Monthly News from United Way of Northeast Louisiana

May 2023 Edition

ALICE in the Crosscurrents: COVID and Financial Hardship in Louisiana

The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health and economic crisis, upended life as we knew it three years ago. It claimed the lives of millions and unleashed a storm of competing economic forces – a phenomenon rarely seen. How did our state's most vulnerable ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families fare financially?

On Thursday, May 25, #UnitedForALICE launched its newest Report for Louisiana, “ALICE in the Crosscurrents,” which illustrates the impact of the pandemic’s competing economic forces on financially struggling households. Take a deeper dive with us!

You can read the full report by visiting our website.

Campaign Cabinet Orientation: Regional

Market



We're gearing up for a brand new Campaign Year! On Tuesday, May 23rd, newly-appointed Campaign Cabinet volunteers from our Regional Parishes attended a Campaign Cabinet Orientation at Tower Place in Monroe. Participants of the cabinet were eager to discuss the plan for upcoming campaign year!

Volunteers and staff enjoyed a sponsored lunch from Mid South Extrusion and discussed plans for Campaign 2023.

Special thanks to Mark Kent Anderson of Mid South Extrusion, our 2023 Campaign Chair.

If your company is interested in running a workplace campaign, contact us at asager@unitedwaynela.org.

Campaign Cabinet Orientation: Lincoln, Union, Jackson Parishes



We're gearing up for a brand new Campaign Year! On Wednesday, May 24th, newly-appointed Campaign Cabinet volunteers from Lincoln, Union, and Jackson Parishes attended a Campaign Cabinet Orientation at Argent Financial Group in Ruston. The room was filled to the brim with enthusiasm and excitement!

Volunteers and staff enjoyed a sponsored breakfast from Josh Mandrell and discussed plans for Campaign 2023.

Special thanks to Dr. Josh Mandrell of Green Clinic Health System, our 2023 LUJP Campaign Chair.

If your company is interested in running a workplace campaign, contact Tiffany White at twhite@unitedwaynela.org.

For more photos from each event, visit our Facebook below:

Ready4Service: Louisiana State Capitol



Our Ready4Service students participated in their last experience on Wednesday, May 17 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Students were able to tour the Louisiana State Capitol building, the Old State Capitol building, and the Governor’s Mansion.

Students were also given the opportunity to visit with Senator Katrina Jackson and other State Legislators. We hope these students enjoyed the experiences and opportunities this year! We wish them great success in school and life in the coming years.

For more information on Ready4K or other United Way of Northeast Louisiana initiatives, follow us on social media below!

BankOn Savings Workshop

On Thursday, May 18, United Way of Northeast Louisiana hosted two BankOn NELA Saving workshops.

The first was presented by Lisa Fuller of Pelican State Credit Union via Zoom and the second was held in person at the Miller Roy Building presented by: Stacie Ambrose, Charolotte Boyd, and Chris Windham of Cadence Bank. The workshops focused on short-term and long-term saving goals as well as the importance of having an emergency fund and paying yourself first. After the event, participants were given the opportunity to schedule a follow up one-on-one session with United Way NELA's financial counselor to continue their personal finance journey. 

The next workshop topic will be about CREDIT BUILDING!

To hear about other events like this, follow us on social media below!

CAMPAIGN SPOTLIGHT

Tech Panhellenic raised funds during Greek week at their biggest event, Song Fest! All money raised during this event was donated to United Way of Northeast Louisiana in support of Louisiana Tech University’s workplace campaign. 

Thank you to these outstanding student volunteers and donors for modeling what it means to #LIVEUNITED. Our community’s future is BRIGHT!

Staff Spotlight: Raya Boyte-Starnes

Raya Boyte-Starnes serves as a Community Impact Associate. She works with our community impact collaboratives and initiatives and cultivates relationships between United Way and the community.

Raya holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Louisiana Monroe. She is passionate about advocating for disadvantaged individuals to improve our community for all.

Raya spends her free time watching documentaries, attempting to perfect her doughnut recipe, and planning her next trip with her husband, Clayton and pup, Harry.

From SingleCare: 6 Mental Health Conditions that Exercise Improves

You’re likely aware that working out is vital for physical health, but did you know it’s just as important

for mental health? Here are 6 mental health conditions that exercise improves, from our partner

@SingleCare. #MentalHealthMonth

From Ready4K:

Boosting Summer Learning

Summer slide can increase learning gaps for the most vulnerable students, but families can make a real difference by supporting summer learning in small, everyday moments. For tips on how to set students and families up for success, click below.

Are you interested in joining a creative, innovative team? Love engaging with and giving back to your community? A job with United Way of Northeast Louisiana could be for you!

Resource Development Manager: Regional Market (Monroe)

POSITION TITLE: Resource Development Manager – Regional Market

REPORTS TO: Director of Resource Development – Regional Market

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: United Way of Northeast Louisiana fights for the Education, Financial Stability, Health and Basic Needs of every person in our community. For over 67 years, we’ve been a trusted community partner, mobilizing resources and finding new solutions tailored to the challenges of our ever-changing community. We invest in programs that prepare kids to graduate, help families become more financially stable, make quality healthcare accessible, and ensure safe places to call home.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

• Assist in the planning, organization, and implementation of annual campaign and workplace campaigns as well as realization of goals and objectives
• Develop professional relationships with company representatives and donors
• Effectively promote United Way of Northeast Louisiana programs and services on a year-round basis to maximize campaign contributions
• Work with volunteers to influence company leadership support for United Way

To apply, text the code 98029 to (318) 581-4905 or click the link below.

2023 Campaign Associate: Regional Market (Monroe)

POSITION TITLE: Campaign Associate (Full-time/seasonal position for 20 weeks mid-June to mid-November)

REPORTS TO: Director of Resource Development – Regional Market

ROLE:  To assist in fundraising efforts as an extension of the staff in the cultivation, planning and implementation of successful employee campaigns.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Provide guidance and support to company’s Campaign Coordinator, the employee chosen by the CEO to lead his or her workplace’s campaign
• Assist committee members in the planning, management and implementation of the employee campaign, including calculation and finalization of report envelopes
• Facilitate employee campaign meetings including presentation of United Way message to employee groups
• Manage a portfolio of campaign accounts, using the best campaign practices to ensure a successful campaign at each company 
• Conduct follow-up and over site of employee campaigns to ensure their success

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Valid driver’s license
• Access to a dependable vehicle during employment
• Valid automobile insurance 
• Smart Phone is required 
• EMPLOYMENT AND COMPENSATION
• Season Employment Dates – Mid-June through Mid-November 
• Hourly Salary
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Smart Phone Compensation

To apply, text the code 00617 to (318) 581-4905 or click the link below.