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Charitable Giving: United Way 2016

posted by TrueNorth Companies on Friday, October 21, 2016

TrueNorth's charitable cause for the month of October is the United Way of East Central Iowa, a local organization and member chapter of the United Way. The organization strives to "unite the caring power of communities to invest in effective solutions that improve people's lives."

About the United Way:

According to the organization's national website, United Way's founding was a truly collaborative effort: the organization was established in 1887 by a Denver woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi who recognized that Denver could be a better place through a collaborative effort. They harnessed the support of their communities to gather and distribute funds to local charities and coordinate relief services throughout the city.

Today, the United Way is engaged in nearly 1,800 communities across over 40 countries. United Way serves as a conduit for big ideas and actions through organizing volunteers, allocating funds, and funding efforts that go on to benefit organizations in need.

Some findings on the state of Linn county based on United Way's Community Condition Project

• 99% of all students in Linn County report they are planning to graduate from high school; only 69% of low-income students graduate.
• More than 1,500 children in Linn County experienced maltreatment in 2012. There is a strong connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and serious health and mental health effects in later life. 
• Nearly 17% of Iowa households are earning incomes below what is needed to meet their basic standard of living, including childcare, food, housing, clothing, healthcare and transportation.
• United Way is making strides to improve our outlook: today, more Linn county residents have education beyond a high school diploma, the number of Iowas with health insurance has increased, and our state' unemployment rate is on the decline -but there's a long way to go and United Way needs your help.  

Statistics via United Way of East Central Iowa's Executive Summary Community Condition 2015 Report.

How TrueNorth Plans to Help: 

• Spreading Awareness: Last Thursday, TrueNorth Producer, Teri Copler hosted a breakfast for employees to learn more about United Way's Women's Leadership Initiative; a division of United Way that unites funds and resources to ensure the well-being of local women in need. 
• Raising Funds: All week long, TrueNorth has provided multiple raffle items, including a trip to Disney World! TrueNorth employees are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets. All funds will be donated to our local United Way.
• Oktoberfest for a Cause: This Thursday, TrueNorth hosted our very own Oktoberfest for employees! A $5 contribution will allow TrueNorth staff to sample a variety of beers and snacks in our Learning Center.
• Celebrating our Efforts: Lastly, we will be ending our month-long campaign with a building-wide celebration! Visit our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for pictures of your favorite TrueNorth people taking part in all the festivities!

How You Can Help:

Regardless of your location, there are many ways that you can assist your local community through the United Way.

• Give: monetary contributions to the United Way will help further education and support families in your community and throughout the world. Choose how far your donation will go at this link on the United Way website.
• Advocate: you can take action in your community by speaking out against matters that impact you locally. Not sure where to start? United Way's Take Action page lists a number of worthy issues in need of exposure and attention. Visit their page to learn how you can begin to make a valuable difference - right from where you're sitting! 
• Volunteer: looking for a chance to get out of that chair and do some good? The United Way connects volunteers to any number of organizations in need. Visit United Way's Get Involved page for a list of opportunities in your area.

At TrueNorth, our culture is front and center in everything we do. 

We have created a one of a kind environment where a group of professionals and entrepreneurs who share their passions for community, family & teamwork have come together to make a difference for each other and our clients. We take pride in building trust in TrueNorth, both internally and externally.  Find out more about TrueNorth's History and Culture here.