Successful week in our area!

Last week (Monday) began with arriving back in the United Way office after being out for several days with presentations and community projects.  Like most; upon my arrival I looked at the overwhelming amount of work that sat upon my desk and wondered how I would ever "catch up".  I took a breath and began with one thing at a time, patiently remembering that last week was great and well worth coming back to the office to all this insurmountable work.  I was amazed that by 4:00 p.m., I had accomplished everything on my "to do" list.  Somehow when we take time out of our busy lives to perform tasks that are important to the community at large, the next step seems to go smoothly.  Ending a busy Monday at the office I prepped for Tuesday.
Tuesday was our monthly "save the world Tuesday" meeting day.  The day began at the office and then moved to all the meeting events.  1st meeting was that of Systems of Care Executive Team meeting.  Next a meeting of the Pontotoc County Systems of Care/Turning Point/Community Council Coalition.  One of the guest highlights was a representative discussing the TSET grant.  She asked us to tell her about our community and we proceeded to do so.  It is always fantastic when we all voice the accomplishments of our wonderful community!  The next meeting moved to the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition where we invited the students who played the role of the attendees of the Reality Party.  I was amazed at how mature the students were in their discussion of how they felt they had made a difference by portraying the roles.  They stated that they truly want to play the part in more Reality Parties and want to volunteer where they can really make a difference.  How wonderful to know that our community has up and coming volunteers to continue the work that others have begun.
Wednesday included meeting with several others to organize and deliver an anonymous food donation to our area.  This task was so exciting knowing that food assistance has become one of the top needs in Pontotoc County and those providing assistance continually run short of fulfilling the needs.  I personally assisted one of our local churches by using my vehicle to transport food to the church.  Much to the surprise of all, there was so much food to go into the freezer that the churches freezer was not ample.  I assisted one of the ladies in transporting the refrigerated items to her personal freezer.  She actually moved her food out to make room for the donated food.
Thursday included meeting with the interview committee taking part in the selection of a full time staff member to oversee the TSET grant that was just awarded to Pontotoc County Turning Point Coalition (PCTPC).  This FTE will be housed at the Pontotoc County Health Department as they are the fiscal agent of the grant.  I used to think that I had to suggest to the Board of Directors of Ada Regional United Way that we volunteer to be the fiscal agent in grant such as these; however, I have come to realize that we in Pontotoc County have numerous partners to share tasks.  I have all confidence that the Health Department was the best choice by the PCTPC for hosting this grant.  Following interviewing two more applicants, the committee review.
Friday, I finally had time to update our Face Book fan page will all the great photos from the previous and current week.  This day included finalizing the mail out to individuals with a follow up letter regarding how a donation to Ada Regional United Way is utilized in a day.  The week ended as successful as it began.  My desk is almost clean.  If it were completely clean; something would be very wrong.

Be sure to check out the page Ada Regional United Way.  You do not have to be on Face Book to view the page.