The Reality Party Became A Reality...........a thank you to the students, our panel members, and the PCDFC volunteers!

This is an e-mail that was sent to me and many others by Sandy Poe, chair of the Pontotoc County Drug Free Coalition.

Dear PCDFC members and friends,

What an exciting and inspirational evening in Pontotoc County……the Reality Party became a reality!  Please accept this letter as a thank you to all who made it happen and as a tribute to the students and our panel members who so willingly participated and shared their talents.

The Ada High students who participated in the Reality Party did  a tremendous job and also provided a valuable service to the community.  Their maturity, enthusiasm, talent, and passion for the event contributed greatly to its success.  Our panel members offered the gift of their presence to validate the credibility of the content of the Reality Party and also shared their expertise in an authentic and sincere manner.

Following the 5 performances (5 tours of groups who viewed the Reality Party), the panel members and the students met to review the evening.  Our panel members included:  Officer John Roberts of ECU,  Cheryl Yott of Citizens Bank (parent), Gwynn Busby of Area Prevention Resource Center, Regina Folger, the abstinence instructor from the Chickasaw Nation, Sheriff John Christian, Tammy Hughes (Crime Analyst) and Officer Harper of the Lighthorse Police, Detective Kathi Johnston of Ada PD, Vicki Orsburn of Ada Area Chemical Dependency, and Calvin Prince of Families First. The students included:  Samantha Cannon, Julia Smola, Julie Krause, Bayli Hobson, Brady Bowers, Steffani Silva, Cole Townsend, Colin Earle, Stephen Miller, Sethariah Windsor, Niklas Muller, Madysson Morris, and James Tillison.

In the dialogue that took place between the panel and the students, there was a powerful exchange of ideas of how to build awareness in the community of the serious underage drinking and drug problem in Pontotoc County.  The panel members assured the students that the scenes that they portrayed were “reality” and that they deal with very similar scenarios in real life on a regular basis.  Each panel member thanked the students for taking a stand and being willing to be leaders among their peers; the students were also recognized as offering a service to the community that was most effective being performed by them.

The students each had the opportunity to share how they felt about the experience and what they learned from the process.  All of the responses were positive and also addressed what they had learned.  For example, several of the students shared how the party was so much fun in the first scene and how quickly the party changed to serious drama when overindulgence occurred, when drugs were mixed with alcohol, when students passed out, when fights broke out  and when the conditions for date rape were evident.  In their own words, they articulated how dangerous the underage drinking and drug culture was for all citizens and that parents and teens had to work together to change the mindset and attitudes of the community.

Please join me in thanking the Ada High students and the panel members for their service and in celebrating the success of the Reality Party in our community.  This event required the collaboration of many partners in the community.   This thank you also gives me the opportunity to give a major tribute to Sara Morgan (Area Prevention Resource Center) who has been the leader of this project from its onset and who also served as the Tour Guide for the Reality Party.  Her leadership and deep commitment for this project was an inspiration to all of us.  Also, the Chickasaw Nation’s Meth Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) grant provided incentives for our students.  Finally, all of the volunteers, students and panel members were extremely grateful to Citizens  Bank,  Vision Bank  and the Girl Scouts for providing food, drinks and snacks for the event.

By working together and sharing time, energy and talent, a goal of awareness was achieved.  This is one giant step in creating awareness throughout the whole community.

Sincerely,

Sandy Poe

President, PCDFC

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.

Garage Sale was a huge success!

I want to thank everyone who made donations to our Ada Regional United Way garage sale.  Also, thanks to those who stopped by and purchased items.

In only 4 hours a total of $910 was added to our annual campaign!

I always find it amazing that we all tire of our personal items; however, if we simply take time to find those in need of those unwanted items we can make a difference.

There was so much donated that there was no way to sell all of it.  The folks from Re Run Junction came over and picked up everything that remained following the sale.

We chose this entity to take the remainder of the items because our local agencies have stated many times that Re Run Junction is a true partner to our local community.

So, thank you all again that played a part in this community partnership to raise a little more funds for our local agencies providing assistance for local folks in need!

And the thermemeter continues to rise...

Our community is well on the way to a successful campaign goal.  The Board of Directors of Ada Regional United Way voted to set a very conservative goal for this year's 2011 Campaign.

We have completed our Pace Setter Campaign with Ada Evening News, Citizens Bank, Peoples Electric Coop and Thompson Agency making a huge difference in holding an early employee campaign.

Several local volunteers worked on the annual Busy Blitz including the small businesses in our area.  The volunteers visited these businesses during the 2nd week of September.

Several additional businesses and organizations have made donations since then.

If you have not had time to contribute, please take a minute and send in your donation.

You can make a huge impact on the entire community by making a difference in one person.  No matter how large or how small - your contribution makes a difference.

Busy week @ ARUW

This is Friday, September 10th and it is almost the end of a very busy, but very productive week at the United Way office.
Tonight, I have the honor to partner with a lot of great community members during the 1st Ada High School football game.  Board of Directors assist with this evenings activities including: passing the buckets for donations which typically bring an additional $600 -$900 into the annual campaign from basically "pocket change", the throwing of mini-footballs and Frisbees and to end the festivities a t-shirt cannon is used to launch a few United Way LIVE UNITED t-shirts into the crowd.  Overall a great way to end a great week.  

Next week is our annual Busy Blitz which may prove to be even busier than this week, but hopefully will bring in additional funds from local volunteers contacting local small businesses for donations.  Annually, this three day project can bring in as much as $8,000 from small businesses making donations of $5.00 up to $300.00.  You know it does not matter what you give, only that you give. All contributions no matter how small or how large are all combined to make an impact on our local community.

Jet McCoy speaks at United Way

Jet McCoy speaks at United Way

Life happens...and then we go on living!

Well, the previous post was on the day I look my mom to a doctors appointment to find out exactly what was going on.  It is now August, that was February.  This post is a little different than my previous posts.  While much of my life consists of United Way activities.. the past few months have been involved with my family.  Mom after many doctor appointments, visits to the ER and all kinds of tests, was diagnosed with cancer.  In April when the diagnosis occurred, we really were not sure she would make it through the summer, but it's August and she is doing well.
Times like this make us (me) stop and realize that life happens no matter if we are ready or not.
Just before all this with mom happened, I was so overwhelmed with everything thinking that I made a difference and if I took a break....well things might not get done.  I have over the past few months "gotten over myself" :) We all make a difference, but not alone.  I have learned to ask for and accept help.  Try it as it is wonderful. People only ask if you need help if they really want to help.
Many personal things have changed in my life.  I have spent much more time with my parents over the past few months.  I have let go of what I should have let go along time ago. I have actually smiled more in the past three months that in the past three years.
We all make a difference, but we cannot make it by ourselves.  Take my well learned advice. Trust others, hold onto family (especially, if you have as great a spouse as I) and let life happen.  Personally, prayer does help. But again, I had to listen to the answers to my prayers.
This is my personal comments on life and that life happens, not the position necessary of United Way and/or the board.  Please take the comments as they were meant.  Life happens.. and then we go on living! But we have to be able to accept life.
Thanks for listening and look forward to more post ---regarding Ada Regional United Way of course, not my personal life.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program

The Emergency Food and Shelter Program Board met yesterday to allocate EFSP funds that were awarded to Pontotoc County for 2010.
Last year (2009) the following were recipients of EFSP funding:
AACES
Ada Area Youth Shelter
Crosspointe Church
Family Crisis Center
First Christian Church
Matthew 25 Mission
The Salvation Army 

It was decided yesterday during the Board Meeting that a new requirement would be added to each recipient - the agency/organization would provide a contact # for 24/7 access in the event of a crisis situation and/or emergency.  The potential LRO's (funded organizations/agencies) were given a deadline of Friday, February 26, 2010 2:00 p.m. to provide their request for funding including their contact numbers.

I will update the information following the deadline to let the community know who will be the LRO (recipients)  of the 2010 EFSP funding.  The amount awarded to Pontotoc County for 2010 allocations to LRO's is $16,111.


While this amount does not sound like much when we compare to the number of needs in our community, it is combined with all/any other funds to make a greater impact on those in need.


To finalize this post, I would like to say that personally, I think we have developed an excellent partnership in our community to meet as many needs as possible with the resources available.

Okay, sometimes things happen and I just don't get back to the blog....

So sorry that it has been a month since I have posted.  I promise to do a better job, but please know that when I am absent, it is for a good reason.  Busy, busy times at Ada Regional United Way lately.  Annual meeting was January 26th and with an absence of VISTA members for several weeks, tasks became quite large; so the blog took a back seat.  We now have Sandy Blackwood with us as a VISTA member, she moved to our site in January and is a welcome addition.  This week brought two more VISTA members, Brian Horton and Cortnee Reed.  We also have Megan Brockhoff back via Moving Into Tomorrow.  Once we all get going in unison, life will begin to be back to somewhat normal and I will do my best to keep up.
This week we are having our 2009 audit; so again a little busy.
I will stop whining for now and simply say that I will get back on task with blogging of agencies.
Thanks for being patient with me!!!!!!!

Today we discuss 2-1-1 of Southeastern Oklahoma

Okay, this one I really know about because Ada Regional United Way wrote the RFP (grant) that made this program (now an agency) happen.

The wonderful idea was first discussed summer of 2003 or maybe 04 soooo long ago.  The State of Oklahoma decided that one simple phone number linking anyone with a need would be beneficial.  The service became live in February, 2006 in our area.  The program grew so fast to cover such a large area, that ARUW soon began to discuss 2-1-1 becoming its own non-profit to allow better funding from all the coverage area.

Well, now 2-1-1 of Southeastern Oklahoma is a separate 501 c 3 non-profit organization as of last June.

If you have any need whatsoever (health and human service related), you simply pick up your phone and dial 2-1-1.  An auto attendance gives you options, but you can simply enter 1 and be connected to a real person to help you.  This person understands the local communities and will have quick answers for you needs, that is of course if the agency supplying the need has given 2-1-1 their information.  You see 2-1-1 is actually a real time data base.

When a call comes in it is anonymous, but your zip code is required to locate the best up to date information.  If specific identification, verification of residency, etc is required, 2-1-1 has the details.  If help can only be given on a specific date, time, etc. 2-1-1 has the details.

I hope you see how this works.

If you know of someone needing assistance, please have them call 2-1-1.

The overall intent was to keep an individual from making up to 8 phone calls before locating what they need.  The individual might locate what was needed by the end of this time, but may have forgotten to find out specifics.  All that is now taken care of.

Friendly, caring call specialists are ready to help you 24/7, 365 days a year.

If you have any questions about 2-1-1, please make a comment.  I'll check from time to time. 

See you tomorrow with info regarding the next agency.  You'll have to wait until tomorrow to see who I picked next.

Let's begin learning more about Ada Regional United Way, shall we?

In 2010, ARUW will be funding 15 local agencies along with a literacy project.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library is the literacy project -

This project allows any child one day old - 5th birthday to receive an age appropriate book once a month

The program is great because, the book belongs to the child and is mailed in the child's name.

I love stories from parents stating that their child seems to know when the book should be arriving and begin to ask to check the mail daily until they receive the book.

This project brings families together to read books.  Such a great memory when you have grown children as I do.  Think back to those simple times reading books with kids in my lap or listening to my husband as the girls crawled all over him as he read.

This is such an easy project to sign up with. The only requirements:  live in Pontotoc or Garvin County and be of appropriate age (above).  Just complete an application and within 8 - 10 weeks, your child will be receiving a great age appropriate book of their own, delivered in their name.

Please continue to read blogs a each day I will give my thoughts on each of our agencies.

Annual Meeting scheduled for 01.26.10

The entire community is invited to join Ada Regional United Way celebrate 2009 during the Annual Meeting.  The event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26th.  PEC (NE corner of Lonnie Abbott and Country Club) will be allowing us to use their meeting room.  The event will begin at 5:30 p.m.  Food will be served, but details are not yet know as to what food.  If you are planning to attend, please contact me at Latricia.Bryant@adaunitedway.org or give me a call at (580) 332-2313 X 223.

I love the annual meeting because it allows us to revisit the past year's successes.  Even though the year as a whole included quite a slow economy, our local community member rallied together to raise over $270,000!  Some past contributors simply could not give as they had in the previous years, but they did contribute what they could.  Some who had not ever given before, gave this year to help those in need.

Please remember no matter how large or how small, your donations make a huge impact on our community.

I hope that you will make plans to attend the ARUW annual meeting!

Soccer with the Boys and Girls Club of Ada

Even though it’s cold outside, Spring will soon be upon us.
Soccer registration with the Boys and Girls Club of Ada is taking place now!
You can register your children online at www.bgcada.com and download the registration forms for your friends!
Or give the great staff a phone call 580-332-3717. 

www.bgcada.com

Met and surpassed 2010 Campaign Goal

Our annual United Way campaign to raise funds for our community has concluded with almost 10% over goal.  99% of your contribution stays right here in our local community!    I cannot tell you how excited I and the Board of Directors of ARUW are to announce this amount raised. 

This past year was a challenge with the national economic crisis, but once again, we pulled together to make a huge impact on our community. No matter how large or how small your donation, it truly makes a difference!

It's time to begin a new year and a new outlook.  If we could exceed our goal during such a difficult economic time, there is nothing we can't do together.

Get involved in our community - volunteer.  If you don't know how or where, just ask me - we are constantly adding new volunteer opportunities to a volunteer website.  More to come so keep a look out.

The 2010 Campaign has ended, but life goes on and we are off to a new 2011 Campaign.  Applications for funding will be available in early February. If you or a 501 c 3 organization you know is interested.