United Way: Give It Forward, Get It Back

Greetings, 

Do you think about ways you can make a difference for “the common good”? As Heartland AEA employees, we are fortunate to have careers that provide us the opportunity every day to advocate for things that are beneficial for all members of a community. Those basic or “common goods” may change over time or vary with different groups, but some basic requirements such as food, shelter and education are, in my opinion, always good for all people. 

In an article from Time magazine, Jim Wallis wrote, “a commitment to the common good could bring us together and solve the deepest problems this country and the world now face: How do we work together? How do we treat each other, especially the poorest and most vulnerable? How do we take care of not just ourselves but also one another?” 

As I think about the many ways I see Heartland AEA staff making a difference every day to improve the lives of children and young adults, I want to say thank you for doing your part to contribute to the common good. I also hope you will consider joining me in leveraging the work we do at our agency by partnering with other organizations that are also working to meet the most basic of needs in the communities in which we live and work through a donation to United Way.  

• Consider volunteering

• Each staff member is given four hours of volunteer time to use from July 1 to June 30. Consider volunteering for an organization or event listed on the United Way of Central Iowa Volunteer Match Site.

• Partner with United Way to meet our shared education goals by completing a pledge card  

• Did you know:
• $1 per week ($52) provides a week of academic enrichment for an elementary or middle school student in an after school program or activity?
• $1 per week purchases eight books for preschool-age children in the Book Buddy program to help develop pre-literacy skills needed to enter kindergarten ready to learn?
• $1 per week covers half the cost of one of the more than 1,600 free meals provided to extremely low-income families?
• $1 per week provides healthy food backpacks for 17 children to take home to improve access to nutritious food?
• A contribution of $42 per pay period is considered a leadership gift?

• Consider purchasing an item from the online auction that will launch on Oct. 20.

At Heartland AEA, this year we have a goal of increasing the number of staff who participate. Help us demonstrate that Heartland AEA staff are willing to “Give It Forward and Get It Back” and do our part to build communities that are great places to live and work. 

Thanks for Living United, 
Paula