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United
Way Success Stories |
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Day in
and day out, Heart of Illinois United Way dollars are hard at work
in the community doing what matters the most . . . helping
people. Here are just a
few of our own hometown successes . . . |
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Anthony, "Having a Job Matters"
Anthony takes part in a United Way funded program that helps
individuals with disabilities build their self-reliance. For five
years he’s been impressing the customers at a local grocer with
his willingness to help. “Customers always ask where I’m at,” he
said. For Anthony, it isn’t just a job, it is working to help
others—and he’s living on his own and working towards having his
own home someday. |
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Beverly, "Keeping my family connected
matters"
Beverly’s son, Wesley,
was in Iraq as his wife Nicole was ready to give birth to their
first child. As a devoted grandma (to be), Beverly didn’t want her
son to miss this important event. Although she called many
regional and national organizations, she found a way through a
United Way family program that contacted Wesley in Iraq so he was
able to hear his son Austin’s first cries via phone. “I just kept
trying and didn’t give up,” Beverly said. |
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Diane,
"Living on my own matters"
Diane receives home-delivered meals from a United Way funded
program. To her, the service has been a “god send” because she
can’t stand too long because of hip surgery and her medications,
which decrease her appetite. “I don’t know what I’d do without
them,” Diane says. “When you’re used to doing it yourself, and
then not to be able to… well, I’m very grateful for this service.”
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Youth,
learning to be healthy matters
Who knew learning could be so much fun? Hundreds of children
attend a United Way funded Healthy Heroes class each year to learn
about their hearts, lungs, their brains, and how important they
are. |
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Zack, "Doing
great in school matters"
Zack benefits from an after-school program. 10-year old Zack has
had many school successes because of a United Way funded
after-school program he’s been to since first grade. “Science,
it’s my favorite subject,” Zack says. “And I like math much
better.” Zack thoroughly enjoys the program, especially the
special activities and the great group of friends he’s met along
the way. |
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Pam and Dani,
"Advocacy for my daughter matters" Through a United Way
funded program, Dani and her mom Pam, have benefited from advocacy
and information that have helped them deal with Dani’s juvenile
arthritis and deal with situations at school and with healthcare
providers. With the help of advocacy and special clinics, she’s
still in school programs—despite pain in her fingers, wrists,
jaws, shoulders, and knees. |
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Barb,
"Feeling great matters"
Barb goes to the pool four to five times a week and jokes that
she’d been to a pool that many times in her life prior to
beginning a new United Way funded health program for individuals
suffering from mobility limitations. “The water exercise… it
really has improved my quality of life. I’ve been able to reduce
my arthritis and osteoporosis medications. Plus, I have a great
time and get to visit with a wonderful group of ladies each day,”
Barb says. |
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Scouting
Programs, learning leadership skills matters
A local scouting troop learns many skills through United Way
funding. The troop meets during school hours so more boys have the
opportunity to become involved. The school principal says that the
troop leaders have a lot of patience, which gives the boys a
chance to experience things they normally wouldn’t have otherwise.
Activities such as soapbox derbies and building kites are just
some of the things that lead to boys who are confident and
self-reliant. They’re learning to respect themselves, others and
the community. |
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To read about more success stories and to learn more about
the issues our United Way supports,
click here. |
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