I am of being right here. Right now?

My last blog, I wrote about our internal campaign & how good it feels to be able to be yourself at your job. Can I say it again? It feels really good.

Would I be considered a nerd if I said that I actually look forward to coming into work and working??

It took me awhile to get to this exact spot of feeling like, “I get it. I get that my role is important.” Trust me, I’ve had my days of where I have SO NOT wanted to come to work. Some mornings, I would even get a pang of anxiety. It was because I didn’t open myself up to realizing things.
Realizing that my role is important & that people respect me just for being me.

So – I challenge you. Today. Right now. If you are in that spot of “just coming in & doing my job” – challenge yourself to change your outlook. It doesn’t matter where you are. Somehow, some way YOU ARE making a difference. Your role DOES matter.
Believe it.

Every Dollar Counts

This week I was able to tag along with a couple of our Campaign staffers to receive a check from kids who go to the Crestwood Children’s Center. The kids had raised $11.13 for the United Way and wanted to present a check to us.

They presented their gift to us at their weekly Success Assembly. Let me tell you - it was the coolest thing to witness! It was a mini-auditorium full of bright colors and murals on the walls. The excitement in the air was awesome!

These kids are part of the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports) program. They are anywhere from 3-12 years old, and are enrolled in the day program there. Day Treatment serves kids who are experiencing school-related and/or family problems. Day Treatment provides a stable, consistent environment where emotional and educational needs can be met.

I think that the most amazing thing about this whole experience was that the kids at the school were the ones that decided to raise the money. One of the core ideas behind the PBIS program is helping yourself and others. The UW campaign posters were up around the building for the staff and the kids decided that they could also help others in need.

This is probably my favorite part of my job - dealing with the kids who our donors help through their gifts. Just last week we had a kindergarten class from School #12 enrolled in the Strong Start program come in to help announce how much we raised in this year’s campaign.

We are proudly displaying the check for $11.13 by the employee entrance. Every dollar counts—and is so meaningful.

The 411 on 211

The 211 call center might look like your basic call center, but for those that use its services- it is a life saver. When I walked in the door I was actually surprised at what I saw. For some reason, I always had an idea that a call center was set up like a telethon- just lots of people and phones ringing off the hook. I almost reminded me of when I worked in the Admissions office in college. There were about 6 operators working and they were all dealing with different issues.

211 receives about 300,000 calls a year dealing with a variety of topics ranging from basic needs about food, clothing, shelter, and baby needs to crisis calls about domestic violence and suicide. The agency coordinating 2-1-1 here in our area, ABVI-Goodwill, also has a separate call center that has contracts with federal and state government agencies and deals with even more diverse and complex issues. And many of those call center specialists are blind or visually impaired employees of ABVI-Goodwill - what a great way for them to have a job and also give back to the community!

The trained counselors are certified by the state and are continuously developing their skills. I was able to witness several calls while I was there. It is very interesting to observe what happens in this kind of call center. The counselor took a call on a food pantry, and then on gambling addiction. Personally I don’t know how they can switch gears so well every time they pick up the phone- guess that’s why I’m just blogging about it… They are incredibly talented people.

If there ever is a time that you need non-emergency help, there will always be someone on the other end of the phone.

Working at the United Way, I personally have directed people to 211 for assistance. Every once in a while you get a call from someone who found your number on the website, who really has no idea where to turn - and I transfer them over to 211.

I know that once I hang up the phone, they are in good hands with a trained professional.

A Whole Day Full of Caring

You want me to be at work at what time!! This was my first reaction when I heard that I had to be at work at 6am on the United Way Day of Caring. I mean do they realize that it is an effort to try to get to work at 8am every day for me??

Then I remembered that I got to rock my really cool I keep It Real shirt for the day and witness what a caring community I live in. And if you think about it- this one day a year is pretty awesome! In and around Rochester, more than 11,000 people volunteered their time to help around the community at more than 500 different sites.

It was amazing to drive around that day, because everywhere I looked there were Day of Caring Project site signs and the black t-shirts every where!

This year, Channel 13 broadcasted their morning show from one of the project sites, and I was there to witness it (hence being at work at 6am!). The Swillburg neighborhood built a gazebo thanks to the Bank of America team. I drove by it a couple days later and it really looks great. This summer they will even host an RPO concert from this gazebo. Even our President and CEO Peter Carpino lent a hand (you see him here helping to hold the roof up!).

I personally visited a handful of project sites and it was great to be able to thank the volunteers who gave of their time to give back. Although I was exhausted at the end of the day, it was well worth it to be a part of such a great community effort.

For my grandma...

Last week I visited the Alzheimer’s Association. It was the hardest agency visit that I’ve had to do so far and there were times that I had to hold back tears. My grandmother died two years ago from Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is an awful disease that I would never wish upon my worst enemy. It is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder with no known cause or cure. Every year, more and more people are being diagnosed. In the US alone, there are 4.5 million people with this disease. The only nice thing is that there is a wonderful agency that will be with you and support the family as they deal with loosing their loved ones.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers many programs that help families deal with the disease. The one that stuck out the most to me was this really interesting project called Memories in the Making. This allows them to express themselves thru art. They will have a patient sit in front of a blank canvas with someone that they tell their story to while painting. The families often discover things about their family member that they never knew. At the end of the year, they have a big art show to display the pieces of art.

My grandma’s canvas was the piano. She played beautifully and always from memory. Whenever we went to see her, we would always ask if she would play us a song. Toward the end, she would always say, “I don’t know how to play the piano” and then break into a beautiful song. I am actually holding back tears remembering that right now.

For those that are affected by Alzheimer’s they often loose the ability to communicate, but with a project like this, it really allows them to express themselves. Check out their website for the complete list of services that they offer- http://www.alz-rochesterny.org/

Having been thru this with my grandmother, it is nice to know that there is an agency that will help you deal with this disease every step of the way. Knowing that this disease runs in my family, hopefully they will have a cure before it affects anyone else in my family. But if not, I know that I can lean on those at the Alzheimer’s Association.

Don't look back!

ME, be the chair of our Internal Campaign????!!! Are you KIDDING me right NOW?! Yeah ….no thanks……..I’ll just stay right here in my comfy swivel chair in front of my computer staring at the clipping of “OUTSTANDING” taped to it. Oh, & don’t forget the furry critters sitting a top the monitor! My cubicle is filled with colorful things. Inspirational sayings about “taking risks” & “loving life”….Funny pictures & about 20 obnoxious magnets stuck to the metal filing cabinet.
I work in finance. “Yes, thank you………….I’ll process your payment!” & just quietly click away at my adding machine. Would I not be a hypocrite to decline this opportunity to be a part of a project that could be so fun? Did I, Amy E. Stern, not hang the card that screams “TAKE RISKS, ENJOY LIFE, BE YOURSELF!!!?”

Ok, so I accepted to take this project on. I gathered a handful of my friends here at work & said, “Let’s GO!!” Yeah, that “GO” light has been on for the past 2 weeks straight. I’m not creative. I’m not one of those people who come up with brilliant ideas at the snap of a finger. I got overwhelmed quick. Quicker than when I hear there’s a ½ off sale at Macy’s & I run giddily to the sale racks. I am amazed at not only myself, but those on my team. Their support & willingness to step out of their comfort zone makes me glow brighter than my Lancome flash bronzer…
I have learned a whole new level of teamwork along with seeing that working in an organization that seems sooo……low-key – could be such a blast! I mean, the Team Captain of our organization has offered to do a Starbuck’s run as a prize for one of our raffles! How freakin’ cool is THAT? We chose a movie theme for our campaign & Herb (campaign dept) dressed up as The Godfather & made us laugh so hard at the kickoff. The enthusiasm & humor has really shown in the people around me.
Isn’t that what life should be about? Teamwork, a giving heart & making people laugh in a way that makes them proud to know you?
People will never see eye to eye. There will always be disagreements – but something happened here when we all came together for a common goal. I saw people not as co-workers – but as people just like me.
Being able to be yourself at work is a feeling SO good I think it’s better than the feeling of my favorite black warm-up pants. Welllllll….maybe not. But, pretty darn close.

So did we make our $83,000 goal??? Heck yes we did! Exact number is $85, 005.00! AND we have 100% participation – which to be honest, was the most important. I would be lying if I told you it wouldn’t have mattered if we didn’t make goal. I am just so proud to be working with such an awesome group of people. I have seen the dedication among my peers through this campaign that I had never taken the time to see before. I am so glad I had the opportunity to be such a close part of our campaign.

Knowing & feeling that someone has faith in you to do something you thought you would never see yourself doing – makes you feel blessed. It has made ME feel blessed.
I am changed. After our campaign is over, I will still be processing payments and staring at my “Take a risk” card & KNOW – that I did - and loved every minute of it.

Life’s too short to isolate yourself. If we are lucky enough to be given the chance to spread our wings – step out of your comfort zone & JUMP. Don’t look back.

Let's Talk About T.A.A.L.K.

Last week, I brought along a trusty sidekick, our intern Lauren, to visit the Rochester Hearing and Speech Center. We braved the snow and slush to visit the agency. Normally I refuse to drive in the snow or any conditions that are not perfect (do we see a pattern with my driving skills here?) but I made an exception.

T.A.A.L.K. stands for Teaching Age Appropriate Language for Kids and is for 1-3 year old kids who are not speaking or are having difficulties communicating. We were able to observe one of the classrooms in action. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought it was a preschool class. The kids were running around playing and just having fun being kids. The picture above is of one of the classrooms.

The speech pathologists use a lot of repetition and basic sign language to communicate with the children. The kids were so excited when they knew how to say certain things and they knew that the adults in the room understood them. They had a smile that went from ear to ear. Both of the boys started out very shy, but they soon warmed up and were talking at their different levels by the end of the class.

Not only does T.A.A.L.K. help develop the children’s speech, the teachers also work with the parents on different skills that they can use at home. The parents also are able to get advice from other parents - like a support group - on other things like potty training.

The whole time we were visiting RHSC, I was thinking of my friend’s little boy who has received similar help. I actually saw him over the weekend, and I am amazed at how much he has grown and developed. He is talking up a storm and his disposition has improved tremendously. Before, he used to whine and throw temper tantrums a lot and you could never understand what he was asking for. You could really see how frustrated he would get. Now you can see how excited he is that he can tell you what he wants. His little brother is just starting to speak and he is excited to be able to talk to him now too.

I know that when I have kids someday… if they have developmental delays… it’s great to know agencies like Rochester Hearing and Speech – and so many others – will be there to get us on the right track.

My Intern Adventures

As a student, my life would be empty without e-mail. I need it to ask questions of my professors, to keep in contact with group members, and on some days even ask my mother her favorite question “What’s for dinner tonight?”

Because it’s a staple in my life, I rarely think about people who don’t use it, how new the technology can be to a first time user, or what power it could have when used for doing good deeds.
However, my opinion of e-mail, and those who used it, changed this morning when I met a group of—what I thought would be—unlikely e-mail users who are using their addresses to help the United Way of Greater Rochester.

Let me back up and tell you why I was able to experience this unique point of view. For the last four months, I have been interning at the United Way in order to gain some field experience to complete my Communications degree at the State University of New York at Geneseo.

I am happy to say that unlike some of my fellow students, who have to sit in cubicles all day, my intern experience has not only kept my interest, but it has given me the chance to meet some extraordinary people in the wake.

Not only are my co-workers a ball (seriously, have you met Liz on the Loose?), but they have taken me all over the county (and to parts of Livingston County too) to see firsthand the great things that United Way is doing my own community.

I have seen labor unions working together for United Way, how fundraising money is used to help those in need, and have even decided to do my part by donating with paycheck deductions at my summer place of employment. Prior to this experience, I knew very little about what United Way actually does day to day, but have come to see that it truly is a shining star in Rochester.

When I arrived at United Way this particular Wednesday morning (a little before nine, which is an all-time record for this usually late arriver), I was informed by my good friend Wendy (one of the many talented staff members here at UW) that today we’d be venturing out into the totally unpredictable Rochester weather to visit a group of volunteers at Lifespan.

These volunteers are using their individual e-mail accounts to spread the message about United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. The process is fairly simple – volunteers log on to their accounts and send e-mails to their families and friends asking them to donate to United Way’s annual campaign.

If those who receive the e-mail are unable to donate to the campaign, they are asked to forward the e-mail on, so that more people will learn about United Way and the things they are trying to accomplish in the community. Once the e-mail has been sent, the volunteers’ task is complete.

They have to do little follow-up work and if their friends and family decide to donate to United Way, they will have helped people in their community by using the power of technology.

When we arrived to Lifespan, I was surprised by how many volunteers had donated their time to helping the United Way, and even more surprised to learn that all of the volunteers were senior citizens!

When I typically think of e-mail users, I don't usually stop to think about the volunteers I met that day. While these folks may be eligible for Social Security, they are very in tune with the technology of today, and were a total blast to hang out with! Above you can see just two of the ladies I had the pleasure of meeting. Laura (foreground) and Mary Jane are seen here typing away to friends and family asking for their support.

Although I was only at Lifespan for an hour, I was able to help the volunteers personalize their e-mails, learn each person's name, and I was able to teach them some savvy computer shortcuts. Even with such a short stay, it was great to see United Way volunteers in action, something that is rare when you spend most of your week in the office. But then again, it’s just another day in the life of a cool communications intern…

Family or friends??

When I was first asked to blog on our website, I was so excited. My mind raced with things I wanted to say, things I wanted to share. I found myself feeling quite emotional. My thoughts ran to my feelings. Feelings of gratitude for working for a group of people that supported me through my diagnosis of breast cancer and all that followed. Excited to be part of a great organization that does so much for the community.

It hit me as I was preparing to come back to work for the United Way, that I was one of those people who got services. I thought to myself that I needed to impart my personal message when I was giving my presentations. That would be my touch. But that all changed quickly. I found that in the right atmosphere, that I might mention it to a coordinator, or to a group where that experience might hit home or be of some help.
I can’t remember exactly at which presentation I was but I found myself thinking that I had little to deal with compared to Doug Lemcke and his family. I remember thinking that my illness paled to Lou Gehrig’s disease. And as life happens, this thought took a life of its own.

In a period of a week, I met with an account where Doug Lemcke’s mother actually retired to care for her son. The company expressed immense concern for the family and it hit home to them. She was part of their family. Then, I was asked to make a presentation to a group for one of my colleagues. Before I was introduced, I was told that Doug Lemcke’s wife worked for this company and that about half of the people in the meeting new that the Lemcke family was in the video. In my introductory remarks, I always give a background on the video and of course mentioned that the technology that Doug Lemcke was using to be able to communicate with this family. And, then I looked at this group of people and so many were fighting back emotions and tears. And, well, I found myself choked up too. It has never happened to me before but again, seeing such concern for this woman and this family, it just got to me. Again, she was part of this group’s family.

When the meeting was over, I got in my car and just let the emotions out. But, in my catharsis, I realized how small this community is. I mean Doug Lemcke is one person and one family and there are so many people whose lives have been touched by a turn of events and how each one of them impacts so many other people, personally and professionally. And, how the United Way, softens the impact. So that is my message now and I like it.

The wheels on the bus....

Today’s my birthday and another year just passed by. Makes me think about aging, and getting around. And, it makes my trip this week even more meaningful.

Going into this week’s agency I really did not know what Medical Motor Service did.
I’ve noticed their cars and buses around town, but really wasn’t sure what it was all about. I was surprised to learn about all the different services that they offer.

Medical Motor Service plays a vital role within the Rochester community. It is the only agency whose sole purpose is to transport seniors and people with disabilities. I never had any idea that transportation is so expensive and for some, especially seniors who can no longer drive, or don’t have the money to afford transportation. To use the services, there is a $2 donation compared to a $100 charge.

There are 12 senior centers that the County funds for Medical Motors to provide transportation for seniors. The centers have weekly shopping trips to grocery stores, and even the mall. This service also provides transportation to doctor appointments, dialysis, and is available to go to family functions and church. The picture above is of 4 members that use Medical Motor Service to go to the Senior Center.

So, that’s the skinny on what they do. Here’s what I got a glimpse of.

The center I visited was the Irondequoit Senior Center on Pinegrove Avenue. The Irondequoit Senior Center has a beautiful facility with a library, recreation center with pool tables, wheelchair and walker rentals and of course the bingo hall where they also hold daily lunches. This service is so important to the seniors that use it. It is a way to get out into their community and meet up with their friends to play bingo and have lunch (for only a $1.25!).

The whole time I was visiting the facility, I thought of all the people that I would recommend this service to.

My dad had problems with his foot - that put him in a boot up to his knee - and he was unable to get to his doctor appointments without the help of my mom. This service would have come in handy. I also thought of my fiancés grandparents who live in Irondequoit, and who don’t get out too often unless it is for a doctors appointment or a family function. His grandfather cannot see very well and his grandmother acts as his eyes because she doesn’t drive. In addition to the transportation services, they could also benefit from getting out of the house and socializing with other people.

The bottom line for me is – it’s so good to know that someday when I’m old and gray I’ll have a tremendous service, like this, to rely upon.

Best Blog Ever!!!

At 23 years old, I am the youngest staffer at United Way, and this is my first blog. I’m a little freaked out this is long—but it’s worth it!

Maybe I’m not as cool as my fellow Gen Y’ers (as my boss likes to refer to us) but this is my first - so bear with me. When Nancy told me that I was going to go out to agencies… all by myself… and come back and blog about it- I was really scared and excited at the same time.

This was the first assignment that I went out in the public to represent the United Way without a trusty sidekick. My first assignment: Salvation Army.

Just to give you a little background about me. I am just about two years out of college (wow that’s a scary thought!) I grew up in the Park Ave area and although I live in the city- I’ve never ventured downtown much. I also went to Mercy High School, so I guess what I am trying to say is that I have led sort of a semi-sheltered life up to this point.

When I first arrived I was very excited that I was able to navigate my way around downtown without getting lost and able to find a meter to park at. I quickly walked down to the main office to meet with Bonnie, the Director of Development at Salvation Army. I talked to Major Deitrick and we headed over to Booth Haven- the men’s shelter. (see the picture above – I took it outside of Booth Haven.)

I was really surprised when we walked into the shelter. It was not what I thought a shelter would be like—it was incredibly clean. It was almost like a college dorm with a common area, a health clinic, free laundry facilities, a cafeteria downstairs, and small rooms that you share with a roommate.

I soon learned about all the different opportunities that Salvation Army offers.

They really try to take a holistic approach and serve people in all aspects of their lives. They also really try to work on achieving the next level of sufficiency for the men who come in.

I was also surprised to learn that they are at full-capacity year round, and even have a waiting list to get into the shelters.

The Salvation Army really differs from other shelters. There are no rules other than no drugs or alcohol on the premises. They also take you as you are, and are willing to do everything they can to get you back on your feet.

Every client who walks thru the doors of Booth-Haven and stays for more than one night meets with a case worker to get an individual plan. They help pay bills, have drug and alcohol counseling, help you get gainful employment. I had no idea!

On the way back, Bonnie and I came across a man who needed some help with his RG&E bill. I was very impressed that Bonnie took the time to listen to this man’s story and really try to point him in the right direction.

I guess I always wondered where the ‘crisis’ money to United Way went. Now I know. Next year I will give more because I know that great things will be accomplished with it.

Stayed tuned in the next couple weeks, where I will spotlight another one of our agency partners as I continue my venture… and learn more about how the dollars given to United Way help our community.