Partnerships in Pontotoc County

I spoke of "Save the World Tuesday" last month and it was here once again today.
When we begin talking about partnerships in our community between our member agencies, the butterfly affect begins to be seen. One agency/organization's attendance at one or more of these monthly meetings turns into additional opportunities to partner.
The first Tuesday of each month begins with Systems of Care Executive Team meeting where those of us serving on this team are presented information regarding families receiving wrap around services, family counseling and parenting classes, then we merge with the Systems of Care Community Team, Pontotoc County Turning Point Coalition and Community Council where discussion turns to overall community well being.  It may appear that these are certainly a lot of groups meeting together in this second meeting, but in actuality it provides one and one half hour of partnerships and potential partnerships.  Today's spotlight discussion was the STOP Coalition (meeting on the 2nd Thursday monthly) which receives funding from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) and focuses on tobacco cessation.  Reducing tobacco usage not only affects the health of a community, but has an economic impact as well. This discussion could go on for quite a while, but not the intent of this posting so we will go forward.  The final coalition meeting of Save the World Tuesday is the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition with a focus on both substance prevention as well as promotion of recovery.  And today, a few of us followed this day of meetings with yet one more where the community members who partnered in writing a grant for our community (which sadly was not chosen for funding) to review remarks from the readers as to why our grant was not chosen.  Basically, our community scored very well, actually the same score as that of a few funded grants.  There was not much we needed to add, but nice to know what little bits we were missing - in hopes that next we write, we receive.
When reviewing all these meetings keep in mind that attendance to each is approximately 20-30, some of which attend all pull together to make a difference.  Of these meetings the total attendance (with some duplication) was 6 plus 35 plus 25 plus 8 (respective) = 74 attendees representing almost that many organizations/groups/businesses/agencies from our local community.
Many of these attendees receive allocated funding from ARUW, many are our close partners in grants, programs, etc.  Basically, what I am saying is that there are so many opportunities in our local area to partner it is almost unmeasurable.  If a question arises as to a need, if it is not being met, our community begins meeting to determine if there is already an entity to meet the need, if there is not, we begin discussing how to go about meeting the need.
Charity Tracker is our new best way to begin coordinating efforts to identify the true needs of our community as well as determining if there is an entity which meets the needs.  As we all begin using Charity Tracker as service providers we learn how much we can increase our partnerships.
As we continue to attend meetings and events meeting new potential partners we also strive to continue to invite more and more to the "table" to discuss what needs there are and how to meet those needs.
There are more partnerships than we have room to list; want to learn more? The best way is to get involved in some way.  An easy way to become involved is to contribute to our local United Way another easy way is to volunteer and/or attend community meetings. 
The sky is the limit when discussing partnerships in Pontotoc County.

November will focus on how ARUW funded agencies partner with one another.

In the next days and most likely weeks, I will be highlighting how the agencies funded by Ada Regional United Way combine their resources to work together in solving the needs of our local community.
You may be surprised in how resourceful agencies operating on limited funding become when they are attempting to meet immediate needs of our community members.
Please - as you read the upcoming information feel free to comment and ask questions.
I am looking forward to learning something new along with everyone else.
Latricia

Strategic Planning

Whether you consider strategic planning worse than the torture of having your finger nails pulled one by one or if you enjoy a day of long discuss in which indicator, objectives and outcomes are spoken of in great detail, it is important for the success of any project.
I am one of the crazy folks who loves a good day of strategic planning; mainly because a goal is set to be obtained in the future.  If we never set goals, how do we know when we are successful?
Hopefully, every person does a little strategic planning along with budgeting.  Another word that can bring terror to some.

I spent most of today, with two of my good friends (strategic planning is always best to do with friends) and two new folks that I just met a couple of weeks ago, pouring over pages and pages of strategic planning. This process requires that you think about what you want or wanted to do.  If it is your first attempt at the strategic plan, you will be planning what to do and how to do it as well as determine what determines the measurement of your success.  If this is a follow up strategic plan, you will be looking at what you did in the past and determining if those actions were successful or not. Next you correct what did not work and continue with what did.

The challenge of strategic planning is to make one's self look at success and failure along with goals.  No couldn't we all do with a little strategic planning?

Our Board of Directors

I have the opportunity to work directly with some of the best "shirt wearers" in our community.
This photo was taken following our October Board of Directors meeting.

• back row:  Bill Nelson, Jeff Warmuth, Lucas Clark (seems to be hiding), Tommy Vass, Chris Feiler, Teresa Burrows, Toby Perkins, Barry Burkhart and Frank Williams
• front row: Stacie Carroll, Amy Boatwright, Marianne McFarlin and Suzanne McFarlane
• not pictured:  Mike Anderson, Linda Cooper, Tino Gonzalez, Brigette Jones, Mark Morgan,Jayma Newport, Tonie Waller, and Jenny Cypert

This is a group of individuals that truly care about our community.  They each play a part in making Ada Regional United Way a successful piece of our local partnership with both agencies, coalitions, businesses, civic groups, faith-based community and so much more.

I just want to say thank you to each and every one of these board members for taking time to care, "wear the shirt" and make an impact on our local community. - Latricia Bryant

How much can one dollar really make?

You would be surprised!

One dollar by itself is probably not going to be able to make much of an impact, but 100 ($1 bills) can begin to make a difference.
The great thing about the Ada Regional United Way annual fund raising campaign is that it does not matter if a person contributes a small dollar amount or a large dollar amount.  All the contributions are combined to make a larger impact on the needs of our community.
This is certainly not to say that we do not appreciate our Leadership Circle contributors; those giving annually $250 and above.  If not for these contributors we would most likely never make goal.  What I am saying is that if all you have to give is $1 or $1 a week, don't feel like your contribution is not going to matter.
Dollars are used locally to provide services.  Beginning with our youngest community members up to our oldest, the ARUW member agencies make a difference!  Each agency receives a specific, but not equal amount of allocation based upon their annual requests.

Our agencies that receive allocated funding from local community donations use the dollars allocated in many different manners:

• 2-1-1 Helpline uses funds to pay the human answering questions for those in need in a variety of situations
• Ada Homeless Services provides up to a three night stay in a local motel or utility assistance
• Ada Area Chemical Dependency Center makes counseling and support available for community members in need of assistance for successful recovery
• Ada Senior Care Center provides a day of respite for a care giver and a safe place to stay for an adult in need of care
• American Red Cross provides a caring hand up during a disaster such as a house fire, assistance to a military family in time of need and health and safety classes
• Ada Area Youth Shelter provides counseling and shelter to youth in situations that have gotten out of control
• Arbuckle Area Boy Scouts, Camp Fire USA and Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma train volunteers to carry out year long fun, educational activities for our youth
• Boys & Girls club allows children a variety of opportunities;after-school, summer and many sports activities to choose from
• Consumer Credit Counseling provides assistance in budgeting and credit counseling
• Family Crisis Center provides a shelter for those affected by domestic violence including counseling
• Legal Aid works with our community to provide legal services to those who might not otherwise find help in a legal situation
• PAWS takes care of unwanted animals; finding them a new home and provides spay/neutering of pets to those living at poverty level

How can you "wear the shirt"?

That is a very strange statement if you have not been following the Ada Regional United Way 2012 Campaign.
The first time I used the statement "How I wear the Shirt" this year, I did get some strange looks.  As campaign has gone along, those that have heard the statement more than a couple of times are beginning to "get it".
We provided a LIVE UNITED t-shirt to each attendee of our kick off luncheon in September as the theme of the event was "How I wear the Shirt".  I have seen several of the attendees proudly wearing their shirt since the event.  I smile each time I see a LIVE UNITED shirt in the distance.

Basically, if you have averted me over the past months, I need to update you on exactly what it means to "wear the shirt".  It does not have to be a physical wearing of the LIVE UNITED t-shirt; although it is very comfortable and fashionable in the right setting.  To wear the shirt means to be a part of the community.  Some wear the shirt and no one but them ever know it; the tireless volunteer behind the scenes at a food bank, clothing drive, community event wears an important shirt.  That shirt may take may shapes and/or sizes, but without that shirt, nothing would get done.  That part in some situations may be played by only one person working tirelessly along or may be up to a large group of people partnering for success.  Another shirt wearer may be like myself; out and about almost everyday in our community talking to people, promoting activities and partnerships whether wearing a physical LIVE UNITED shirt or not. (As a lot of the times you see me I am in some form of United Way attire.)  Both of these are from one extreme to the other - forms of wearing the shirt.  There are so many more examples most of which are "somewhere in-between".

Some folks are known for exactly what they do in the community, but some are those quietly in the background working away with no one else knowing what they are doing.  Think what would happen if all these folks stopped wearing the shirt.  Disaster would ensue.

You mostly likely know if you "wear the shirt".  Please comment on this post or on the Face Book group "How I wear the shirt".
click here to visit the group How I wear the Shirt
I really think we would all be surprised to learn what others are doing to make a difference in our community.

Report from Charity Tracker database

This information is just a snapshot of what has been going on the first 15 days in October.
It is a sad fact that there have already been so many needs in the beginning of a month.
What is more sad is that this information reflects only 20 assistance/service providers.
Think about how many more providers there are in Pontotoc County and how many more needs have been met beyond these on record.
(On a side note:  If you or someone you know provides assistance non-profit and/or faith-based and would like to be included in the Charity Tracker database partnership, please contact Latricia Bryant.  Latricia.Bryant@adaunitedway.org or 580.332.2313 x223  Only providers may be given access.  This database is not open to the public.  However, any reports that would assist the general public in any manner can be created upon request.)


October 1, 2011 - October 15, 2011

Report Summary
Total Assistance:(value; not direct $s)  $4,624.10
Assistance Records:                            85
Children (0 - 17) Assisted:                   2
Adults (18 - 59) Assisted:                    56
Seniors (60+) Assisted:                        4
Total Cases Assisted:                       62
Children (0 - 17) in Assisted Households: 57
Adults (18 - 59) in Assisted Households:  80
Seniors (60+) in Assisted Households:      6
Total Households Assisted:        62 households
total of 143 members

AACES has change of name....

Our agency dealing directly with homeless/near homeless situations has recently had a name change.
AACES will now be known as Ada Homeless Services.
The name change reflects a better statement of their mission.  Ada Homeless Services serves a very important part in meeting the needs of the homeless and near homeless in Pontotoc County.
The prior name implied that this agency provided help in all emergency situations.
So from now on.....when you hear Ada Homeless Services - it is what was previously called AACES.
There will be no acronym as it could be confused with local high schools.  That would be even more confusing.
Please know that no changes in mission or services occur with the name change.
Thanks for taking time to get informed about a simple name change by a very important service provider in Pontotoc County!

Now you have seen all our funded agencies....

Over the past couple of weeks, you have been provided a simple overview of our funded agencies; those receiving direct allocations from local donations.
While not one if more "deserving" than the other, they all play an important part of our community.

The 5 youth organizations work towards investing in the future success of our children by providing a safe environment and educational activities.  4 work towards beginning at a young age, instilling community service and self esteem, 1 deals with issue that arise when the environment in which the youth lives does not instill either. The majority of these agencies (the first 4) truly need devoted individuals to volunteer to assist them with their mission towards youth empowerment and the increasing potential for building a better future for all of us.

7 agencies responding to crisis and achieving stability provide referrals and assistance to community members in need of immediate assistance with potential crisis situations.  By working together, they can attempt (I state attempt, as there would be no way to meet the current needs with current funding) to provide people with the basic necessities in a disaster or other times of temporary need, they promote financial stability and independence and encourage and facilitate a return to self-sufficiency. This particular group of ARUW funded agencies has the most difficult of the 14 as they are dealing directly with those in specific immediate need.  It would be wonderful if in the future none of these agencies would need to be in existence, but in reality, most of these agencies will in fact find the need grow in staff and services.  The sad fact is, while these agencies are becoming more in need by our community, resources to fund and sustain these agencies are dwindling.

2 agencies supported by ARUW allocated funds are dealing with aging needs and animal welfare.  One has a daily impact on those in our society with really no where to go; if not for this agency, our nursing homes would be increased by 12 of our communities loved ones.  The other is seen by animal lovers as necessary to our community of four legged friends; and is also seen by the "non-lover" of animals as an excellent way to keep the population low and off the streets.

I personally hope that you have gleaned some new information from the past few weeks of postings.  If you would like more specific information, please let me know as I would assume that your question would be helpful to others.

Thank you for learning more about or "allocated" agencies.  In the next few posts, I will begin explaining how ARUW partners with others in the community without directly allocating funds, but with just as big as impact.

PAWS (Pontotoc County Animal Welfare Society

The mission statement is -
To improve quality of life in the Ada area by promoting the humane care and treatment of animals. To serve as a model for other shelters. To decrease the number of unwanted animals by promoting spay/neutering.

PAWS was incorporated in 1982 by a small group of concerned citizens who began cleaning pens at the makeshift structure that served as the city pound. These volunteers began trying to find homes for some of the animals and recruiting others to help. Soon an agreement was entered into with the City of Ada to serve as the dog pound in return for some funds to operate a private shelter where animals would have better chance of being adopted. In about 1990 several generous donations from individuals were received and the volunteers began to raise enough funds for a new building. The dream was realized in spring of 1996 when PAWS moved into the current location at 1200 Sandy Creek Drive. The next long term goal is to enclose all of the pens so that each animal has an indoor area and an outdoor run. Dreams do come true!

It is estimated that 2,135 animals will be directly assisted in take in to PAWS. Of these 375 will be adopted and 164 will be assisted with low cost spay/neuter. Owners of these pets receiving the low cost spay/neuter are 100%.  Most would not be spay/neutering if not assisted by PAWS - resulting in many more animals scurrying around Pontotoc County.

The Prison dog training program in which PAWS sends dogs to Davis Correctional Center in Holdenville is having a very positive impact both on our dogs and on the inmates who work with them. For some of the men, it is their first chance to feel that they can make a difference and to receive some unconditional love.

PAWS is the only public/private animal shelter within a 30-40 mile radius of Ada.

This agency accepts volunteers for a variety of opportunities.  Please contact PAWS is you would like to volunteer or visit www.adaunitedway.org and click the volunteer tab at the top of the home page and I'll find out exactly what PAWS needs volunteers for at this time.



ARUW allocation is designated to be used in Pontotoc County for spay/neuter and veterinary expenses for the animals.

Ada Senior Care Center

Mission Statement -
To provide a safe, caring and reliable community-centered day service in a congregate setting for adults who would benefit from health care, varied and meaningful programs and opportunities for socialization to enhance their quality of life and provide support for families and other caregivers.

This agency began when a DHS start up grant was secured.  The center was incorporated in 1988 as a community service agency to give week day respite to families caring for elderly and impaired loved ones at home. Ada Senior Care Center is especially for families trying to avoid or delay nursing home placement of their loved one. In 1991 the center moved to its present location in the former fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church to keep overhead costs down and quality care up.

The approximate percentage of Ada Senior Care Center clients are 25% between the age of 21 - 59 and 75% over 60 years of age.  Approximately 10 are disabled and 80% are considered low income.

Ada Senior Care Center does accept volunteers; however, this agency's needs are very specific and the potential volunteer would need to learn more about the agency and it's needs prior to volunteering. 

This agency has been referred to as the "best kept secret in Pontotoc County".  Why?  Simple answer is that until your family is in need of these very specific services, chances are you have never heard of this agency.  Question?  If you could keep your loved one out of a nursing home, would you?  Most would answer yes, but would you have any idea of Ada Senior Care had you not read this post?

This is one agency that could certainly be considered the most expensive use of ARUW funds, but this one agency is the only agency providing these services to a very specific target group in our community.  There may be a time in the future that this agency no longer exists.  The ARUW allocation is 13% of this agencies funding as state funds have been reduced considerably in the past few years.  Consider that when wondering if you should donate to ARUW this year.

Legal Aid Services

The mission statement of Leagl Aid is quite simple:
To be a partner in the community to make equal justice for all a reality.

Brief history -
Legal Aid Services began in 1979.  In January 2002 Legal Aid of Western Oklahoma and Legal Aid Services of Eastern Oklahoma merged to become Legal aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. providing services throughout Oklahoma. 

 100% of their clients are considered low income.
The local program provides free civil legal assistance to low income and elderly Oklahomans.  Outcome is to ensure child safety; stop violence in the home; obtain paternity orders and birth certificates for children; avoid money judgement and avoid evictions/homelessness.

01.01.10 to 12.31.10 Legal Aid provided
240 clients Direct services

• 15   age 0-20
• 186 age 21 -59
• 39   age 60+

319 individuals were provided Indirect/Referral assistance
Clients are provided with an increased knowledge with respect to their specific issue. 
All clients who were provided documents obtained the opportunity to pursue resolution of their specific issue.
All fully represented clients obtained access to the justice system.

Family Crisis Center

The mission of the Family Crisis Center -
is to oppose the use of violence and support equality in relationships. This organization endeavors to break the generational cycle of violence. The programs of Family Crisis Center seek to assist women in acquiring information and the skills necessary to examine the violence in their families and to explore alternatives.

How the Family Crisis Center came to be.....

• In April of 1980, a group of people from the community of Ada met to ascertain the need for services for battered women in the Ada area. The group included professionals, as well as people from the general community. The consensus was that services for battered women did need to be established.
• June, 1980 saw the 1st meeting of the Board of Directors for Ada Services for Battered Women.
• In July of 1980, Board officers were elected and decision was made to establish a 24-hour hotline crisis hotline to serve Southeast Oklahoma.
• October of 1980 the Ada Services for Battered Women became officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Official name: Southeastern Oklahoma Services for Victims of Domestic Violence.
• November 1980, the first Crisis Line 25 volunteers were trained. 
• February, 1981 the Crisis line services officially operating, funded solely through community donations.
• July of 1981, Department of Mental Health funding for program approved.
• June 1982 - The Shelter opened its doors for services to battered women and their children; full staff coverage for 24-hour facility provided.
• June 1991 Officially changed name to Family Crisis Center. Since that time FCC added programs offering non-resident counseling, batterer intervention program, outpatient substance abuse counseling, anger management and parenting programs.

Anticipated numbers to be served this year are direct 150 and indirect 125.
Current programming is to provide emergency shelter to women and their dependent children who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking while providing domestic violence education, support, and counseling services to shelter clients.

Family Crisis Center is the only agency/organization providing emergency shelter to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking outside of the Chickasaw Nation (which serves Native Americans only) in the Ada area.
Personally, I will be ecstatic when this agency is completely obsolete.

Consumer Credit Counseling Services

Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) is a non-profit agency committed to helping people help themselves become financially strong individuals and families through counseling, debt management and education.

A brief history:
Consumer Credit Counseling Services was established and filed for incorporation in 1967.  The agency initially grew slowly but steadily until 1985 when the agency staffed by four employees began providing counseling to about 1,000 individuals.  At that time approximately $700,000 was being disbursed annually to creditors on behalf of 325 clients using debt management services.The agency began experiencing tremendous growth in the mid 1980s and continuing into the late 1990s.  In 2009 staff included 38 individuals along with 3 volunteers in central and western Oklahoma.  Over 15,000 free counseling sessions have been provided along with 13,000 educational sessions to over 33,000 participants.  Approximately $11,676,683 was returned to creditors during 2008 for approximately 3,402 active and new clients on the debt management program.  Clients are also helped to further reduce their debt burden by avoiding future late charges and additional damage to their credit rating.

The goal of the education program is to teach clients money management skills and improve financial standing in life.  The goal is that people's lives will be changed.
The target population is any person hwo has a desire to learn more about their finances and wants to improve their financial situation.

CCCS is the only non-profit organization in OK that provides the combination of face-to-face, telephone and online counseling and education.  This agency is recognized as experts in debt management counseling assisting clients in establishing household budgets and working with creditors to reduce debt load to the client.  Free counseling in pre-purchase home-buying, reverse mortgage education and rent/mortgage delinquency intervention. 

This agency is available for online and/or telephone counseling and can arrange face to face meetings if requested.
Funding from ARUW is allocated for use in assistance with those clients living in Pontotoc County, Stratford or Konawa.

American Red Cross, Heart of Oklahoma Chapter

The Mission Statement -
The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its congressional charter and the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Fundamental Principles of the American Red Cross are Humanity, Impartiality, Voluntary Service, Neutrality,
Independence, Universality and Unity.

Brief History of Agency
The Cleveland County Chapter was established in Norman In 1917 during World War I, as a national outlet for volunteerism in support of the war effort. Over the years, the Red Cross has broadened its scope to include disaster response on a local level, services to military families, and Health & Safety and Disaster Education. In 1998, the Cleveland County Chapter merged with the Garvin County Chapter and assumed responsibility for McClain County. Then, In August 2007, the Chapter assumed responsibility for the struggling Pontotoc County Red Cross Chapter. We are now the Heart of Oklahoma Chapter, proudly serving Cleveland, McClain, Garvin, and Pontotoc Counties. The American Red Cross has been present in Pontotoc County since 1917, first as the Pontotoc County Chapter, then as a branch office of the Heart of Oklahoma Chapter.

This agency accepts volunteers in a variety of possibilities.  Please contact the local office to find out current opportunities or visit www.adaunitedway.org, click on the volunteer tab on the home page and follow the links to find current Red Cross volunteer opportunities.

I is anticipated that 4,000 local residents will be reached with direct services for this year.

CLIENT CHARACTERISTICS:
Approximate percentage of your clients are:
25%   Children & youth (under 21 years)
55%   Adult (21 -59 years)
20%   Seniors (60 years plus)

Of these community members receiving assistance from the local Red Cross office  75% would be considered low income.

In the event of a house fire, the local Red Cross representatives (both staff and volunteer) are some of the first on the scene to begin repairing the damage done to the family members.

ARUW funding is allocated for use in Pontotoc County to assist in disaster assistance,  services to armed forces and Health and safety services.

Ada Area Community Emergency Services (AACES)

The mission statement of AACES is:
To provide temporary emergency shelter, food and transportation services to the homeless population for the Ada, Oklahoma and Pontotoc County area.

A brief history -
Ada Area Community Emergency Service (AACES) was formed and incorporated in January 2003 and initially housed in one office at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Ada, OK. The agency was formed by a group of faith based leaders and the Former Director who had a vision to meet the homeless need in the Ada/Pontotoc County area. Services were first provided in 2004 and since the opening of AACES' doors the need for service in this community has continued to increase. Emergency Shelter was initially the only program offered due to budget constraints; however with the increase of funds and grant awards programs were able to be expanded and Prevention Services were added to the Agency and offered to clients in addition to providing Shelter and Food. The mission of AACES remains the same to date and AACES intends to continue providing these essential, much needed services to the Community of Ada and surrounding Pontotoc country areas for as long as the need is present.

Allocations to AACES via ARUW community contributions provide utility assistance and homeless prevention assistance.  On average the need is so great that by the 2nd week of any month, the funds available have been depleted.  The need continues without funding sometimes forcing those in need to function without utilities and/or a home.

There are only two paid staff members providing 24/7 assistance to community members in dire need.

Client Characteristics:
Approximate percentage of clients -

• Children & youth (under 21 years)    20%
• Adult (21 -59 years)                          55%
•  Seniors (60 years plus)                    25%

Approximate percentage of your clients are developmentally disabled is 2%
Percentage pf clients that are low income is 100%

Ada Area Chemical Dependency Center

It is the mission of Ada Area Chemical Dependency Center, Inc. (AADCA) to provide professional care to individuals and family members suffering from the effects of alcoholism and/or substance abuse/addiction problems, co-occurring disorders, and other associated disorders. Furthermore, these services shall meet the highest level of standards for quality and professionalism as set forth by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and by the Council on Accreditation .

A brief history -
AACDC has been providing services and care to the surrounding areas for over 30 years. They provide outpatient drug and alcohol counseling in a group and/or individual setting. They also provide family and co-occurring counseling, Intervention and Relapse prevention therapy, Employee Assistance Programs and DUI and Drug and Alcohol Assessments. The agency is state certified through the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and is Nationally Certified through the Council on Accreditation .

Target geographic area is Pontotoc County. Projected clients for this year; 475 direct and 75 indirect.  Approximate %  of clients:  24% under 21 years of age, 75% (21 - 59) and 1% over 60 years of age.  From this we can certainly say that substance abuse sees no age as specific.

A person might say that "I am not directly affected by substance abuse; however, during a current event in which substance abuse/prevention was the focus of discussion, a former meth user provided the following information:
If you think that you are not directly affected by any substance abuse, the next time you take your car in for a brake check, schedule a surgery, make an appointment with your dentist, drive to work.....think about the person you are counting on to perform their tasks as they should.  If that person working on your brakes, cutting you open, placing sharp objects in your mouth or driving and staying within the specified lines on the road has used the night before or the morning of - are you directly affected?  Maybe so?
Makes a person think a little more how they might just be directly affected doesn't it?

When you make a contribution to ARUW, a portion of that contribution is allocated to AADCA.

2-1-1

Most of you know that 2-1-1 has been around for a while, but do you really know what 2-1-1 is?

Mission Statement::
"to provide 24/7 community information and access to services through assessment of needs and connection to resources"
Brief overview of the 2-1-1 provider at this time:
The Community Service Council began operating the information & referral program, Helpline, in 1980. To acquire 2-1-1 status for Helpline, CSC began working with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oklahoma legislature, Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma United Ways and other organizations in 2003. Helpline transitioned to become Oklahoma's first 2-1-1 call center in July, 2005, at that time serving a 6 county region.
2-1-1 Helpline achieved accreditation status from the Alliance of Information & Referrals Systems in April, 2009.
At the request of the Oklahoma 2-1-1 Advisory Council, 2-1 -1 Helpline has expanded from serving the original 6 to the current 37 eastern Oklahoma counties.
In 2010, the program served 144,594 callers.

The geographic area served is quite large, but we can make a difference if we as service providers remember to update 2-1-1 information.

211 Helpline Age Demographics for Ada United Way Service Area July -December 2010
Age       Ada United Way  Percentage   All 211 CALLS  All 211 %
0-20                  45               4%              3508                       5%
21-59              993              84%           50640                     67%
60+                   96                8%             5998                       8%
Unknown          44                4%           15992                    .21%
Totals             1178             100%          76138                    100%
Program Goal & Target Population:
To promote early access to health & human services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Program is available to all residents of Eastern Oklahoma.
Principle users are low to moderate income households.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma

Girl Scouting was founded by Juliette Gordon Low on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. Around 1917, the first Oklahoma Girl Scout troops were organized in several cities and towns throughout the state. Eventually, many small Councils formed all around the state. Over the years, there have been several consolidations of those small Councils. The last consolidation brought together three Councils on the eastern one-half of the state of Oklahoma to form Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma, which encompasses 30 counties covering approximately 30,000 square miles of territory.
Mission Statement:  Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
While this particular Girl Scout council is geographically large, it has found local volunteers to meet the needs of the members.
Girl Scouts accept volunteers for a variety of opportunities.  Please request additional information as the list is much too long to provide in this blog post.

Membership Services is a program with the goal: To ensure that the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is delivered to girls through trained adult female role models through various pathways (troop, events, series, travel, camp, virtual); that girls discover, connect and take action, in a girl led, learning by doing, interactive environment, developing courage, confidence and character, and making the world a better place.  It is anticipated that this program will serve 376 Girls  and 98 Adults in 2012.

Girl Scouts Community Outreach with a program goal to ensure equal access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all girls in tbe Ada Regional United Way area. As a rule, the GSLE experience is delivered in an after school, volunteer led environment. But many girls miss out on this experience due to lack of volunteer leadership or financial circumstances.  The target population is K-12th grades and is expected to serve 17 girls in 8 sessions of programming.  This is exactly an example of how a volunteer could be utilized; by teaching this program.

When ARUW asked this agency how their programs differed from similar programs in the area, the Girl Scouts provided the following information:
(l) All-girl. Studies have shown that girls who have an opportunity to work in a supportive all-girl environment have higher self-esteem and confidence;
(2) non-formal, hands-on education that promotes personal growth at d leadership development;
(3) uniquely designed to help girls grow in leadership, decision-making and other life-skills;
(4) helps girls make positive moral decisions;
(5) prepares girls to be "someone who can make their own choices;"
(6 ) provides girls a safe place and a judgment-free space where they can be themselves and be valued for their abilitic ;
(7) allows girls to select from many activities -they don' t have to limit themselves to just one that absorbs all their free line and energy.

Camp Fire USA

A brief history:
The Ada Camp Fire Girls Council received Charter Membership on January 15, 1937. The Certificate of Incorporation is dated April 12, 1938. The local headquarters were first housed in the base of the Ada Public Library. Years later the office was moved to a small building on the east end of Main Street. In 1973, the office made it's last move to the current location in the Irving Community Building. According to the Ada Camp Fire Scrapbooks, girls across the nation sold doughnuts as a fund raiser for the organization in the 50's. In later years Camp Fire started its annual Candy Sale. By 1950 Ada Camp Fire Girls were enjoying the opportunity to spend one or two weeks in the summer at Camp Adaka. Camp Adaka was a summer camp resident camp set up on Lake Murray near Ardmore. As early as 1954, records show that girls attended Ada Camp Fire 's day camp, Camp Dawasi. Camp Dawasi is based at the Fire Fly Cabin in Wintersmith Park and continues as most recent as this past summer.

The agencies mission is to "build caring and confident youth and future leaders" through our programs".

The local Camp Fire Office serves Pontotoc County and surrounding areas.  ARUW funding is designated to Pontotoc County, Stratford and Konawa.

This agency anticipates to provide services to over 700 participants in 2012 through their programming such as teens in action, Outdoor Classroom -"Gotcha" Great Outdoor Teaching Class Room and After School -Latta After School Club.
Camp Fire USA is co-ed-all of the programs are offered to both girls and boys. Citizenship is stressed as most important, service learning, and respect for the environment. Since 1919, the Motto has been, "Give Service" Camp Fire states that "our organization was built on the premise of environmental learning and physical well being. These corner stones of Camp Fire are more relevant today in our mission of 'Building caring confident youth and future leaders, than ever before".

Camp Fire does accept volunteers for a variety of opportunities.  If you are interested, I can provide additional information.

Boys and Girls Club of Ada

Brief history of the Boys and Girls Club Ada (the Club):
First established 1962. The club met in the old Rapier School east of the Ada Cougar baseball field.
It rocked along for quite a few years just existing.
In 1992, Marjorie Hutchinson began supporting the Club with a donation to begin the building of "Hutchinson Park". Ms. Hutchinson's gift was used to buy the current building in a Sheriff's sale.  The Club has seen an expansion of space over the past couple of years.  With community volunteer partnerships, the Club is bright and shiny with new paint and a few new pieces of equipment.
Currently, the Club hosts approximately 1,700 children a year. The Club offers programming ranging from after-school, summer and athletic. Currently, an adult soccer league is offered to the community.

Their mission statement is:






To provide a positive place for youth to realize their full potential and become good citizens.
The target population served is any youth interested in the program.  This past year 65% of the youth served are considered low income.  It would be difficult for the Club to continue providing services to this "low income" high percentage of youth with out the funds from ARUW via community contributions.

There are 17 volunteer board members involved with this organization.  
The agency does have several volunteer opportunities; day, evening and weekend time frames.   If you are interested in learning more, please let me know.

Arbuckle Area Council, Boy Scouts of America

The Arbuckle Area Council, BSA was formed in 1945 when the Chickasaw Council, BSA and the Pontotoc Council, BSA merged. Scouters in the old Pontotoc Council, BSA wanted to name their district after their esteemed leader, Harry Miller, and the new Arbuckle Area Council, BSA formed into an administrative unit of three districts which are the Chickasaw District, the Harry Miller District, and the Washita District--each of which still exists as an active District in the organizational structure of the Arbuckle Area Council, BSA. The Arbuckle Area Council, BSA currently serves 3,165 youth with over 600 adult volunteers. The Earl Q. Gray Scout Center was built in 1983 in Ardmore, Oklahoma and serves as the Arbuckle Area Council Office. The Arbuckle Area Council, BSA continues to serve youth in a nine county area which includes Pontotoc, Murray, Johnston, Garvin, Coal, Atoka, Carter, Love and Marshall counties. Fund from ARUW are directed toward Pontotoc County and Stratford youth.

Their mission statement is:
To instill values in youth that will enable them to make ethical choices throughout their lifetime.
 
Target population for the Cub Scout program are boys ages 6-11, grades first thru fifth. The goal to prepare them to make ethical decisions, prepare them for emergencies, and together serve their community by helping others and to be physically active to improve their health.

• Outcomes expected from this program:

• Acquire the ability to solve conflicts productively. Develop empathy toward others.
• Build self-confidence.
• Understand moral and ethical behavior.

 The target population for the Boy Scout program is boys ages 11-18 and the goal is to give a positive learning environment in an outdoor setting to teach learning skills and for them to be mentally awake, morally straight and physically strong members of society.

• Outcomes expected from this program:

• Develop reading skills. 
• Talk about experiences 
• Develop self-reliance, self-discipline, self-confidence, self-respect 
• Personal growth - set goals 
• Express satisfaction/be supportive 
• Improved self-esteem 
• Enhances ability to work with adults, to help others 
• Stimulates personal growth 
• Personal growth Develop reading skills Recognitions

There are 50 volunteer board members involved with this organization.  The agency does take volunteers; there are so many opportunities to volunteer you will need to be specific as to what you are interest in and contact the staff for additional details.  If you are interested in learning more, please let me know.

As promised, highlights of agencies. Today we begin with Ada Area Youth Shelter/Services

Ada Area Youth Shelter/Services is a local non-profit providing emergency shelter services and/or counseling to local youth in need.
Their mission statement is:
To provide emergency shelter for homeless youth and to provide outreach counseling services for the schools and community.
The agency is evaluated quarterly by case management.
The target population served is homeless youths, dysfunctional families and other community families in need of counseling and guidance services.
It is anticipated that the funds ARUW is currently raising will be used by the Youth Shelter in 2012 for 325 shelter residents.  Additional programs provided by the Youth Shelter beyond ARUW funding is anticipated to be 350 in school outreach programming, 125 in the First Offender program and 75 in the community outreach program.
The Youth Shelter provides its services to Pontotoc and Coal counties.
There are nine volunteer board members involved with this organization.  The agency does take volunteers; however, a background check is required as the volunteer would be working possibly directly with youth.  If you are interested in learning more, please let me know.


The Youth Shelter in previous year used ARUW funds for the "little extras". With the budget cuts seen in the past few years, the agency could not exist without the ARUW funds provided via community contributions.  If ARUW funding ended, the agency might end as well.  Something to think about when your are considering your contribution for the 2012 ARUW campaign.

Save the World Tuesdays!

If you are not a member of the Systems of Care partnership, Pontotoc County Turning Point Coalition, Community Council or the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition I am sure you have absolutely no idea of what I am speaking rather, typing.

To coordinate efforts as well as schedules, the first Tuesday of each month is set aside to congregate with those of us that would love to "save the world" if only we could.  While not everyone actually wants to be saved from their situation, this wonderful group of community partners gather for three meetings with a similar purpose.

• First, the Executive Committee of Systems of Care meets to review the successes and needs of this project.   Basically, SOC works toward providing a "wrap around" for children in need of assistance, bringing together as many people involved in these children together for one big meeting to set a path of success in place and then continue to partner for the good of the child.

• Second, the SOC merges with the Pontotoc County Turning Point Coalition (health initiative) and the formerly "Community Council" (a long standing group of service providers who have been meeting monthly for years).  This is a rather large group if they were to all attend at one time, but schedules do not always allow that situation.  Never the less, typically, twenty- five or so folks spend an hour and one half discussing all the great things going on in Ada.  You should really attend sometime just to see the process of round table networking.  We all leave so empowered with the knowledge that we are not "on our own", but there are so many local partnerships working quietly together to save at least our little part of the world.

• The Third meeting is that of the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition.   The newest of the coalitions focusing on celebrating recovery and promoting the prevention of substance abuse.

Really, I could go on and on about how refreshing the "Save the World Tuesday" is to those of us in attendance, but everyone should know that by working together we can make a bigger impact on our community that trying to do it on our own.  The point is:  learn to network, work together, share the load.  It will make us all feel as though we really can make a difference and that there are others out there just like us!

Agencies funded by your contributions

The current 2012 campaign will fund 14 agencies providing local services to our community members in need:
In upcoming days, I will do my best to provide specific information on each of these agencies.  I hope that if you have not yet chosen to make your contribution to the 2012 Campaign you will do so once you learn how your donation no matter how small or how large makes a huge difference to those local community members in need.

They are separated into "target areas"

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES/NURTURING CHILDREN AND YOUTH

• Ada Area Youth Shelter/Services (580) 436-6130
• Boy Scouts—Arbuckle Council (580) 223-0831
• Boys & Girls Club of Ada (580) 332-3717
• Camp Fire USA (580) 332-1360
• Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma (580) 332-0915
• Invest in the future success of our children by providing safe environments and educational activities
• Enhance character development and self esteem
• Help families achieve their potential

RESPONDING TO CRISIS AND ACHIEVING STABILITY

• 2-1-1 (Information and Referral) 2-1-1
• Ada Area Chemical Dependency Center, Inc. (580) 332-3001
• Ada Area Community Emergency Services, Inc. (AACES) (580) 272-0211
• American Red Cross, Heart of Oklahoma Chapter (580) 332-2402
• Consumer Credit Counseling Services (800) 364-2227
• Family Crisis Center (580) 436-3504
• Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Inc. (580) 332-7141
• Provide people with the basic necessities in a disaster or other times of temporary need
• Promote financial stability and independence
• Encourage and facilitate a return to self-sufficiency

SUPPORTING OLDER ADULTS AND PROMOTING HEALTH

• Ada Senior Care Center (580) 332-2855
• Pontotoc Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) (580) 332-.5233
• Improve people’s health
• Promote wellness in our community through physical activities
• Provide physical, emotional and psychological caring

The Best question I was ever asked?

I have the opportunity with my job to visit with the entire community.  One of my favorite interactions is with High School students as they still have the opinion that they can ask anything.  Sometimes I can be surprised with what comes out of the "mouth of babes".  As my children are well past High School, I am allowed to call them "babes".  To me they appear to be very young.
During a presentation to a Leadership Class, I allowed as always questions from the students.   
By far the Best question
I have ever been asked was "what would you say is the thing that you have been involved with that has made the most difference?"  It actually took me a few seconds to come up with an answer to a question I have never been asked before.  Hundreds of meetings, events, partnerships, etc went flying through my head.  What would be the most "what I would consider - the most impact on the community"?  I would have to admit this was a difficult question.  What if I said something wrong, made someone upset that I did not pick their project, left out a memory.... 
My answer: 
The community partnership (I use this term because to me it matters most how many are involved as well as affected by the project) that I feel has made the most difference in our community is what began as the Crystal Darkness viewing in January of 2009 and has grown to become a community coalition (Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition "aka" PDCFC).  The original viewing found a standing room only crowd and continues to invite the entire community to partner on events.  Everyone is affected by substance abuse; if not directly, then by the community as a whole.  I explained that the Step Out of the Darkness event (which at this time had not occurred) would prove to be an interesting opportunity to see if the community continues to embrace the subject of prevention of substance abuse as well as the celebration of those in recovery.

If you had the opportunity to attend the Crystal Darkness event, January 2009, any PCDFC meeting, recovery celebration event, Reality Party and/or the Step Out of the Darkness event, I would say that most likely you would agree with me that this one community partnership has had the most affect on our entire community....and it continues to affect the entire community.

If you have never attended any of these events, I challenge you to do so. You will be surprised at how little you actually knew about substance abuse prevention and recovery - I was!

Where should I volunteer my time?

If you have ever asked yourself this question, you are certainly not alone!  Many wishing to volunteer really have no idea where to begin.  

My suggestions:

1.  What interests you most?

 You will only be a great volunteer if you spend your time on something that you really enjoy. Please look into what you are volunteering for before you jump into the task.

2.  How much time do you really have to give?

No one can give 100% to volunteering because let's be honest; a person only has 100%.  Think about realistically how much time you can give.

3.  What do you want to get out of your volunteerism?

Know what you are looking for before signing up.  Do you want a good feeling following your volunteer experience to continue by being able to actually see what you did?  Then find something that is physically tangible; i.e. building something, painting something, etc.  If you are fulfilled with only having the idea that what you did helping those in need; find a "behind the scenes" volunteer opportunity.  This is one that you may never truly know how you impacted, but know that you tried.

How do you find a volunteer opportunity?

Well, I can help with that!

Please visit the Ada Regional United Way website at www.adaunitedway.org click on the volunteer box at the top of the home page and view the opportunities.  These may be displayed as detailed opportunities or they may be very vague.  Either way, if the description peaks your interest, please express your interest.  This online volunteer site will connect to my e-mail account and I will follow up with more details for you.

How will you know what is best for your time?

Only you know that answer to that question.  However, if you don't even begin a search, how will you make this decision?

Get involved, volunteer!

Why is it so difficult to receive an award, but not a challenge at all to give an award?

Why is it so difficult to receive an award, but not a challenge at all to give an award?

I have been asking myself this question since I was honored Tuesday evening with an Exemplary Community Involvement award. This award was presented to me by by the Brandon Whitten Institute for Addition & Recovery at East Central University.

I have the opportunity to present awards to community members all the time.  I love to recognize those who make our local area a better place in which to live.

I don't mind at all accepting an award on behalf of Ada Regional United Way or one of the many community coalitions that I am involved in.  If fact, quite the contrary, I love accepting awards on behalf of others.

I don't feel like I "deserve" any recognition because I am simply doing my job that I love.

I heard a comment on the radio this morning, not intended to make a difference to me, but it did.  We all need to learn to receive as much as we can give.  HUM?

I do not think I am the only person today in need of this comment.  There are so many folks in our area that don't think the little things to them make a big difference to someone else.

That being said, I would like to say how humbled I was to be recognized for what I consider to be my job and think of as little things I do.  Each and every day I view the lovely framed certificate in my office will remind me once again that we know not what impact we make on someone or the entire community each and every day.  I am proud to be able to have a job that I love and that can make an impact each and every day.

Campaign Thermometer as of 09.19.11

compared to this time last year....

Our United Way campaign goal was $250,000 and on this date one year ago, we are at a total of $81,781.40.  What a great way to view our community support for our 14 member agencies directly funded by local contributions and our community partnerships.

We will continue accepting donations/pledges for the 2012 Campaign until 12.31.11.

Thank you!

Step out of the Darkness event

So many wonderful things are happening in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma now, it is difficult to find time to stop and recognize them.

I spent most of Saturday with community members celebrating the recovery from substance abuse.

Everyone in our community is affected by those in recovery.  No matter what your "walk in life" you are indirectly affected.  Take a minute and think about it.

Find out how to get involved in our community by opening your eyes and ears.  Information can be found in so many places these days; local newspaper, local radio, Face Book, Twitter, etc.  If you are not sure where to begin, follow LatriciaB on Twitter or like Ada Regional United Way of Face Book.  If you are not on either, simply visit www.adaunitedway.org and keep a watch on the Twitter Feed.  As much as possible, I post what is going on in Pontotoc County via this option.

Get involved....make a difference!

Because people have asked how the process works.............

Because people have asked how the process works.............

2012 Application process:

(03.25.11)I have begun reviewing the applications that have been submitted.  When I identify a missing piece, request additional information, etc. I will be sending an e-mail to the agency to keep a paper trail.  These e-mails will be included along with the answer in the application packet.

It will take me most of next week to review – possibly a few days into the following week.

During this review:

First things first – I review for content of required documentation, signatures, etc.

            If anything is missing or questions arise, this is when I send the e-mail requesting clarification.

I scan all documents into PDF format.  A few agencies do present the information in PDF, but most do not.  This takes me quite a bit of time, but reduces the amount of paper wasted during the process.  I do not scan the application proper until I have completed my review (allowing my notes to be seen by the Allocation Committee).

The documentation includes all required items including the 990 and audit.

I make notes in a separate word document to allow the Allocation Committee beginning questions for the agencies; knowing that the Allocation Committee is a group of concerned "volunteers" and does not have time to review in detail all the documentation presented.  I also use this document to type directly into during the allocation review.  As new questions arise, I type those in the document.  Each year, last year's notes are also reviewed for any request to make a change or suggestion for next year's application, etc. This document is presented to the allocation committee.  I also use these notes when reviewing to determine if an item of interest from prior year review was acted upon.

I compare the agency audit and 990 for matching dates and figures and then compare these to the budget form.

If a budget is presented for the organization in entirety (example:  Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Legal Aid and any other agency covering a large area, I am requesting a budget for just Pontotoc County).  Also, if the numbers served reflect a large area, I am requesting numbers regarding programming for Pontotoc County alone.  These two documents are also compared to the budget presented within the application (includes actual #s from prior year).

I also compute the agencies administrative % as well as the ability to be sustainable for 3 months with unrestricted funding.

All information will be presented to the Allocation Committee on flash drives. Saves trees!

I will meet with the Allocation Committee at the time of presentation of request packets and will review all materials presented.  We typically meet over the lunch hour to discuss the process and discuss any questions regarding the allocation packets. Time and date not yet determined.  Follow up will occur once I have completed the review process.

The due date of the applications was moved up this year (due date today 03.25.11) to allow the Allocation Committee a longer length of time to review the presented information.

During the allocation process, the committee members use a format of scoring.  The format is the same for all agencies with weighted scoring based upon questions regarding Community Need, Community Impact, Evaluation of program, Preparation/Experience with program and United Way Commitment.  The scoring and weighted average is presented to the agencies; however, the individual scoring sheets are never shared with anyone!  These are confidential and kept on file in the allocation documentation.

The date of allocation review when the volunteer Allocation Committee meets with each applicant is Tuesday, May 3rd and Wednesday May 4th.  VISION Bank provides use of their board room for these meetings.

Each agency is given up to a 30 minute time slot. Scheduling is coordinated with agencies.

By the way I = Latricia Bryant, Executive Director (only staff member) of Ada Regional United Way

2011 Annual Meeting

This Monday, the 2011 Annual Meeting was held at PEC. 

Certificates of appreciation were presented to so many individuals and businesses making the 2011 Campaign a success, I simply don't have the space to mention them all.

When names are read out loud  there is a true realization that it took over an hour to read them and that we have a lot of community partners making a huge difference in the success of not only the annual United Way campaign, but so many valuable projects and activities in our community.

Anyone not in attendance that is in the Leadership Circle, a Loyal Contributor or a campaign volunteer please contact me @ the United Way office 580.332.2313 to schedule delivery or pick up.

Thank you to PEC for allowing us to use their fantastic meeting facilities and to OG&E for sponsoring our meal.

Wonderful week of success 01.21.11

This Friday (actually last Friday) ended a wonderful week of United Way partnerships and meetings. 
Monday  17th =
wonderful speaker in Ada sponsored by Smart Start South Central Jerry Tallo
the first meeting of the newly formed Ada Community Assistance Association
Tuesday 18th =
a great Board of Directors meeting discussing a variety of items to provide additional benefit to our local community in 2010
Wednesday 19th = 
volunteers in the ARUW office assisting with preparations for 01.24.11 Annual Meeting
Thursday 20th & Friday 21st =
finalizing the Annual Meeting and realizing how much our local community has accomplished in 2010

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/2010-in-review-via-photos.html?soid=1102247844936&aid=2yGvPz_-iLM

2010 Scrap Book memories

I spent this morning reviewing photos from 2010 and remembering all the fantastic things that have occurred in our local area.  So many individuals make such a difference when they partner with one another.

I hope you take a few minutes (well actually a little over 8) and watch this video scrap book so that we can share the fond memories of 2010 as we begin making great memories for 2011.

Latricia Bryant, Executive Director