With over 70% of South Dakota mothers with children under the age of six working, quality child care is very important.  Read below to learn how your investment provides quality child care to hundreds of Sioux Empire families.  March is National Nutrition Month, so we've included some healthy eating tips in this month's update as well.  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 Child Care Programs

United Day Care served 81 children in the month of February. Many of the families are on Child Care Assistance and/or receive free or reduced lunches through the school system.

Childcare HELP!Line Center provided 185 child care referrals to families during February. Families are provided referrals based on cost, location, availability, provider qualifications, and more.

Over 400 children were provided child care by YWCA at their two locations during February.  Child care is provided to children 4 weeks to 12 years old.

Almost 250 children received care at four of Volunteers of America, Dakotas child care sites during February.  An additional 15 children received crisis care.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers of America, Dakotas
A wide variety of volunteer opportunities are available.  Opportunities include child care volunteers, foster grandparents, tutoring, mentoring, and more. 
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Lutheran Social Services of SD, School Based Mentoring
School based mentors meet with a student at their school for an hour a week.  Mentors help with homework, play board games, read, and do other activities with the student.  Over 1000 students are waiting for a mentor. 
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Sioux Empire United Way Corner
Eleven Area Non-Profits Receive Grant Funding

Each year Sioux Empire United Way awards grants to new and innovative programs. This year 11 agencies received grants ranging from $8,600 to $30,000 - totaling $200,400. Programs include a child care center in Centerville, a financial literacy program, and a defensive driving course for teenagers.  Click here for a complete list.

Sixteen grant applications were received, totaling over $400,000. Sixty-five volunteers reviewed the applications based on research for the programs, ability to utilize other community resources, partnerships with other organizations, potential for success in meeting objectives, and likely impact of the project.

Click here for more information and a complete list of grant recipients.

Agency Tours Offered

Join us to learn more about two Sioux Empire United Way partner agencies:

March 19, 9:00am at Center for Active Generations
March 27, 4:00pm at USD Scottish Rite Children's Clinic

Click here to RSVP for one or both of these tours or call 336-2095.  Space is limited.
 

In This Issue

National Nutrition Month
Your Gift in Action, Child Care
Volunteer Opportunities
Providing a Good Start
SEUW Corner, 11 Grants Awarded
Agency Tours Offered

National Nutrition Month

Here are some meal time tips to help you and your family eat healthy:

• Resign from the "clean plate" club. Let children stop eating when they are not hungry.
• Allow children to serve themselves whenever possible.
• Encourage children to eat slowly and take "small bites."
• Package snack items in individual servings.
• Use smaller plates and bowls.
• Buy smaller packages of snack foods.

For more healthy eating tips, check out Growing Healthy Sioux Falls.

Sioux Empire United Way partners with many programs that encourage healthy living and activities.  YMCA and YWCA provide opportunities for youth and adults to get active, Center for Active Generations ensures that many area seniors have a nutritious noon meal, and Connecting Kids provides kids opportunities to become physically active.

Providing a Good Start

“Finding the Scarbrough Center on campus was a blessing,” comments Christie.

Christie's daughter Brylee attends Scarbrough Center while Christie attends classes and works part-time on campus.  “Brylee’s learned so much while at Scarbrough Center, they really care about her and are helping her get off to a good start.”

Click to continue to their story.