#LIVEUNITED

United Way of Northeast Louisiana Announces 2018 Community Kickoff Series, Presented by BancorpSouth and Ewing Timber, LLC

Annual Community Event Plans Include Ribbon Cutting & Debut of United Way Born Learning Trails 

Monroe, LA — The community is invited to join United Way of Northeast Louisiana leadership, volunteers, donors, supporters, and partners in celebration of collaboration, community impact, and the power of volunteerism at the 2018 United Way Kickoff Series, presented by BancorpSouth and Ewing Timber, LLC, Tuesday, September 11 and Wednesday, September 12 at events taking place in three area parks. 

Guests of each Kickoff event will enjoy a Ribbon Cutting and special community debut of a United Way Born Learning Trail, while commemorating the official launch of the annual United Way Campaign. 

***************CLICK HERE TO RSVP!***************

The United Way Born Learning Trail is a series of 10 interactive signs that offer fun learning activities for young children and their families to help boost language, reading, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, inspire parents and caregivers to create quality engagement opportunities with their children, and promote physical activity in a fun, interactive way.

Earlier this year, volunteers from multiple companies came together to sponsor and install United Way Born Learning Trails at Charles Johnson Park in Monroe, Greenwood Park in Ruston, and Kiroli Park in West Monroe. 

2018 United Way Kickoff Series Schedule of Events & Event Sponsors:

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 11, 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Location: Greenwood Park, 1306 Cornell Ave, Ruston, LA 71270

Sponsored by: BancorpSouth, Chick-fil-A Ruston, City of Ruston, Ewing Timber, LLC, Hunt Forest Products, Ruston-Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and Lincoln Parish Schools ACHIEVE

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 12, 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

Location: Charles Johnson Park, 3313 Bernstein Park Dr, Monroe, LA 71202

Sponsored by: BancorpSouth, Chick-fil-A, Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, City of Monroe, Ewing Timber, LLC, Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Reeves Coon & Funderburg, The Lincoln Agency, and Thomas & Farr Agency, Inc.

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 12, 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Location: Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291

Sponsored by: BancorpSouth, Chick-fil-A, City of West Monroe, Ewing Timber, LLC, Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union, and West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce

Other scheduled Kickoff activities include the recognition of United Way’s 2018 Pacesetters, companies who run early Employee Giving Campaigns in August to “set the pace” for the overall annual United Way Campaign, which provides support for community initiatives, services, and collaboratives that promote United Way’s Community Impact Aspirations:

Ensuring Children, Youth, and Young Adults are Successful in School & Life

Promoting Economic Opportunity for All

Encouraging Healthy and Safe Individuals, Families, and Communities

THANK YOU 2018 UNITED WAY PACESETTERS:

For more information about United Way’s 2018 Kickoff Series, contact Amy Scott, Director of Marketing & Communications, at 318-516-6183, or [email protected]. 

United Way of Northeast Louisiana fights for the Education, Financial Stability, and Health of every person in our community. 

For more information about us, call United Way 2-1-1, a free call 24/7/365, or text your ZIP CODE to 898-211, 8am-5pm, Monday - Friday to chat with a United Way 2-1-1 Specialist. 

United Way of Northeast Louisiana Announces 2018-2025 Impact Goals; Community Conversation Report Available

In 2017, United Way of Northeast Louisiana launched a Community Listening Tour, during which United Way employees and volunteers captured aspirations people have for our community. During the Tour, over 75 conversations were held for more than 560 participants in 5 parishes and over 27 Northeast Louisiana cities. 

The feedback recorded during these conversations has helped shape United Way’s strategic direction for the next 7 years as part of our 2018-2025 Impact Goals. 

 These goals include helping 2,025 struggling families become more financially stable and engaging 70,000 Northeast Louisianans to help build a stronger, more inclusive community, among others. 

 Learn more by downloading the United Way of Northeast Louisiana Community Conversation Report or text WinUnited to 51555 to view on your mobile device. 

Download the United Way of Northeast Louisiana Bold Goals one sheet here. 

Monroe & Ruston, LA--United Way of Northeast Louisiana debuted its 2018-2025 Impact Goals and honored outstanding Workplace Campaigns and volunteers during Celebrating Excellence, an annual commemoration of generosity and community spirit, held Tuesday, March 6 at the Monroe Civic Center and Thursday, March 8 at the Lincoln Parish Library Events Center.

2017 Campaign Chair James W. Moore, III, InterMountain Hotels, and 2017 Lincoln-Union Campaign Chair Richie LeBlanc, Hunt Forest Products, presented an update of the 2017 Community Listening Tour, during which United Way employees and volunteers captured aspirations people have for our community. During the Listening Tour, launched in February 2017, over 75 conversations were held for over 560 participants in 5 parishes and over 27 cities.

The feedback recorded during these conversations has helped shape United Way’s strategic direction for the next 7 years as part of our 2018-2025 Impact Goals, presented at Celebrating Excellence by Dr. Ron Berry, Dean of the College of Business and Social Services, University of Louisiana Monroe, and immediate past Chair of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana Board of Directors and Ron Barron, Don M. Barron Contractor, Inc. and 2017 Chair of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana Board of Directors.

These goals include helping 2,025 struggling families become more financially stable and engaging 70,000 Northeast Louisianans to help build a stronger, more inclusive community, among others.

Click HERE to view or download the Community Conversations Report

Moore announced that the community came together to raise $4,312,000 during the 2017 Campaign, including a record-breaking $671,764 raised in the Lincoln-Union Campaign, announced at Celebrating Excellence Lincoln-Union by LeBlanc.

Recognized at Celebrating Excellence were Randi Clifton, LaSalle Management Company,  Sheri Taylor, Union General Hospital, and Chief Terry Williams, City of Monroe, Outstanding Campaign Coordinators of the Year; First National Bank and Ouachita Independent Bank, now BancorpSouth, LIVE UNITED Awards; Capital One Bank and Origin Bank, LIFECHANGING Awards in Financial Stability; and KEDM at University of Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana Tech University, LIFECHANGING Awards in Education.

Other awards presented at both Celebrating Excellence events included the Campaign Leaders Award, New Campaign Award, Going the Extra 10% Award, Special Achievement Award, and the Circle of Honor Award. 

Celebrating Excellence was made possible by generous sponsorships from Glenwood Regional Medical Center, A Steward Family Hospital, Lincoln Parish Library Events Center, and Ruston State Farm Agents. 

View all the images from Celebrating Excellence on Tuesday, March 6 in Monroe

Sooner or later, you or someone you know will need help. When that time comes, United Way of Northeast Louisiana 2-1-1 will be there. Every day, Northeast Louisiana residents speak with highly trained specialists at United Way of Northeast Louisiana 2-1-1 to find food, housing, health care, job training and more. A knowledgeable staff member will listen to your problem, assess what services you may need, and provide information and referrals for the most appropriate place(s) in the community you can turn to for help.

This free, confidential service is a vital part of United Way’s effort to fight for the Education, Financial Stability, Health, and Basic Needs of every person in our community, and is available 27 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Here are just a few of the many ways 2-1-1 could help you, too:

1.  Filing your taxes, for free. Depending on your income level, 2-1-1 can help connect you with an easy way to file your taxes for free, in person or online.

2.  Making sure your new child is growing developmentally. There is so much information out there about the early stages of child development that it can be hard to understand. 2-1-1 specialists can connect you to someone who can help.

3.  Getting a new job. Whether you’re looking to re-enter the workforce, upgrade your job or find a new career, contact 2-1-1 and ask about available employment services, opportunities, and training programs in Northeast Louisiana.

4.  Save money on your prescription costs. 2-1-1 can provide you with a free FamilyWize® prescription savings card, which provided a total of $63,280.13 in savings for Northeast Louisianans in 2016, an average savings of 45%!

5.  Finding support. If you, a friend, or a loved one is looking for a therapist, addiction treatment resource, or support group, don’t spend hours searching online or simply avoiding finding help. 2-1-1 maintains a robust list of resources in your community, including free services, so you can skip the frustration and headache.

6.  Connect to volunteer opportunities. Seeking a volunteer opportunity for yourself, your employees, organization, or group? Call 2-1-1 to speak to a United Way of Northeast Louisiana Community Engagement Manager to connect you to the right opportunity through our VolunteerUNITED service.

7.  Find information and resources during a disaster. During times of disaster, United Way of Northeast Louisiana 2-1-1 is there to connect you to critical information and available community resources during a disaster.

To learn more about United Way of Northeast Louisiana 2-1-1, simply call 2-1-1 (24/7), text your zip code to 898-211 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), or visit unitedwaynela.org.

MissionCre8tive Care Boxes Delivered to Area Schools and Non-Profits to Benefit Homeless Teens, Women, and Families

The Northeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Advertising Federation (The Ad Club), in partnership with United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s VolunteerUNITED, is pleased to announce the overwhelming success of the first annual MissionCre8tive community donations drive and Shoe Box Project benefiting area homeless teens, women, and families.

MissionCre8tive, which stands for Collaborate, Revitalize, Enrich, Aspire, Transform, Inspire, Visualize, Engage, was developed by the Board of Directors of the Ad Club in an effort to give back to the community through creative volunteerism.

The inaugural MissionCre8tive community service project included a month-long donations drive to collect hygiene and snack items that were then placed in shoe boxes custom decorated by members of the Ad Club and community volunteers. Filled MissionCre8tive care boxes were delivered on Friday, December 1 to the Ouachita Parish School Board and Wossman High School for the boxes to be distributed through each school system’s pantry structure.

Due to the immense response from the community, care packages were also prepared and delivered to the Christopher Youth Center, DeSiard Street Shelter, and Rays of Sonshine to benefit homeless individuals and families.

Valisia Tisdale, United Way of Northeast Louisiana Community Engagement Manager, said, “We’re grateful to organizations like the Advertising Club of Northeast Louisiana for partnering with VolunteerUNITED to coordinate fun, impactful volunteer experiences that make a difference in the lives of people right here in our community. These projects provide organizations the opportunity to not only enhance employee teamwork and leadership skills, increase productivity and morale, and improve public image and brand awareness, they also give employees the chance to help others by participating in a volunteer experience that matches their passions. Participating in a VolunteerUNITED event or project is a win-win-win for employers and their employees, as well as the entire community.”

The inaugural MissionCre8tive service project was made possible by Ad Club members and their organizations, as well as from community supporters including Arrow Dental, Bayou Dental, Dillard’s, DeltaStyle, Lisa Hale and family, Newcomer, Morris & Young, and Thurman’s Food Factory.

MissionCre8tive was generously supported by the Advertising Club of Northeast Louisiana, Epsilon Sigma Alpha-Alpha Gamma Chapter, KTVE/KARD, United Way of Northeast Louisiana, and Vantage Health Plan.

United Way of Northeast Louisiana fights for the Education, Financial Stability, Health, and Basic Needs of every person in our community. To learn more, and see our work in action, visit unitedwaynela.org/liveunited.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Top Photo: DeSiard Street Shelter

Members of the Advertising Club of Northeast Louisiana and United Way of Northeast Louisiana staff joined volunteers at the DeSiard Street Shelter to deliver donations collected during the MissionCre8tive Donations Drive to benefit area homeless individuals and family.

Bottom Left Photo: Wossman High School

From left: Cynthia Matthews, Administrative Assistant; Valisia Tisdale, United Way of Northeast Louisiana; Dr. Eric Davis, Principal; Morgan Smith, Spanish Teacher.

Bottom Right Photo: Ouachita Parish School Board

Are you or your organization seeking opportunities to give back to your community this Holiday season? Here are just a few opportunities available now to lend a hand or donate:

University of Louisiana Monroe Live Warm Clothing Drive Sponsored by ULM Student Life & Leadership, A United Way of Northeast Louisiana VolunteerUNITED Event 

Where: Around ULM Campus

When: Until 5pm, Wednesday, November 29

How: Drop off gently used warm clothing

The Radio People Stuff-A-Bus, Benefiting the Center for Children and Families

Where: Pecanland Mall (parking lot in front of Belk)

When: 24 hours a day on November 29, November 30, and December 1

How: Drop off new toys at Pecanland Mall location

Sassy Kats Open House, Benefiting ARCO

Where: Sassy Kats, 504 Louisville Ave, Monroe

When: 5-8 p.m., December 1

How: Receive 20% off total purchase. Proceeds benefit ARCO’s vocational program, providing employment training for adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Rock 106 15th Annual Toy Drive

Where: Walmart in West Monroe

When: Friday, December 1 at 2pm – Saturday, December 2 at 2pm (24 hours)

How: Bring new toy to Walmart in West Monroe to benefit local children. Donations are distributed by the Ouachita Parish Fire Department

Lenwil Student Council/Power 92.7 Spread the Warmth Blanket Drive

Where: Lenwil Elementary School, 112 Arrant Rd., West Monroe

When: Until December 4

How: Drop off new, gift wrapped blankets to donate to local people in need

United Way of Northeast Louisiana Dollars & $ense Reality Fair for Union Parish

Where: Willie Davis Jr. Recreation Center, 116 Cox Ferry Rd, Farmerville

When: 8:30 - 11:00 a.m., December 7

How: Volunteers must register in advance for the Dollars & $ense Reality Fair (for D’Arbonne Woods Charter, Downsville, and Union Parish High School students). All materials and training required provided immediately prior to the event. For more information, call 211, or visit unitedwaynela.org/volunteer. 

Grace Place Ministries: Christmas Child Outreach

Where: Grace Place Ministries, 1600 Jackson Street

When: Until December 7

How: Purchase Full/Queen Blanket (choose beige, blue, green, etc), warm winter caps, gloves, and edible goodies, place in Christmas gift bag (label boy or girl), and bring to Grace Place

KEDM in partnership with United Way of Northeast Louisiana: “Give the Joy of Learning” Children’s Book Drive

Where: United Way of Northeast Louisiana, 1201 Hudson Lane, Monroe or Lexington Elementary School, 1905 Spencer Ave, Monroe

When: Until December 8

How: United Way of Northeast Louisiana has partnered with KEDM Public Radio for the "Give the Joy of Learning" campaign to collect books for children in 13 area schools. Students, parents and the community can bring new or “like new” books to Lexington Elementary School or United Way by December 8.

West Monroe Community Center Toy Drive

Where: West Monroe Community Center, 400 S 5th St, West Monroe

When: Until December 8

How: Drop off Christmas Toys (no more than $10 each) for 1st- 5th grade children

The Salvation Army: Angel Tree Program

Where: Salvation Army, 105 Hart Street, Monroe

When: Until December 14

Adopt an Angel by choosing an Angel tag off the Angel Tree at Pecanland Mall in Monroe or the Salvation Army, then drop off unwrapped gifts for Angel to Salvation Army.

Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana and KTVE/KARD “Christmas Cheer Food Drive” 

Where: Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana, 4600 Central Ave, Monroe

When: Now through December 15

How: Drop off non-perishable food donations to the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana

Toys for Tots Toy Drive

Where: Toys“R”Us, 1350 Pecanland Mall Dr, Monroe, LA 71201

When: Until December 24

How: Purchase a toy and drop off at Toys“R”Us

Farmerville, LA — United Way of Northeast Louisiana currently has volunteer opportunities available for those interested in helping Union Parish teens learn money management. The Dollars & $ense Reality Fair is a financial education simulation during which high school students actively learn how to make better financial decisions and gain knowledge of budgeting, saving, and spending. This enriching simulation will be held at the Willie Davis Jr. Recreation Center on Thursday, December 7, from 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Participating schools include D’Arbonne Woods Charter, Downsville, and Union Parish High Schools.

Volunteering for the Dollars & $ense Reality Fair requires three hours of your time. Training and all information and materials needed to participate in the Dollars & $ense Reality Fair will be provided on location immediately before the simulation. Registered volunteers are asked to arrive at the Willie Davis Jr. Recreation Center (116 Cox Ferry Rd, Farmerville) before 8:00 a.m.

All volunteers must register in advance to participate in the Dollars & $ense Reality Fair. To register as a volunteer or to learn more about United Way’s Dollars & $ense Reality Fair:

Visit     www.unitedwaynela.org/volunteer    

Call     2-1-1 on any landline or mobile phone

Contact     Michelle Saucer, Director of     Community Impact, at (318)     998-9207, or by email at [email protected]  

United Way of Northeast Louisiana is committed to helping hard-working individuals and families become more financially stable. This simulation gives students a real-life look into developing a budget and spending plan while teaching them how to make sound financial decisions that will help them take control of their finances and their future. Upon completion of the Dollars & $ense Reality Fair, students will have increased their understanding of the source and uses of their income, while beginning to develop responsible attitudes towards budgeting, spending and saving. A follow-up curriculum developed by the University of Louisiana at Monroe is also offered upon completion of the simulation to further enrich students’ learning.

UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA  DEBUTS LISTENING TOUR; HONORS VOLUNTEERS, WORKPLACES AT ANNUAL CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

United Way of Northeast Louisiana debuted its 2017 Listening Tour and honored outstanding Workplace Campaigns and volunteers during Celebrating Excellence, an annual commemoration of generosity and unwavering community spirit, held earlier this month at the West Monroe Convention Center in West Monroe and the Davison Athletics Complex on the Louisiana Tech University campus in Ruston.

Guests of Celebrating Excellence received a sneak preview of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana 2017 Listening Tour. Participants of the discussion in West Monroe were Cody Bauman, ANGUS Chemical Company; Laura Clark, P&S Surgical Hospital; Gene Johnson, Retiree and READ.LEARN.SUCCEED. volunteer reader; LaKeisha Riley-Burton, IBM Corporation; and Phil Stansell, Steel Fabricators of Monroe. Participating in the discussion in Ruston were LaTonya Lacey, Lincoln Parish Police Jury; Marisol O’Neal, Origin Bank; Staff Sergeant Jeff Woods, National Guard Armory and Kiwanis of Ruston; and John Freeman, City of Ruston. The purpose of the Listening Tour is to gather a broad range of perspectives and combine this with best practices, expert knowledge and research to identify what local people aspire for our community. The discussions were led by 2016 Campaign Chair Blake Wheelis, Blake Wheelis State Farm Agency.

United Way will be hosting public Listening Tour Stops around Northeast Louisiana in the coming weeks. For a list of upcoming Listening Tour Stops, visit unitedwaynela.org/listeningtour.

For the 2016 Campaign, Blake Wheelis announced that the community came together to raise $4,331,580, an increase in giving over last year, representing the most funds raised in the organization’s 60-plus-year history. For the 2016 Lincoln-Union Parish Campaign Chair Billy McConnell, LaSalle Management Company, LLC, announced that the community raised $602,434 in Lincoln-Union Parish, an increase of 3.49% over last year’s campaign. The amount raised in Lincoln Parish is part of the $4,331,580 raised in Northeast Louisiana. 

Recognized at Celebrating Excellence were Cathi Cox Boniol, Lincoln Parish Schools and Kelli Cole, University of Louisiana Monroe, Outstanding Campaign Coordinators of the Year; Centric Federal Credit Union and Northeast Louisiana Medical Center, LIVE UNITED Award; BancorpSouth and Jim Taylor Ford Lincoln, LIFECHANGING Award in Financial Stability; and Argent Financial Group, Inc. and St. Francis Medical Center and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, LIFECHANGING Award in Education. Other awards presented included the Campaign Leaders Award, New Campaign Award, Going the Extra 10% Award, Special Achievement Award, and the Circle of Honor Award.

Celebrating Excellence was made possible by generous sponsorships from Glenwood Regional Medical Center, Louisiana Tech University, and Your 24 Local State Farm Agents.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PICTURES FROM CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE 2016!!

United Way of Northeast Louisiana Partners with Sonic Drive-In for Flood the Love Donations Drive for South Louisiana 

United Way of Northeast Louisiana has partnered with Sonic Drive-In for Flood the Love, a community donations drive to collect cleaning supplies, food/water, and toiletries for those affected by South Louisiana flooding. Items will be collected during normal operating hours, Tuesday, September 6 - Friday, September 16 at the following Monroe/West Monroe Sonic Drive In locations:

In Monroe:

1541 N. 18th St.

520 Lincoln Rd.

1506 Martin Luther King Jr Dr.

4207 Pecanland Mall Dr.

615 Sterlington Rd.

4360 Sterlington Rd.

In West Monroe:

3000 Cypress St.

5323 Cypress St.

409 Thomas Rd.

Items collected include:

Cleaning Supplies

5-Gallon Buckets w/Resealable Lid

Mops

Liquid Laundry Detergent

All-Purpose Household Cleaner

Scrub Brushes

Sponges

Scouring Pads

Heavy-Duty Trash Bags

Work Gloves

Hygiene Products

Cleaning Wipes

Shampoo

Toilet Paper

Deodorant

Food/Water

Non-Perishable Food Items (e.g. Canned Goods)

Bottled Water

Miscellaneous

Insect Repellent Spray

To learn more about Flood the Love, or to run your own Flood the Love internal/organizational donations drive, visit unitedwaynela.org/floodthelove or, contact Amy Scott, Director of Marketing & Communications, at 318-998-9205, or by email.  All materials to launch a company donations drive will be provided, including donations collection boxes.

For more information about United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s role in Flood Response and Disaster Recovery, visit unitedwaynela.org/relief, or contact Janet Durden, President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, at 318-325-3869, or by email at [email protected].

United Way of Northeast Louisiana Partners with KenChaux and Feeding Children Everywhere to "Do the RICE Thing;” Package over 15,000 Meals at Day of Action Volunteer Event

On Wednesday, August 31, United Way of Northeast Louisiana partnered with KenChaux and Feeding Children Everywhere for a Day of Action focused on working together to help alleviate hunger.

Over 75 community volunteers joined KenChaux volunteers to “Do the RICE Thing" at the Kennedy Rice Mill in Mer Rouge, Louisiana, bagging, sorting, and boxing 15,265 lentil casserole meals to feed families and children right here in Northeast Louisiana. Each meal included wholesome, natural ingredients, including rice donated by KenChaux. Meals will be distributed through the The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana.

THANK YOU to all the community volunteers and organizations who participated in this wonderful event:

Bank of Ruston Capital One The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana Glenwood Regional Medical Center InterMountain Hotels Lasalle Management Co. Ouachita Independent Bank Ouachita Parish Public Library Origin Bank RE/MAX Premier Realty Richland State Bank State Representative Katrina Jackson's Office Thomas & Farr Agency Insurance University Health Conway

Thank you for doing your part to LIVE UNITED Against Hunger in Northeast Louisiana! 

Louisiana has been hit by devastating floods and United Ways across the state are working hard to respond to their communities. Louisiana United Ways invite you to spread the word about how you can support flood victims at this time. For more information about Flood Response & Recovery efforts in South Louisiana, see the links below:

Capital Area United Way

Homepage Flood Specific Page Facebook Flood Specific FB Post Twitter Flood Specific Twitter Post Donation Page Text LAFLOOD to 313131

St. Landry-Evangeline United Way

Homepage Facebook Twitter Donation Page Text FLOOD2016 to 41444

United Way of Acadiana

Homepage Flood Specific Page Facebook Flood Specific FB Post Twitter Flood Specific Twitter Post Donation Page Text FLOOD2016 to 41444

United Way of Iberia, Inc.

Homepage Facebook Facebook Specific FB Post Donation Page Text FLOOD2016 to 41444

United Way of Southeast Louisiana

Homepage Flood Specific Page Facebook Flood Specific FB Post Twitter Flood Specific Twitter Post Donation Page

United Way of Southwest Louisiana

Homepage Facebook Flood Specific FB Post Twitter Donation Page Text FLOOD2016 to 41444

Louisiana Association of United Ways

Want to join our team? United Way of Northeast Louisiana is now hiring!

United Way of Northeast Louisiana is looking for enthusiastic, motivated, individuals to become part of our Resource Development team in both our Monroe and Ruston Offices!

As a member of this team you will be managing assigned corporate workplace campaign accounts. Analyze accounts to develop effective fundraising strategies, work with company volunteers to plan and implement fundraising campaigns, give presentations to educate, motivate, and train volunteers and employees, and handle administrative tasks related to workplace fundraising campaigns.

This seasonal position is from mid-August through mid-November in both our Monroe and Ruston Offices.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred • Minimum three years of experience in sales, account management, or fundraising • Ability to work normal business hours with occasional hours outside the normal work schedule i.e. conducting employee presentations or working special events evenings/nights/weekends • Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance coverage required • Highly ethical and professional demeanor • Able to deliver excellent customer service • Passion for making a difference in the community • Able to build relationships with a wide variety of customers and campaign volunteers • Strong presentation skills • Strong verbal and written communication skills • Effective time management and organization skills • Proficient with personal computers, internet and Microsoft Office programs • Must be able to lift 25 pounds

Triple Play Day 2016 is a Success!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Louisiana and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Louisiana recently hosted Triple Play Day at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. During Triple Play Day, Boys & Girls Clubs, staff, and communities across the country spent the day moving, eating right, and connecting with one another. Triple Play is a health and wellness initiative concentrating on the mind, body, and soul, partially made possible by a grant from United Way of Northeast Louisiana through funding provided by the Lincoln Health Foundation.  

Triple Play Day was attended by over 180 students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Louisiana and 12 students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Louisiana.

Students enjoyed field day activities and games on the Louisiana Tech track and intramural fields, as well as healthy snacks.  

Ruston's First Responders from the local Sheriff's Department, Police Department, and Fire Department provided lunch for all the attendees.   Deputies grilled burgers and hot dogs while Sheriff Mike Stone shared an encouraging message with the students. 

United Way of Northeast Louisiana Receives Donations to the UWNELA Flood Response & Recovery Fund from Brookshire Grocery Company,  Monroe Symphony Orchestra, and Progressive Bank

United Way of Northeast Louisiana recently accepted the following generous donations to the UWNELA Flood Response & Recovery Fund:

Brookshire Grocery Company: $5,000

Monroe Symphony Orchestra (MSO): $2,500

Progressive Bank (not pictured): $11,000

THANK YOU to each of these awesome organizations for being committed to helping people and improving our community.

Top Photo (from left): Amey Crousillac, Director of Resource Development, United Way of Northeast Louisiana; Tim Hurts; Super 1 Foods, West Monroe; Kathy Lenard, United Way of Northeast Louisiana Board of Directors; Kenny Arron, Brookshire’s, Sterlington/HWY 165;  Donnie Byars, Northeastern Louisiana Regional Manager, Brookshire Grocery Company; Mike McCoy, Super 1 Foods, Louisville Avenue; Sharon Boyett; Brookshire’s, North 18th Street; Leo Stevenson, Brookshire’s, West Monroe; Janet Durden, President, United Way of Northeast Louisiana; Bill Braggs, Brookshire’s, Desiard Street. 

Bottom Photo (from left): Graham Abell, Monroe Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Board of Directors; Janet Durden, United Way of Northeast Louisiana; Aleta Eley, MSO Board of Directors

The UWNELA Flood Response & Recovery Fund was established to accept donations to support immediate response and long-term recovery efforts following the March 2016 flooding. As of June 10, 2016, the UWNELA Flood Response & Recovery Fund has raised over $350,000 for disaster assistance. Dollars are over and above the United Way’s Annual Campaign and no administrative charges have been taken. 

Previous contributions were made by these generous organizations: ATMOS Energy Corporation, Cara’s Boutique, CenturyLink, The Gannett Foundation and The News-Star, Gardner Denver Thomas, Graphic Packaging International, JPMorgan Chase, Mulhearn Funeral Home, Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment, LLC, and Thomas & Farr Agency, Inc.

For more information about the UWNELA Flood Response & Recovery Fund, visit these helpful links:

Donate Now to the UWNELA Flood Response & Recovery Fund

Learn More about the UWNELA Flood Response & Recovery Fund

Read the Flood Response & Recovery Fund Daily Bulletin

Visit Our Media Room

Long-Term Recovery Group Works Together to Help NELA Residents Recover from March 2016 Flood

United Way of Northeast Louisiana convened and is providing staff support for the Long-Term Recovery Group to over 35 non-profits, faith based groups, and government entities committed to helping area residents return to their homes following the 2016 Flood. 

Pictured above: Representatives from FEMA, St. Vincent de Paul, Habitat for Humanities, ICNA Relief USA, Adventist Community Services, and United Way of Northeast Louisiana work together following a recent Long-Term Recovery meeting. 

New Macedonia Baptist Church Makes Donation to Flood the Love Community Donations Drive

THANK YOU to New Macedonia Baptist Church in Gilbert for collecting donations for the Flood the Love Community Donations Drive! Donations will be sorted and delivered to the United Way of Northeast Louisiana Donations Distribution Center. 

Pictured top photo (left to right): Janet Durden, President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana; King S. Dawson, Pastor of New Macedonia Baptist Church; Emma Dawson; Samuell Bryant; Alma P. Bowie; Tiona Harris; Samonte Bryant; Amey Crousillac, United Way of Northeast Louisiana Director of Resource Development; and David Joyner, Jr., United Way of Northeast Louisiana Flood Recovery Coordinator (front). 

All donations of goods to the Donations Distribution Center will be inventoried, sorted, and distributed to local non-profit agencies and faith-based organizations to help area families affected by flooding.

For more information about the Donations Distribution Center, or to arrange a donation of goods, contact Amey Crousillac, United Way of Northeast Louisiana Director of Resource Development, at 318-998-9227, or by email [email protected].

The Donations Distributions Center is part of United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s Flood Response and Recovery action, which also includes the UWNELA Flood Response & Recovery Fund, the Volunteer Community Connection, and the Flood Response & Recovery Daily Bulletin.

UNITED WAY OF NORTHEAST LOUISIANA AND SPARKS NISSAN KIA HOST FLOOD THE LOVE COMMUNITY DONATIONS DRIVE EVENT TO COLLECT UNDERWEAR AND TOILETRIES FOR RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY MARCH FLOODS

Monroe, LA — United Way of Northeast Louisiana, in partnership with Geneva Academy, Highland Park Baptist Church, The Lighthouse, Renewal Inc., Sparks Nissan Kia and the Radio People, held a donations drive event at Sparks Nissan Kia in Monroe recently for Flood the Love, a community donations drive to collect basics and toiletries to distribute to those affected by March flooding.

Thank you to everyone who came out a donated basic goods to help others! United Way of Northeast Louisiana would also like to send a huge thank you to all our sponsors including: Sparks Nissan Kia, AETNA Better Health, Automated Imaging Systems (AIS), Air Service Professionals, Bankruptcy Attorney E. Orum Young,  Brookshire Grocery Company, Burney’s Furniture, Central Station, Copeland’s of New Orleans, Eskamoe’s, His and Hers on Louisville, Homes Plus, Jeff Guerriero “The Injury Attorney,” Lee Edwards Mazda and Used Car Superstore, Legend’s Pharmacy, Louisiana Corrugated Products, LLC,  MidSouth Medical, and Mr. Bail - Bail Bonds.

Extra thanks goes to the staff at Sparks Nissan Kia for so generously hosting this event!

Guests of Flood the Love enjoyed chicken-on-a-stick courtesy of Central Station, drinks from your local Brookshire’s store, cookies from Thurman’s Food Factory, and prizes from the Radio People and United Way of Northeast Louisiana. 

Donations will continue to be collected until community needs are met and will be distributed to those affected by flooding through local non-profit agencies and churches following the drive. Pick-up locations for Flood the Love donations will be announced after distribution points have been identified.

Flood the Love t-shirts are also available for sale at teechip.com/floodthelovenela. All proceeds benefit donations purchases for Flood the Love.

For more information about Flood the Love, contact Aleta Eley at 318-805-1695 or visitunitedwaynela.org/floodthelove.

For more information about United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s role in Flood Response and Disaster Recovery, visit unitedwaynela.org/relief, or contact Janet Durden, President of United Way of Northeast Louisiana, at 318-325-3869, or by email at [email protected].