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United Way of Northeast Florida and the State Attorney's Office hosted a reception for 150 Duval County School principals at Epping
Forest Yacht Club in early December to show the importance between parent engagement and student truancy. Dr. Ken Seeley, President and CEO of the Colorado Foundation for Families and Children, a national expert
on the topic of parent engagement, discussed his evaluation of the State's truancy prevention program. He pointed out that
Jacksonville is quickly moving in the right direction.
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In addition to a reception for school principals, United Way hosted a breakfast briefing for agency partners and interested community members. |
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Ginny Olson of Towers Perrin |
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In Northeast Florida, the senior population is expected to grow by 64 percent in the next 15 years. This startling statistic
will have a tremendous impact on the First Coast community and the area’s local workforce. On November 13, United Way of
Northeast Florida and AARP of Florida hosted the Maturing Workforce Breakfast, where more than 30 companies dialogued and learned
about practical solutions to retain and recruit mature workers. With the potential migration of older employees out of the workforce,
the concern becomes how to bridge the gap in the lack of younger workers to take over those positions.
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On October 24, United Way's 2006 Campaign Chair Hugh Greene hosted a special session of
the United Way Campaign Cabinet to announce progress toward the community's $25.1 Million annual
giving goal and to honor five organizations that had completed their campaign since September 7. As each Division Chair reported his or her campaign update, one of the five organizations
was introduced and asked to share their success strategy.
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Ron Autrey, 2007 Campaign Chair Elect, presents Hugh Greene, 2006 Campaign Chair, and Diane Raines, Employee Campaign Chair, of Baptist their award. |
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Local high school students gather for the 2006 Hometown Huddle |
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As a part of the eighth annual Hometown Huddle, the Jacksonville Jaguars and United Way of
Northeast Florida hosted a Positive Development Workshop for local high school juniors and
seniors on October 10 at Alltel Stadium. On a single Tuesday, all across the country, NFL
teams join forces with local United Ways annually for Hometown Huddle. During this national
day of community service, NFL players put down their shoulder pads and assist people in their
communities. On average, more than 300 players, team representatives and their families interact
with literally thousands of people who benefit from United Way support. On hand from the Jaguars
were Rashean Mathis, Cortez Hankton, Nick Sorensen, and Alvin Pearman.
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United Way CEO Connie Hodges received top honors at Jacksonville Urban League's
32nd Equal Opportunity Luncheon on November 1, in accepting the Whitney M. Young
Humanitarian Award.
Whitney M. Young, was executive director of the National Urban League (1961-1971) and noted civil rights
leader who worked to improve opportunities and conditions for the poor.
This honor is given to an individual that champions access and opportunities
to the key elements of a decent life - good jobs, education, housing, health care,
and social services - for African Americans and other minorities.
In 2005, United Way began a formal partnership with MountainTop Institute to bring the
important work of diversity and organizational development into United Way and its partner agencies.
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Connie Hodges with Jacksonville Urban League CEO Richard
Danford and Board Chair Derrick Smith of CSX (2nd from right), and Kevin Boston. |
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Tinika Anderson |
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Tinika always dreamed she would make something of her life. Yet a few
short years ago, living on the streets and addicted to drugs, she says,
"I was headed nowhere fast and I needed to do something about it."
That's when, with the help of a United Way-funded program, Tinika
recalls, "I just sort of straightened everything out." She enrolled in a
United Way-supported vocational training program for culinary arts.
There, through a goal-setting process counselors helped her secure
transitional housing and begin working toward her career dream. After
completing an intense, 450 hours of coursework, Tinika earned her
associate's degree and a Dining Room Associate certificate. She was
quickly hired as a Kitchen Manager, and within months, was promoted to
Catering Manager. Today, Tinika is grateful for the support she
received. She explains, "It took a lot of hard work, but it was all
worth it. Thanks to the help I received, now I'm able to give back."
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If you are unable to properly view this newsletter, you can access it online at
http://www.uwnefl.org/enews/2006dec/enews2006dec.htm
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