The United Way & Volunteer Services has made changes in our internal connections and with the immense opportunities of the cyber world. In establishing a staff position of Administrative Assistant, technical skills were accelerated and additional connections with community programs became possible.
Stacy Winterringer, former Big Friend Little Friend Director, recently joined the staff to add needed skills to the organization. She comes with a marketing background and experience in collaborating with human service organizations. Due to being an affiliated agency director, Winterringer is familiar with many of United Way’s activities and processes. Working previously on the Toys For Tots Committee, the learning curve was greatly reduced when entering the data, matching adopting business groups and families with the registered children and coordinating the multiple gift lists with Pat Robinson.
The latest connection, made possible with Winterringer’s skills, is with our newly designed web site that retains the same web address - yanktonunitedway.org. Check us out! There are more pictures, more information, more interactive opportunities, a calendar to view and get involved with the activities, connections with the affiliated agencies and other events as well as an archive of former Community Connections articles.
The greatest wonder is that you can join our facebook! I know!! It is just amazing the number of people that have joined and who are our new found friends! With very little effort you can easily sign up for the Advocating For Volunteers Workshop on Thursday, January 28th at Majestic Bluffs; however you will need to be quick to meet the registration date of Friday, January 22nd. The workshop is from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm for a fee of $15 that includes morning snack and lunch.
You can also get information about the Shoot From Your Heart Archery Calcutta on Friday, February 5th from 5:30 – 8:00 pm at the National Field Archery Association. Bring your sweetheart and cheer or jeer our local celebrities as they carefully aim for the target. Tickets are $35 each or $60 per couple. By attending you will also be helping our neighbors who need services provided by our nineteen agencies.
Staying connected with the community and its needs IS our mission. Our mission statement reads: To promote voluntary giving and services to support human needs in the greater Yankton community. Check us out – see what we are all about – consider volunteering to address the needs of the community – get involved!
The Homeless Shelter is one of our agencies that addresses the basic human need of food and shelter. Keep reading the information submitted by Homeless Shelter Director, Nicole Christ, and learn more about this greatly appreciated agency.
The Yankton Homeless Shelter, located at 304 W 4th Street, opened its doors in June 1995 and serves approximately 90 individuals each year. The house has three separate living quarters, with the ability to house 8 + people, keeping families separate. Each client is screened and informed of the rules of the shelter to ensure the safety of the staff and other occupants. The shelter is designed to house those who are in need of temporary housing while seeking employment, those who have found work but cannot afford the initial cost of housing, and for those who have had their home damaged or destroyed.
Many individuals and families have utilized services provided by the Yankton Homeless Shelter. Not only does the shelter provide emergency assistance, but it also provides hope for those individuals who may be experiencing difficult and often life-changing situations. The importance of these services can be emphasized by giving a first-hand story of the assistance we provided one of our clients.
A visually impaired man came to the Homeless Shelter from another state. He had no money and no place to live. After helping acquaint this man to the Shelter, we worked with him to resume his Social Security benefits, apply for food stamps, and find services to accompany his disability. Within his 3 week stay, we helped this man line up an appointment with Services for Visually Impaired, get approved for food stamps, and find a low-income apartment. Since leaving the Shelter, the man has graduated from School for the Blind and has recorded his first musical album. He remains in permanent housing and calls to continually thank the Yankton Homeless Shelter for the services we provided him. Without our assistance, this man was unsure and worried about his future. He has regained confidence and independence and says he will be forever grateful for our help. Every client served by the Yankton Homeless Shelter has a different past, and with the continued support of United Way and this community, we are able to assist men, women, and children to have a more positive future.