United Way Alternative Spring Break - Day 9

Well today was the final day of an amazing week. I truly feel grateful for having had the opportunity to travel to Mississippi and meet such wonderful young adults who are dedicated to making this world a better place.

Everyone who participated in the program has shared an experience that will remain in their hearts and memories for a lifetime. Coming to the gulf coast has also given me a new found appreciation for all the things that too often are taken for granted. It reminds me that it is the little things that make our lives worth while.

So many people along the coast have had their homes, businesses, and automobiles taken from them. Yet what was left was a community full of people who understand that love for one another is all that truly matters.

The participants may have been building and repairing homes, but what matters more to the people of Southern Mississippi is that we came and we care. Its hard to describe the feeling you get when you know that what you have done has made someone else's life better. For me that is what truly brings me joy and that is why I have chosen to LIVE UNITED.

I will be following up with all the details in an upcomming edition of the newsletter. Until then, rember that no matter how big or how small, everyone can do something to make this world a better place.

United Way of Summit County's Annual Meeting is April 30, 11:30 am at the Fairlawn Hilton. For more info, see our website - www.uwsummit.org

Going into a meeting with Summit Co.'s legendary leaders to select 2009 Distinguished Service Award winner. My favorite meeting each year.

United Way of Summit County is a proud sponsor of U of Akron athletics. Good luck Zips in tonight's NCAA Tourney game - 7:30 vs Gonzaga.

Alternative Spring Break Updates from Brian Duchon

United Way Alternative Spring Break update, day 6.

Today my team worked at a habitat for humanity site in Gulfport, MS.

There we met our stellar site leader Spikes who gave us all the guidence and encouragement that we needed. The group seperated into task based units as they tackled projects such as roofing, framing, and siding.

The project went really well and it left us all with a real sense of accomplishment as we pulled away and admired the fruits of our labor. Check back tomorrow as I post pictures of all the action!

United Way Alternative Spring Break, day 5.

Today was the big day, the reason everyone came, time to get our hands dirty!!! After breakfast ASB'ers from across the country loaded into vans and headed to the job sites.

My group along with another headed to the boys and girls club to help them move into their new state of the art facility. After hurricane Katrina destroyed all of the boys and girls clubs in southern Mississippi they were moved into temporary facilities.

Finally after years of inadequate space the club is moving into a new home. Their new club will allow them to better fufill their mission of giving boys and girls of the gulf coast the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and positive enviroment.

A big thanks goes to all the ASB'ers from across the country for helping United Way to make it all possible.

Brian Duchon's ASB Update - Day 3

United Way Alternative Spring Break, day 3.

Well today is the big day. Participants from across the country have come together in Biloxi Mississippi to lend their hand to the continuing costal rebuilding efforts.

Once participants checked in and got settled they came together to learn more about the role United Way plays in disaster relief and recovery. Participants also got to hear first hand accounts of individuals who were in the gulf when the hurricanes hit. After a long day of travel everyone hit the bunks to get some rest before the community tour the next morning.

Check back often as there is a lot more ASB news to come.

Second Post from Brian Duchon at Alternative Spring Break

Today started as most of my mornings do, with coffee and bagles.

On the agenda for today was an intensive team leader training session geared towards helping the participants to understand United Way and how United Way works to advance the comon good.

We also explored team building skills as well as conflict resolution strategies in case the need arises. After the training the team leaders were given a special treat as we were loaded into vans and wisked away to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum to watch a Mississippi Seawolves hockey game.

Participants arrive tomorrow and that is when the fun really begins. Check back regularly for the latest on ASB 2009, signing off, Brian.

Brian Duchon Reports from Alternative Spring Break

United Way Alternative Spring Break, day 1. I arrived in Biloxi and was met by the wonderful staff at United Way of Southern Mississippi.

After taking a tour of their new office (donated by the Knight Foundation), it was time to load up the van and head to the housing center. As other team leaders arrived we spent time getting to know each other and then we reviewed the week of work ahead.

Tomorrow starts bright and early with a full day of leadership training. Check back regularly as I post project progress and updates. But above all else remember to LIVE UNITED!

by: Brian Duchon

Using ping.fm to post to all my social media at once. That's how I LIVE UNITED

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND

United Way of Summit County’s (UWSC) inaugural Neighborhood Leadership Institute collaborative begins this Friday and Saturday, March 6 & 7, with an overnight retreat hosted by the University of Akron.

The Neighborhood Leadership Institute of Summit County is designed for increasing grassroots leadership engagement in the community. The Institute is offering a Neighborhood Leadership Development Training program with the goal of training and empowering local residents and community leaders to promote positive changes in Summit County communities. Through participation in the program’s classes, leaders will learn a wide variety of skills, including how to serve as an advocate for their families and communities, find and utilize resources, and work with government agencies and social service providers. Participants will also gain insight on community development, criminal justice, how to assess their neighborhood, as well as many other topics.

UWSC’s Attaining Independence Impact Council, chaired by Bruce Rowland, created the Institute – based on models from Cleveland and all across the country – to show a commitment to the betterment of Summit County neighborhoods. The Institute will be directed by Devoe Johnson, the United Way of Summit County’s Senior Manager of Community Impact.
Other organizations responsible for the creation of this program are: Akron Area YMCA; Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority; Akron-Summit Community Action, Inc.; Akron Urban League; City of Akron; East Akron Community House; Leadership Akron; Perkins Street Area Action Group; Summit 2010: Quality of Life Project; County of Summit Executive’s Office; Summit County Department of Job & Family Services; The University of Akron; University Park Alliance; and University Park Development Corporation.

In addition to the opening retreat, the program includes 11 Thursday evening sessions held at the University of Akron between March 12th and May11th. There is also a special Saturday session where trainees will tour Summit County.

Leaders representing the Buchtel area are Jonathan McCray, Gerald Gould, Ayesha Nurruddin, Jerry Williams, and Mexie Wilson. Lakemore will be represented by Sara Smith, Gary Bennett, and Kelly Kortvejesi. On behalf of Summit Lake are leaders Rosa Dortch-Robinson, Shirley Finney, Michael Starks, Danmark Cunningham, and Paul Ware, Jr. University Park will be represented by Deborah Cunningham, Debi-Ellen Beckett, Jack Bird, Ann Lane Gates, and Khamseng J. Vue. Kelly Harris and Ada Hazly will attend on behalf of Twinsburg, and Jacquelyn Lewis for Firestone Park. South Akron will be represented by Dilisa Townsend.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.