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. The Sherburne County Area 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 Sherburne County Area 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 Sherburne County Area 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, Sherburne County Area 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. Sherburne County Area 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 the Sherburne County Area 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 Sherburne County Area United Way addressed 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 the 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, Sherburne County Area 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. 3. Drug Use The Sherburne County Area United Way has been working with Sherburne County Training Sgt to create a safety awareness and skill building program for local residents. On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, Sheriff Joel Brott and Rod Barnes of the Elk River School District spoke at the Community Forum, addressing the impact of alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace, at home, and in the community. The Community Impact committee is researching 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, Sherburne County Area United Way is creating opportunities and inspiring hope for a brighter tomorrow. Live United All Year Long
Agency Box Lunches In March The Sherburne County Area United Way hosts Agency Box Lunch meetings for the local programs currently receiving United Way grants. This meeting is usually focused on the grant opportunities and reporting processes for the Sherburne County Area United Way. Community Investment Every spring Sherburne County Area 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 Sherburne County Area United Way. This event has tripled in size since 2006. New golfers and hole sponsors are always welcome. Community Forum Each June Sherburne County Area United Way invites a statewide or national speaker to provide information/education to local residents and businesses concerning a current topic. Ladies Night Out Ladies Night Out is held in June of each ear. Ladies are pampered and have the opportunity to experience new things and purchase one of a kind items. Charity Clays for United Way For four years the Elk River Sportsman's Club has hosted a unique event to support Sherburne County Area 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 Sherburne County Area United Way hosts a second Agency Box Lunch meetings for the local programs currently receiving United Way 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, Sherburne County Area 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, Sherburne County Area 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. |
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