SIDNEY — POWER, Shelby County United Way’s Women’s initiative, has had ladies volunteering the past two years at Longfellow Elementary School.
With the support of the Shelby County United Way Board of Directors, tutoring will be expanded to more days and more schools during the 2017-18 school year. To accomplish this, men and women are being recruited from United Way partner companies, as well as retirees.
“Our POWER leadership team has done a great job launching this initiative and coordinating volunteers over the past two years. Many more kindergarten students need additional help when entering school. We knew we included our partner companies and retirees to be able to expand into other schools and offer tutors on a daily basis,” said Scott Barr, United Way director.
Volunteers are asked to commit to a weekly or every other week commitment and complete a background check. Volunteers are already being recruited for Northwood Elementary with intentions of placing volunteers at Emerson and Whittier. The time commitment is 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Future expansion into county schools is anticipated.
“The past two years, the students have enjoyed the interaction with tutors and the additional one on one time working on literacy and other core subject matter. Expanding this program will help increase academic performance,” said Amy West, POWER associate.
Peggy Jacobs and Kathy Gillman, Longfellow Elementary kindergarten teachers shared, “We appreciate the one on one and small group interaction the volunteers have with our students. The positive and personal interactions with students helps them build confidence! Skills are practiced and students look forward to sharing their knowledge with their volunteer as they begin to develop a relationship with them. We are forever grateful.”
To date, Emerson Climate Technologies, Ashley Himes State Farm Insurance, Wilson Health, and Sidney Rotary Club are participating. Barr is sharing the opportunity during company visits during the fall campaign. Contact West or Barr at the Shelby County United Way office at 492-2101 to volunteer.
Through the second week of the campaign, $152,365 has been pledged towards the annual goal of $1,325,000. Donors can make payroll contributions with participating employers or make a one time or reoccurring donation by visiting www.shelbycountyunitedway.org or text SHELBY to 40403.
