Marci's Blog

Greetings! Happy Spring!       
 
This is the final response to your initial questions. I hope you'll take a moment to ask anything on your mind in the comments section below. 
  
This final question is an important one. Our work in education is the most significant part of our organization and one we've been committed to for a long time. In fact, I've started having a regular lunch date with the legendary David Rabaut, the Senior Vice President of this United Way for many years. Not only is he a wise friend with a wonderful sense of humor and great perspective, he has really helped me to understand how much foundational work was done to get us where we are today. Many hands, many dedicated folks who really care about the education of our kiddos in our community have all contributed to the major effort we are experiencing now. It's a wonderful thing.
 
Here's the question and my response:
 
3. Is it true that United Way is now funding local area schools? It's my understanding that a great deal of donor dollars goes to education in the Lehigh Valley.
 
Our United Way has a deep commitment to education in our community. Having an educated, competitive workforce is critical and we know the best way to ensure that is to invest in education. 
 
In fact, 80% of dollars raised are invested in programs and services that help with kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading, and 8th grade reading and math—key indicators on the path to high school graduation. That said, these investments provide support to our schools—in fact, we work hard to walk alongside and to be in total partnership with our schools, but United Way dollars do not fund schools directly. 
 
In the next post, I'll be featuring a story about one of our volunteers... the engine and lifeblood of our organization. Thanks for stopping by. I can't wait for our next cup of conversation.
 
All the best,
Marci

P.s.  Jill Brader, our digital media guru tells me we'll change up my picture from time to time when I'm having a good hair day. I'm not totally sure how to take that?