Unemployment Resources

Today the front page of the Norman Transcript carried a story that’s becoming all too familiar. Facing a nearly $9 million shortfall, the City of Norman will eliminate three dozen positions. Twelve of those positions are currently vacant. That means 24 people will lose their jobs. Their last day is June 3.

Many people have faced being laid off in the past couple of years. And many of them don’t know where to turn for help. The State of Oklahoma offers some resources online. At this site you can find out how to file for unemployment, where to look for new jobs and how to get training.

Sometimes finding a new job can be tough… forcing you to look for help with food, housing or healthcare. Norman is an excellent community for these kind of services. And you can find information on every service available in one place.

United Way of Norman has put together a Community Resource Guide. This guide has phone numbers, websites and information on all of the services available in Norman. Click the link above to take advantage of all the resources available to you today. If you need more information, call the United Way Helpline at 329.2025.

Amazing Family Gets Extreme

I met an amazing group of people yesterday. What makes them amazing is their caring hearts, desire to help and commitment to making their community better.

It all started with a food drive. Not just any food drive, but an “Extreme” food drive. While Ideal Homes and the Extreme Makeover Home Edition crews were building a house for a Lexington family, United Way of Norman was heading up a food drive to raise 23,000 pounds of food.

When 13-year-old Kaden Webster heard about the food drive, he was excited to help. But he wanted to do more than just drop off a couple of cans in a box. So with the help of his mother Connie and his friends, McKenna and Konner, Kaden started his own food drive.

They went door to door in Lexington looking for food and collected as much as they could. When we went to pick it up, this is what we saw… a garage full of boxes, bags and cans of food.

As we loaded all the food in a truck, we weighed it to see how much they had collected. The grand total… 1849 pounds… almost a ton of food. We took the food to the food pantry at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. They feed 100 families every month and were so grateful for the donation.

I’m grateful to know there are people like Kaden, Connie, McKenna and Konner out there… making a difference any way they can. I’m also thankful for everyone else who collected or donated food. Because of your generosity we were able to collect 31,000 pound of food and counting. And that will make a huge difference for people who need it. Check out more pictures below.

Warm Fuzzies

I’m new to United Way of Norman – new enough that the 2009 campaign was my first.  Wow, what an experience!  Being on the Success By 6 side, I have been slightly on the edge of the Campaign trenches looking in.  But close enough to feel the energy and emotion that is poured into the fundraising efforts by assigned staff and the amazing volunteers that are committed to the mission of United Way of Norman.

I’m not an easy sell…some might even accuse me of being a little jaded.  But I’ve got to say I’ve been amazed and a little taken aback by the heart of Campaign – the heart of the folks committed to the success of Campaign.

Sure these 146 days have been about money and goals.  Sure they’ve been about successful community reports and upward moving goal-o-meters.  Of course they’ve been about the hopes of a victory celebration and kudos to those who’ve worked tirelessly to make it all happen.  I won’t lie; these are the warm fuzzies we love.

But these 146 days of Campaign, and any momentary warm fuzzies felt, are only part of the year at United Way of Norman; the rest of the year is about service, hope, help, relief and faith.  These days of fundraising are solely a means to the end – and the end is the community we serve.   When it comes down to it, the heart of everyone involved is to see needs met – all of them.  The only reason any of us get excited about money and goals is because we understand that more of our elderly citizens will be kept warm this winter.  The only reason we’re thrilled about giving successful community reports and eager to put the red tape of success on the goal-o-meters is because we understand we’ll be able to help keep more families in their homes with food on their tables when jobs are lost.  And when we celebrate because of the generosity of our community and we give high fives to those who helped us, it’s because we understand that more of our children will have socks and shoes on their feet, and their moms will rest easier knowing there’s help when they feel helpless.

My first United Way of Norman Campaign has been truly amazing.  I’m now looking forward to the very best part…giving the money away!  That is, after all, what it’s about.  If you’ve given “your fair share”, thanks.  If you haven’t – would you?  We could all use a warm fuzzy or two.

*Post written by Leisa Speegle, Success By 6 Director

Christmas Dinner

Today a man came into our office to drop off flyers for Norman’s annual free Christmas dinner. He told us they served 1500 people last year and he wanted to know if he should increase the food this year. He wondered if we were seeing an increase in needs.

Because of our recent site visits to UWN funded partners, I was able to give him an intelligent answer instead of a guess. The needs have increased this year. I know that because The Salvation Army has seen a 50% increase in requests for Christmas baskets. Last year they provided 438 baskets. This year, they cut off requests at 600… and they’re still receiving requests.

If you know someone who needs a place to eat Christmas dinner, send them to Norman High School on December 25th. They’ll be serving dinner from 11am to 2pm.

They can also use volunteers to wash dishes, deliver meals, clean tables, serve drinks and distribute toys. Call Bob Magarian at 364.3273 and leave a message if you want to help.

*Post written by Jed Dembowski, United Way of Norman staff

Giving Should Be Fun

This past Friday night, over 400 people enjoyed an amazing display of local talent and heart at this year’s United Way of Norman Celebrity Sing.  Guests enjoyed tons of great food from local restaurants.  They were wowed by 23 acts, from an awe-inspiring number from Phantom of the Opera to the City of Norman’s own “Rat Pack”… from bring-down-the-house performances from Eric & Shirley Franklin to Norman’s own future superstar, 8- year-old Addison Baker.  And who could forget local businessmen singing and dancing to a number from Guys and Dolls, or the bevy of beautiful Norman moms-turned-showgirls?  And all of this in the great concert facility at Riverwind Casino.  I believe I’m safe in saying that a good time was had by all.

I had the chance to thank Kris Abbey, of Abbey Road Catering, who donated treats then went beyond that, spending countless hours learning to sing and dance as a showgirl.   I wanted her, and all of the volunteers, to really know how much I appreciated their gifts of time, talent and treasure.  Kris’s response?…that it was fun and that she’d miss getting together and practicing with the other moms.   I had the same response from Tyler LaReau of the Guys and Dolls gang and from Beth Patterson of the Interurban – that it was fun!  

Of course I’ve known that Celebrity Sing is fun for years.  I’ve always had a great time, and I’m sure that guests and performers don’t keep coming back because they’re miserable.  But these comments got me to thinking about the givers having fun.  We’ve known for years here at the United Way that the companies whose United Way campaigns include fun competitions and activities always raise the most money and look forward to doing so.  We regularly encourage groups starting new campaigns to have a lot of fun and to be creative with their drives.  We always hear from our Success by Six’s Norman Reads volunteers that they get more out of reading to the children than the kids do. 

Remember this?…“It is better to give than to receive.”  Or how about “give with a joyful heart”?  The volunteers, donors and guests who made this year’s Celebrity Sing the best ever in performances, attendance, and dollars raised – had fun.  Mark Krittenbrink and Jennifer Baker spent hundreds of hours putting the event together over the past several months.  Debbie Barnhill and Kris Glenn went to great efforts to increase ticket sales.  Mariann Lawson and Tish Marek put together wonderful auction packages. Auctioneer Gene McKown kept the bidding light and fun and Clarke Stroud pulled out all the stops as the emcee.  I watched them during the evening and you guessed it…..they were having a blast!

Whether you give through your organization’s United Way drive each year, or whether you give of your time to coordinate a company campaign or to learn to dance and sing like Wayne Newton, (aka Andy Paden) – no matter how you give to United Way of Norman – I hope you feel good and have fun doing it.  I feel good about turning in my pledge form each year and I am inspired over and over by the selfless giving of others.  It feels great to make a difference through the United Way of Norman.

See all the fun pictures on the UWN Facebook page!

*Post written by Kristin Collins, United Way of Norman staff

A Little Creativity Can Pay Off for Norman

*UPDATE: This project is now rolling. You can read more about it here or check out the website, http://confectionsforacause.com/

I have been a supporter and volunteer for the United Way for years. As a former Emergency Services Director for the American Red Cross, I saw firsthand how United Way dollars given to agencies it supports can directly help people. There was one time that I even was able to tell a client of the Red Cross, who had regularly given to the United Way, that her family was receiving a direct return on her investment that she had made in giving to the United Way.

But nowadays, it is harder for me to give my time and money. I am a stay-at-home mom with two young boys. Between school and sports and small part-time jobs here and there, my time is very limited. And financially it is even tougher. My husband and I live on a tight one-income budget and don’t have money for extras.

With that being said, I still really want to help give to the United Way. I know how far each donated dollar goes in serving this community, one in which I was born and raised. So I started brainstorming. How could the very little I have to give have a big impact on my community? One thing I knew was that I couldn’t do it alone.

I contacted my best friends. There is a group of about 12-15 of us that have been in Bible studies together for years. We regularly do a service project this time of year to help the community. So this year, we agreed that our service project would contribute to the United Way.

Since we are all in similar financial boats, we knew we had to get creative. So after lots of e-mails and even face-to-face discussions we have come up with a way to multiply our gifts … with a little help from you!

We are hosting a virtual bake sale. While we are still in the planning stages, we are hoping to have a Web site up soon so anyone can pre-order from a list of treats members of my circle of friends are making. We are donating the supplies so that every dollar will go to the United Way. We have no idea how much money we will raise, but we know it will be more than any of us could alone afford to give.

As soon as our site is up and running, I will post it here so you can order for yourself. Some of the items that we will accept donations for that will benefit the United Way are: Leslie’s “Stop the World and Melt with You” Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies; Sarah’s “I Love Pumpkin Rolls;” Michelle B.’s “Goodness Gracious Cake Balls of Fire;” Jen’s “Tell Me What You Want, What You Really, Really Want” Chocolate “Spice Girl” Brownies; Michelle S.’s “Just Like Heaven” Chocolate Chip Pie; and Michelle B.’s “If You Liked it Then You Should Have Put a Carrot Cake Ring On it.”

I would like to challenge anyone out there who thinks that a donation he or she could give wouldn’t be enough to have an impact on this community to think outside the box. Have a lemonade stand. Sell something on eBay. Hold an auction of services among your friends for things such as house cleaning, yard mowing or window washing. Sell something you make.

Don’t let a lack of time or money be what means that someone in Norman doesn’t receive food, clothes, shelter, or other vital services that are especially needed in this economy. A little hard work and creativity can really pay off for the people in our community who need it most.

*Post by Michelle Sutherlin, United Way Volunteer

Donate a Coat

As I sat at my house sorting through closets and cabinets, looking at items that I haven’t used in years, I thought, ‘you know, it really is easier than you may think to give back to your community and help those around you that are in need’. These things that have been accumulating in my house could make such a difference for a family or individual in the community that just needs a “hand up”.

At this particular time of year, as the weather begins to turn cold, one challenge that many in our community face is finding warm coats for themselves and their children. When I think about a child going to school without a winter coat, or a senior braving the winter winds without adequate clothing, it tugs at my heart and makes me want to reach out.

Here’s where the United Way of Norman and McFarlin Methodist Church student ministries comes in. The United Way is partnering with McFarlin to collect new and used winter coats, gloves and scarves to hand out to those in need. Now, here’s where you come into the picture. Do you have a used winter coat that’s been pushed to the back of the closet gathering dust? How about an extra pair of gloves or a scarf? Bring it to the United Way (MAP) or to McFarlin Methodist Church (MAP) and we’ll make sure it gets into the hands of someone that really needs it.

It may seem like a small gift, but this act of kindness makes a world of difference to those on the receiving end. Let’s all go through and clean out our closets. That one item that you haven’t worn in years could make all the difference in the world for another person. It feels good to give, to help! That’s what the United Way is all about. Join me in making a difference!

*Post written by Emily Furney, United Way of Norman staff

Obesity Linked to Cancer

One of the goals of United Way of Norman is to improve the health of children and adults in our community. New research released today attributes more than 100,000 of cases of cancer a year to excess body fat. The highest instances- breast cancer, endometrial cancer and kidney cancer.

Research like this stresses the importance of improving the health of everyone in Norman. Battling obesity can be tough, but it starts with eating better. Before you begin though, you have to find the diet that works for you. USA Today has put together a chart to help you get started, which includes several weight loss plans.

Increasing physical activity is also important, but make sure to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program. After you get your doctor’s okay, check out WebMD for their tips for success when it comes to fitness.

*Post written by Jed Dembowski, United Way of Norman staff

YOU Can Change a Life Today!

There are lots of reasons people donate to non-profits. A friend associated with the organization might have asked you, you’re trying to help change a condition you aren’t happy with, a tax deduction, you have been personally affected by a cause, or perhaps it’s simply a trait that has been passed down through generations in your family. It doesn’t necessarily matter what your personal reasons are for giving because at the end of the day whether you mean to or not you are helping. You are literally changing lives.

It sounds big doesn’t it? You might think “my $10 per paycheck can’t possibly be changing our community”, but you’d be wrong. Each one of those United Way of Norman donations – whether large or small – adds up to a larger sum that will fund a program right here in Cleveland County.

We’re lucky as United Way of Norman staff because we are able to talk to the people you’re helping each day. We hear their stories and the fear in their words as they describe their trials. We’re also blessed to be able to hear the slight relief in their voices as we offer them some sort of answer. We don’t do that alone. That doesn’t happen without people like you, partnering with us in this journey.

It’s enormously powerful to think that you have that ability to improve a person’s circumstances simply by giving online at the United Way of Norman Web site or checking a box during your company’s workplace giving drive.

So, whatever your motivation, please help us today. We need each and every one of you in order to aid as many people as possible. Because that’s what it all comes down to…helping people. That’s the only reason the United Way of Norman exists and we know that together we can reach new heights. Please go here to donate online or call our office at (405) 329-2025.

*Post written by Chilton Marshall, United Way of Norman staff

I Ate a Stick Once…

One of the truly joyful parts of working at the United Way, is the opportunity to take part in Norman Reads. Norman Reads is a program of Success By 6 that partners businesses with child care centers. Each businesses promises to send someone to read at the child care center at least once a week.

UWN is partnered up with Kidopolis. So every Thursday at 11 a.m., one of us heads over with some books and reads. Last week I took two books to Kidopolis, “Stellaluna” and “Who Took the Cookies from the Cookie Jar“.

I asked the children which one they wanted to read first. They picked ”Stellaluna.” Stellaluna is story about a baby bat who get lost from her mother. A mama bird takes her in, but only if she’ll act like a bird and not a bat. That means no hanging by her feet, eating bugs and sleeping at night. Eventually Stellaluna finds her mother again and everyone lives happily ever after. While reading this book, we discussed bats and what they ate (mangos) and if any of the kids could see at night. (one of them said yes)

Next came “Who Took the Cookies from the Cookie Jar.” This book is a mystery. Skunk’s cookies are missing and he is following the clues to find who took them. Many of the animals we pass along the way say it wasn’t them because they eat something else… mouse eats cheese, raven eats worms, snake ate an antelope last week.

My favorite part was when we got to beaver. Of course beaver didn’t take the cookies, he eats sticks. This is when one of the children told me she tried to eat a stick once, but she spit it out because it had dirt on it. I started laughing, then also told her she probably shouldn’t eat any more sticks.

That’s when I remembered… reading to children isn’t only good for them, it’s good for me too. The interactions I have when reading always make me smile. Many times it’s the highlight of my week.

If you want to take part in the Norman Reads program, shoot Success By 6 an email. We’ll find a spot for you to make a difference.

*Post written by Jed Dembowski, United Way of Norman staff