Press
Release
October, 2006
Starke
United Campaign reaches half of $110,000 goal
KNOX -
Starke United's annual fund-raising campaign is in full swing and
has achieved 50 percent of its $110 goal to fund programs and services
that assist local people of all ages throughout Starke County.
A
member of the Indiana Association of United Ways, Starke United's
campaign is scheduled to end later this month.
"Starke United is
the combined power of people working together toward long-term solutions,"
explained Rebecca Shrode, Executive Director. "When your
gift is joined together with the gifts of other, you have the power
to bring about changes that matter in our community."
Each time citizens invest
in Starke United:
- They provide a "safety net" for people to insure that
temporary crises don't become permanent problems;
- They strengthen families by breaking cycles of violence, illiteracy
and poverty;
- They are building future community leaders by providing mentors,
a safe environment and a great place to learn and grow; and
- They break down barriers so that everyone can be active participants
in our community.
"Starke United is
efficient, it's effective and it's relevant," said Shrode.
"It brings out the best in our community."
You can phone Starke United
at (574) 772-7506 for more information. The agency's address
is: Starke United, Inc., 52 W. Lake St. P.O. Box 131, Knox,
IN 46534
Press Release
January 7, 2005
A planning grant that
was made available through Indiana Association of United Ways has
made it possible to determine community priorities in Starke County.
Starke United, Inc. joined forces with community partners to lead
an effort to determine what type of project the community might
be interested in and that would make a big impact. The partners
were the S. C. Community Foundation, the S. C. Development Foundation,
the S. C. Chamber of Commerce, the S. C. Council on Aging, Knox
Community School Corp. and Starke Memorial Hospital.
Fourteen focus groups
were facilitated throughout the county by Desila Rosetti, Executive
Director, Center for Management Development at Indiana University
Northwest to ask area residents about the strengths and weaknesses
throughout the county. "The residents stay here because of
the small town atmosphere, but it frustrates them at times as well."said
Rosetti. "Although they love knowing their neighbors, the ability
to get around easily, and the small town feeling they would love
more shopping options and more employment opportunities that come
with a larger city." There are other issues as well that ranked
higher in importance such as more things for teens to do, woman
services, and increasing the importance of early childhood education.
The community now has
the opportunity to capitalize on what it has learned. The project
that will be undertaken based on information gathered will be "Parents
as Teachers" a program that has gotten national attention offering
curriculum and training that address what reliable research has
identified as the essential components of school readiness and incorporates
measurable outcomes. The Indiana Association of United Ways has
made available an implementation grant that would assist but requires
a 50/50 match of community funds as well. "Some organizations
have already expressed interest but increased financial support
would allow for increased services." said M. J. Zembala, Executive
Director, Starke United. "The purpose of the grant is to be
able to do something in the community that is bigger than one agency
could do alone and has the opportunity for continued success. Parents
as Teachers places a premium on the kinds of experiences to which
children are exposed and affirms the crucial role of parents in
orchestrating those experiences. The model is designed to enhance
parents' involvement in their children educations. It's a win-win
for all." The "Parents as Teachers" program will
be run through the Healthy Families office.
Anyone interested in hearing
more about this exciting opportunity or anyone interested in contributing
to this effort should contact the Starke United, Inc office at 772-7506.
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