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Media Contacts: Scatena Daniels
Ann Marie Price
Geneva Gámez

NOTE TO EDITOR: https://bit.ly/3Wl9uas
Photos courtesy of United Way of San Diego County.

United Way of San Diego County Holds Crockpot Drive to Support Local Families in Need During Holiday Season

2nd Annual ‘Holiday Crockpot Drive’ to provide local families and their children warm meals for Thanksgiving and beyond

San Diego – Nov. 1, 2022 – To kick off the giving season, United Way of San Diego County (UWSD) is collecting new crockpots to support local families facing food insecurity during the holidays. From Oct. 24 through Nov. 14, the nonprofit will collect funds to purchase new crockpots that will be distributed to families in need, just in time for Thanksgiving Day.

Giving more than a crockpot

According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, 1 in 4 San Diegans are nutrition insecure and cannot provide three nutritious meals for themselves or their family per day. While this estimate is down from last year, it is still an increase from pre-pandemic years. In addition, the following San Diego populations are nutrition insecure:

• 35% of the child population
• 39% of Hispanic/Latino people
• 37% of Black people
• 28% of the total San Diego population

With inflation rising and the high cost of living in our region, many families rely on hunger relief assistance from organizations, even in dual-income households. To support families experiencing nutrition insecurity, UWSD will provide them with new crockpots to help them cook quick, easy and nutritious meals at home that help stretch their dollars.

“The holiday season is here, and for many families, it is a time to bring the family together around a dinner table full of food. However, many families in our community can’t afford this experience,” says Nancy L. Sasaki, President and CEO, United Way of San Diego County. “The price of gas and groceries continue to increase due to inflation, and putting food on the table requires much planning and budgeting. We’re excited to support families in need, and gifting a cooking tool like a crockpot will help parents and guardians have dinner ready when they come home from work, giving them more time to spend with their children and peace of mind.”

Help families in need put food on the holiday table and year-round

A donation of $50 will help UWSD provide a San Diego family experiencing food insecurity with one crockpot and some pantry staples to help make a holiday meal. For community members interested in donating a new unused crockpot, they can be dropped off at United Way of San Diego County’s front desk (4699 Murphy Canyon Rd.) between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 1 and Nov. 8.

For families experiencing food and nutrition insecurity, a crockpot can:

• Provide a warm meal in transitioning housing situations
• Lower the cost per meal for a family to stretch their dollars
• Make meal preparation quick and easy when working multiple jobs 
• Provide a way to teach children how to cook safely 
• Cook larger quantities of food, creating additional meals 
• Make nutritious meals at home 
• Provide a variety of meals using SNAP-approved ingredients 

For more information on UWSD’s annual “Holiday Crockpot Drive” and ways to give back to the nonprofit, visit uwsd.org.

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY 

For more than 100 years, United Way of San Diego County has aligned with partners to address inequities in the region and help underserved communities. United Way’s specialty lies in identifying sustainable, long-term goals and achieving them through leveraging data and partners’ expertise to better understand root causes and implement impactful solutions. 

United Way’s work, in partnership with others, uses shared goals, innovation, and proven practices to transform the lives of children, young adults, and families in the San Diego region. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. Learn more and get involved by visiting uwsd.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling (858) 492-2000. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts: Scatena Daniels
Ann Marie Price
Geneva Gámez  

NOTE TO EDITOR: https://bit.ly/3q4HGrP 

Photos courtesy of Traveling Stories.

United Way of San Diego County Partners with Traveling Stories for ‘Walk for Literacy’

Nonprofits encourage attendees to dress up as their favorite book characters as they walk in support of literacy programs for local children

San Diego – August 31, 2022 – United Way of San Diego County (UWSD), in partnership with Traveling Stories, is excited to take San Diego families on a colorful adventure where their favorite stories will be shared during a special “Walk for Literacy” on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Chollas Lake Park (6350 College Grove Drive); all to support literacy programs for local children.

Families and individuals in attendance are encouraged to dress as their favorite book characters to take part in a costume contest for the chance to win a prize. Each walk participant will receive an event t-shirt, and each child in attendance will take home a free book. Children will also enjoy fun games and activities in the Kids Zone. Additionally, free coffee, bagels, and donuts will be available, and attendees will also have an opportunity to browse reading and book-related businesses and resources in the Vendor Village.

Help San Diego students build confidence and a love for reading

In the U.S., 82% of children in low-income families read below grade level. Studies also show that children who don’t read proficiently by fourth grade are up to 15 times more likely not to complete high school, leaving them with an only 10% margin of being eligible for American jobs. Founded in 2010, Traveling Stories empowers children to achieve their dreams by helping them fall in love with reading by the 4^th grade. The organization matches students in 1^st-3^rd grade with trained reading mentors for weekly, one-on-one reading sessions via Zoom. Students who participate grow their reading level, build confidence, and spend more time reading for fun.

In addition, UWSD supports local students to ensure they are adequately prepared for academic success. “Our focus on low-income communities helps foster an inclusive environment through partnerships that lift up families and children,” says Nancy L. Sasaki, President and CEO, United Way of San Diego County. “We’ve seen that by providing children with the tools they need, like easy access to books and mentorships, they can excel academically. Through our partnership with Traveling Stories, we are able to continue giving San Diego students an equal opportunity to succeed,” says Sasaki.

“Every child has the capacity to succeed, but many lack the support they need to overcome the obstacles in their way,” says Emily Moberly, Founder and CEO of Traveling Stories. “Helping students become strong readers is one of the most powerful ways we can set them up for success, and the Walk for Literacy is a fun way for all of San Diego to support that goal!”

“Walk for Literacy” is sponsored by First Five San Diego, Union Bank, GEICO Philanthropic Foundation, and the San Diego Council on Literacy. Event partners include Words Alive, the City Heights/Weingart Library, Creators Assemble, the San Diego Sockers, author Marcia Berneger, Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, Joyride Bookshop, Coffee Cycle, the Athlete Academy, Unplug Collaborative, Logan Heights CDC, and SDCCU.

Ways to support

There are many ways to participate in this year’s “Walk for Literacy”:

• Walker: Participate in the “Walk for Literacy” and receive an event t-shirt. Bookworm: Participate virtually from home or from wherever you log in.
• Donate: Can’t make the walk, but would still like to contribute to the cause? Make a monetary donation here.
• Volunteer: Lend a hand at one of the many activities happening during the “Walk for Literacy.” Sign up here.

However you would like to participate, sign up here to get involved. All registration fees and monetary donations will support Traveling Stories and provide one-on-one reading support for children. 

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY 

For more than 100 years, United Way of San Diego County has aligned with partners to address inequities in the region and help underserved communities. United Way’s specialty lies in identifying sustainable, long-term goals and achieving them through leveraging data and partners’ expertise to better understand root causes and implement impactful solutions.

United Way’s work, in partnership with others, uses shared goals, innovation, and proven practices to transform the lives of children, young adults, and families in the San Diego region. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. Learn more and get involved by visiting uwsd.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling (858) 492-2000. 

ABOUT TRAVELING STORIES

Traveling Stories empowers children to achieve their dreams through one-on-one literacy support and mentorship. 

Since our founding in 2010, Traveling Stories has impacted more than 7,000 students in San Diego, Calif. Traditionally, we’ve provided services in-person, but due to COVID-19, we pivoted to an online model in 2020. Our new Virtual StoryTent (VST) matches students in 1st-3rd grade with trained reading mentors for weekly, one-on-one reading sessions via Zoom. We’re serving 200+ children a year and growing!  Learn more by visiting travelingstories.org, Facebook, Instagram, or emailing ! 

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Media Contacts:
Ann Marie Price / Geneva Gámez
Scatena Daniels
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NOTE TO EDITOR: https://bit.ly/3PcEF3g        

Photos courtesy of United Way of San Diego County.

United Way of San Diego County Hosts Month-Long ‘Back to School Drive’ to Support Local Students and Families

Public encouraged to donate new school supplies from
July 18 through August 15

SAN DIEGO (July 15, 2022) — As we reach the end of summer break, students everywhere will be gearing up for another school year. Starting July 18, United Way of San Diego County (UWSD) is hosting its annual month-long “Back to School Drive” through August 15 to gather new supplies for local students and families in need.

“With families in our community still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, buying new school supplies can be a challenge, especially with the continued rise in inflation,” says Nancy L. Sasaki, president and CEO, United Way of San Diego County. “We hope to provide some relief to those households in need of support and, in turn, give their students an equal opportunity to start the school year on the right track.”

How the pandemic affected our students

Since the start of the pandemic, communities across San Diego County have faced increasing hardships, including loss of wages, adverse housing conditions, and more. These challenges placed an unprecedented burden on many families, especially those already experiencing financial instability. Although we may be heading toward an endemic, many families continue to be negatively impacted.

Due to inflation, gas and grocery prices continue to increase, making it even more difficult for families to make ends meet. To help those most vulnerable to these inequities, UWSD is collecting new school supplies to help ensure students in need won’t fall even further behind.

According to a recent study, the impact of the pandemic on students in grades K-12 was significant, with those learning remotely experiencing greater declines than those learning in-person. High-poverty schools spent 5.5 more weeks in remote learning than low-poverty schools. Researchers also found a “higher incidence of remote schooling for Black and Hispanic students.” These numbers exacerbate the already significant educational and opportunity gaps that our diverse students face. 

In addition, “summer slide” can also cause a loss of learning, especially for students in low-income communities. Summer reading loss is known to compound over time, and high school graduation can be predicted with reasonable accuracy by knowing someone’s reading abilities at the end of third grade. Students who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Now, it is more crucial than ever that students not only begin their school year prepared but also confident to help guarantee academic success and bridge the gaps in our region.

Help students and their families prepare for back to school

UWSD encourages community members to take part in the positive transformation of students’ lives by donating through its online gift registry or by making a monetary donation directly to the nonprofit to support its ongoing efforts to address inequities in our community and close the gaps in learning and economic mobility so that all San Diegans can thrive. The nonprofit is looking for new school supplies, including pens, pencils, erasers, books, notebooks, backpacks, and much more.

UWSD’s “Back to School Drive” is sponsored by Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, which is an independent member of the Blue Shield Association, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Higgs Fletcher & Mack. For more information and ways to get involved, visit uwsd.org/B2S. 

ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY

For more than 100 years, United Way of San Diego County has aligned with partners to address inequities in the region and help underserved communities. United Way’s specialty lies in identifying sustainable, long-term goals and achieving them through leveraging data and partners’ expertise to better understand root causes and implement impactful solutions.

United Way’s work, in partnership with others, uses shared goals, innovation, and proven practices to transform the lives of children, young adults, and families in the San Diego region. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. Learn more and get involved by visiting uwsd.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling (858) 492-2000.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Suzy Garcia / Ann Marie Price
Scatena Daniels
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702-883-2077 / 619-309-6492
(not for public distribution)

EDITOR: To download images, click here.
Photos courtesy United Way of San Diego County

Seven-week program helps connect professionals and community leaders to nonprofit boards

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 31, 2021) — Do you care about social issues? Are you interested in contributing your time and talent to nonprofits in need? United Way of San Diego County and The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego are set to host the fourth virtual training cohort for their Nonprofit Board Certification and Matching Program. Starting Sept. 21 through Nov. 2, the seven-week online program will help prepare community leaders and professionals for effective board service and connect them to local nonprofits.

“Participating in the first Board Service Certification Program cohort not only opened up a gateway to priceless opportunities, but also reaffirmed my decision in serving others through board service,” says program participant, Silvia Calzada. “The sophisticated understanding of its curriculum and meeting like-minded professionals opened up my desire to learn more. I now serve as Board Member for Community HousingWorks and my confidence has skyrocketed.” Calzada was in the inaugural cohort in February 2020, which was sponsored by Women United and offered to female leaders in the community.

Effective board members can strengthen an organization in many ways, including providing valuable advice, resources, community support, and most importantly, assistance with fundraising. “Throughout the pandemic, nonprofits have been in desperate need for strong, innovative, and insightful board members to lead their organizations through the toughest times,” says Nancy L. Sasaki, president and CEO, United Way of San Diego County. “In a short time, our Nonprofit Board Certification and Matching Program builds confidence and allows professionals to give back with their skills and meet other like-minded community leaders. Participants walk away from our program with the skill and mindset to provide value and long-lasting change for a nonprofit organization.”

Gain tools to create a more vibrant philanthropic community. Program participants will learn vital skills to help them maximize their roles as board members. Not only does the program increase a board member’s impact, but also enhances their leadership skills, helps them learn about effective governance of nonprofits, and gives participants the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals, and network with other community leaders. A quality nonprofit board combines its individual members’ unique talents, life experiences, and professional expertise.

During each cohort, the following topics are covered:

• Traditional volunteerism
• Virtual volunteerism
• Skill-based volunteering
• Board service training and matching

About United Way of San Diego County:

For 100 years, United Way of San Diego County has aligned with partners to address inequities in the region and help underserved communities. United Way’s specialty lies in identifying sustainable, long-term goals and achieving them through leveraging data and partners’ expertise to better understand root causes and putting impactful solutions into action.

United Way’s work, in partnership with others, uses shared goals, innovation and proven practices to transform the lives of children, young adults and families in the San Diego region. United Way focuses on educational milestones, such as kindergarten readiness, third-grade literacy, high school preparation, and college and career pathways. Learn more and get involved by visiting uwsd.org, Facebook, Twitter, or by calling (858) 492- 2000.