Official Government Website
A Message from the Chair
As state employees, we’re inherently dedicated to serving Idahoans – we chose to work for state government for many reasons, but one of the biggest is to positively impact the lives of our fellow Idahoans. Yet, at the end of the day, we go home, talk to our neighbors, watch the news, and scroll through social media to find endless stories of how our communities need us. We hear heartbreaking news of how a single mother’s once stable life is entirely upended due to unforeseen health issues resulting in her inability to financially provide for her children. We hear other accounts of devastating fires that destroy everything families own. Such trials are gut-wrenching and can feel daunting because we know we cannot possibly help everyone. Yet, we can make a difference. When as a boy seeing scary things in the news, Mister Rogers once related how his mother reminded him to “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” By donating to the United Way, you too can help.
The United We Care Charitable Giving Campaign for State Employees begins on October 1. This is our opportunity to make a difference in our community. By partnering with United Way, we can turn our generosity into action. For one month, pledge a payroll donation of $5 or more. Your donation supports programs that help children and families in Idaho. You can also participate in your agency’s fun events to raise additional funds through one-time contributions. Did you know that together we can raise over a million dollars if every state employee donates just $5 per paycheck!?
It doesn’t take much, but it does take everyone. Please join me in making a payroll donation this year for United Way. The funds raised will directly serve the members of your local communities. When you pledge to give, United Way promises to make a difference.
Your Donations Make a Difference!
Agency Fundraiser Ideas!
A Family’s Journey to Resilience
A single mother of five, who had separated from her husband due to a gambling addiction, found herself facing overwhelming challenges. She’d relocated to Boise to pursue her Master’s degree while working part-time. With four children in school and a three-year-old to care for, the loss of her husband’s income created a significant financial burden.
Concerned about affording childcare that would allow her to complete her studies and provide for her family, she turned to Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Center for assistance. Through our scholarship program, we were able to enroll her youngest child in the daycare program, providing much-needed support.
As Thanksgiving approached that year, the mother was feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of not being able to afford a traditional holiday meal for her children. Having previously organized charity food drives, she reached out to the United Way for help. Our discreet food assistance program allowed her to pick up a basket of groceries privately, ensuring that her children would have enough delicious food to eat during that difficult week and to celebrate the holiday.
Today, her son is a thriving honor student at a local high school, aspiring to become a criminologist. His success is a testament to the positive impact that Giraffe Laugh’s support had on their family during their most challenging times. This is just one example of how our organization is helping individuals and families overcome adversity and build brighter futures.
Dealing with the Unexpected
Meet Monica. She’s one of many single mothers who struggle to make ends meet, even while working full-time. In Idaho, 80% of single mothers are classified as ALICE, meaning they are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed.
Monica’s life took a drastic turn when her marriage ended unexpectedly, leaving her as a single mother to her five-year-old daughter, Emily. Just as she was adjusting to this new reality, a health crisis struck, forcing her to miss work and depleting her savings. To make matters worse, she and Emily were facing eviction.
Monica felt hopeless until she discovered the Emergency Rental Assistance Program funded by United Way. With their support, she was able to avoid eviction, pay her overdue rent, and find stability for her family.
Monica shared, “I can’t express how much this help has meant to us. It wasn’t just financial; it gave me peace of mind. This program gave us a chance to rebuild our lives, and I’m eternally grateful.”
We all face unexpected challenges. Your donation isn’t just about money; it’s about offering hope, dignity, and the opportunity for families to regain control of their lives. Please consider making a gift today.
Let’s get your campaign off the ground! As Agency Campaign Coordinators, our mission is crystal clear: to seamlessly disseminate vital State Campaign information to our dedicated employees and lend a helping hand in fostering voluntary contributions. But here’s the exciting part – your campaign isn’t just another task on your to-do list; it’s a canvas to paint your agency’s personality and culture in vibrant strokes. It’s a chance to rally your coworkers around a cause you’re passionate about. Curious to learn more? Dive deeper into this exhilarating journey and discover the limitless possibilities that await!
Transform Your Office into a Food Network Showdown! 👖
Picture this: Your colleagues, typically confined to professional attire, are now donning their favorite jeans at the office. How? By forming teams and participating in the Casual Days for Charity Chili Cook-Off Extravaganza!
Chili Cook-Off Extravaganza 🌶️
Unleash the culinary wizards in your workplace as they whip up sizzling and spicy chili creations. The twist? Casual Days are your magical incentive to raise money for a charitable cause, uniting United Way and casual chic!
Parking Spot Treasure Hunt 🚗
Prime parking spots are the coveted treasure in your office. Unearth the treasure hunters within your colleagues and turn it into a hilarious yet charitable quest.
Great Office Bake-Off 🍰
Summon the office’s hidden pastry prodigies in the ultimate bake-off! Rally your troops, set the fundraising bar high, and let them showcase their delectable creations in an epic battle. Will it be cookies, cakes, or savory masterpieces? The judges await your culinary delights. Ready, set, bake your way to charity stardom!
Coffee for a Cause ☕
Ah, the daily grind, fueled by caffeine! Turn those morning coffee runs into a force for good. Gather your coworkers, calculate the collective cost of your Starbucks sips, and imagine the wonders it could do for a charitable mission. It’s a brew-tiful idea!
Office Spelling Bee 🐝
Revisit your school days with a friendly Spelling Bee competition! Watch your colleagues dust off their dictionary skills, going head-to-head in a battle of words. Create teams, grab those dictionaries, and let the nostalgia flow as you raise funds for a great cause, spelling your way to victory.
Get ready to spice up your office life, uncover hidden talents, and positively impact your community—all while having a blast!
United We Care Agency Event Photos
