Entries For: 2011

Sue Slack's originally posted blog was incomplete.  She is a real champion.  She's willing to do everything from policy research to schlepping Day of Caring Materials.  Thanks to Sue for this guest entry and now to Sue...

Throughout 2011, you have read blogs from my fellow United Way Board members.  The blogs are eloquent, inspiring and loving; just like the people who write them. Before we look to 2012, allow me to thank each of you on the Board for the gift of your friendship and the privilege to work with you. 

We have just concluded the holiday season.  A season that offers much, but most of all inspires us to be generous.  Regardless of our means or beliefs, the holiday season has given each of us an opportunity to be grateful for what we have and helpful to others.  Now what?  Several years ago, I found the words of Howard Thurman that seemed to sum up where we go from here.  It’s a poem about Christmas, but I believe it applies to all of us in our human community.

The Work of Christmas

 When the song of angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

                        to find the lost,

                        to heal the broken,

                        to feed the hungry,

                        to release the prisoner,

                        to rebuild the nations

                        to bring peace among the brothers,

                        to make music in the heart.

 That’s a pretty tall order; it’s a good thing big goals get met with tiny steps.   Everyday we can give a gift and take a step.  We can give the gifts of time, support, friendship, personal dignity, self-esteem, wisdom, courage, kindness, love, compassion, shelter, service, joy, laughter, high spirits, miracles and music in the heart.   We’re all in this together.   Take a moment each day to consider your gift and to appreciate the gifts you receive.  A new year is upon us, a perfect time to recommit to what is important.

I sincerely hope your 2012 is the best possible for you and your family.  May you all be blessed. 

Give generously, accept graciously and Live United

Thanks Sue.  Onward to 2012.

Sue Slack is a champion volunteer.  She shows up, the real number one test of a great volunteer.  Sue is always willing to help with everything from policy rese

Throughout 2011, you have read blogs from my fellow United Way Board members.  The blogs are eloquent, inspiring and loving; just like the people who write them. Before we look to 2012, allow me to thank each of you on the Board for the gift of your friendship and the privilege to work with you. 

We have just concluded the holiday season.  A season that offers much, but most of all inspires us to be generous.  Regardless of our means or beliefs, the holiday season has given each of us an opportunity to be grateful for what we have and helpful to others.  Now what?  Several years ago, I found the words of Howard Thurman that seemed to sum up where we go from here.  It’s a poem about Christmas, but I believe it applies to all of us in our human community.

The Work of Christmas

When the song of angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

                        to find the lost,

                        to heal the broken,

                        to feed the hungry,

                        to release the prisoner,

                        to rebuild the nations

                        to bring peace among the brothers,

                        to make music in the heart.

That’s a pretty tall order; it’s a good thing big goals get met with tiny steps.   Everyday we can give a gift and take a step.  We can give the gifts of time, support, friendship, personal dignity, self-esteem, wisdom, courage, kindness, love, compassion, shelter, service, joy, laughter, high spirits, miracles and music in the heart.   We’re all in this together.   Take a moment each day to consider your gift and to appreciate the gifts you receive.  A new year is upon us, a perfect time to recommit to what is important.

I sincerely hope your 2012 is the best possible for you and your family.  May you all be blessed. 

Give generously, accept graciously and Live United

Onward, heading in to 2012.  Take this week and reflect, rejoice and be present.  Like Sue.

arch to schlepping bricks for Day of Caring.  I've never known a volunteer like her.  And here's Sue's guest blog.  Enjoy!

On this third night of Hanukkah, the day after Solstice, and a few short days to Christmas, I wanted to take the time to wish you the best of happiness, health and prosperity this season can bring.

It's been a big year.  Many wonderful things have happened and we've had some great success in these times of great challenge.  I'd like to recap a few of the victories...

We launched our first VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site at Harry & David.  Both United Way and Harry & David were given the Crystal Groundbreaking Award from the IRS!  We were awarded our first grant for CASH this month from the Leightman Maxey Foundation and our coalition is expanding.

HOPE Chest continues to fill a staggering need of emergency assistance for rent, utilities, car repair, medical supplies and more.  We now only take request the first few days of the month because the demand is so great.  HOPE Chest received grants from Anna May Family Foundation, Robert & Frances Chaney Family Foundation and the Walker Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation.  Through HOPE Chest, we now give away bus passes for 20 rides every other month to people in need.  We've given away more than 1,500 since January.  We partner with Jackson County on the Access to Recovery grant for HOPE Chest as well.

FamilyWize Prescription Assistance has saved people more than $283,827 in 2011!

Jackson County CAN (Child Abuse Network) has had great success with raising awareness to prevent child abuse.  We held our annual event in Vogel Plaza and watch for next April.  We endorsed legislation against sex trafficking and 3 of the 6 bills introduced passed into law!  We held an early childhood book drive in memory of Kacy Sue Lunsford who died of child abuse.  This gathered more than 1,250 books for children.  And both the Mail Tribune and KOBI won Oregon media awards for public service for our Don't Turn Away campaign!  Congratulations and thanks to them!

Our volunteer base continues to grow and we have 150 people help with allocations giving over 1,000 hours in the spring.

The Southern Oregon Meth Project is in its 5th year continuing to raise awareness about meth -- not now, now ever!

United Way has become the distribution site for Medford Food Project bags.  If you live in Ashland, Talent or Medford, sign up!  It's an easy way to give food to your neighbors in need.

We've had lots of administrative success too, including strengthening our staff, changing our fiscal year, amending our articles of incorporation and bylaws, getting all new hardware and software (thank you Meyer Memorial Trust) and more.

The campaign rocked!  We are already at 89 percent.  This is unheard of at this time of year and we've received an incredibly generous anonymous gift that will help us to exceed our campaign goal significantly.  Watch for more exciting news on this one!

All this success came in a year when people we care deeply for lost husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters.  All this success came when unemployment exceeded 13 percent for a year.  All this success came when more people needed rides on the bus, food in their bellies, a roof over their head and health care.  All this success came because people saw the need, felt the need and responded.  When all else is stripped away, we are our most present.  There's plenty more to do and many exciting projects well underway for next year.  Join us!  Not only is there room, we need you to make it work.  So along with my best wishes for the holidays, here's to a great 2012.  Thanks for the privilege of being here, working with you to create community.

Dee Anne

This week's guest blogger is Rick Rankin.  He tells the story of his arrival.  My memory is not so different.  At Loaned Executive training, he came in late.  His head was down and then he began to learn, the smoldering started and by mid afternoon, the full flower was in bloom.  Of course he'd be a future chair.  He's a dear man, willing to be real.  This is his journey, his blog.  A gift to each of you.  Rick...

What a pleasure it is for me to write a few words about what the United Way of Jackson County means to me and how it has impacted my life since my first experience as a loaned executive so many years ago.  Up until that time, I really had no idea what United Way was or how very special it is for so, so, many individuals in the community.  Like most, I reluctantly volunteered to represent my  company, as their loaned executive, feeling very much like I had drawn the “short” straw. What I did know however, was that part of my reason for selecting Jackson County as our new home was because I felt like it was the kind of community that I could become more personally involved in “giving back”  through community volunteer work as a way of saying “Thank You” in return for the gift of my family and the many  years of joy that we had the opportunity to share together.  It did not take long for me to learn about United Way and the breadth of services that the organization was involved in.  The more time I spent around the organization, the more impressed I was with the many programs and services that are impacted throughout our county by those who “give” through United Way. 

Just two short years after serving as a loaned executive, I was asked by Dee Anne if I would be interested in serving as the campaign chair for 2001.  After getting over my initial shock, I of course said yes and off I went on my continued journey of learning about the so many more ways of being able to give back to the community we had come to love so much.  The more I learned about the various agencies, programs, and services, touched by this amazing organization, the more excited I was to have continued opportunities to “give back”.  Little did I know that I was about to learn the real joy that comes from being involved with the United Way.  You see, the real joy does not come from what you are able to give, the real joy comes from what you are able to receive from being around those individuals who make up the United Way of Jackson County.   Allow me to explain…..

United Way was not about what I could give, but it became for me, a very personal journey of also how important it is to receive.  Two years after having been the campaign chair, in April of 2003, I was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma, a very deadly cancer, and was given less than a 5% chance of survival.  The cancer was a gift that taught me the importance of being able to receive.  My family and I were surrounded with the love and prayers from so many individuals that I had come to know during my years of doing volunteer work for United Way.  I received telephone calls, cards, prayers and visits from all over the community.  From the On-Track home for juvenile boys came video recorded messages of hope and prayers from many of the boys that I had shared “fishing trips”  and barbecue lunches together.  From all across the county came support and prayers from my now very large family of volunteers and agencies that I have had the pleasure of knowing and working together with for these many years.  I was amazed at the many visits at the hospital from my “Day of Caring” working buddies as well as the individuals representing those programs that we had volunteered to work for. The many telephone calls, cards, letters and continued prayers that I received from fellow board members was simply amazing.   I had no idea that so many people cared about me.  You gave me your love, your prayers and you took the time to tell me you cared. 

Your acts of caring and the sharing of your love and prayers gave me life.  I know that I am here today because God was listening while you took time from your busy life to do so.  As most of you reading this know, just recently, I was once again faced with some difficult news regarding my health.  And once again, my United Way family stepped up and gave the continued prayers and support that only can come from those you love and who love you.  And once again, the news looks great.  Once again, you have demonstrated the healing power of the support and prayers from family and friends.  Once again, you have given me so much. United Way will never be about giving.  It will always be about teaching me the joy of being able to receive.  As we enter this very special holiday season together, please know how much each of you mean to me and how much joy you allow others to receive through your continued acts of service and kindness. My best wishes and prayers for a very healthy and happy holiday season and my heartfelt thank you for all I have received from you.

Rick Rankin

Raf has been a United Way board member for a short time and in that time has taught me so many things.  He's a remarkably honest fellow, engaged, inspired and inspiring.  It's Raf's week to guest blog...

As far back as I can remember, I have only been afraid of 2 things my whole life. One happens to be mice or any kind of small rodent for that matter. I know what you might be thinking. “Wait a second, Raf is a big Marine and he’s scared of little mice?” Yeah, it’s true…and just thinking about their little tongues and their little “squeak” raises the hair on my neck and brings a shivering feeling down my back. I don’t believe this fear will ever go away.

My other fear was there for a long time and after going to war, it disappeared, but it has recently returned. I was very afraid of dying. I would always ask myself: is it gonna hurt?, what happens after I die?, Have I done everything that I’ve always wanted to do on my bucketlist? Then something happened; I came very close to death from an explosion. Now, you might think that it was extremely painful or that I saw my whole life flash right in front of me…It didn’t. In fact, I didn’t feel a thing and from that point forward I wasn’t afraid.

We would go on patrols, combat missions, rescue missions, getting into “fire fights” along the way and I noticed myself not only become unafraid of death, but almost to the point of not minding if something bad happened to me.

I spoke to an acquaintance a while back and he made a comment: “I guess you needed to face death in order to overcome it”. His comment made a lot of sense and I truly believed it…..until now.

Again, I am afraid of dying. But this time around, it’s for completely different reasons and those reasons want me to stick around.

Reason #1: Wife Mandy

Reason #2: Daughter Gianna  

Thanks.  Raf

So what are you afraid of?  Onward...

Welcome back from Thanksgiving.  Sometimes our volunteers have dramatic reasons for being involved and sometimes it's less so.  Sometimes it's because it's the right thing to do and because you're a husband and father and want a better community.  Our treasurer, Jason Lukaszewicz, is our guest blogger.  He's the strong, silent, tall type.  He's a gift to our United Way.  Here's Jason...

Giving Thanks

I do not have a great introspective blog as the past ones have been. Following Thanksgiving and as we start the holiday season, I am pausing to give thanks. Most of all, of course, I am so thankful for my wonderful family and great friends. Thanks to United Way, my circle of friends is that much greater. I am thankful that I am one of the lucky ones with a job in my chosen profession, a career that has treated me well. As United Way’s treasurer, I am thankful to all of those who worked so hard resulting in significant growth in this year’s campaign, which will allow United Way and its partners to have an even greater impact on the community. I am also very thankful that Southern Oregon has an organization such as United Way, with its great staff and volunteers who work so hard to positively impact the lives of those in our community.

Thanks Jason!  Until next time...

This week guest blog is the most honest, most trusting, most special I've posted.  I am fond of saying we all walk with a story.  The glory of this job for me lies in being told these stories.  Several months ago, Doug was asked to write and he couldn't find the time.  The time is worth waiting for.  Doug is a very special man.  Doug Nash, United Way board member...

In writing this, I cannot help but think of my brother, who died six years ago last month.

Five years my senior, Richard was a good person.  He was intelligent and had a great sense of humor.  Growing up, he had always been what one would want from an older brother: protective, caring, and there to help when I needed it.

He was also homeless virtually all of his adult life. 

Richard had been very sick as a newborn and in his early childhood, having suffered from various medical issues.  Later, as a young adult, he was in a serious car accident that injured his brain stem.  The accident left him in a coma for about a week and a half.  As with many who suffer brain injuries, he had to learn over again how to do those things, like walking, that most of us take for granted.  His recovery was far more successful than the doctors initially had expected, but it was never complete.  Among other things, for the remainder of his life he walked in a lurching manner, with a very pronounced limp.  He struggled throughout his life with addiction, and physical and emotional challenges, that were far greater than most of us have to face. 

For whatever reason – the lingering effects of his injury, the many demons that haunted him, nature or culture (and really, I’ve learned, it doesn’t matter) – Richard couldn’t cope in the “normal” world.  He couldn’t hold down a job or live under a roof for any extended period.  Untold times he tried, and his family around him tried, to turn his life around – different programs, jobs, opportunities, approaches.  Nothing stuck.  I will never believe that he truly “chose” this lifestyle – at least not in the traditional, rationalistic, free-will sense of choice -- but it was the lifestyle he was most able to live.  For most of us, living and sleeping on the pavement or in a park for even a day or two, let alone decades, is not only hard to imagine but just plain too hard.   But Richard seemed to feel most at home when he was homeless. 

Obviously, this was also difficult for those who loved him.  Although he periodically would get in touch with my parents, my other brother and the rest of my family, most of the time we didn’t know where he was or if he was dead or alive.  Family members spent countless hours looking for him -- in shelters, on the streets, anywhere we thought he might be.  And once he was found, the anxiety around not knowing his condition or location was simply replaced with the challenges that existed in trying to get him the help he needed.

For a number of years, Richard and I resided in the same city: I, in a home, and he, on a street or in a homeless shelter.  It was a big city, but not so big that I didn’t run into him from time to time.  Each time this happened, I was suddenly pulled out of my world and forced into another.  For example, on my way one day to a job interview, dressed in a suit and tie, I glimpsed out of the corner of my eye a disheveled shape sitting on the steps of a public square.  On another occasion, driving to work one morning, I stopped my car at a crosswalk to let a person – whom I felt pity for but initially did not recognize -- push his shopping-cart full of cans, bottles and belongings across the street in front of me.  Each time, it took me a moment to focus, to realize that this person, unlike the vast numbers of homeless in urban America whom we see, but really don’t see, was my brother.   

When these encounters occurred, we would usually talk for a while and perhaps meet later for a meal or a cup of coffee.   We would get caught up on each other’s lives.  I, as with the rest of my family, would do what I could to persuade him to get the assistance he needed.  Many times he tried, and many times he struggled to change.  But ultimately he would return to his life and I would return to mine.

What most struck me about Richard was that he was always willing to help others, even when he was the one who most needed help.

For example, for a number of years, he volunteered regularly for a weekly event that used donated food to feed the homeless.  Also, when one of my daughters, shortly after her birth, became seriously ill and needed surgery, he daily, for about a week, rode the bus across town in order to be with and comfort us in the hospital.  He brought us food he had purchased using money he had saved from the deposits on the cans and bottles he collected.  We didn’t need the food, but he gave it to us out of a strong urge to show his love and support.  When he was around us for the holidays, he would always make sure to have presents for his nephews and nieces.

A day or two after Richard’s death, my parents and other family members visited the place where he had died.  It was a busy, nondescript street lined mainly with commercial buildings, a convenience store, and a fast-food restaurant.  On the sidewalk, we found his glasses and his shopping cart, the latter violently bent from the impact of the traffic accident that had killed him. 

We stood there for quite some time, alone in the grayness of the street, trying to make sense of it all.   Then something magical happened.  A number of people from the surrounding businesses came out to talk with us.  They pointed to the place, under an awning, where Richard had slept during the last weeks of his life.  They talked about what a nice and caring person he had been.  One of them, choking up, said he had been the last person to have spoken with Richard prior to his death. 

Later, we received a call from a man who said he had known Richard in his final months and had read in the paper of his passing.  This man lived in an affluent part of the city.  He said Richard had come by his neighborhood about once a week, picking up cans and bottles, and that the neighbors were so fond of him that they would save their cans and bottles for his weekly rounds.  This man also said that Richard had befriended his young son, who had cried at the news of his death. 

I think about these memories often.  We should never forget that homeless people are someone’s brother, sister, child, parent or friend.  They deserve dignity.  They are not at fault for their circumstances. 

Richard taught me that there truly are no separate worlds, that there is no other choice than to “Live United.”  He remains for me an ever-present reminder that we all have something to give.

Nick Parsons is one of those remarkable United Way volunteers we didn't know was a United Way volunteer for years.  He helped to run the campaign internally for years.  One year, I challenged our volunteers to bring in more men.  And here was Nick, very experienced and we didn't know him.  He's since chaired the campaign, the Day of Caring and is up for everything.  He especially loves painting sites at Day of Caring.  Well, that's not true, but the rest sure is.  Nick is one to be counted on.  Here's Nick's sharing this week...

Leaves are clinging to their last bit of color and giving us a spectacular display of oranges, reds, yellows, and mixed colors. Clocks are “falling back” an hour as we move into that time of year where darkness awaits our rise and joins us on our venture home from work. Frost is clinging to lawns and rooftops as the first sign of winter make its appearance. And another United Way campaign is signaling its closure as we stride towards Thanksgiving.

So much happened in such a short period of time that it is hard to remember when summer ended and winter started its approach. We all have busy lives that lead us in so many directions and keep us on our toes. But this time of year always seems to bring some renewed energy from another successful campaign and the thought of spending time with family and friends as the holidays arrive. The signs of another year coming to a close have made me pause and look back at what has been achieved.

The Day of Caring saw a major change as it was moved from late September to late May. While record rain was falling over several months, it was truly amazing that the weather break we needed happened at the exact time. Dozens and dozens of volunteers joined together to paint conference rooms, landscape open spaces, stain fences, spread crushed granite and complete a one day transformation at local agencies. The deep felt gratitude by agency representatives summed up how important this day is and always makes me feel so grateful and proud to support my community.

Summertime once again found us gathering to share ideas for the upcoming campaign and to reinvigorate the passion and energy that bleeds through the staff and volunteers. I am always truly amazed how a very diverse group of individuals can come together for a common cause that is so important to our community. The strength of this group is that we all have a deep desire to have a positive impact on those in need and strive to find more ways to enhance our community. This work is never-ending and I am proud to be associated with such a strong group of people.

United Way of Jackson County also saw a transition with the fiscal year and a change in the membership structure. There was a great deal of discussion as these changes were made and board members and staff stepped up to the challenge. The Board of Directors has always been filled with talented, caring, willing, and passionate members that embrace the mission of the agency. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by such a dedicated team and appreciate all that I learn from each one of them.

Hardship was found in many places this year and it has been difficult to see so many people impacted by the devastating events that happen in life. My wife, Joni, lost her older brother very suddenly this fall and it has reminded me how fragile life is. Joni told me that she was at a conference and the keynote speaker stated that her life was greatly impacted when she saw a subway token that said “Fare good for one trip only.” I think we all need to remember that we are on our only trip in this life and we need to take advantage of all that is offered to us and appreciate every blessing we have been given. I know that each of us can make a huge difference and create lasting change for the better of our community. I see it every day!

Thanks Nick!

I'm just home from Arnie Green's memorial.  Here are my memories of Arnie.  For Arnie and for Lynn...

I remember meeting Arnie very early on in starting my job at United Way in 1996.  He wanted to share his view of all things social service because I’d been an economist.  He knew we could do everything better.  He shared about the merger creating Community Works.  I asked lots of questions.  He wondered why.  I explained I’d been in mergers and acquisitions at the bank for a while and we affectionately called it murder and accusations.  He liked that!  He doodled the whole time and it was this beautiful, truly beautiful piece of art which I compared to my juvenile doodling.

Arnie was like a young pit bull or Chihuahua.  He would let go.  Although he didn’t tremble so the Chihuahua example is out.  He wanted a nonprofit congress so everyone would come together once for all the meetings we had to be in.  He wanted less meetings and more work time.

I argued with him about everything.  I can’t think of much we agreed on.  He’s one of the few people who could make me look conservative.  And yet he was so deeply committed, engaged and connected to the work.  It was part of his life force.  But only part.  He also was often the only man in the room.  He was often the only man on the state’s domestic violence council.  He was going to come down on the wrong side of many people but never those in need.

Sometimes we don’t realize people so deeply dedicated are whole people.  Arnie was a whole person.  He had a life.  He loved Lynn.  She loved him.  He loved to read especially about history.  We had great chats about Churchill, thatcher, Kennedy, Eisenhower and more.  He loved art and music.  He loved to play the guitar.  He truly loved bringing people and things together to create better lives for people in need, especially kids.  To me he symbolized Marge Piercy’s poem, “To Be of Use.”  Here it is…

To Be Of Use

The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.

I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.

The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.

I had a dream about Arnie a couple of weeks ago.  I was home sick with the flu and had to miss a meeting with legislators.  My dream was I was at SOU for the meeting and coming down the hall was Arnie.  I said, “What are you doing here?  Your service is the 5^th.”  Arnie turned to me and said, “Dee Anne, there are legislators here!”  it was so real and heck, it could have been!

I was so sure of things when I met Arnie.  He taught me greatly over time to realize how little I know, how gifted my own life has been, how much work there is to do.  Sadly, his last lesson, is how little time there is to do it.

I will miss him.

Sharilyn Cano is this week's guest blogger.  I offer folks all the time the opportunity to step up and blog.  Sharilyn is the first person to take me up on it.  She's thought about it a long time.  I remember meeting Sharilyn who worried constantly how successful she was being at sharing the words of community.  It's clear from her blog she still does and yet without words, one can see her commitment, feel her heart and know she makes the world a better place just by being in it!  Now...Sharilyn...

I stand amazed at what the past couple of years have taught me – I guess you are never too old to gain more insight and better understand yourself and the world around you.  In my case it took an earth-shattering event to shake me up from the deepest part of my soul and take a new look at the world around me.  I was so off-balance from the loss of my daughter, that in struggling to find my “new normal” I found many of my feelings and beliefs also revised, replaced, and in some cases rediscovered.  At the WiLL luncheon, the keynote speaker provided the words that I think sum up where I’m at right now in my life.  I ache in my heart for those I see suffering in my community.  It is a hurt that rubs and flares and demands attention.  In seeking for a way to ease the ache, the speaker stated that a person finds their calling.  That is what has happened to me.  Through my connection to United Way and Maslow Project and the people I’ve met there, along with the incredibly focused and giving work done, I believe that I have found my calling and a way to ease the ache. 

During my time with these organizations, I have learned the statistics and the level of need and the stories of others.  I have tried so hard to put into words my own story, but never felt able to express it correctly.  My heart nearly bursts each time I try to share how impactful the simple words uttered by a small boy, “But, mommy, I’m really hungry” changed me at some deep, deep root level.  The results are tears and choked words and jumbled desperation to try and share how important our participation is in the United Way and as a result, taking care of our community and most likely the person right next door.

When people tell me how they just don’t know how to help – don’t have the time – don’t know what to do – don’t have anything extra to give - I tell them about the United Way.  It’s the simple one size fits all way to make a difference; especially if a person is still without a calling.  There are three ways to make an impact and at least one is going to speak to everyone. And they don’t have to give the huge bucks – they just need to do something, because United Way can then take their dollar and combine it with all of the other dollars and then: by helping and supporting one of the agencies that provides direct services, by helping and supporting change in the quality of life in our community (WiLL, CAN, etc.), and by establishing a safety net through the Hope Chest when all other systems cannot meet a need – tah dah!!! They are part of the group of people who made a difference. 

                So this is my calling – sounds very grand - doesn’t it?  But it’s really very simple.  In fulfilling my calling, I get to surround myself with like minded individuals with similar callings and share my story.  It eases my nagging ache to see all that others accomplish and to be a tiny part of it.  I will forever be grateful to all of the incredible people who allow me to call them my friends and colleagues in the work to be done.  Blessings to them all.

Nancy Wilson, this week's guest blogger, is the only volunteer who ever came to me and said, "I want to raise money!"  Go figure.  It happens.  She's always willing, serves on the board, the WiLL Council, and the campaign cabinet.  She's always at Day of Caring.  She's a gift to community.  Onward, Nancy...

This campaign has been so energizing!  I don't know if it's the Amazing Race theme and the lunches where we are privileged to hear the accomplishments of some very amazing people who are overcoming awesome challenges! Or, that they are so open and willing to share their life details as proof that support to them comes in many forms--a volunteer or agency employee who connects and becomes the listener, the doer, the partner in moving lives forward. 

I continue to be amazed at the professional knowledge and skills and most of all the commitment to improving the lives of so many in our community.  From the child development & child care services to development of parenting skills for the moms & dads who've not been parented themselves, the after school programs for kids, counseling services for kids and adults to steer them back on a better path, the volunteer grandparents who make sure the little ones are hugged and loved and much more!

The needs are great and  feel overwhelming at times. But I know that the heart and soul of our community is larger. I know that each and every business that provides time for their employees to hear about the United Way's work, is a community leader.  I know that each and every person who gives as a volunteer, an advocate or as a donor is a community leader.  And I know that it takes all of us to win the Amazing Race for safe, secure and productive lives in Jackson County.

T

Hard to believe it’s already Campaign time, but the weather has turned, the days are getting shorter, and I’m pretty sure the leaves falling in my backyard as well as the Oregon Ducks playing football are all pretty good indicators that it’s that time of the year again.  To that I say “woo hoo”, and I say “thank you” to the many volunteers out there right now, knocking on doors and telling the Story of the United Way so that the message can be heard and that people are given the opportunity to make an informed giving decision. 

This was supposed to be my “gap year” as a Board Member. That’s where Dee Anne kicks you off the board for 12-months (just kidding) so you have a chance to recharge your batteries and to spend time in reflection of the work we have the opportunity to do.  But as my good fortune would have it, my gap year only lasted 6-months because of the change in the fiscal year.  And it’s a good thing, because as the season started to change, and when the realization that I wasn’t going to be able to share in the energy and awesomeness that comes with campaign was sinking in, I actually was a little sad.  So when I heard that I was going to be invited back sooner-than-later I got excited and filled with inspiration knowing that I was going to be able to share in the joy that comes with watching so many people doing so many amazing things to help our community and those who need the support that United Way brings through our amazing partners.  So to all that I again say “woo ho”, and thanks for letting me come back and be part of the magic that is United Way of Jackson County.  Steve

his week's guest blogger is Steve Erb!  He's a great guy, dad, husband and friend.  Steve is a great volunteer too.  He's been board president of United Way, campaign chair and a member of our finance committee.  He's back on the board after a short gap year when he was forced off due to mandatory retirement.  Well that's my story anyway.  Here's Steve!

I come from a long line of girls.  I have four sisters.  I had a biological mom, like everyone does.  And I have the world's best stepmom.  Contest me, I'll win!  She came to live with us when I was 5.  A few years before, my Dad was suddenly a widower with four daughters under the age of 13 and he was 29.  Like I said, she came to be with us when I was 5.  She is still my Mom today!  Mom taught me, along with aunts, uncles, sisters and my Grandma that I could do anything, be anything in this world.  They taught me I was special.  I remember chatting a year or so ago with one of my volunteers and much to my surprise said, "No one told you, you were special growing up?!"  I couldn't believe that was true.  I thought that was universal until that day.

What I'm learning this year, is that we, the collective we, want to be part of something bigger than ourselves that's good.  There are hundreds of thousands of millions of choices.  The Girl Effect is one of those choices and if you check it out at GirlEffect.org or you check out the Wise Living Blog this week, you'll see many collective thoughts about it.

There are staggering statistics like when a girl in a developing world receives 7 or more years of education, she marries 4 years later and has 2.2 fewer children.  Or an extra year of primary school boosts a girl's income by 10 to 20 percent and an extra year of secondary school boosts it by 15 to 25 percent.  Or 1 in 7 girls in developing countries marry before age 15.  These are compelling but do they spur you to action in your own life, in your own community or in the community of girls in the world.  There's a place for all, yep men too, all of us!  What is your place?

What does it mean here in Jackson County?  You tell me.  We live in a community where 10 percent of high school population experiences homelessness.  Based on population stats, that would be 600 girls.  We live in a community where 1 in 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18 and if you were to look again at population that would be approximately 25,000.  25,000!

I remember early in my career giving a speech saying that I don't see enough men in social services and being a bit of an apologist for that.  I'll tell you to change this world, it takes all of us to step up, to lead by example, to be present to the lives of those in front of us, beside us and behind us.  All of us.  What is your role?  Are you doing it?  We live in a community where 8 people have died of domestic violence this year.  It's only October.  And October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Show up.  Shout from the roof tops that it's not open season on women and children in this community, in this state, in this region, in this country and in our world.  And share what your role is.  Onward...

Sometimes I feel like I've seen our volunteers grow up which ages me and them!  Tim Clayton seems to have been here since I've been here and I've had the privilege of seeing his leadership grow and grow.  This year he's the vice chair of the campaign and next year will chair our community campaign!  He's a board member, finance committee member and campaign expert.  I remember when he went on the local CASA board and I saw the leader he'd become.  I very selfishly said, it's a great idea but if you decide you like them more than us, I'll be mad at you.  Nice, eh.  CASA's a great organization and that' why I thought I'd have to go after Tim.  Tim's still a star here!  Here are his thoughts for this week's guest blog.

Over the past couple of months, the United Way Family has been rocked by a series of personal tragedies that have affected the lives of many of our volunteers.  While this could be a faith shaker for many people, it’s encouraging to me to see the rest of the Family rally around those experiencing deep personal loss.  This year, in the midst of the campaign season when our efforts are focused on raising funds to support our partner agencies and help with our community impact work, I believe that we are providing something just as valuable to our volunteers:  a safe place and source of comfort in a time of sadness.  Our need to work for community change is ever present and at times we may be tempted to think we’re helping a faceless stranger, but this year it seems a little more personal as we are also very clearly supporting the members of our own Family in ways we may never fully understand. 

Thanks Tim!  Onward,

Lance Reyes, Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon and United Way Board Member, is our guest blogger this week.  Lance is a great guy, committed, engaged and energetic.  He's the dad of two beautiful girls and was last year's campaign chair.  Welcome, Lance...

I’ve had the good fortune to work with an amazing group of individuals during the annual United Way Campaigns for the last 10 years.  As last year’s Campaign Chair I was humbled by the support of this community, we call home, during a time of critical need.  Though for the first time in a decade my work schedule prevents me from enjoying the great times had during the fall campaign, I am excited and encouraged by what I see thus far.  I’m also thrilled at the opportunity to use this forum to share my thoughts.  I’m extremely competitive by nature and I do not like to be beat, with one exception. I LOVE the fact that this years’ campaign is off to the races with extraordinary early success at nearly double the fund’s raised to date as compared to last year’s campaign!  This is a testament to the fact that every year, the right leaders return to Campaign and newcomers bring with them a contagious energy  and willingness to give of themselves and benefit others.  My office was fortunate to send one such “newbie” to volunteer as a Loaned Executive this year.  Her enthusiasm and optimism after returning from the Kick-Off day was refreshing and familiar.   I look forward to hearing of the reports of success in the coming weeks at our Board Meetings and I hope to join in the celebrations by attending a couple of the luncheons.  I consider myself fortunate to raise my family in Southern Oregon and proud to be neighbors with such a giving community.  There are so many wonderful organizations and volunteers in our valley who expend their time, energy and valuables to see to it that our neighbors in need have critical resources available.  I feel United Way of Jackson County continuously reads the pulse of this community like no other.  For this reason, I am proud to support the United Way of Jackson County.

And United Way of Jackson County is proud to have Lance!  Onward,

Kim Katic, Wells Fargo and United Way board member, blogs on Labor Day and back to school.  Well she did write this on Labor Day and is often the case with computer conversions, I've been unable to load it until now.  Enjoy Kim's perspective!  Thanks Kim!

WOW....  it's hard to believe, as I write this blog it is September 5th, 2011.  Where has time gone?  Today is the day to celebrate Labor Day, a day that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.  This is also the day before most of our children start a brand new school year!!!

As I think about my daughter, Kristina starting 5th grade, I wonder what the school year holds for her.....along with all the other children starting school tomorrow.  I think about how many children will now have at least 1 meal a day that is nutritious, how many children will be in a loving, caring environment for at least 6 hours a day--Monday through Friday.  How some children will have some very basic needs met, that they probably didn't have all summer!!! 

Then I think about all of the volunteers that United Way has, led by a phenomenal executive director Dee Anne.  I think about the passion that she displays along with each board member/committee member or volunteer, I feel honored to be part of such a GREAT organization.  When I think of CAN (Child Abuse Network) and the METH project, 2 of many projects that United Way leads/educates throughout our community, what else can I say except WOW!!!!

How can we as a community ensure that every child not only has a GREAT school year, but a loving, nurturing, caring family and community, so that way he/she can grow into the dynamic, remarkable leader that we know each child has the potential to be.  We, as a community have to partner together to ensure that happens and being a board member/volunteer with United Way, is one way that I feel I can help make that happen!!!!

So again, apologies for the delay.  It was my doing not Kim's.  Onward,

What a time it has been.  It’s odd in August to feel fall so rapidly approaching and to know September no longer means just back to school or fall or light changing or one of my sister’s birthdays.  For me, since 1995, September has meant United Way campaign kick off and here it comes.  Someone was talking to me about Thanksgiving and I realized I could talk about being in Arizona with my family for Thanksgiving and quickly realized wow a lot happens between now and then.

The United Way campaign is a lot!  It is a lot of volunteerism in action.  It is a lot of paperwork.  It is a lot of learning, breathing, being in community.  The gift for me is that it makes me revisit the past year to see what have I learned.  This year I have learned the power of engagement, hard lessons around gaps, cracks, and breaks in systems (and what the heck does that mean anyway?), and have been reminded deeply what happens when life is changed in a second or is it?

United Way’s had some great successes this year with CASH Jackson County, HOPE Chest, CAN and Don’t Turn Away, public policy and more.  CASH Jackson County is our partnership to help working poor taxpayers complete their tax returns and receive the credits they earned.  Our work garnered a Crystal Groundbreaking Award from the IRS.  Our Community Building Council had the courage to recommend endorsement of anti-sex trafficking legislation to the United Way Board and the Board had the courage to endorse it.  Just a couple of weeks ago, United Way of Jackson County stood with OASSIS and the Oregon Center for Christian Values along with the Governor while he signed that legislation into law.

Randy Ellison, board president of OASSIS and CAN mmber, and Representative Carolyn Tomei, Milwaukie visited.  Representative Tomei worked spearheaded this legislation and was kind enough to share with me that without our United Way’s endorsement it might not have passed United Way of Jackson County’s endorsement made it an I-5 issue not just a Portland Metro issue.  The photo at right is Governor signing the legislation into law.

The Mail Tribune won the Public Service Award from the Oregon Press Association for Don’t Turn Away.  Their courage in covering these tough stories has been amazing and remarkable.  Congratulations to the Mail Tribune, Bob Hunter and Sanne Specht.  We are proud to partner with them and KOBI to change the scourge that is child abuse and particularly child sexual abuse in this county, not tomorrow but today.

As life would have it, I learned of the award at the same time, in the same conversation as learning of the tragedy on Tenth Street.  In Jackson County, I believe it will become known as just that – the Tenth Street Tragedy.  That morning five people were murdered.  Without focusing on that case given it is ongoing, what is there to learn from this tragedy in community?  I heard people say it can’t happen here.  Well, it did.  And out of this tragedy comes our mission.  We cannot let one incident, one person, one crime; take our hopes, our beliefs, and our dreams for community change.  Here’s what I learned from this tragedy and the following vote in Congress on the debt ceiling.  I learned again that services don’t help people.  People help people.  We do it by listening, by hearing the stories, by holding the pain and finding a way through it.  All of these cuts, which have to come from somewhere, cut not only valuable dollars but in fact, time, the most priceless commodity.  Time to hear someone share.  Time to hold the pain that is everyday life for far too many people in our community.  Time.  The thing that money can’t buy.  It is time for us to take the time to see what truly helps.  Join me, call me, email me, face book with us in the United Way of Jackson County Medford Group.  Take the time.  We need you.

Howdy!  Hope your summer's going great.  Here we are rapidly approaching fall.  This week's guest blogger is Julie Brown, general manager of Rogue Valley Transportation District.  Julie knows community.  Her long record of volunteerism includes United Way, Living Opportunities, RSVP and more.  On to Julie's thoughts about volunteering United Way...

Everywhere you turn we hear people talk about domestic violence, child abuse, government, economics, unemployment, etcetera and yet most of us shrug and turn our heads and go about our daily lives.  I can’t and won’t turn away.  I give to United Way financially and through volunteerism because I have seen the difference in our community. 

When I look around the Board table, at the volunteers on committees, or events you get a sense of a caring community.  Each of us is there for our own reasons, but we have one goal in mind, each striving to make our community a better place.  We believe our giving builds a foundation for a great community.

 Although I have a deeper reason that I may or may not be able to articulate, my involvement brings satisfaction and completeness to my soul.

Onward,

Guest blogger time again...this week's blog is Diane Bennett, a board member, former campaign cabinet division chair, day of caring committee chair, all around crazy busy wife, mother of two boys and a full time banker.  I learned on our trip to Louisiana that Diane will eat anything once and she can hang windows, which might be why she thinks we're an all-in-one tool.  Here are her thoughts today...

I think of United way as my "all-in-one" community service tool. What I give physically and financially is conveniently spread out around the valley where and when it is needed. I can't ask for a better way to make such an impact. With multiple venues to chose from including campaign support, community impact events, work sight initiatives and more, United Way is diverse enough to fit nicely into anyone's schedule. It suits my busy life well.

I wrote the following last Tuesday night.  It was the first night of the trial for the man then accused of killing Kacy Sue Lunsford.  It was a challenging week to be sure.  I have new empathy for families in crisis, for prosecutors, detectives, reporters, and judges.  My heart was broken over and over and over again each day last week and for so many reasons, some known, some unknown.  I ended the week at our campaign cabinet retreat all day Friday.  I had no idea I would end up uplifted at the end of this trying week.  the week was trying emotionally, spiritually, physically and intellectually.  And Friday was uplifting in all the same ways.  We have the Sweet 16 cabinet ready to roll to raise people (volunteers), money and stuff to help everyone in this community – not just those that need help to provide opportunities to those who need help and to those who can help.  This is an amazing community.  And today, Sunday, Father’s Day, I remember my dad who taught me I could do anything, be anything, and achieve anything.  Thanks Dad!  Happy Father’s Day to the rest of you Dads out there.

Tonight I ache, not for angels, but for those us living.  How do we know what we know?  Who taught us?  My 15 years at United Way have led me time and again to these questions.  I think as people we want to believe what people tell us.  Does your life experience tell you people tell the truth?  Does it not?  Mine says yes, people say what they mean.  Imagine a life when that’s not true.  I remember when Randy’s family came in at Christmas with an incredible gift for United Way.  Rather than tithing to their church that year, they gave the gift to help others with food, rescue them from violence, and build community in a healthy way.  I believed them.  I remember the first car given away through Driving Out Poverty.  The woman receiving the car almost lost her chance at it at the last minute but LeArta stuck to her word and gave her the car.  Of course, as the world would have it, it was the woman’s birthday and she said, “Wow, you’re the first person to keep your word in my life.”  I tried to imagine that day, what if in my world, everyone didn’t tell me the truth.  What I knew that day and still know today is imagine how pissed off I’d be.

Tonight I ache.  I ache for those who want to believe their child fell off the slide, hit their head on the table, tripped and fell.  All these stories are believable.  That’s the kicker.  The kicker right in the gut.  I can’t release this today.  Today I hold the ache.  Today was day one of the murder trial of Kacy Sue Lunsford.  She was killed a little before her third birthday.  Was she killed rough housing?  Was she killed out of frustration?  Was she killed because he just couldn’t take it anymore?  will we ever know?  no.  but we will know what the judge decides to be true.  my commitment to child abuse has taught me more about American jurisprudence that I otherwise would have learned.  The little girl in me that wanted to be a lawyer finds the woman in me so relieved life intervened.  Today I ache for the deputy district attorney, for the detective, for the hospital staff who have had to learn way too much about the tragedies in this life.  They must find comfort in their souls through the miracles of their everyday lives.  They must see the flowers in bloom, the leaves change colors, the kids playing little league, trees in winter in their own naked dance.  I hope they do.

Today I ache for the moms, the grandmas, the great grandmas, the dads, the stepdads, the brothers, the friends who have lost someone they so deeply love.  There’s no explaining the unexplainable.  There’s no rationalizing the irrational.  There’s no way to step through the pain other than to keep going after the dark of night leads you to a new day, to a new breath, to a chance to keep living, to keep putting one foot in front of the other wondering why.

Tonight I ache for community:  for a community that knows child abuse isn’t okay, for a community that knows who teaches what we know may not be right, for a community that knows it’s not right for a child to die before a parent.  Tonight I ache.

So join in me in moving forward to this new week.  Onward.