Sioux Empire United Way - Your Gift in Action

June 2007
Diversity Impact Area

Your Gift in Action is a monthly update from the Sioux Empire United Way. The newsletter demonstrates how donor contributions work throughout the year. Each month focuses on a different community need/issue addressed by United Way and our volunteers.

Every dollar truly matters and makes a difference in a life. Here's how your contribution has been working...

There are currently 15 students participating in Native American Scholars. Native American Scholars matches a young Native American student with a mentor. One of the goals is to partner a Native American youth with a professional in the Sioux Empire and let them learn firsthand what it is like to see someone balance a job and social growth, and ultimately keep the youth interested in pursuing a good education. This fall NAS will be making dream catchers and talking about their meaning and sharing that event with all Big Brother Big Sister matches for a cross-cultural learning activity. NAS is in tremendous need for mentors for some talented and promising young Native American boys ages 9-18.
The 11th Annual Festival of Cultures will be held on June 16. The event begins with a parade of flags at 11:00am. Activities and events include a concert by Brule at 4:30pm, a kids world with carnival games and performances by Phil Baker, and a chance to taste ethnic food from a dozen cultures. This year's event will be held at Falls Park. Over 15,000 people are expected to participate in this year's event. For more information, contact the Multi-Cultural Center at mccsf@msn or 367-7400.

Need for Diversity Programs

Over 18,000 people in the city of Sioux Falls are categorized in various minority groupings.

There are people from 94 countries and people speaking 120 different languages living in the Sioux Empire.

The Sioux Falls School District is now serving students that reflect these changes with 18% of minority students as well.

Impact Programs Make

The Festival of Cultures is attended by over 15,000 people annually. This event helps to raise the awareness of diversity.

Native American Scholars is assisting Native American students by providing them a mentor that helps with school work, handling peer pressure, and guides the student into their futures.

Agencies & Programs

Multi-Cultural Center
Festival of Cultures

Big Brothers Big Sisters
Native American Scholars

For more information about diversity programs or to volunteer call the HELP!Line Center at 211 (or 605-339-4357) or visit http://www.helplinecenter.org/

The Decision Makers

There are currently eight volunteers on the Diversity Impact Team. These individuals provide stewardship to United Way contributors while planning, setting priorities, distributing funds and developing collaborative community solutions. This team specifically addresses the need for programs that address diversity challenges and opportunities in the Sioux Empire.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Xcel Energy and Target for being recognized by United Way of America. Xcel Energy was honored with the 20th Annual Spirit of America Award, which recognizes the company's commitment to community involvement. Target was honored with the Employee Community Engagement Award for its record employee participation in national United Way's "Day of Caring" volunteer projects in 2006. Xcel Energy and Target were among seven companies recognized by United Way of America recently. To learn more about Xcel Energy's recognition, click here. To learn more about Target's recognition, click here.