Permit No. 1452 Denver, CO
PAID
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
NEWS WINTER 2014
MILE HIGH UNITED WAY
TOMISITA LIVING HER DREAM
COMMUNITY MATTERS WINTER 2015
“
Project Homeless Connect,
November 2014 This free, one day event helped nearly 1,000 individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homelessness access services and resources including medical care, Homeless Court, benefit assistance, employment services, haircuts, clothing and other community resources. Mile High United Way helped recruit a record breaking 1,216 volunteers.
MILE HIGH UNITED WAY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME, either with direct support or because they support many of the places I went for help. Now that I’m running Cafe United in their new building, I’ve even gotten to know some of the people there. It’s a great place. Tomisita Cafe United Manager
”
Born and raised in Denver’s grittiest neighborhoods, Tomisita overcame many obstacles. Tomisita had a child as a teenager and dropped out of school. “I didn’t think going to school while pregnant was possible,” she said. “I thought I’d go back after Cyrissa was born; it didn’t happen.” Her parents weren’t able to provide the support she needed, and Tomisita spent the end of her pregnancy living in a car. After Cyrissa was born, she stayed in shelters and received vouchers for motel stays. Cyrissa’s father was supportive for a while, but after she got pregnant with her son, Shaun, they broke up. Tomisita needed help to get her life on track. “I made lots of calls to Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1. I had nowhere to turn, but every time I called, they gave me options and support. It meant a lot.” She applied for assistance and completed a GED program. “I was excited to have my GED, but I needed a career to support us for the long-term.” She then joined one of Mile High United Way’s Impact Investment Partners with strong program results, Work Options for Women. Through this social change kitchen and culinary training program, she put her love of cooking to work. In addition to food service training, the program provided case management and helped her secure a culinary internship.
41st Annual Turkey Trot,
November 2014 Mile High United Way’s signature Thanksgiving event, Turkey Trot, was ranked in the top 10 turkey trots by Shape Magazine and was named one of the best Thanksgiving events by Forbes travel blog. 9,700 runners took part and raised close to $450,000. Interested in sponsoring next years race? Email us at events@unitedwaydenver.org for more information.
HELPING OTHERS Give. Advocate. Volunteer. www.UnitedWayDenver.org
LIVE UNITED
Children’s Holiday Party, December 2014 A festive day of crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, story time, photos with Santa and gift selection and wrapping was enjoyed by 300 families who joined us at our new community hub. Families left with fun holiday memories and wrapped gifts to put under the tree. Hundreds of volunteers organized thousands of donated gifts.
711 Park Avenue West Denver, CO 80205
ON THE PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY
When her internship was nearing completion, Tomisita was offered a paid position. “That was incredible. Working with the students was great. Pretty soon, I was offered a promotion to open Cafe United in the new Mile High United Way building.” Mile High United Way is proud to have Cafe United in our new mission-based community hub. At Cafe United, Tomisita trains students in barista, catering and supervisory skills. Her students become more competitive in the food service industry and are able to seek jobs that pay a higher wage. In addition to managing Cafe United, Tomisita is enrolled in the American Culinary Federation’s Chef’s Apprenticeship Program. “I’ll be a certified sous chef when I complete the program. Someday I’d like to work in a top restaurant, but right now I’m so proud of all I’ve achieved. I feel like I’m setting a good example for my kids. I’m teaching them to never give up and to dream big.”
Permit No. 1452 Denver, CO
PAID
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
NEWS WINTER 2014
MILE HIGH UNITED WAY
TOMISITA LIVING HER DREAM
COMMUNITY MATTERS WINTER 2015
“
Project Homeless Connect,
November 2014 This free, one day event helped nearly 1,000 individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homelessness access services and resources including medical care, Homeless Court, benefit assistance, employment services, haircuts, clothing and other community resources. Mile High United Way helped recruit a record breaking 1,216 volunteers.
MILE HIGH UNITED WAY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME, either with direct support or because they support many of the places I went for help. Now that I’m running Cafe United in their new building, I’ve even gotten to know some of the people there. It’s a great place. Tomisita Cafe United Manager
”
Born and raised in Denver’s grittiest neighborhoods, Tomisita overcame many obstacles. Tomisita had a child as a teenager and dropped out of school. “I didn’t think going to school while pregnant was possible,” she said. “I thought I’d go back after Cyrissa was born; it didn’t happen.” Her parents weren’t able to provide the support she needed, and Tomisita spent the end of her pregnancy living in a car. After Cyrissa was born, she stayed in shelters and received vouchers for motel stays. Cyrissa’s father was supportive for a while, but after she got pregnant with her son, Shaun, they broke up. Tomisita needed help to get her life on track. “I made lots of calls to Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1. I had nowhere to turn, but every time I called, they gave me options and support. It meant a lot.” She applied for assistance and completed a GED program. “I was excited to have my GED, but I needed a career to support us for the long-term.” She then joined one of Mile High United Way’s Impact Investment Partners with strong program results, Work Options for Women. Through this social change kitchen and culinary training program, she put her love of cooking to work. In addition to food service training, the program provided case management and helped her secure a culinary internship.
41st Annual Turkey Trot,
November 2014 Mile High United Way’s signature Thanksgiving event, Turkey Trot, was ranked in the top 10 turkey trots by Shape Magazine and was named one of the best Thanksgiving events by Forbes travel blog. 9,700 runners took part and raised close to $450,000. Interested in sponsoring next years race? Email us at events@unitedwaydenver.org for more information.
HELPING OTHERS Give. Advocate. Volunteer. www.UnitedWayDenver.org
LIVE UNITED
Children’s Holiday Party, December 2014 A festive day of crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, story time, photos with Santa and gift selection and wrapping was enjoyed by 300 families who joined us at our new community hub. Families left with fun holiday memories and wrapped gifts to put under the tree. Hundreds of volunteers organized thousands of donated gifts.
711 Park Avenue West Denver, CO 80205
ON THE PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY
When her internship was nearing completion, Tomisita was offered a paid position. “That was incredible. Working with the students was great. Pretty soon, I was offered a promotion to open Cafe United in the new Mile High United Way building.” Mile High United Way is proud to have Cafe United in our new mission-based community hub. At Cafe United, Tomisita trains students in barista, catering and supervisory skills. Her students become more competitive in the food service industry and are able to seek jobs that pay a higher wage. In addition to managing Cafe United, Tomisita is enrolled in the American Culinary Federation’s Chef’s Apprenticeship Program. “I’ll be a certified sous chef when I complete the program. Someday I’d like to work in a top restaurant, but right now I’m so proud of all I’ve achieved. I feel like I’m setting a good example for my kids. I’m teaching them to never give up and to dream big.”
Permit No. 1452 Denver, CO
PAID
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage
NEWS WINTER 2014
MILE HIGH UNITED WAY
TOMISITA LIVING HER DREAM
COMMUNITY MATTERS WINTER 2015
“
Project Homeless Connect,
November 2014 This free, one day event helped nearly 1,000 individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homelessness access services and resources including medical care, Homeless Court, benefit assistance, employment services, haircuts, clothing and other community resources. Mile High United Way helped recruit a record breaking 1,216 volunteers.
MILE HIGH UNITED WAY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME, either with direct support or because they support many of the places I went for help. Now that I’m running Cafe United in their new building, I’ve even gotten to know some of the people there. It’s a great place. Tomisita Cafe United Manager
”
Born and raised in Denver’s grittiest neighborhoods, Tomisita overcame many obstacles. Tomisita had a child as a teenager and dropped out of school. “I didn’t think going to school while pregnant was possible,” she said. “I thought I’d go back after Cyrissa was born; it didn’t happen.” Her parents weren’t able to provide the support she needed, and Tomisita spent the end of her pregnancy living in a car. After Cyrissa was born, she stayed in shelters and received vouchers for motel stays. Cyrissa’s father was supportive for a while, but after she got pregnant with her son, Shaun, they broke up. Tomisita needed help to get her life on track. “I made lots of calls to Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1. I had nowhere to turn, but every time I called, they gave me options and support. It meant a lot.” She applied for assistance and completed a GED program. “I was excited to have my GED, but I needed a career to support us for the long-term.” She then joined one of Mile High United Way’s Impact Investment Partners with strong program results, Work Options for Women. Through this social change kitchen and culinary training program, she put her love of cooking to work. In addition to food service training, the program provided case management and helped her secure a culinary internship.
41st Annual Turkey Trot,
November 2014 Mile High United Way’s signature Thanksgiving event, Turkey Trot, was ranked in the top 10 turkey trots by Shape Magazine and was named one of the best Thanksgiving events by Forbes travel blog. 9,700 runners took part and raised close to $450,000. Interested in sponsoring next years race? Email us at events@unitedwaydenver.org for more information.
HELPING OTHERS Give. Advocate. Volunteer. www.UnitedWayDenver.org
LIVE UNITED
Children’s Holiday Party, December 2014 A festive day of crafts, face painting, cookie decorating, story time, photos with Santa and gift selection and wrapping was enjoyed by 300 families who joined us at our new community hub. Families left with fun holiday memories and wrapped gifts to put under the tree. Hundreds of volunteers organized thousands of donated gifts.
711 Park Avenue West Denver, CO 80205
ON THE PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY
When her internship was nearing completion, Tomisita was offered a paid position. “That was incredible. Working with the students was great. Pretty soon, I was offered a promotion to open Cafe United in the new Mile High United Way building.” Mile High United Way is proud to have Cafe United in our new mission-based community hub. At Cafe United, Tomisita trains students in barista, catering and supervisory skills. Her students become more competitive in the food service industry and are able to seek jobs that pay a higher wage. In addition to managing Cafe United, Tomisita is enrolled in the American Culinary Federation’s Chef’s Apprenticeship Program. “I’ll be a certified sous chef when I complete the program. Someday I’d like to work in a top restaurant, but right now I’m so proud of all I’ve achieved. I feel like I’m setting a good example for my kids. I’m teaching them to never give up and to dream big.”
5 WAYS TO ENGAGE IN 2015
ONE WOMAN IS FOREVER ETCHED IN MY MEMORY…
Mile High United Way believes in the power of strengthening communities. Our vision is of a community united to create better opportunities for all. Here are some ideas of how you can engage with your community this year.
The mom explained that her daughter often is jealous of her son, because he sleeps wrapped up in a blanket in the stroller at night while the little girl has to sleep on the cold ground.
ONE
VOLUNTEER
Volunteering can be a deeply rewarding experience where you can make immediate and lasting change. Mile High United Way offers hundreds of volunteer opportunities. Visit GET CONNECTED, our online volunteer community volunteer.unitedwaydenver.org
TWO
Laura Gill Partner, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
USE YOUR VOICE
Meeting your local policymaker and their staff is a great opportunity to get connected and voice your concerns about local issues. Mile High United Way makes it simple for you to be an advocate in your community with our powerful advocacy tool. Visit advocate.unitedwaydenver.org
THREE
Laura and Son Quinnan
HELPING OTHERS ON THE PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY “One woman who I helped at Project Homeless Connect is forever etched in my memory. She came in early in the morning with her six-year-old daughter and infant son in a stroller. The baby was bundled up, and I remarked on how cozy he looked. The mom explained that her daughter is often jealous of her son, because he sleeps wrapped up in a blanket in the stroller at night while the little girl has to sleep on the cold ground. It is especially tough to see the homeless children.”
connect individuals during times of need with resources through the Mile High United Way 2-1-1 information and referral center; provide access to multiple services under one roof through our two Centers for Family Opportunities; advocate for systems-level change to remove obstacles and assist people in moving toward self-sufficiency; and inspire innovation and collaboration to streamline the way organizations provide services in our community.
FOUR
Attorney and Women United member Laura Gill has volunteered with Mile High United Way at Project Homeless Connect for four years. The free, one day event serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless. They access supportive services including medical care, legal assistance, benefit assistance, employment services, haircuts, clothing and other community resources.
Mile High United Way, Denver Public Schools, Denver Public Schools Foundation and people like you are teaming up to help our early readers become strong readers by third grade through Power Lunch and Tutor Mate. Visit unitedwaydenver.org/power-lunch
As an attorney, Laura’s skills are especially needed at Project Homeless Connect. “Every time I volunteer at the legal resource table at Project Homeless Connect, I am reminded of just how challenging the system makes it for people to crawl out of poverty. It’s really frustrating. A lot of people just have no idea where to start, whether it’s an issue with a green card, a stolen ID or a problem with a landlord.”
Laura also has volunteered with her children at Mile High United Way’s annual Children’s Holiday Party. “My children are both teenagers now, but we’ve been volunteering together through Mile High United Way for six years. The holiday party has become an important holiday tradition for our family. The first year we volunteered for the event, we helped make the holidays special for 50 kids. This year, we had over 750 kids participate in the program from many different Mile High United Way partners and programs. It was awesome!”
JOIN A MEMBERSHIP GROUP
Mile High United Way Membership Giving Societies are a great way for you to network with peers and get more deeply involved through volunteering or attending events. Visit unitedwaydenver.org/join-membership-giving-society
HELP A STUDENT IMPROVE READING SKILLS
FIVE
SPONSOR OR PARTICIPATE IN FUNDRAISING EVENTS Supporting, participating in or attending an event like Mile High United Way’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot is a great way to meet neighbors and support local causes. Visit unitedwaydenver.org/turkey-trot
Project Homeless Connect is just one way that Mile High United Way works with supporters like you to build a healthy community where everyone is able to find work, have a stable source of income and support their family. We believe all individuals and families should have the opportunity to progress toward economic stability. That might mean moving from homelessness to stable housing, from a low-wage job to a life-long career or from a career into a financially secure retirement. Thousands in our community are supported in making these important transitions because supporters like you help us fund effective community partners that deliver vital direct services;
In addition to giving her time, Laura is a charitable investor. “Mile High United Way is a powerful organization. It mobilizes volunteers and leverages resources like no other organization in our region. I trust them to use my donations wisely, because they have such a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process for their programs and community investments. I know my gift will be leveraged in a way that exponentially increases its impact.”
GET TO KNOW
OUR EXPERTS FERMIN
Fermin Avila, 2-1-1 Operations Manager Fermin.Avila@UnitedWayDenver.org
“Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 is a powerful community resource. It feels great to connect clients with the services they need.” I’ve been part of Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 for 11 years in various roles - parttime agent, shelter specialist, training supervisor and resource supervisor. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential community referral service that connects over 100,000 callers annually with resources. Now, as the 2-1-1 Operations Manager, my responsibilities include oversight of the call center, service levels, infrastructure and reporting. I’m particularly excited about a current project to redesign our entire phone system. It involves everything from what messages clients will hear when they call in, to the music played, prompts and routing procedures, to what information from the call will be available to the agents, and how we’ll implement a new procedure to record the contacts to 2-1-1. The new system will improve the experience for our clients and agents alike because it’ll be more flexible, provide agents with more information and allow us to increase staffing during natural disasters such as the September 2013 floods. In our new building, Century Link supported our technology upgrade. It’s a real game changer. In addition to my work at Mile High United Way, I’m also very involved in the community as a member of the Customer Service Advisory Council for Mi Casa’s Employment Training Program, the Denver Regional Council of Government’s Area on Aging Advisory Committee and the Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council. I’m a Fellow of Denver University’s inaugural Latino Leadership Institute, and I’m pursuing a degree in Political Science at Metropolitan State University. I’m also married with two sons, ages five and nine. Thank you for making our critical work possible with your generous support. To learn more about Mile High United Way’s Initiatives, visit unitedwaydenver.org/initiatives
Together, we are creating positive community change right here in Metro Denver. For more information on our Adult Self-Sufficiency programs, visit unitedwaydenver.org/adult-self-sufficieny
/unitedwaydenver
VISIT WWW.UNITEDWAYDENVER.ORG
5 WAYS TO ENGAGE IN 2015
ONE WOMAN IS FOREVER ETCHED IN MY MEMORY…
Mile High United Way believes in the power of strengthening communities. Our vision is of a community united to create better opportunities for all. Here are some ideas of how you can engage with your community this year.
The mom explained that her daughter often is jealous of her son, because he sleeps wrapped up in a blanket in the stroller at night while the little girl has to sleep on the cold ground.
ONE
VOLUNTEER
Volunteering can be a deeply rewarding experience where you can make immediate and lasting change. Mile High United Way offers hundreds of volunteer opportunities. Visit GET CONNECTED, our online volunteer community volunteer.unitedwaydenver.org
TWO
Laura Gill Partner, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
USE YOUR VOICE
Meeting your local policymaker and their staff is a great opportunity to get connected and voice your concerns about local issues. Mile High United Way makes it simple for you to be an advocate in your community with our powerful advocacy tool. Visit advocate.unitedwaydenver.org
THREE
Laura and Son Quinnan
HELPING OTHERS ON THE PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY “One woman who I helped at Project Homeless Connect is forever etched in my memory. She came in early in the morning with her six-year-old daughter and infant son in a stroller. The baby was bundled up, and I remarked on how cozy he looked. The mom explained that her daughter is often jealous of her son, because he sleeps wrapped up in a blanket in the stroller at night while the little girl has to sleep on the cold ground. It is especially tough to see the homeless children.”
connect individuals during times of need with resources through the Mile High United Way 2-1-1 information and referral center; provide access to multiple services under one roof through our two Centers for Family Opportunities; advocate for systems-level change to remove obstacles and assist people in moving toward self-sufficiency; and inspire innovation and collaboration to streamline the way organizations provide services in our community.
FOUR
Attorney and Women United member Laura Gill has volunteered with Mile High United Way at Project Homeless Connect for four years. The free, one day event serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless. They access supportive services including medical care, legal assistance, benefit assistance, employment services, haircuts, clothing and other community resources.
Mile High United Way, Denver Public Schools, Denver Public Schools Foundation and people like you are teaming up to help our early readers become strong readers by third grade through Power Lunch and Tutor Mate. Visit unitedwaydenver.org/power-lunch
As an attorney, Laura’s skills are especially needed at Project Homeless Connect. “Every time I volunteer at the legal resource table at Project Homeless Connect, I am reminded of just how challenging the system makes it for people to crawl out of poverty. It’s really frustrating. A lot of people just have no idea where to start, whether it’s an issue with a green card, a stolen ID or a problem with a landlord.”
Laura also has volunteered with her children at Mile High United Way’s annual Children’s Holiday Party. “My children are both teenagers now, but we’ve been volunteering together through Mile High United Way for six years. The holiday party has become an important holiday tradition for our family. The first year we volunteered for the event, we helped make the holidays special for 50 kids. This year, we had over 750 kids participate in the program from many different Mile High United Way partners and programs. It was awesome!”
JOIN A MEMBERSHIP GROUP
Mile High United Way Membership Giving Societies are a great way for you to network with peers and get more deeply involved through volunteering or attending events. Visit unitedwaydenver.org/join-membership-giving-society
HELP A STUDENT IMPROVE READING SKILLS
FIVE
SPONSOR OR PARTICIPATE IN FUNDRAISING EVENTS Supporting, participating in or attending an event like Mile High United Way’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot is a great way to meet neighbors and support local causes. Visit unitedwaydenver.org/turkey-trot
Project Homeless Connect is just one way that Mile High United Way works with supporters like you to build a healthy community where everyone is able to find work, have a stable source of income and support their family. We believe all individuals and families should have the opportunity to progress toward economic stability. That might mean moving from homelessness to stable housing, from a low-wage job to a life-long career or from a career into a financially secure retirement. Thousands in our community are supported in making these important transitions because supporters like you help us fund effective community partners that deliver vital direct services;
In addition to giving her time, Laura is a charitable investor. “Mile High United Way is a powerful organization. It mobilizes volunteers and leverages resources like no other organization in our region. I trust them to use my donations wisely, because they have such a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process for their programs and community investments. I know my gift will be leveraged in a way that exponentially increases its impact.”
GET TO KNOW
OUR EXPERTS FERMIN
Fermin Avila, 2-1-1 Operations Manager Fermin.Avila@UnitedWayDenver.org
“Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 is a powerful community resource. It feels great to connect clients with the services they need.” I’ve been part of Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 for 11 years in various roles - parttime agent, shelter specialist, training supervisor and resource supervisor. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential community referral service that connects over 100,000 callers annually with resources. Now, as the 2-1-1 Operations Manager, my responsibilities include oversight of the call center, service levels, infrastructure and reporting. I’m particularly excited about a current project to redesign our entire phone system. It involves everything from what messages clients will hear when they call in, to the music played, prompts and routing procedures, to what information from the call will be available to the agents, and how we’ll implement a new procedure to record the contacts to 2-1-1. The new system will improve the experience for our clients and agents alike because it’ll be more flexible, provide agents with more information and allow us to increase staffing during natural disasters such as the September 2013 floods. In our new building, Century Link supported our technology upgrade. It’s a real game changer. In addition to my work at Mile High United Way, I’m also very involved in the community as a member of the Customer Service Advisory Council for Mi Casa’s Employment Training Program, the Denver Regional Council of Government’s Area on Aging Advisory Committee and the Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council. I’m a Fellow of Denver University’s inaugural Latino Leadership Institute, and I’m pursuing a degree in Political Science at Metropolitan State University. I’m also married with two sons, ages five and nine. Thank you for making our critical work possible with your generous support. To learn more about Mile High United Way’s Initiatives, visit unitedwaydenver.org/initiatives
Together, we are creating positive community change right here in Metro Denver. For more information on our Adult Self-Sufficiency programs, visit unitedwaydenver.org/adult-self-sufficieny
/unitedwaydenver
VISIT WWW.UNITEDWAYDENVER.ORG
5 WAYS TO ENGAGE IN 2015
ONE WOMAN IS FOREVER ETCHED IN MY MEMORY…
Mile High United Way believes in the power of strengthening communities. Our vision is of a community united to create better opportunities for all. Here are some ideas of how you can engage with your community this year.
The mom explained that her daughter often is jealous of her son, because he sleeps wrapped up in a blanket in the stroller at night while the little girl has to sleep on the cold ground.
ONE
VOLUNTEER
Volunteering can be a deeply rewarding experience where you can make immediate and lasting change. Mile High United Way offers hundreds of volunteer opportunities. Visit GET CONNECTED, our online volunteer community volunteer.unitedwaydenver.org
TWO
Laura Gill Partner, Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
USE YOUR VOICE
Meeting your local policymaker and their staff is a great opportunity to get connected and voice your concerns about local issues. Mile High United Way makes it simple for you to be an advocate in your community with our powerful advocacy tool. Visit advocate.unitedwaydenver.org
THREE
Laura and Son Quinnan
HELPING OTHERS ON THE PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY “One woman who I helped at Project Homeless Connect is forever etched in my memory. She came in early in the morning with her six-year-old daughter and infant son in a stroller. The baby was bundled up, and I remarked on how cozy he looked. The mom explained that her daughter is often jealous of her son, because he sleeps wrapped up in a blanket in the stroller at night while the little girl has to sleep on the cold ground. It is especially tough to see the homeless children.”
connect individuals during times of need with resources through the Mile High United Way 2-1-1 information and referral center; provide access to multiple services under one roof through our two Centers for Family Opportunities; advocate for systems-level change to remove obstacles and assist people in moving toward self-sufficiency; and inspire innovation and collaboration to streamline the way organizations provide services in our community.
FOUR
Attorney and Women United member Laura Gill has volunteered with Mile High United Way at Project Homeless Connect for four years. The free, one day event serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness and those at risk of becoming homeless. They access supportive services including medical care, legal assistance, benefit assistance, employment services, haircuts, clothing and other community resources.
Mile High United Way, Denver Public Schools, Denver Public Schools Foundation and people like you are teaming up to help our early readers become strong readers by third grade through Power Lunch and Tutor Mate. Visit unitedwaydenver.org/power-lunch
As an attorney, Laura’s skills are especially needed at Project Homeless Connect. “Every time I volunteer at the legal resource table at Project Homeless Connect, I am reminded of just how challenging the system makes it for people to crawl out of poverty. It’s really frustrating. A lot of people just have no idea where to start, whether it’s an issue with a green card, a stolen ID or a problem with a landlord.”
Laura also has volunteered with her children at Mile High United Way’s annual Children’s Holiday Party. “My children are both teenagers now, but we’ve been volunteering together through Mile High United Way for six years. The holiday party has become an important holiday tradition for our family. The first year we volunteered for the event, we helped make the holidays special for 50 kids. This year, we had over 750 kids participate in the program from many different Mile High United Way partners and programs. It was awesome!”
JOIN A MEMBERSHIP GROUP
Mile High United Way Membership Giving Societies are a great way for you to network with peers and get more deeply involved through volunteering or attending events. Visit unitedwaydenver.org/join-membership-giving-society
HELP A STUDENT IMPROVE READING SKILLS
FIVE
SPONSOR OR PARTICIPATE IN FUNDRAISING EVENTS Supporting, participating in or attending an event like Mile High United Way’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot is a great way to meet neighbors and support local causes. Visit unitedwaydenver.org/turkey-trot
Project Homeless Connect is just one way that Mile High United Way works with supporters like you to build a healthy community where everyone is able to find work, have a stable source of income and support their family. We believe all individuals and families should have the opportunity to progress toward economic stability. That might mean moving from homelessness to stable housing, from a low-wage job to a life-long career or from a career into a financially secure retirement. Thousands in our community are supported in making these important transitions because supporters like you help us fund effective community partners that deliver vital direct services;
In addition to giving her time, Laura is a charitable investor. “Mile High United Way is a powerful organization. It mobilizes volunteers and leverages resources like no other organization in our region. I trust them to use my donations wisely, because they have such a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process for their programs and community investments. I know my gift will be leveraged in a way that exponentially increases its impact.”
GET TO KNOW
OUR EXPERTS FERMIN
Fermin Avila, 2-1-1 Operations Manager Fermin.Avila@UnitedWayDenver.org
“Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 is a powerful community resource. It feels great to connect clients with the services they need.” I’ve been part of Mile High United Way’s 2-1-1 for 11 years in various roles - parttime agent, shelter specialist, training supervisor and resource supervisor. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential community referral service that connects over 100,000 callers annually with resources. Now, as the 2-1-1 Operations Manager, my responsibilities include oversight of the call center, service levels, infrastructure and reporting. I’m particularly excited about a current project to redesign our entire phone system. It involves everything from what messages clients will hear when they call in, to the music played, prompts and routing procedures, to what information from the call will be available to the agents, and how we’ll implement a new procedure to record the contacts to 2-1-1. The new system will improve the experience for our clients and agents alike because it’ll be more flexible, provide agents with more information and allow us to increase staffing during natural disasters such as the September 2013 floods. In our new building, Century Link supported our technology upgrade. It’s a real game changer. In addition to my work at Mile High United Way, I’m also very involved in the community as a member of the Customer Service Advisory Council for Mi Casa’s Employment Training Program, the Denver Regional Council of Government’s Area on Aging Advisory Committee and the Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council. I’m a Fellow of Denver University’s inaugural Latino Leadership Institute, and I’m pursuing a degree in Political Science at Metropolitan State University. I’m also married with two sons, ages five and nine. Thank you for making our critical work possible with your generous support. To learn more about Mile High United Way’s Initiatives, visit unitedwaydenver.org/initiatives
Together, we are creating positive community change right here in Metro Denver. For more information on our Adult Self-Sufficiency programs, visit unitedwaydenver.org/adult-self-sufficieny
/unitedwaydenver
VISIT WWW.UNITEDWAYDENVER.ORG