This month's Your Gift in Action section focuses on emergency services programs, programs that are available to community members if they would ever have a house fire, become a victim of domestic violence, or have to handle other emergency situations.  We have also included a short article about how rising prices have seemed to have an impact in the requests for financial assistance.  If there is anything else you would like to see in our updates, please call us at 336-2095 or email brandi@seuw.org

Your Gift in Action in Emergency Services Programs

During the month of June, CASA volunteers provided advocacy services for 176 abused and neglected children in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties in South Dakota.

Last month, Rape and Domestic Abuse Center provided services to over 170 individuals through three Sioux Empire United Way funded programs.  Services included support and counseling for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, as well as educational programs for domestic violence offenders.

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Sioux Falls Area CASA
By becoming a court appointed special advocate, you will be able to change the life of a child victim of abuse or neglect. The next training session for CASA volunteers is in late July. To learn more, call CASA at 339-9492 or visit their website.

Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons
Volunteers are needed to do everything from lead a troop, to becoming an advisor for Studio 2B, to helping with the reality store.  To learn more call 336-2978 or visit the HELP!Line Center.

Family Visitation Center
Volunteers are responsible for ensuring children have a positive visitation with one or more caregivers in a safe, child-focused setting. To learn more call 322-4096 or visit the HELP!LineCenter.

WomenUnite! Event
Join us at the 4th Annual WomenUnite! Event. This year's event is scheduled for July 30 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Over 650 women will attend to learn about Sioux Empire United Way's newest initiative. This year's initiative will provide support to ALL families in the Sioux Empire. To learn more about WomenUnite! or express interest in attending, click here or call 336-2095.

Agency Tours
Agency tours are a great way to learn about how your investment in Sioux Empire United Way is helping to make a difference right here in our community. Click here to view the agency tours schedule and to reserve your spot!

Kickoff
For the 2009 Campaign Kickoff!  Plan to join over 500 Sioux Empire United Way volunteers and supporters as we begin the 2009 Campaign on September 9 at 8am at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.  Continue to check www.seuw.org for more information.

In This Issue

Increased Financial Assistance Requests
Your Gift in Action, Emergency Services
Volunteer Opportunities
"Your Worst Nightmare"
SEUW Corner, Upcoming Events

Increased Financial Assistance Requests

The community has recently seen an increase in requests for financial assistance.  Compared to the first 6 months of 2007, the 211 HELP!Line has seen a 35% increase in callers seeking financial assistance and a 26% increase in requesting food.

Financial assistance is available through many United Way partner programs.  Consumer Credit Counseling Services of LSS, Salvation Army, and Community Outreach all provide a variety of financial education and assistance services.

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"Your Worst Nightmare"

“It’s just your worst nightmare,” said Diane.

A U.S. fire department responds to a fire every 17 seconds, making house fires the leading disaster the Red Cross responds to every year.

“Two Red Cross volunteers were there when I arrived,” she said, “it took them less than ten minutes for paperwork, I only had to sign my name.”

Click here for Diane's story.