92nd annual United Way of Plymouth County Kick Off & Day of Caring

By: Mike Lee, UWGPC Marketing Intern

Early in the morning of September 13^th, 2013 over 130 excited and enthusiastic volunteers gathered for the 92^nd annual United Way of Plymouth County Kick Off & Day of Caring.  It’s hard to imagine over so many friends, board members, and partner agencies with smiles on their faces at 8am on a Friday, but there they were, all of the volunteers with bright smiles dressed in their “Live United” t-shirts to show their support of United Way!

(Dennis Carman UWGPC President & CEO speaks to the volunteers)

Ocean Spray Cranberries once again graciously hosted the Kick Off event at their corporate headquarters on the Lakeville/Middleboro line.  All of the volunteers gathered in the atrium to hear Ocean Spray’s President and CEO Randy Papadellis and Signature Healthcare’s President and CEO, Kim Hollon thank the volunteers and give inspiring speeches encouraging the attendees to make a difference in the community throughout the day. 

Volunteers participating in the Day of Caring came from Enterprise Rent-a-Car, the Arc of Greater Plymouth, Hannaford Supermarkets, Traveler’s Insurance, HarborOne Bank, ITW-TACC, Signature Healthcare, Rockland Trust, Energy Pilgrim Station, and GE Oil & Gas.  The volunteers were divided in teams to help with 14 service projects ranging from painting walls to organizing supplies to planting flowers at nonprofit organizations in the greater Brockton and greater Plymouth communities.

From all accounts, our United Way’s 92^nd Annual Kick Off was a great success!  Our volunteers made a real difference by helping to raise the awareness of the value of United Way of Grater Plymouth County to the communities in southeastern Massachussets.  We cannot thank our volunteers and supporters enough for helping us to achieve our mission of “uniting people, ideas and resources to improve lives.”  We hope that their “shining” examples of service will inspire others to give generously to this year’s United Way campaign!

United Way's 91st Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration

United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s 

Annual Luncheon ‘Uplifting’

When asked to describe the United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s recent annual meeting and awards luncheon, Dennis Carman, the organization’s president and CEO used the words “uplifting” and “enthusiastic”.  Judging by the boisterous response of the two hundred thirty attendees Carman’s assessment was spot-on, with one guest saying he felt “energized about the United Way” and was inspired to work toward growing the annual campaign at his workplace.

Hosted by Bridgewater State University, this was United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s ninety first annual awards luncheon.  The keynote speaker was BSU’s president, Dr. Dana Mola-Faria, who also sits on the UWGPC’s volunteer board of directors.  An internationally respected leader in the field of higher education, Mola-Faria spoke passionately about the need for each of us to work “for the common good” - a perfect theme for the occasion as several businesses, nonprofit organizations and volunteers were honored for their commitment to –and success in helping to improve the lives of citizens of greater Plymouth County who have struggled in this challenging economy.

Among those receiving individual recognition by the chairman of UWGPC’s board of directors (and HarborOne vice president), Leo MacNeil, were retiring UWGPC board member, Cheryl Showstack, and outgoing campaign chair, Chris Oddleifson, the president and CEO of Rockland trust Company.  It was also announced that Kim Hollon, CEO and president of Brockton based Signature Healthcare would be assuming the role of campaign chair being vacated by Oddleifson. 

To view our photo gallery from the event, please visit our website: http://www.uwgpc.org/album/uwgpc-91st-annual-meeting-awards-celebration-june-12-2013

Ending Domestic Violence in Greater Plymouth County

The South Shore Women's Resource Center located in Plymouth, MA

One night, a woman with a baby arrived on Jim Hardeman’s doorstep. The woman had been a victim of domestic violence and she was seeking help. Jim sat and spoke with her, but he did not know of any services that he could refer her to. Unfortunately, the woman ended up returning to the domestic violence situation. Jim was distressed over this woman’s circumstances, so he gathered a group of volunteers and in 1978, The South Shore Women’s Resource Center was established.

 A few weeks ago, our United Way headed down to Plymouth, MA to visit The South Shore Women’s Resource Center and meet with Program Director, Kathy Spear. Kathy gave us a tour of the facility and described the many services available for both men and women in domestic violence situations.

The South Shore Women’s Resource Center offers an array of programs that provide support, advocacy and counseling to victims of domestic violence. Kathy noted that even though statistically, women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence, men can be victims as well and the center provides services for them too. The South Shore Women’s Resource Center works from an empowerment model, giving victims the power of decision making and developing their self-esteem.  Financial constraints, lack of child care and continued harassment from the batterer, however, can make it difficult for a victim to come in to the center, so support is also provided over the phone and through a 24-hour hotline.

The South Shore Women’s Resource Center has five advocates working in four different court systems. These advocates assist victims who are trying to obtain a restraining order by giving them emotional support and by helping them to complete paper work. Other services offered include a food pantry, outreach work in schools, and a counseling program for family members and friends who have lost someone to homicide.

Our United Way has been providing funding to the South Shore Women’s Resource Center for many years. The money is currently being used for domestic violence counseling, both within the agency and within the surrounding community. It is also used for outreach educational prevention services in schools. These outreach programs aim to educate students about teen dating violence, substance abuse and healthy relationships.

Kathy began working as the Program Director for the South Shore Women’s Resource Center in 2006 and has found it to be a very rewarding experience. “I am very impressed with the staff here” says Kathy, “I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a group of people that have worked so hard and who have volunteered so much of their own time.” Kathy also enjoys witnessing victims develop or reconnect with their own personal sense of empowerment.

The South Shore Women’s Resource Center has been aiding victims for over 35 years. They are extremely dedicated to providing safety and support, advocating for social change and ultimately bringing domestic abuse and violence to an end. Kathy feels it is very important for people to understand that domestic violence isn’t just a women’s issue or an individual issue. “Domestic violence impacts all of us,” she says “and we are all responsible for being part of the solution.”  

- Jess Zaniewski, Marketing Intern

Check out our Interview with Program Director, Kathy Spear!:

If you’d like to find out more about The South Shore Women’s Resource Center, please visit their website: http://www.thesswrc.org

Internship Experience Reveals Passion for Service

Jess on site, visiting with our United Way’s partner agency,

Brockton Church and Community After School Program

          The word “work” often has a bit of a stigma attached to it. It is associated with responsibilities; not necessarily things we want to do, but rather things we must do out of obligation. As I draw closer and closer to my graduation from Stonehill College, I have been thinking a lot about how the word “work” will soon change its meaning in my life. I will be going from homework, class work, and group work…to REAL work. Seeking a full-time job and pursuing a career path. Things are going to be different for me from now on.

            My experience as a marketing intern at United Way of Greater Plymouth County has changed the way I view the word work. I discovered that it is possible to find a career path where your work will bring you enjoyment every day. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with everyone here in the Brockton office, surrounded people who love their job.

Since beginning my internship in January, my duties have included writing articles for the United Times newsletter, visiting and interviewing our partner agencies, creating video content for our YouTube channel and keeping our social media outlets up to date. I have most enjoyed being able to meet and form relationships with people in the surrounding communities through site visits with partner agencies and events such as the Credit for Life Fair. It has been fun to have such an interactive internship experience that has allowed me to meet so many different people.

Interning with our United Way has opened me up to a whole new world. I have really found my place in the non-profit sector. Working in the non-profit sector is something that I not only really enjoy, but it is something I now feel called to do. It is my hope that from this point on, any occupation I hold in the future will serve those in need and have meaning. As I move on from this internship, from college and into the real world, I am feeling extremely blessed. I am thankful for having had the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful organization and for an experience that has opened up my eyes to a newly discovered passion for serving others.

- Jess Zaniewski, Marketing Intern

UWGPC's Social Media Efforts: We Want Your Feedback!

As you may have noticed, United Way of Greater Plymouth County has been making efforts to keep our social media sites active and updated. We have Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Blogger accounts, which are all being used to keep you informed about what we are up to!

On our Facebook and Twitter accounts, you will find photo albums and posts regarding our various meetings, activities, and everything in between.  We will also inform you when new content has been posted to our YouTube channel and blog.

On our YouTube channel, we are beginning to profile and interview our partner agencies so that you can see some of the organizations we provide funding to and the type of services these organizations provide.

On our blog, we have been sharing success stories and longer versions of our feature articles from our newsletters.

We are already beginning to see some growth in our following but, we would love to hear your feedback! What would you like to see on our social media sites? Is there anything you would like to see change? Is there something you’d like to see more of? Let us know! We want to provide you with information that will interest YOU! You can comment your suggestions right here on our blog! Or, you can send us a message via Facebook.

If you haven’t visited any of our sites yet, please take a look! :

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Blog
• YouTube

As always, thank you for your interest in and support of our United Way!

Success Story: Melanie from the Brockton Area Arc

United Way of Greater Plymouth County is always excited to hear success stories from our partner organizations. The following is Melanie’s story. With the help of The Brockton Area Arc, Melanie was able to use her talents as a dancer to help others learn, while also improving her own social and communication skills.

"Melanie is a student at Brockton High School who has participated for several years in the Sunday Recreation and Arc Ed Programs run by the Brockton Arc. She is a quiet, shy woman who especially enjoys the sports, dancing and music activities that BAArc programs offer. The recreation programs have also proved to be a bridge to employment where Melanie’s skills and personality are shining! Melanie's shyness has, at times, been a challenge for her. While she is friendly and polite, her responses to questions may be just one or two words, and until recently, she rarely initiated conversation. One of her strengths, however, is dance. Since pre-school, Melanie has taken dance classes at a local studio with other typically developing students. When she began to participate in the Brockton Area Arc programs, her experience and aptitude for dance made her a role model for other students. The BAArc dance teacher recognized Melanie's strengths right away. The teacher began to use her to assist with more difficult choreography by placing her in the back of the class. When the choreography required students to turn and face the opposite wall, Melanie was ready and waiting to provide a visual guide for the students to follow. When the dance teacher demonstrated a new step, Melanie was quick to learn it. Then she, in turn, helped other students to practice the step. The teacher noted that the other students in the class became increasingly motivated to concentrate. Melanie's example and encouragement gave them the confidence they needed to learn the dance steps.

 Due to Melanie's experience in helping other students during Brockton Area Arc programs, the dance teacher suggested that she apply for a summer job position as an assistant in her dance studio classes for children. Although she had some concerns about Melanie's expressive skills, the teacher believed that her strengths as a dancer would offset any communication weaknesses. Just like any other job seeker, Melanie had to fill out an application and interview for the position. She got the job!  In September 2011, Melanie returned to the Sunday Recreation Program, but not as a participant. BAArc re-hired her as the dance assistant.

The dance teacher has this to say about Melanie's work at the dance studio:  'She has been performing her work duties at and above expectations.' During class introductions, she spoke loudly and clearly, 'My name is Melanie, and I am the dance assistant.' The students clapped and happily accepted Melanie in her role. 'In addition to helping to teach dance, Melanie is responsible for helping to load and unload equipment from the teacher's vehicle. She follows complex directions without difficulty. She independently assigns herself to students who need extra help. The most exciting change the dance teacher has seen is that Melanie initiates and continues conversations, especially with the children that she is assisting.' 'Turn this way.' 'Move your arms like this.' 'Good job!' The teacher reports, 'It is exciting to hear her use her voice.'  Her mother reports that Melanie's expressive communication has improved at home and in other settings as well.

 At a time when many typically developing teenagers have had difficulty finding employment, Melanie's shining in her part-time position. Not only have her dance skills been strengthened by this work experience, but her communication skills, social skills and self-confidence have also improved as she assists the children enrolled in the dance classes. She is earning a paycheck, something that many teens are not able to do. She recently scored well on a vocational test in the area of performing arts. In a few years, she will be leaving high school and transitioning to the working world. It may well be that Melanie's participation in the Brockton Area Arc recreations programs, where a supportive teacher recognized her talents and potential, will be the experience that opens the door to a successful future career in the arts."

United Way Intern and Fellow Stonehill Students Spend Spring Break with Project Homecoming in New Orleans

Our United Way Marketing Intern, Jess Zaniewski (fourth from right) with fellow Stonehill College students and Project Homecoming staff in front of Ms. May's house

          Every year since hurricane Katrina hit, InterVarsity Christian fellowship has been sending college students to New Orleans, Louisiana to help rebuild homes. The InterVarsity chapter at Stonehill College, otherwise known as The Good News Club, sent 29 students to New Orleans last week to work with Project Homecoming. Project Homecoming is a community development organization that helps build homes for families in New Orleans who are low-income, uninsured, underinsured, disabled and elderly. Since 2007, Project homecoming has helped to rebuild over 200 homes. They are also proudly partnered with The United Way of Southeast Louisiana.  

Jess working on Ms. Mary's house

            Among the 29 Stonehill students that worked with Project Homecoming was our own United Way Marketing Intern, Jess Zaniewski. Stonehill students were split into five groups and sent to different work sites. Jess spent the week working with Project Homecoming staff and five other Stonehill students on a house that needed a lot of finishing touches. It was a beautiful, green home, owned by a woman named Ms. Mary. Ms. Mary’s house had suffered a lot of damage from wind and termites, leaving large parts of the walls, ceiling and floors missing. The house has been under construction for almost a year now and it is beginning to near completion. “I was a little surprised at first” says Jess “I was expecting to work on a house that was in the beginning stages of construction but, in the end I was happy. Ms. Mary was a victim of contractor fraud and she has also been waiting over 7 years to move back into her home. For that reason, I am so happy that I could play a role in bringing her house back to life.”  Jess spent the week painting walls, cleaning windows, cleaning out closets, and hanging new shelves.

            While in New Orleans, Stonehill students were given a tour of the Upper and Lower 9^th ward. They were able to see the areas that were heavily damaged by the storm, as well as the levees where the flooding occurred. Students were also given time to visit the French Quarter, shop and dine in local restaurants. In the evening, students listened to speakers and engaged in faith based discussions and Bible studies. The combination of these activities in addition to service work allowed students to fully experience the culture of New Orleans and learn about how Katrina affected people’s lives. It also helped them to grow in their faith and form long lasting relationships with one another.

Jess and fellow Stonehilll students at the French Quarter

            Jess had a great time while working in New Orleans. Her favorite part of the trip was working on Ms. Mary’s house and trying new food. Jess says “It was an incredibly eye opening experience that changed my life. Working with project homecoming was so rewarding but, I am also thankful for the free time that allowed me to talk to NOLA locals, experience the culture and enjoy some good southern meals.” Jess left New Orleans with a new outlook on the world and a burning desire to continue serving those in need. “I know my life will never be the same. New Orleans will always have a special place in my heart.” Jess hopes to return to New Orleans one day and she is currently thinking about pursuing a year of service work after graduation.

To learn more about project homecoming, visit their website: http://projecthomecoming.net