Memo

DATE: July 2009
TO: Agency Executive Directors and CEOs
FROM: Thomas Galassini, Director of Agency Relations
RE: Funding Opportunity – Health & Well-Being

MESSAGE:

You are receiving this memo because either you have previously (but not recently) received United Way funding from United Way of Metropolitan Chicago (UWMC) or a Member United Way or you have contacted UWMC and expressed an interest in applying for funding.

For the upcoming funding cycle, United Way will be seeking program partners focused on Health & Well-Being. We invite you to come listen, learn and ask questions about the framework and funding opportunities.

The application process will begin in October 2009. While attendance at one of the forums is not mandatory, we believe it will be beneficial and provide guidance. Please plan to attend one of the upcoming Agency Forums:

Tuesday, August 4th:
Bristol Court Banquets, 828 E Rand Road, Mount Prospect

Wednesday, August 5th:
The Community House, 415 W Eighth Street, Hinsdale

Monday, August 10th:
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, 560 W Lake Street, Chicago

Tuesday, August 11th:
Southwest Community Services, 6775 Prosperi Drive, Tinley Park

All meeting times are 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Please RSVP your attendance to communityimpact@uw-mc.org. You may have more than one staff/volunteer in attendance.

If you have any questions, please contact Tom Galassini at 312.906.2360 or tgalassini@uw-mc.org or Esther Hicks at 630.645.6333 or ehicks@uw-mc.org.

The DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform, Illinois Department of Human Services, and Rescue & Restore invite you to participate in a Brown Bag Discussion on Human Trafficking

Come learn about the basics of human trafficking (What is human trafficking? How do I recognize human trafficking?), what local efforts are currently taking place including information on Rescue & Restore, and how you can be involved.

This Brown Bag discussion will be an interactive and informal opportunity to learn, exchange, and network in a relaxed environment.

Please bring your own lunch and we will provide drinks and dessert.

For: Those working in the areas of domestic violence, health care, mental health, homelessness, youth, human services, services for immigrants and refugees, law enforcement, legal advocates, etc.

Friday, July 31, 2009
12:00 P – 1:00 P

DuPage County Government Center
421 N. County Farm Road, Room 3-500B
Wheaton, Illinois

Please R.S.V.P.
Amy Snodgrass (630) 782-4783 or asnodgrass@dupagefederation.org

DuPage PADS is offering free GED prep classes at their Support Center located at 703 W Liberty, Wheaton, IL, 60187. Classes start August 24, 2009 and tuition is free.

Please read their flyer for more information. The class is open to all, but all must register. This can be done by calling Jane at 630.682.3846 X 247 or Sue at 630.682.3846 X 262. You can also stop in at the Support Center and sign up.

The Naperville Sun recently wrote a news article about United Way of the DuPage Area. To read the article, please go to this website or click on this PDF – Naperville Sun – ‘Miracle’ Networking: United Way Able to Maintain Level of Giving.

The deadline for passing a fair and responsible budget by our State Legislators has come and gone. The result? Nothing yet. We are still facing massive cuts to human service programs and state-run agencies that rely on equitable funding from the State to protect and serve the elderly, the disabled, children and others who depend on these services. Social service representatives, clients, government officials and taxpayers alike came out en masse throughout the month of June to decry cuts to human service programs. Through rallies, vigils and contacting State Senators and Representatives, our voices were heard but not listened to.

As a result, agencies in our area are cutting services, programs and jobs NOW. They can’t wait two weeks more for the state legislature to get back in session and pass a budget; they have to go by what their contracts are, and those contracts reflect an average of 50% cuts in government funding. As a result, we have heard from local agencies that are reducing or cutting services, closing supportive housing and shelters, and cutting staff. Without a budget and without an extended contract, these agencies cannot continue serving our most vulnerable populations.

We continue to urge legislators in Springfield to do their job and create a solid budget that leaves no one behind. We also urge them to be clear and transparent when communicating the results of the current Springfield session. All Illinois residents have a stake in this budget, and as it stands right now human services is not only lacking funding but direction on how to proceed. Please continue to reach out to your State Representative and Senator. Click here to ACT NOW.

“Out of Poverty” is a program of personal change. “Out of Poverty” affirms that change is possible. By following a step-by-step process within a group context, participants take responsibility for their life and choices, commit to learn and practice new behavior, and finally share experiences and thus find a road to a more prosperous life. In letting go of unproductive thoughts, feelings and behaviors and replacing them with new ones participants move towards a better quality of life.

“Out of Poverty” classes will be held on 7 consecutive Mondays, from 9:30am – 12:30pm, starting September 14, 2009 through November 2, 2009 at Catholic Charities, 26 W St Charles Rd. Lombard, IL 60148. No class will be held on Monday October 12th in observance of the Columbus Day Holiday. Baby sitting will be available.

If you would like to enroll in the program or have any questions, please contact Ron Madsen (rmadsen@cc-doj.org) or Jane Tyschenko (jtyschenko@cc-doj.org). There is no fee for this program which is open to all.

Please see the attached flyer for more information.