Summer time brings along fun events, time in the sun and vacations.  This month's update includes information about our partner diversity programs, including the upcoming Festival of Cultures.  Also, read more about National Drive Safe Month and the Driver's Edge program, a United Way grant recipient.  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 Diversity Programs

Native American Scholars match Native youth with adult role models.  Currently, there are 22 matches, which includes six new matches made during the month of May.  In addition to participating in community activities, matches are encouraged to participate in cultural-specific events.

Over 30,000 individuals will attend the 12th Annual Festival of Cultures at Falls Park on Saturday, June 21, 2008. The festival begins at 11:00 a.m. with the Mayor’s Parade of Flags and features a variety of local performing groups. The event is free to the public. For further information about the Festival of Cultures or to volunteer, please contact the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls at 367-7400.

In 2007-2008, 181 refugee and immigrant students enrolled in the Sioux Falls School District. These students came from over 10 different countries.  The School Home Liaison program, helps families understand the policies, paperwork and processes of American education.

More

Volunteer Opportunities

Sioux Empire Chapter of the American Red Cross
Several volunteer opportunities area available.  Volunteers can assist with disaster preparedness or response, armed forces communications, health and safety classes, or office support.  More

Lunch On Us
Volunteers are needed to help serve midday meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays to children at Anne Sullivan Elementary School.  More

Sioux Empire United Way Corner

750 Tax Returns Completed by VITA
750 households had their tax returns completed for free thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.  Last year 487 tax returns were completed.

The average adjusted gross income from the tax returns was $14,866.  On average, households received $476 in Earned Income Credit and $1046 in federal tax returns.  Over $780,000 in returns were issued through the program this year.  This year's program was a partnership of University of Sioux Falls, IRS, Citi and Sioux Empire United Way.

490 Families Participate in Summer Splash
Over 2000 individuals participated in this year's Summer Splash event on May 23.  The event provided free family swimming passes and free children's swimsuits to families and individuals who receive food stamps. 

Families also were able to have a free lunch, and receive information about programs available for them and their children.

This year's event was sponsored by Sioux Empire United Way and City of Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Department, in partnership with Minnehaha County Department of Human Services, Homeless Advisory Board, Office of Homeless & Indian Education, Volunteers of America-Dakotas, Wal-Mart, JCPenney, St. Francis House, First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard, HELP!Line Center, Avera, and SD Parent Connection.

In This Issue

Getting the Edge in Driving
Your Gift in Action, Diversity
Volunteer Opportunities
"I Can Just Be Me"
SEUW Corner, Program Updates

Getting the Edge in Driving

With summer weather upon us, many of us will get in the car to make a summer trip.  June is National Drive Safe Month, so here are a few tips to remember before you hit the road.

• Wear a seat belt
• Don't speed
• Keep space between yours and other vehicles
• Always use your signals
• Know your blind spots
• For more safe driving tips, check out Roadtrip America.

A local program for teen drivers teaches these tips and more.  Driver's Edge provides teen drivers a comprehensive hands-on driving course.  The free half day course includes exercises that address common driving situations that can lead to collisions.  More information.

"I Can Just Be Me"

“Being of the same culture, I knew the struggles that other Natives would experience,” explains Taté. “I wanted to meet those head on and be able to make a difference. That’s when I decided to become a mentor.”

Taté is a mentor through the Native American Scholars program.  The program provides mentors to Native youth, like Tiffany, providing a friend they can trust for guidance and support. “I have someone to talk to. I can take a break from things and just be me.”

Click here for their story.