Join us on Tuesday, November 10 for a Hunger Forum complete with interactive exhibits and conversations about hunger in our community and how you can get engaged to help solve the problem.  The event is free and open to the public and an easy way to learn about how you can give, advocate and volunteer around hunger.  Learn more!

Thanks to everyone who checked out the story on WCCO-TV about domestic violence in our community. If you missed it, see the video here.

We’re especially grateful to our fabulous phone bank volunteer advocates (see left), who were able to direct 16 callers to the help they needed.

The feature and phone bank also served to educate our community about the prevalance of domestic abuse in the area, how to support United Way’s work around domestic violence and where people can go for help if they’ve experienced abuse.  
Learn more and find out how you can make a difference.

Tune in tonight for WCCO-TV’s 10 p.m. newscast. There will be a feature story about the prevalence of domestic violence in our community as well as a special phone bank for those who may need help.

The phone bank will be staffed by advocates who are ready to help. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing domestic violence, call and speak with an advocate.  Get help: find resources.

One of 10 goals in our Agenda for Lasting Change, United Way is committed to increasing access to services for families affected by domestic abuse.  Help us break the cycle of dometic violence:

• Give Your weekly gift of $25 provides five days in a homeless shelter for a family of three fleeing domestic violence.
• Advocate
  • Spread the word about the Advocate Phone Bank tonight on WCCO-TV’s 10 p.m. newscast.
  • Educate yourself by reading United Way’s joint report with the Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs on victims of domestic violence
• Volunteer Consider helping those in need by answer phones for the crisis line at the Sojourner Project in Hopkins, MN

Tune in tomorrow, October 22 at 10 p.m. for the WCCO-TV newscast, featuring a special story about the prevalence of domestic violence in our community and its impact on families. A phone bank will be available to help you or someone you know who may be experiencing abuse, and/or help support United Way’s work in breaking the cycle of domestic abuse.

Families often have to flee violence quickly, leaving personal items behind, and many arrive at a shelter with only the clothes they are wearing.

You can help domestic abuse shelters and programs return a sense of safety and home to these families but donating a needed shelter item, or by running a drive to collect many. United Way Caring Connection will connect you with a local shelter or program when you sign up.

See shelter needs list (PDF).

Sign up/learn more about the project.

United Way community partner Black Dog Hill Shelter has already made a difference for Cathy and her 7-year-old daughter; “The people at Black Dog Hill Shelter are my angels,” she says. 

This restored farmhouse and 10-acre plot of land comprise the very first shelter for families affected by domestic violence in Chisago and Iasnti counties.  

See complete success story.

Educate Yourself: United Way has partnered with the Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs to present the Domestic Violence Results from the 2008 Minnesota Crime Victim Survey.

This report examines how those who experienced domestic violence differ from those who have not. It provides insight into the number of incidents of violence victims experienced, why victims don’t report domestic violence to the police and the actions victims take in response to violence.

View the full report (in English).

Executive summaries are also available in Spanish, Hmong and Somali.

Your $25 donation creates pathways out of poverty and qualifies you to register for a chance to win.  The winner will continue that pathway by donating one of the $500 Cub Foods gift cards to a food shelf of their choice.  So how do you tell your employees, co-workers, family and friends about the Campaign Victory Sweepstakes? 

United Way has provided some easy ways for you to do just that:

 - Send the link or graphic in an e-mail
 - Post the printable poster around your office, church or school
 - Get a motorcylce at your campaign event

Learn more