UWCF Blog

Polk Family Week is November 10-17, 2007

8 days of activities are planned this fall by some area citizens, to celebrate family. Take an organized hike one day, dine-out together another day, enjoy volunteering in your community on another. It's a great partnership for United Way of Central Florida with our mission to build better lives and stronger communities focused on critical issues affecting kids, families and wellness. United Way is participating with the Polk National Family Week group that is motivated by a belief that strong families build strong communities.

A national group, American Family Foundation has been working to motivate communities to create such an event and you can find out more of their ideas at www.nationalfamilyweek.org ( http://www.nationalfamilyweek.org/ ). In Polk County, area citizens from Winter Haven and Lake Wales answered the call and are working to broaden involvement throughout the county.

All you have to do to participate is to save the date among your family for maybe one, two or all eight days of the celebration. Details of the event will develop as November approaches, but this is where it stands now:

Nov 10th: Saturday, plan on a family hike at the Polk County Environmental Lands - Lakeland Highlands Scrub, 9am-12. It will be an escape from your busy schedule and time to share a beautiful Florida moment with your family. Find out more about this activity at www.friendsoftheparks.net ( http://www.friendsoftheparks.net/ ).

Nov 11th: Sunday, plan a time to connect spiritually together with your family. Maybe you'll go to your regular house of worship; or maybe you'll spend an hour talking to one another over coffee reflecting on your values and the blessings of our central Florida community.

Nov 12: Monday is a time to share dinner together at home. Plan the menu together and let everyone take a part in setting the table, preparing the meal or gathering the chairs together at dinner time.

Nov 13: Tuesday is Movie Night. Take a night to go together to the movies.

Nov 14: Wednesday is a time to go out to dinner together. Hurry home though, to read and celebrate your elementary child's essay that you entered earlier in the Polk School Essay contest.

Nov 15: Thursday is the culmination of the Polk School Essay contest. More details to come.

Nov 16: Friday is a community celebration tailgate picnic. The location is being prepared but there will be family activities and a great time will be had by all!

Nov 17: Saturday is a return to your hometown where your volunteer labor is needed by participating non-profits who will have a project they accomplished to help them continue to serve your community. Your family will have a proud time working together and knowing you've become stronger and with you your community is stronger too. For more information visit uwcf.org. Click on the help link and choose volunteering: keyword "family week."

Plan on a few days or 8 days this Nov 10-17 and celebrate your family. For more information contact Scott Lonsberry at scottl@uwcf.org.

Back to School Blast!!

Family Fundamentals and its partners believe that all children deserve to enter school with the tools needed to enable them to succeed. This year the Family Fundamentals and Community Partners “Back to School Blast” will be held Saturday, July 28, 2007, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Lakeland Center (Sikes Hall) at 701 W. Lime St. in Lakeland. This event is held for children and families within our community who do not have the means to purchase these supplies.

Kids
• Children prekindergarden through 5th grade will receive:
• Backpack full of school supplies (while they last)
• FREE health screenings (limited number available)
• Fun, hands-on activities on “Interactive Avenue”
• Sample after school snacks on “Snack Street”
• Face painting, Bounce House and more…

Parents
• Get connected to community resources, including after school and tutoring programs
• Learn how to teach kids the value of money and form wealthy and successful habits
• Get nutrition information
• Taste new lunch and after school snacks for kids
• Help prepare your child to enter school ready to succeed with FREE immunizations and health screening (limited number of appointments)

PRE-REGISTRATION
• A limited number of tickets are available for pre-registration. Avoid long lines on day of event, PRE-REGISTER by phone July 1st – 20th. Call 863.686.1221 x 221 to Pre-Register, Mon - Fri. from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are REQUIRED to enter event

• Both adults and children must register to receive a ticket

• Pre-registration tickets MUST BE picked up prior to the event at Family Fundamentals. Tickets CANNOT be held after July 26th

REGISTRATION
• July 28th - Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Doors open at 10:00 a.m.
• Tickets are REQUIRED to enter event
• Both adults and children must register to receive a ticket
• Appointments will be scheduled on a first come first serve basis

Verizon presents gift to Success By 6

Bill Reid, Director of External Affairs for Verizon presented a check for $8,000 to Success By 6 to place Parent Lending Libraries in at least five childcare centers in Polk County. Each library consists of a four sided bookstand on wheels, at least 200 books and instructions and tips for parents and center staff. Children borrow these books with their parents for one-on-one reading together. Verizon understands that language skills are the primary predictor of academic success or failure. Thank you Verizon!

Jodi Tucker, Director of Success By 6 and
Bill Reid, Director of External Affairs for Verizon

United Way Bringing 2-1-1 Services to Polk

Easier access to information and the services of social service agencies is the goal of United Way’s new 2-1-1 service for Polk County. United Way has offered an Information and Referral hotline for over 20 years housed in its Highland City administrative offices. With the addition of the 2-1-1 access, these services are rising to a new level with the addition of staff and certification of the operations center. It will soon be answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 2-1-1 network is more than just a telephone service. It is to Social Services what 9-1-1 is to Emergency Services. This universal number is easy to remember, and connects people with trained and supportive professionals who help identify needs, problem solve with callers to identify solutions and guide families through the confusing maze of public and private health and human services. It has proven extremely valuable pre- and post-catastrophe in other areas. When fully developed, the Florida 2-1-1 Network will be a statewide system of regional centers providing 2-1-1 coverage for 100% of Florida. United Way of Central Florida is excited to be providing that service here in Polk, with hopes to expand to Highlands and Hardee when available. United Way 2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Answers.

Congratulations to the Success Rally Honorees!

The 4th Annual Success Rally was held March 1, 2007 at the Lakeland Center. The 2006 Spirit of the Family winners are Keith and Schnars, P.A., Bright House Networks, and Polk County Board of County Commissioners. Finalists are Carter, Belcourt & Atkinson, P.A., Lanier Upshaw, Inc., Lockheed Martin Financial Services, Polk County Clerk of Courts, Coca-Cola North America, Marriott Vacation Club International, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, State Farm Insurance, and W.S. Badcock Corporation.

The 2006 award winners for Best Places to Work are Carter, Belcourt & Atkinson, P.A., Keith and Schnars, P.A., Lanier Upshaw, Inc., Bright House Networks, Coca-Cola North America, Lockheed Martin Financial Services, Marriott Vacation Club International, Polk County Clerk of Courts, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, State Farm Insurance, Winter Haven Hospital, and W.S. Badcock Corporation.

These companies completed applications and were selected by the following panel of judges: Ann Berner, Department of Children and Families; Jim Esmond, Quest Information Services; George Magrill, Youth and Family Alternatives; Larry Miller, Spherion Staffing; Gene Parnell, City of Lakeland, Retired; Viesta Skipper, Life Skills Center; Claudia Tritton, Lakeland Economic Development Council; Kevin Turner, Devereux Florida; and Bobby Yates, Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine.

For more information contact Polk Works WorkForce 2020 at 863-534-2529 or United Way Success By 6 at 863-648-1500 ext. 265.

Join Us at the Success Rally!

Over half of the students entering kindergarten in Polk County fail the language section of the kindergarten screening tool. These 5-year-old children cannot follow one or two step directions. They cannot listen to a simple story. They cannot speak in sentences, express ideas or talk about their everyday experiences. A child who struggles in kindergarten is more likely to fail a grade, more likely to use drugs and more likely to become sexually active early. A child who succeeds in kindergarten is more likely to thrive in school, more likely to graduate from high school and more likely to meet his or her potential.

Many parents report that they are struggling to balance the demands of work and family. Many employers report that they are struggling to find and keep qualified, dedicated workers. Family-friendly workplaces provide solutions for both problems.

Come see the top Family Friendly companies honored at the Success Rally breakfast to be held at the Lakeland Center on March 1, 2007. These employers provide family friendly policies and family oriented benefits. They encourage parents to be both responsible employees and responsible parents. This investment in our children promotes greater economic health and a stronger workforce.

Please call 863-648-1500 ext.228 for more information.

2006 United Way of Central Florida Annual Meeting

The Board of Directors of the United Way of Central Florida invites you to the 2006 United Way Annual Meeting - Tools For Community Change.

Thursday, November 16, 2006
The Lakeland Center Exhibit Hall
Doors Open: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm

Keynote Speaker: Dick Hoyt - "Yes You Can"

Experience the power behind one man's ability to change a life and influence the world. Using marathons and triathlons and even Ironman competitions, Dick has impacted every community who hears his remarkable story and message of inclusiveness. What one man can do is truly inspirational. Dick is a retired Lt. Colonel after 37 years in the military and father of 3 sons.

$50 per person/ $750 Corporate Reserved Table of Ten (10)

RSVP to Sandi Honeycutt, 863.648.1500 x 232 or sandih@uwcf.org

TAKE YOUR PLACE AS ONE OF POLK OR HARDEE COUNTY'S MOST PRESTIGIOUS EMPLOYERS!

Apply for the 2006 Best Practices Awards!

Benefits for Winners:
-Increased community awareness of your business and accomplishments.
-Improved status with customers and vendors.
-A recruiting edge for top job candidates.
-Improved retention of valuable employees.

Application available at www.polkworks.org/content/bpa/june/step1.asp

Don't wait! Deadline for entries is September 5, 2006.

For more information contact Success By 6 at 863-648-1500 x265

Health Dept Receives Davis Productivity Award

Congratulations to the Polk County Health Department for receiving the Davis Productivity Award for forming the Child Passenger Safety Seat Awareness Task Force. The Task Force included the Polk County Health Department, Florida Child Safety Seat Distribution Program, Florida Highway Patrol, and the United Way of Central Florida’s Success By 6 initiative. The 15-member task force collaborated to provide education and safety seats to the community, providing information in both English and Spanish to more than 3,454 parents and guardians. There have been 767 car seats distributed since October 2004. According to The National Safe Kids Campaign, every dollar spent on a child safety seat saves $32 in health care cost. This collaboration potentially saved $207,808.00 in health care costs. The total net value to clients who purchased seats at a discounted rate was $31,352.37. This cost savings to families has permitted them additional money for other essential items. The Davis Productivity Award recognizes and rewards state employees and work units whose work significantly and measurably increases productivity and promotes innovation to improve the delivery of state services and saves money for Florida taxpayers and businesses. For more information, please contact Sandy Sullivan at (863) 413-2620 ext. 1076 or Sandra_sullivan@doh.state.fl.us OR Jodi Tucker (863) 648-1500 x 265 or jodit@uwcf.org

United Way of Central Florida-Highlands County Division Annual Meeting

United Way volunteers and supporters gathered at Highlands Ridge Founders Hall the morning of April 6th for an Annual Meeting to celebrate volunteerism and access the impact United Way is making on the communities in Highlands County.

Volunteers were recognized for the dedication and hard work they afford the local United Way.

Three volunteers received special recognition. Kim Heintz with Highlands Independent Bank, was named Volunteer of the Year for her tireless work on behalf of United Way. Charlotte Mann with the Board of County Commissioners was honored as public sector Employee Coordinator of the Year and Melanie Boulay with James F. McCollum, P.A. was honored as private sector Employee Coordinator of the Year. Mann and Boulay were recognized for the effort they have made over several years in motivating their co-workers to take part in the workplace campaign.

In 2005, the Highlands County Division of United Way of Central Florida funded 45 programs administered by 21 agencies in Highlands County. United Way helped 11,212 kids with character and fitness development, and helped to provide quality childcare for 3,024 at risk children. During the year, United Way provided healthy meals for 58 seniors and helped 275 families stay together with shelter and food assistance. Because of our relationships, we were able to leverage the money you give. Investing with United Way is the best way to have the greatest local impact.

Mentors Help Kids to Succeed in Lake Wales Schools

93% of children in United Way mentoring programs improve their grades! That's what matters.

A Mentoring Recruitment Day was held March 14th in partnership with the Lake Wales Charter School District, Big Brothers Big Sisters and a number of important community partners. Sixty-five children with school-based-mentor matches took part in a morning of activities on the Warner Southern Campus in Lake Wales. The Lake Wales Police Department, US Army Personnel, Big Brothers Big Sisters and students of Warner Southern College manned stations of games and displays where children with their mentors made kites, interacted with police K-9 and played volleyball.

The day was part of a year long effort initiated by School Superintendent Dr. Clint Wright to raise 125 school-based-mentors to support the education process. The Police Department pledged at least five mentors for the program and wanted to use a community day to link officers with the idea. Some 80 Mentors are matched now from Citizen Bank, Florida's Natural Growers, Lake Wales High School and Warner Southern College.

Dr. Wright said, "We wanted to make a change in our community so I called on United Way of Central Florida." United Way requires partners to submit to strict programming and financial standards so was able to identify an existing partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters, which has a 93% success rate in helping improve children's grades. With as little as an hour a week, mentors help to increase a child's ability to succeed in school by talking, reading, and encouraging.

United Way of Central Florida served 1,556 children in 2005 through four mentoring and tutoring partnerships throughout Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties. With your help and because of the effectiveness of these programs we have a goal to increase the number of children served by 30%.

If you'd like to know more about United Way mentoring programs please call Scott Lonsberry, Community Projects Manager & Analyst at 863.648.1500 x241 or e-mail scottL@uwcf.org.

Keep Babies Safe!

In the past 12 months, seven babies in Highlands and Polk counties have died from suffocation as a result of a roll over or while bed sharing. Many parents and caregivers are unaware of the hidden hazards of bed sharing. The NICHD and AAP have developed the following safe sleep techniques to reduce the risk of infant deaths due to accidental suffocation and SIDS:
 Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back, never on side or stomach.
 Do not smoke around any baby or during pregnancy.
 Keep your baby's sleep area free of soft, fluffy bedding and stuffed toys.
 Use a firm mattress and safety approved crib.
 Keep blankets and others coverings away from your baby's nose and mouth and avoid overdressing baby with layers of clothing.
 Never sleep with a baby in any bed or allow a baby to sleep with another adult or child even if they are twins.
 All babies should be returned to their own crib after nursing or comforted.
 When using a portable crib or playpen be sure to use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer.
 Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows safe sleep techniques.

For more information, please call the Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties, Inc. at 863-297-3043.

Born Learning

The United Way of Central Florida, in conjuction with the nationwide early childhood learning program, Success By 6, is preparing to kick off an unprecedented public engagement campaign called Born Learning.

The Born Learning campaign is designed specifically to help young children prepare for school. It provides parents with tips and advice to create quality early learning opportunities for young children. The campaign offers "do-able" action steps that make it fun and easy to help young children learn during everyday activities such as sorting laundry and grocery shopping.

The Born Learning campaign includes some $30 million worth of nationwide television, radio, newspaper, magazine, billboard, and transit ads; $7 million worth of parent education materials; a Web site for parents (www.bornlearning.org) with action tips, information and resources; and support for community activities.

"United Way is taking part in the Born Learning campaign because we want to do all we can to help parents and caregivers prepare young children to succeed in school", says Terry Worthington,
President of the United Way of Central Florida. "What if every child had five years of education before kindergarten? The reality is that children are learning constantly, right from birth. We know what happens in a child's early years matters - for success in life and for school readiness."

Any agency or business interested in participating in the Born Learning campaign or anyone seeking more information should call Success By 6 at 863-648-1500 ext. 265.

Recent Days of Impact in our Community

United Way of Central Florida works with organizations to find valuable volunteer labor to support goals in our community for Kids, Families and Wellness. If you're interested in organizing a group to help with a project to build better lives and stronger communities, call today! 863.648.1500 x241 scottl@uwcf.org.

KIDS

To help Kids be successful in school we're using a strategy of helping develop parenting skills. Miss Jean's Playland, Little Bloodhounds Preschool, Lena Vista Elementary School, Lake Wales YMCA, Mrs. Pearson' Pre-school and Even Start Preschool worked with United Way and Success By 6 to hold parenting education classes designed with an eye on fun. Volunteers from the organizations helped with the children and serving meals so mom and dad could work with professional educators and identify every day learning moments that will help their children be successful in school.

Also for Kids: The Ledger and Bright House Network employees helped with a community-wide book drive to get books in to the hands of parents and encourage reading to young children for vocabulary development. Studies show a child's success in school is directly related to how much they are read to and their development of vocabulary. Coca-Cola North America had volunteers read to elementary children at 5 schools in Auburndale. Polk Board of County Commissioners' employees (Building Inspections, Development, Traffic Engineering and Leisure Services staffed a phone bank for a morning calling parents to help them know their options in the new Florida Pre-Kindergarten learning program. The Polk County Sheriff - Juvenile Boot Camp helped prepare the Crickette Girl Scout house in Bartow for painting so employees from the Polk County Property Appraisers could come in to paint later in the week, helped by a team from Polk County: Probation, Engineering and Sheriff. Gulf Stream Natural Gas helped with landscaping and cleaning at a United Way partner-program that identifies children 0-6 years old who have learning delays and helps them get caught-up.

FAMILIES

United Way of Central Florida is working too, to help families stay strong. One strategy is to help assist with services for food/clothing or shelter. FMC Food Tech helped with a day long project in Lake Wales for a woman needing hurricane repairs. She'd been living in a mold plagued home until volunteers from Rebuild Polk After Disaster and United Way helped. CF Industries helped with hurricane repairs for a family in Wauchula and is helping the husband acquire a transport for his motorized wheelchair. Mosaic Company volunteers helped in Hardee County and Fort Meade painting and cleaning community thrift stores. Bright House Networks helped an Auburndale family with hurricane clean-up that opened the door for the family to participate in a county program that will finally get them back into their home. Progress Energy helped paint a thrift store in Lake Wales and built ramps for hurricane displaced individuals in Lake Placid and Avon Park. Target Stores employees served in a United Way food line.

WELLNESS

Promoting Wellness is another goal of United way of Central Florida. Volunteers from Sear's Optical helped by providing free glasses adjustments for residents at Florida Presbyterian Homes. Carter Belcourt & Atkinson, Westminister Presbyterian Church, Faith in Action and United Way visited isolated elderly residents cleaning windows and helping with light household chores. Central Florida Gas volunteers escorted blind citizens and served hamburgers at a fall picnic in Winter Haven. Watson Clinic volunteers and Whispering Pines Mobile Home Community worked with United Way on a Spanish language health fair in Bartow.

Many projects have taken place throughout the three county area to help build stronger communities through Days of Impact. A special thank you to each and every volunteer!

Congratulations to the Winners of SPIRIT OF THE FAMILY Award

Small Companies
Winner: Carter, Belcourt & Atkinson, PA
Finalists: ArrMaz, Heartland for Children, Lakeland Housing Authority, and Technology Research Consultants, Inc.

Medium Companies
Winner: Bright House Networks
Finalists: Citrus and Chemical Bank, Florida Department of Transportation, Lockheed Martin Financial Services, and Wachovia Corporation

Large Companies
Winner: Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Finalists: Florida's Natural Growers, GEICO, Lakeland Regional Medical Center, and Mosaic

The Spirit of the Family Award was developed in 2001 to honor businesses that provide family friendly policies and workplaces. Winners of this award have demonstrated they are committed to providing policies that improve the quality of life by helping employees to balance work and family commitments. This investment in our children promotes greater economic health and a stronger workforce. Thank you and congratulations!

For more information on how your company can implement some of these best practices, please contact Jodi Tucker, Success By 6 Director, at 863.648.1500 x265.