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In This Issue... Teachers Online Resource Directory Tommy the Clown visits Fun in the Sun kids
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Teachers spend more time with students than any other people, including parents, according to the latest research by the nationally recognized Search Institute in Minneapolis. This startling statistic was one driver of the newly conceived Teacher’s Online Resource Directory – a project initiated and supported by United Way of Santa Barbara County, 211, Family Service Agency, and Santa Barbara County Education Office – available the week of August 21st to teachers in Santa Barbara County. It all began last spring through a series of listening sessions conducted by United Way to collect feedback from teachers and principals about how to improve some of United Way’s school based services. Out of one of these expert forums in February 2006, United Way received feedback that one of the most needed tools for teachers was a constantly current and available resource directory for teachers to use with their students. Teachers are stretched thin by all of their obligations and responsibilities and therefore tend to have low knowledge levels about local community services that could benefit them and their students.
Presented with the need for such an accessible resource directory, United Way, Family Service Agency, and Santa Barbara County Education Office worked together to develop a new, one button Teacher’s Online Resource Directory. Utilizing the newly-launched 211 online database, the first version of this directory will be available for teachers during back-to-school orientation week (August 21).
“This useful product is a testament to what we can do through partnering as a community,” commented Paul Didier, President and CEO of United Way of Santa Barbara County, “that we can recognize a tangible need and bring about an innovative solution in only six months!” This online resource provides teachers with information and connections through just two clicks of a mouse button and is free for their use.
“This is a valuable resource for educators. Finding just the right services for students in a community rich in resources is not always easy,” noted Brian Sarvis, Superintendent of Santa Barbara City School Districts. “I am proud to be a part of United Way and the community partnership that brings these services to our teachers and students.”
United Way would like to thank the students at Dos Pueblos High School for their hard work on this project. In addition, we would like to thank Al Soenke for providing the instruction and being supportive of this community project. Lastly, we wish to thank Bob Uradnicek for his design and for continuing to assist with the project.
Fun in the Sun kids got to rub elbows- and knees- with the founder of the newly-popular hip-hop craze “Krumping” in Ortega Park this summer.
Tommy the Clown is a party clown turned mentor who makes it his goal in life to uplift and motivate under-privileged kids. Growing up in South Central, Los Angeles, he has gone from a popular children’s birthday entertainer to a worldwide phenomenon. Krumping is the hip-hop dance that has become an alternative to violence for kids and teens across the nation.
In 2005, Tommy began Clown Street Productions (CSP) – an organization dedicated to expand the visibility, education and social importance of the Krump Movement.
Tommy used his role as a teacher to teach kids dance moves and to serve as a positive force in their daily lives. For many children, he played the role of a family member—willing and able to be there for these kids when they really needed a parental-figure. He required his students to stay in school, get good grades and avoid contact with gangs in their neighborhoods. And that wasn’t just lip service. Tommy formed relationships with parents that allowed them to use him as a resource.
While Tommy the Clown was in Santa Barbara for Summer Dance Santa Barbara, United Way of Santa Barbara County approached Tommy about dancing for our Fun in the Sun kids program—to help motivate Santa Barbara County kids in the same way he has so many other children in California. He agreed, and that same day was out Krumping with the kids.
The children, who would normally have turned to a life of violence, are now excelling in school, building self-esteem and saying “no” to gangs and drugs in great part to Tommy's influence.
Leadership Major Gifts Officer
United Way of Santa Barbara County seeks a highly motivated fundraiser with demonstrated experience in individual giving. This person is responsible for annually marketing and raising almost one million dollars from several hundred donors and prospects. Must have experience in identifying, cultivating and soliciting gifts from individuals through regular written, oral, and personal contacts, gatherings, tours, house parties, ask events, black ties, and/or other strategies. Will have outstanding writing, communication, strategizing, team building and relationship skills. Compensation and benefits are commensurate with experience.
Send resume, cover letter, references, writing sample and salary requirements to:
Mr. Paul Didier, President and CEO United Way
of Fax: 805-962-3461 Email: info@unitedwaysb.org No phone calls please. Visit our website at: www.unitedwaysb.org Community Impact Coordinator Seeking a highly motivated individual who possesses vision, confidence and organizational skills for a full time community impact position. Duties include agency relations, volunteer relations, strategic planning, grant management, community events, and marketing. Flexible hours possible. Ideal candidate must be able to communicate effectively, be organized, and able to prioritize work. Excellent oral & written skills, proficient on a PC platform in Microsoft Word and Excel. College degree, database management, and event planning exp is highly desirable. Must be able to travel within Santa Barbara. Compensation and benefits package is competitive. Please send your resume & cover letter to Jerry Newton, 320 East Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, e-mail: jnewton@unitedwaysb.org, fax: 805-962-3461. No calls please.
Chuck Bischof has joined the board of directors of United Way of Santa Barbara County. Chuck has over 25 years of experience in high-tech medical, wireless, and electronic hardware in business operations and manufacturing. He was co-founder and CEO of a company that developed ferroelectric materials used in commercial wireless applications. He has also served as vice president with semiconductor equipment, medical device and aerospace systems companies. His credentials include a B.S. degree in Business Management from Cal-State University San Jose, and a Masters of Business Administration from Golden Gate University.
Stewart and Katherine
Abercrombie were the recipients of the
Abercrombie Community Excellence Award at the Red Feather Ball in
2000. Stewart and
Katherine were supporters of many local organizations including United
Way, Santa Barbara Zoological Gardens, Council on Alcoholism and
Drug Abuse, the Westmont Foundation, and many others. Stewart was also a member of
Ranchero Vistadores for over 50 years. He was very involved in Old
Spanish Days and was Parade Marshall of Fiesta in 1963. Katherine was the originator of
the Godfathers for Girl’s Inc. and, together with Stewart, launched the
first-ever Red Feather Ball in 1997. Before his passing on March 27 of
last year, Stewart and Katherine were the recipients of many local awards,
including the one United Way named after them. Stewart’s optimism, friendship and
support are deeply missed by all of us at United Way. Please join us on Saturday, October 14, 2006 when we celebrate Stewart and Katherine Abercrombie and a decade of honorees at the 10th Annual Red Feather Ball at the Bacara Resort & Spa.
United Way's E-News will arrive in your e-mail box at the beginning of every month. This email was sent to you by United Way of Santa Barbara County. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add jhiggins@unitedwaysb.org to your address book. |
