Grant Applications:
Are You Ready?
These printable flyers have been created by the Sherburne County Are You Ready Workgroup. |
Advancing the Common Good
Advancing the common good means creating opportunities for a better life for all. Caring Rivers United Way is working to advance the common good in our local area by investing community funds in three impact areas. Community Basic Needs—assuring community members are able to access assistance to meet basic needs. Promoting Health & Independence—assuring community members are able to access assistance to achieve their highest attainable level of wellbeing and independence. Nurturing Children and Families—assuring community members are able to access assistance to reduce risks and promote strengths of children, youth, and families. Impacting Our Communities
Community Assessment: In 2007 Caring River United Way distributed and completed a community assessment. Completed surveys indicated the top three concerns of local citizens were: 1. Activities for youth 2. Affordable health insurance/access to health care 3. Drug use Caring Rivers United Way has committed to address each of three issues over the next three years. 1. Activities for Youth In April of 2008 the first annaul Youth Expo was provided for area families to learn more about the postive summer activities available for youth in the area. This event was planned and implemented by several local groups including They YMCA, Boys and Girls Club of Elk River, District 728 Community Education, Elk River Arts Alliance, Caring Rivers United Way, and The City of Elk River Parks and Recreation Department. The second annual youth expo was held in April of 2009, and consecutive ones for each year are expected. Caring Rivers United Way also hosted a Youth United Event in 2008, a unique program in conjunction with the YMCA that provided youth the opportunity to work as a group, gain new skills, and have an impact on their community. Youth were recruited from Caring Rivers United Way service area a divided into two teams. Each team was given a $1,000 to complete a project for a local non-profit organization. The team and their projects were evaluated by local judges for design, completion, budgeting, team building and comprehension of services. 2. Affordable Health Insurance/Access to Health Care Caring Rivers United Way has been addressing this issue during 2009. A committee of committed volunteers has been researching resources to provide the public with knowledge and education on the available options for all citizens. In June 2009 a Community Forum, “What is the State of Healthcare in Minnesota, and “What is Being Done About It,” was held at eh Carousell Works in Big Lake. Speakers included Carol Backstrom and Cara McNalty of the Minnesota Department of Health, and Vonna Henry, director of Sherburne County Public Health. In addition to the Community Forum, Caring Rivers United Way chose to include a health care information and resource section on the website as well as a blog that includes guest bloggers with additional resource or referral information. The Community Impact committee has begun to research possible ways to address this issue. If you would like to assist by joining this committee please contact us. |
 LIVE UNITED
Give. Give of your time, talents, and resources. Advocate. Advocate for changes that build brighter tomorrows. Volunteer. Volunteer to lend a hand whenver you can. HOW TO LIVE UNITED: Join hands. Open your heart. Lend your muscle. Find your voice. Give 10% Give 100% Give 110%. Give an hour. Give a day. Think of we before me. Reach out a hand to one and influence the condition of all. With the help of community members, Caring Rivers United Way is creating opportunities and inspiring hope for a brighter tomorrow. Live United All Year Long
Agency Box Lunches In March Caring Rivers United Way hosts Agency Box Lunch meetings for the local programs currently receiving CRUW grants. This meeting is usually focused on the grant opportunities and reporting processes for Caring Rivers United Way. Community Investment Every spring Caring Rivers United Way invites volunteers to review the grants submitted from local agencies. Volunteers also visit the programs and collectively determine the allocation of grant funds. Coborn's Golf Outing In May Coborn's of Big Lake hosts a golf tournament to benefit Caring Rivers United Way. This event has tripled in size since 2006. New golfers and hole sponsors are always welcome. Community Forum Each June Caring Rivers United Way invites a statewide or national speaker to provide information/education to local residents and businesses concerning a current topic. Ladies Night Out In June 2009 Caring Rivers United Way hosted an evening of fun and games. Ladies were pampered and had the opportunity to experience new things and purchase one of a kind items. Plans for the 2010 event are already under way. Charity Clays for United Way For three years the Elk River Sportsman's Club has hosted a unique event to support Caring Rivers United Way. Teams of five are invited to compete in two rounds of shooting clays. Annual Campaign Kick-Off In September community business leaders, volunteers, partner agency representatives, and business campaign leader come together to officially start off the campaign. This luncheon is where new companies learn how they can become involved and campaign materials are distributed. Agency Box Lunches In November Caring Rivers United Way hosts a second Agency Box Lunch meetings for the local programs currently receiving CRUW grants. This meeting includes an outside speaker useful to all agencies. The Box Lunch meetings not only provide education but also enhance the agencies abilities to work collaboratively by building like relationships. Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation As specified in the by-laws, Caring Rivers United Way hosts an annual meeting each December to celebrate the successes of the communities over the past year and to thank all of the wonderful volunteers who LIVE UNITED. Because of generous corporate sponsors, Caring Rivers United Way is able to provide these events that engage communities, recognize, educate, and train donors and volunteers without incurring additional expenses. Sponsorships not only provide valuable advertising for local business, but provide opportunities to promote businesses as compassionate community leaders. For more information on any of these events or on sponsorship opportunities, please contact us. |
|||
