Community Pulse: A thankful reflection

As I reflect on the past year, I am thankful for all the good things that help to make a difference in our community.

I am so thankful for our donors. The generous support we receive annually from individuals, families, local businesses, corporate partners and their employees, is why we are able to do what we do. The support received throughout the year is why we are able to fund nearly 50 vital human service programs in Grundy County that help to improve the health, education and financial stability for those in need in our community.

I am incredibly thankful for our funded Community Partner Agencies. These local non-profit organizations provide the vital programs that we fund annually to assist those in need in our community. These programs address: basic human needs, education, school readiness, youth development, health, mental health, crisis intervention, domestic violence, homelessness, transportation and disaster relief for youth, families, low-income individuals, persons with disabilities, seniors and veterans.

Volunteers are so important and invaluable for our United Way. I am thankful for everyone who volunteers throughout the year. Our volunteers help out in many ways, including helping in our office, assisting with a fundraising event, or participating in a project for one of our Community Partner Agencies.

I am truly thankful to our Special Events Committee volunteers who assist us with our annual themed dinner event; our biggest fundraiser of the year. These individuals exhibit such creativity in helping to make our event such a success each year. This event just keeps getting better every year due to the volunteers who help put the “fun” in fundraising.

I am especially thankful to the volunteer members of our Board of Directors; past and present. Their commitment, governance, and guidance help carry out our mission for those in need in our community. Their leadership is what drives our organization to create opportunities that positively impact so many lives in our Grundy County communities.

Our Executive members include: President Christina Van Yperen, Vice-President Chris Spencer, Treasurer/Secretary Katie Bodine, and Past President Paul Nordstrom. Members of the Board of Directors include: Liz Bates, Dan Duffy, Jeff Heap, J.C. Lawson, Heidi Lawton, Randy Matravers, Paula Mercer, Hardik Patel and Scott Shannon.

I am also grateful for all of those who have served on our Board of Directors in the past. These individuals helped to pave the way for where our organization is today. For all those who served on our Board in the past; thank you for helping to create a strong foundation for our United Way to continue our mission in making a difference in our community.

I am thankful to Megan Homerding, our Administrative Assistant, who joined our United Way family in June. Her skill, creativity and hard work has already made an incredible difference, not only for the day-to-day in the office, but also for those we serve in the community.

As I reflect at the end of this year, I thank everyone who has donated, volunteered and helped to make life better for those in need. I am excited for the opportunities the New Year brings to make a greater difference in Grundy County.

For more information about the United Way of Grundy County, call (815) 942-4430, email Info@UWGrundy.org, visit www.UWGrundy.org, and find us on Facebook.