December 2020 Newsletter

United Way Invests $157,658 in Putnam County During 2020

2020 has been a challenging year for many families within our community, but thanks to the generosity of our donors the United Way of Putnam County is proud to report that its total community investment for the year has topped $157,658. 

This is more than a number… these are lives being transformed in our community! 

The United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of families struggling most in Putnam County. As COVID-19 continues to rage on, damaging our health and economic infrastructure, the United Way continues to focus on the kind of impact that supports children and adults through these challenging times. 

The United Way is focusing much of our work on the response, recovery, and revitalization of Putnam County to make sure we come out of the pandemic stronger and more united than ever. This means investing in both the immediate need AND long-term needs of our community. It’s about solving problems to our community’s toughest challenges so that we create more than just a safety net, but create opportunities for meaningful change in the lives of people hurting the most. 

In 2020…

Our Basic Needs Fund continues to provide hundreds of families with basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, transportation, rent/utility assistance, and mental/physical health support.
 
Our Next Generation Fund is providing reading programs that promote learning and well-being to all of Putnam County’s kindergarteners;

And our Family Opportunities Fund is allowing low-income families the ability to take control of their futures through programs that promote financial stability and economic mobility. 

Please continue reading below as we highlight just a few of the collaborative partnerships we’ve initiated this year to make a difference in people’s lives. 

You will also learn about the upcoming production of DePauw Theatre’s A Christmas Carol and how its actors are fighting hunger in our community through a student-led campaign.

This work doesn’t happen without the generosity of people like you. If you would like to LIVE UNITED with us, please click the DONATE NOW button to make your gift today.

Many thanks, 

Chris Flegal
Executive Director, United Way of Putnam County

Through a partnership with the Putnam County Pantry Coalition and the Putnam County Community Foundation, the United Way of Putnam County is bringing together Putnam County pantries to improve services and basic need access to families in need. 

The United Way has invested $40,000 in local food pantries since the shutdown in March. As the demand for food increases, the United Way continues to fund and work with Putnam County pantries to ensure no child or adult goes hungry in our community. 

The United Way is a proud partner of the Putnam County Coalition 360. With the United Way’s funding, Coalition 360 was able to set up a helpline for local families in need of help during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to help families in need during the relief and recovery process. 

Since March, our work has meant that 432 Putnam County residents were able to get personalized assistance that prevented them from further despair. This means families were able to stay in their homes, access mental and physical healthcare, receive food and groceries, sanitation supplies, help with bills, internet access for e-learning, and safe shelter from physically abusive situations. 

This work connects people into a comprehensive system of care, which leads families to better life outcomes. While this partnership continues to serve residents through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is an infrastructure improvement that will benefit our community for many years to come. 

Transportation continues to be a major challenge throughout Putnam County. Many residents lack reliable transportation to get them to their place of employment, to access medical appointments, child care, and other important services. 

Life Cycles Putnam County is a collaboration between United Way, Purdue Extension, and Phil the Need. The program refurbishes donated bicycles and distributes them to residents in need.

Employment opportunities and access to health services are just a few of the outcomes that the United Way is focused on through this program. No longer will families have to sacrifice hours, risk employment loss, or miss appointments due to the inability to find transportation. 

In conjunction with this work, we are working with community leaders to increase bicycle trail access and improve awareness of bicycle safety.

This year has been anything but normal, but the DePauw Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol hopes to provide holiday cheer with a time-honored story. Due to COVID-19, this year’s production will take place virtually online with a free livestream on December 5th at 7:30pm. 

This year the cast members aren’t just performing for the public, they’re also teaming up with the United Way to fight hunger right here in Putnam County. And if there is one moral to the Christmas Carol message, it’s that taking care of our neighbors in need can be a life-changing opportunity. Scrooge can attest! 

The holiday season can be a challenging time for families already struggling to make ends meet. As the winter cold sets in, basic necessities like food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and health are in high demand to local residents in need. Every dollar donated through this campaign is invested right here in Putnam County and makes a big impact in people’s lives.

To learn more about the upcoming production of A Christmas Carol and how you can give to this cause, please visit https://www.depauw.edu/arts-and-culture/arts/theatre/