United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County

United Way's community impact work is improving education outcomes at inner-city schools. Thanks to donor generosity, United Way created three Issue Councils in 2005-06 to tackle underlying issues negatively affecting many San Antonians. United Way and its community partners are addressing causes that prevent many local children from being developmentally prepared to enter school,from staying in school and

graduating, and that inhibit families from reaching financial stability and realizing dreams like homeownership, savings accounts, and credit creation and repair. Today, the Issue Council partnerships can report positive, measurable outcomes. Click here for more information on the results.

United Way Invests $28.7 Million in Community

United Way will invest $28.7 million in partner programs and community initiatives in fiscal year 2010-2011, a five percent increase in funding over the prior year. Responding to an increase in local residents needing assistance, the investment to partners in good standing includes an unparalleled, one-time incentive increase of three percent this year. United Way works across the community to save lives by investing in "safety-net" programs ($5.2 million) that meet immediate, basic human needs; change lives by supporting outcomes-

based, partner programs ($16.6 million), and; focus on issues and actions that get to the heart of root causes challenging our community ($5 million). Donor restricted and designated funding supports specific partners in their pursuit of volunteer-approved outcomes ($1.9 million).

Project Cool Helps with Summer Heat

Project Cool helps alleviate health risks to seniors, 60 years and older, by providing them with a new box fan. Residents are being asked to drop off 18-inch box fans at one of the city's 49 fire stations (excluding the airport location) between now and Sept. 17. In its 14th year, Project Cool has provided over 62,000 fans to seniors in San Antonio and Bexar County. Call United Way's 2-1-1 Help Line 24/7 for additional information.

Rico Roman to Represent U.S. on the Ice
Rico Roman, a Wounded Warrior and Military Call Specialist for United Way's 2-1-1 Military Help Line, was recently selected to join an elite group of players on the national disabled sled hockey team, which will play in several countries including Japan and Czechoslovakia. Roman was wounded in Iraq in 2007 on his third tour and plays on the Rampage's local disabled sled hockey team as an offensive forward. At United Way, he connects 2-1-1 Military callers to health and human services. Click here to read a recent story from the Express-News.
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70th Anniversary—the 1970's
		In the 1970's, the University of Texas Health Science Center graduated its first class; the San Antonio Spurs played their first season, and McAllister Freeway opened. It was during this era of disco and America's Bicentennial that the United Fund renamed itself United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County. In 1977, United Way expanded its fundraising focus to include collaborating with other community partners to address issues and build solutions. In the late 70's, the forerunner of the 2-1-1 Help Line was established—providing those in need with an easily accessible source of help. Click here to view the 70th anniversary commemorative video.
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Pacesetter Day of Caring Aug. 7
			United Way's third annual Pacesetter Day of Caring is set for Sat., Aug. 7, 2010. The community service event helps companies kick-off their 2010 Pacesetter campaigns, using volunteer projects as a team building experience. Volunteers will complete 17 projects at 12 United Way-funded agencies. For details, click here. Back to top
Back-to-School Events
Many United Way partners are hosting back-to-school events for local children and families, including health fairs, jamborees, school supply drives and immunizations. For a schedule of various activities, please click here.
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Golf Tournament to Benefit 2-1-1 Military
	The 3rd Annual American Wounded Heroes Golf Classic will take place on Mon., Aug. 16, 2010, to raise funds to bring vital support and information to rehabilitating veterans. Proceeds from the event will benefit United Way's Military 2-1-1 Call Center and Fisher House. To see a video with more information, click here.
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WLC Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
Joci Strauss			Mavis Leno
United Way's Women's Leadership Council (WLC) is hosting a celebratory luncheon on Thurs., Sept. 16, 2010, marking its 10-year anniversary. The event will honor WLC founder Joci Straus and feature guest speaker Mavis Leno, chair of the Feminist Majority Foundation's Campaign for Afghan Women and Girls. Seats are $100 per person and tables of ten are $1,000. RSVP by Fri., Sept. 10, to Alice Salazar: asalazar@unitedwaysatx.org or (210) 352- 7026.
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STORY OF HOPE: KLRN's Little Bites, Big Steps Helps Kids Choose Healthy
Soon, backpacks will be packed and slung over shoulders as children will fill school hallways throughout San Antonio. Children will explore, learn and study on campuses as they feed their minds with new and exciting information. While on campus, they will eat nutritious school meals; but after school, what will children eat? Returning home hungry and ready for a snack, what will they ask for-- an apple and a glass of milk, or a bag of chips and a soda? What will adults offer them? Children's dietary behaviors are formed early, and it is important that we all recognize our role in promoting and supporting lifelong healthy eating habits for the youngest in our lives. This year United Way's Children's Issue Council is funding KLRN's new curriculum to reinforce the importance of nutrition and exercise for children. KLRN's Little Bites, Big Steps programhelps parents, caregivers, and adults raise children who are healthy both emotionally and physically. KLRN will offer workshops throughout the year, and Little Bites, Big Steps presentations will explore with adults how they influence the children's dietary habits and choices, focusing on feeding children, serving sizes and portion control, drinks and snacks, energy balance, and movement and exercise. Participants will learn how the size of an adult's versus a child's plate influences how much a child may eat. They will also investigate, as they compare together, the nutritional values of milk, water, and sugar drinks. Participants will question, "Do I over serve my child? How much should my child eat? What are we eating? How can I encourage my child to be more physically active?" Reflecting on meals and behaviors, caregivers and children will begin adopting healthier alternatives. Although practicing healthy behaviors is a life choice and isn't simple, the higher quality of life is invaluable.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: *Reagan PALS Receive Mayor's Award for Youth*
	Reagan High School PALs (Peer Assistance & Leadership) are young volunteers that help elementary age children overcome problems such as broken homes, deployed parents, or working with kids with special needs. It's not easy to become a PAL. Out of 90 junior and senior applicants this year, only 40 were chosen during a rigorous process. You have to want to help others. Each PAL mentors up to three elementary "PALees" for an entire year. This past year, they collectively volunteered over 3,500 hours. The Reagan Elementary PALs aren't participating on Saturdays, Sundays and during vacation time to pad their resumes. They honestly care about the people and the causes while helping with fundraisers for cancer patients, serving meals for those less fortunate, collecting clothes and wrapping gifts for the needy, visiting the elderly, participating in HELP FOR HAITI, and many other projects. The recipients of the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Mayor's Award for Youth, Reagan Elementary PALs care deeply and represent all that is good with our youth.
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United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County • 700 S. Alamo • San Antonio, TX 78205

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