News Releases
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Receives $349,029 Investment from SunTrust Bank
June 13, 2013In 2012, SunTrust Bank, a key community partner, provided United Way of Metropolitan Nashville with a $150,000 corporate investment. Additionally, SunTrust Bank associates pledged $199,029 in 2012, bringing their total contribution to $349,029.
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Singing for Pencils: Stuff the Bus Launch Concert Kicks Off United Way’s Annual School Supply Driv
June 11, 2013Local songwriters are submitting entries now for the LIVE UNITED Song Contest, all in the name of providing at-risk children with the school supplies they need to begin the school year. The LIVE UNITED Song Contest and Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive Launch Concert, where finalists will perform their songs in front of music industry professionals, mark the beginning of United Way’s annual Stuff the Bus Days of Action.
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tnAchieves to Offer Community College Education to at least 1,600 Nashville Public School Seniors
June 03, 2013Recently, Governor Bill Haslam, along with Mayor Karl Dean and tnAchieves Chairman and Special Advisor to the Governor on Higher Education Randy Boyd, met with Nashville business, philanthropic, and education leaders to discuss the expansion of tnAchieves into Metro Nashville Public Schools.
While fundraising efforts continue, thanks to the generous support of Joe and Dorothy Scarlett as well as United Way of Metropolitan Nashville and Mr. Boyd, tnAchieves will launch in the public high schools with the lowest college-going rates this fall.
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The Dollywood Foundation Announces Transition of Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee
June 03, 2013Today, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville will assume responsibility for Books from Birth of Middle Tennessee’s Imagination Library, a program that distributes books to children from birth up to five years old across Davidson, Williamson and Sumner counties at no charge to families. Now known as the Imagination Library/Books from Birth partnership, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville is assuming operations from Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, which has run the program since its inception.
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United Way Selected for Partnership with Nashville Sounds
May 29, 2013United Way of Metropolitan Nashville and the Nashville Sounds Foundation today announce a partnership to both recognize and increase volunteerism in the community.
The partnership includes two efforts to reach fans and local advocates in the Nashville area; in June, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville will be the Sounds CARE (Community Awareness Responsibility Effort) official charity partner. United Way is one of the program’s four charities for the 2013 season. Additionally, throughout the season, Sounds fans have the opportunity to participate in the “Grand Slam Volunteer” partnership.
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UNITED WAY RECEIVES $435,570 INVESTMENT FROM PUBLIX AND PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS CHARITIES
May 22, 2013United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s corporate partners engage with and impact the Nashville community 24-7-365.
On May 7, 2013, Publix Super Markets Charities, a key community partner, presented United Way of Metropolitan Nashville with a $187,100 campaign match contribution. Additionally, Publix associates have pledged $248,470, bringing their total contribution to $435,570.
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United Way, Mayor Dean Recognize Local Impact at United Way Advocate Celebration April 11
April 11, 2013On Thursday, April 11 at 5 p.m., United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, Mayor Karl Dean, and countless advocates in the Nashville community will come together to celebrate how we are working together to create an upward trajectory for countless people in Nashville at United Way’s Advocate Celebration.
The awards ceremony is how United Way recognizes local business partners, volunteers, advocates and investors in the Nashville community. Throughout the year, those business partners and individuals represent positive change by volunteering for community engagement events, spreading the United Way message and investing in United Way’s impact, all making Nashville a better place to live.
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United Way Read to Succeed Sites Receive More Than 2,000 Backpacks
March 15, 2013Throughout February and March, more than 170 United Way of Metropolitan Nashville volunteers have given their time to participate in United Way Reading Days of Action, a series of community engagement events all in the name of spreading the joy of reading across Nashville. Volunteers participated in a variety of opportunities to engage with more than 300 children at United Way Read to Succeed sites. Volunteers have helped collect books for the collection drive; spent time with children at a Dr. Seuss Activity Fair and various reading days; and participated in a social media challenge to log time spent reading. Volunteer participation for this event is more than double the participation level in 2011.
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Mayor, United Way Open Financial Empowerment Center to Help Low-Income Residents Reduce Debt
March 12, 2013Mayor Karl Dean today opened the Nashville Financial Empowerment Center at the Foster Street Center in east Nashville and at the Casa Azafran Community Center in south Nashville, where free one-on-one financial counseling will be provided to city residents. Nashville is one of five U.S. cities to launch the program thanks to a $2 million grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund. The CFE Fund is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayors project, which aims to spread proven and promising ideas among cities.
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Congressman Jim Cooper Visits United Way VITA Super Site
March 08, 2013Thousands of people in Davidson County have something in common: They have already checked a major item off their to-do list for 2013. Thousands of working individuals and families have not only filed their taxes, but have done so for free through the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Volunteer Income Assistance (VITA) program. Each year, this program helps those who make $57,000 or less receive free tax preparation, and in 2012, VITA volunteers helped more than 10,000 working individuals and families in Davidson County receive more than $19.1 million in refunds. Paid tax preparation sites charge an average of $200, so by visiting a VITA site and receiving free tax prep from an IRS-certified VITA volunteer, working individuals and families can keep more of the money they have earned.
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United Way Opens Doors of Free Tax Prep Sites
February 04, 2013Now that January 31 has come and gone, and with proof of 2012 income in hand, most working individuals and families in Nashville have begun thinking about tax season. Today, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites will open their doors to provide tax preparation services for free to thousands of working individuals and families. VITA sites are open now through April 15.
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United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Receives $25,000 Corporate Investment from Fifth Third Bank
January 30, 2013On January 13, 2013, the Fifth Third Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee, a key corporate partner, presented United Way of Metropolitan Nashville with a $25,000 corporate investment. The $25,000 is a local portion of what Fifth Third Bank contributes to other United Ways across the country every year.
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Nashville One of Five Cities Selected for $16.2 Million Investment
January 08, 2013Nashville has been selected as one of five cities to receive a grant to help low-income residents reduce debt and build assets through free, one-on-one financial counseling incorporated into existing services offered in the city. The Office of Mayor Karl Dean and United Way of Metropolitan Nashville are partners in the grant funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Living Cities’ Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund. The three-year grant will serve an estimated 5,000 Nashvillians at Financial Empowerment Centers, which will be run by United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. At the Centers, financial counselors will teach clients how to open safe and affordable checking accounts, establish a credit score, maintain a positive balance, decrease debt and maintain savings.
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UNITED WAY OF NASHVILLE AND TARGET “SHARE A TREE” AND BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO FAMILIES
December 21, 2012For the 22nd consecutive year, Target stores across the country are celebrating the season by donating more than 10,000 holiday trees nationally to United Way clients as part of the Target Share-a-Tree Program.
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TITANS AND UNITED WAY ANNOUNCE JASON MCCOURTY AS SPOKESPERSON THROUGH A YEAR-ROUND PARTNERSHIP
December 20, 2012December 19, 2012, NASHVILLE, TENN. – The Tennessee Titans and United Way of Metropolitan Nashville announced today that Jason McCourty, cornerback for the Tennessee Titans, will serve as the team’s United Way spokesperson, truly highlighting the tremendous partnership between the two Nashville organizations. In McCourty’s role, he will showcase opportunities for volunteerism and advocacy throughout 2013.
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UNITED WAY FAMILY TEACHING KITCHENS: AIMING TO PREVENT OBESITY WITH HANDS-ON EDUCATION
December 05, 2012To continue United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s rich work in the area of Health, United Way Family Teaching Kitchens have taken place throughout the past few months. Tocqueville Society member Anne Russell chairs Women United in Giving, which is a group that truly volunteers, advocates and gives in all aspects of United Way!
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LUNCHEON WITH THE HONORABLE ALBERTO R. GONZALES
December 05, 2012On November 12, the Tocqueville Society, Alpha Chapter held a luncheon for its largest crowd ever--approximately 70 leaders from more than 35 companies attended. Judge Alberto Gonzales, Counsel at Waller and Doyle Rogers Distinguished Chair at Belmont University, was the featured speaker. Hosted at Waller, the luncheon was the third in a successful series of opportunities for Tocqueville members to network with some of Nashville’s most influential leaders.
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United Way Promotes Healthy Eating, Togetherness through Family Teaching Kitchens
November 21, 2012Nashville, Tenn.—November 21, 2012—On Oct. 15, 2012, at the Coleman Park Community Center, 17 families gathered to attend United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s Family Teaching Kitchens. They were not there just to eat, however; mothers and sons, husbands and wives, grandparents and grandchildren all came to learn how to prepare a healthy meal on a budget. United Way Family Teaching Kitchens are the result of the United Way Women United in Giving focus to reverse obesity trends.
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United Way Hosts A Community United: Baby Shower Days of Action
November 14, 2012United Way Hosts A Community United: Baby Shower Days of Action
To some mothers, diapers and wipes are items on a shopping list. To others, they are vital items that might be difficult to purchase when they also worry about how to pay their electric bill. For these at-risk new mothers and their babies, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville will host a Sort-a-Thon on Thursday, November 15, to provide a bag of baby items filled with diapers, wipes, onesies, blankets and formula. These bags are the result of United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s A Community United: Baby Shower Days of Action. Volunteers, corporate partners, and countless advocates around Nashville have been collecting these items to provide families with hope during this new chapter of life.
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United Way Encourages Participation in A Community United: Baby Shower Days of Action
November 07, 2012The thought of a baby shower is enough to create a smile on someone’s face. It often brings to mind the thought of new life and the excitement of a new chapter for both mother and baby. With all of the possibilities and opportunities life has to offer, anything is possible. For those attending the shower, baby showers also result in deliberation over purchasing the perfect gift and deciding how much to spend on this gift. But, with all of the emphasis on strollers and changing tables, it can be easy to forget that some mothers in the Nashville community do not have a shower of their own.
That is why United Way of Metropolitan Nashville is hosting A Community United: Baby Shower Days of Action now through November 15, with a series of engagement opportunities planned to benefit Nashville’s at-risk mothers. For the cost of an average shower gift, Nashville residents can unite to provide these mothers and babies with the supplies they need to start their new chapter in life.
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2012 Hometown Huddle Event
October 30, 2012The NFL/United Way “Hometown Huddle” is a league-wide day of service that provides NFL players, owners, coaches and staff from each team with the opportunity to participate in a variety of community-service activities. For the past five seasons, Hometown Huddle has been dedicated to showing league and team support for NFL PLAY 60 where teams around the league have used this day to build playgrounds, indoor fitness zones and host health and wellness activities for youth in local communities. Started in 1999 by the NFL and United Way, the goal of Hometown Huddle continues to be helping make a difference in NFL communities.
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Autumn in Action Days of Action on Oct. 5
October 05, 2012Join us on Oct. 5, 2012, for United Way’s Autumn in Action Days of Action Fall Trailer Fill, where we will enjoy all the fun that Fall has to offer, as well as collect and sort basic needs items for those in our community who utilize United Way Family Resource Centers (FRCs).
United Way neighborhood FRCs provide clients with a variety of services, including food boxes, financial planning, computer classes, GED classes, rent assistance and much more. Calls to United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline during the month of August showed that Nashville residents placed more than 500 calls (or 15 percent of all calls) to request clothing, personal or household needs. Because of the high demand for those products in the community, those are the items that we are collecting for the Fall Trailer Fill.
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UPS Lends Expertise, Skills-Based Leadership, Branded Trailer to Assist United Way with Outreach
September 26, 2012When United Way of Metropolitan Nashville (UWMN) was seeking assistance in its local community with branding, visibility and logistical support, it found a strong strategic ally in UPS. The company that “loves logistics” recently helped a dream become a reality in a “win/win” situation for the charitable organization by contributing a trailer branded with a United Way message. Daily, the vehicle can be seen traveling throughout Nashville making deliveries ranging from school supplies to children in need to UPS customers. The branded trailer offers another powerful reminder of how, over the last three decades, UPS and its dedicated team, continue to live true to philanthropic leadership by providing skills-based volunteers and expertise and more than $1 billion in monetary contributions to assist United Way.
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UNITED WAY SEEKS COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO OPEN SUPER SITES IN ANTIOCH, MADISON FOR VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX
September 13, 2012Nashville, Tenn. – Sept. 7, 2012 -- United Way of Metropolitan Nashville (UWMN) is encouraging non-profit groups, churches and government entities interested in promoting financial stability in their home communities to apply for funds to operate a new United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Super Site in Antioch and another in Madison, Tenn.
This is a great chance for local agencies to build rapport by offering service and goodwill, as well as stimulate the economy in their own backyard. In addition, site volunteers learn critical training and expertise that can be of benefit to build a professional resume or enhance job skills.
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United Way Joins Local Community to Rebuild Playground at McGruder Family Resource Center
September 06, 2012United Way Joins Local Community to Rebuild Multi- Generational Playground at McGruder Family Resource Center
Volunteers and local residents will join forces at United Way’s Family Resource Center Network- McGruder Center on Thursday, September 6 to repair an important community asset. Volunteers will repair and rebuild a community playground that promotes healthy play and well-being. McGruder Center, part of the United Way Family Resource Center Network, offers popular afterschool and summer programs for children, as well as various activities for seniors. The playground provides youth with an age appropriate area to play, and adults and seniors with opportunities to engage in physical activity.
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United Way Launches the United Way Read to Succeed Professional Lending Library
August 30, 2012In the Nashville community, each of the 13 United Way Read to Succeed sites has a lending library offering students the opportunity to push their reading limits and their education to new levels. Now, teachers will have more resources at their fingertips as well to help them foster lifelong learning for themselves and for others with the launch of the new United Way Read to Succeed Professional Lending Library that opened today thanks to a generous contribution by the Dan and Margaret Maddox Charitable Fund.
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Unions Unite in Branding Effort to Support Community
August 08, 2012NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 8, 2012) In an effort to help United Way of Metropolitan Nashville purchase and brand a much-needed trailer for community outreach efforts Nashville/Mid TN Central Labor Council (CLC), Nashville Building Trades, TN AFL-CIO and 39 affiliated local and regional unions took a leadership role in the initiative.
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United Way Prepares Students And Teachers For ‘Back-To-School’ Success
August 01, 2012United Way Prepares Students And Teachers At Two Metro Elementary School For ‘Back-To-School’ Success
The school bell rang in the 2012-2013 year, and more than 1,000 students in two of Nashville’s neediest schools are more prepared than ever for success. Every student at Napier Elementary School and Tusculum Elementary School started off on the right foot today when they received backpacks filled with school supplies from United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. Each teacher at the two schools – almost 100 total – also received a resources kit containing teacher supplies, information on the United Way’s Family Resource Centers, 211 hotline tips, and other helpful information to further prepare students for success.
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UNITED WAY’S READ TO SUCCEED PROGRAM RESULTS IN 94 PERCENT READINESS UNDER NEW CURRICULUM
July 19, 2012Over 94 percent of children completing United Way’s Read to Succeed program initiative tested ready to learn this year, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Board Chair Margaret Dolan announced today. At the beginning of the reading program nine years ago, only 33 percent of pre-school children were ready for school.
United Way’s Read to Succeed initiative is an early childhood literacy initiative that provides preschoolers with the necessary reading skills in order to succeed in kindergarten.
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United Way thanks Nashville for standout year of giving
July 19, 2012http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120718/OPINION03/307180099/United-Way-thanks-Nashville-standout-year-giving
$55 million invested in community
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville this week recognizes our many partners who made possible a unique and unprecedented milestone: a $55.1 million investment in the community to make an impact on education, financial stability of families and health.
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United Way Partners With Local School To Raise Test Scores
July 18, 2012http://www.wkrn.com/story/19013614/united-way-partners-with-local-school-to-raise-test-scores
An innovative public-private partnership has raised scores at a South Nashville elementary school by nearly 85 percent.
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Innovative United Way-led Partnership Raises Reading Scores Dramatically at Napier Elementary
July 13, 2012NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 12, 2012) – This time last year, reading scores at Napier Elementary School were among the lowest in the state. Thanks to an innovative partnership led by United Way of Metropolitan Nashville the school’s pilot program increased reading scores of more than 85 percent of participating students by 2.2 reading levels. Today, the organization and its partners unveiled a prototype Family Resource Center at Napier that builds on that success and holds promise for future expansion to other Family Resource Centers across Davidson County, United Way officials said.
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United Way seeks songwriters to help its Stuff the Bus effort for needy students
June 11, 2012http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120608/DAVIDSON/306080076/Nashville-artists-sing-Stuff-Bus?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|News&nclick_check=1
Each week millions tune in to watch contestants compete on the televised singing shows Duets, The Voice and American Idol. Hopefuls sing their hearts out in front of a panel of judges for a chance at becoming a national recording artist.
Now, the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has taken this competitive formula and come up with a unique way to combine its mission and the talents of Nashville’s musicians for a worthy cause. With its third annual Stuff the Bus songwriting campaign, the group is looking for songwriters and singers to compete by writing a unique song about the power of helping those in need. The initiative helps at-risk students by providing them with back-to-school supplies.
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Frist Gets United Way Lifetime Achievement Award
May 04, 2012http://www.newschannel5.com/story/18067903/frist-gets-united-way-lifetime-achievement-award-reldate2012-05-03t001349-eds-apnewsnow-nashville-tenn-ap-dr-thomas-f-frist-jr-a-founding-member-of
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr., a founding member of Hospital Corporation of America, has received the inaugural United Way Lifetime Achievement Award in Nashville.
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We Each Benefit From Living United in Giving
April 30, 2012http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120429/COLUMNIST0111/304290081/We-each-benefit-from-living-united-giving
I’m not sure about trickle-down economics — personally I think we’d all rather be close to the spigot, versus waiting for the run-off — but I am a believer in the trickling impact of community leadership and investment. And Nashville has benefited greatly from the vision laid out by Dr. Thomas Frist Jr. in 1981.
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CAN FOOD TRUCKS SAVE THE WORLD?
April 25, 2012http://www.coolpeoplecare.org/can-food-trucks-save-the-world/
A recent GOOD article showcases the benefits (health-wise, money-wise, and environment-wise) of the fast growing food truck movement. In short, these eateries on wheels can provide affordable, high quality food to anyone and everyone. Food trucks are more than a marketing gimmick; they have a real chance to make a difference.
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VITA GETS INCOME TAX RESULTS FOR FAMILIES
April 16, 2012http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120414/OPINION03/304140023/VITA-gets-income-tax-results-families?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p
Preparing taxes can be stressful for even the most organized individual. Getting paperwork in order, filling out forms and meeting with professionals while unsure of whether you will receive a refund or owe additional taxes, can be an overwhelming process.
IRS-trained United Way volunteers offer expertise and process thousands of returns through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Providing a valuable service to others, these volunteers have a heart for community and the people they serve.
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GOOD NEWS ABOUT YOUR TAXES
April 13, 2012http://www.coolpeoplecare.org/good-news-about-your-taxes/
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BANK ON MUSIC CITY SEEKS TO CREATE FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR WORKING FAMILIES
February 07, 2012BANK ON MUSIC CITY SEEKS TO CREATE FINANCIAL STABILITY FOR WORKING FAMILIES
New Program Offers Financial Education, Options To Those With Little Or No Banking Experience
NASHVILLE, TN, Feb. 7, 2012-- Mayor Karl Dean, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, and other community partners today launched Bank On Music City, an initiative to help Nashvillians with little banking history establish conventional banking relationships, build a credit history, and gain access to low-cost sources of credit to build a solid future.
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WITH $25 MILLION IN UNCLAIMED TAX REFUNDS, UNITED WAY EXPANDS EFFORT TO BRING MONEY TO NASHVILLE FAM
January 30, 2012NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 27, 2012 – With estimates of more than $25 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) unclaimed by Nashvillians each year, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville today launched an expanded program that offers free tax assistance to working individuals and families so they can keep as much of their hard-earned income as possible.
United Way officially opened 19 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites across the city – almost double the number of sites from last year. United Way, Rep. Jim Cooper and IRS officials kicked-off the program by touring the newest center, located at the Dream Centers of Tennessee, Inc., in the Hickory Hollow Mall. To bolster the effort, United Way has recruited 350 volunteers, compared with 194 last year, to staff the community’s VITA program during the upcoming 2012 tax season.
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Q&A With The Tocqueville Society Campaign Chairs
December 08, 2011We sat down with 2010 & 2011 Tocqueville Campaign Chairs Roy & Marty Jordan and Vice Chairs Stephen S. & Jan Riven and asked them about their experience. Check out their answers to questions like, "What was the most unforgettable personal moment for you as a member of the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Alpha Chapter in 2011?"
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Lunch With Nashville’s Most Influential Leaders
December 07, 2011In 2011, more than 100 Tocqueville Society members attended two Alexis de Tocqueville Society Leadership Luncheons. The purpose of the luncheons is to thank members for their continued support and to provide an opportunity for members to learn from and network with some of Nashville’s most influential leaders.
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Tocqueville Members Co-Chair Walk the Talk Luncheon
December 07, 2011Co-Chaired by Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Alpha Chapter members Amanda Farnsworth and Linda Rebrovick, United Way’s Women United in Giving hosted the "Walk the Talk" Luncheon in November to raise awareness and funding for Women United in Giving's Family Teaching Kitchens initiative. The new initiative calls attention to the national obesity crisis and is designed to bring healthy lifestyles to Nashville’s neediest neighborhoods by teaching healthy eating habits at United Way Family Resource Centers.
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Dinner Celebrates 30 Years
December 07, 2011On October 26, more than 220 Tocqueville Society members attended a special evening at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts. The evening marked the celebration of 30 years of the Tocqueville Society, as well as honored Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr., who founded the society in 1981 here in Nashville. Founding members in attendance were Mr. & Mrs. Brownlee O. Currey, Jr.; Mr. & Mrs. Thomas F. Frist, Jr.; Mr. & Mrs. Joel C. Gordon; Mr. & Mrs. Henry W. Hooker; Mr. & Mrs. James W. Perkins, Jr.; Mr. Bernard Werthan; Mr. & Mrs. Ridley Wills II; and Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Zimmerman. Mr. Donald Gill & Mrs. Sara Jo Houghland Gill attended in honor of the late founders Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Houghland. Over $100 million dollars has been raised locally through investments in United Way of Metropolitan Nashville through the Tocqueville Society.
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Volunteer For Our Six-Hour Playground Build
October 24, 2011Please join United Way of Metropolitan Nashville on Nov. 11 as we team up with Humana, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and KaBOOM! to build a unique, multi-generational playground where people of all generations can gather and play. The playground will be built in only six hours!
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United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Joins Community Effort To Tackle Obesity Epidemic
October 18, 2011United Way’s Women United in Giving, a group of community leaders, announces Nov. 2 luncheon; Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam to speak
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 13, 2011—United Way of Metropolitan Nashville is aiming to shrink the growing obesity problem in the community through an innovative initiative designed to bring healthy lifestyles to Nashville’s neediest neighborhoods.
United Way’s Women United in Giving – a group of community leaders committed to making a greater impact in the city – has launched a new initiative called Family Teaching Kitchens to help tackle obesity at its roots in Nashville.
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Huge Spike in Basic Needs Hits Nashville, You Respond!
October 18, 2011United Way of Metropolitan Nashville donors and volunteers culminated a 45-day blitz on September 30, 2011, to help replenish basic needs supplies for United Way partner agencies serving Nashville’s most vulnerable families, with a Day of Action in which volunteers sorted, packed, loaded and delivered more than 9,600 basic needs items to agencies throughout the community.
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Pre-Schoolers Go From 33% To 99%
October 18, 2011United Way’s Read to Succeed program, created to help children develop and master critical pre-reading skills, has reached a milestone: 99% of its participants entered kindergarten this year with the basic reading skills needed to have a successful scholastic start. At the beginning of the reading program, only 33% of participants were ready for school.
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Students and Teachers Thank Volunteers for Successful Start
October 18, 2011United Way of Metropolitan Nashville volunteers made the difference for more than 400 students at Napier Elementary School, who were welcomed on the first day of school with backpacks filled with school supplies.
More than 80 volunteers from UPS®, Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP, SunTrust Bank, CAT® Financial joined United Way Board members and staff on August 11, 2011, to distribute the backpacks. The event was so successful that every student at Napier Elementary received a backpack.
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CAT Financial Runs With Innovative Campaign Idea, Breaks Previous Records
October 18, 2011CAT Financial got off to a fast start in their 2011 United Way Campaign in August, with a unique and innovative idea: their first-ever 5K Run/1-Mile Fun Walk.
More than 300 CAT Financial employees participated in the event, which had the greatest employee participation of any charitable event ever held at CAT headquarters. It also raised the largest amount the headquarters has ever raised for United Way, more than $4,500.
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United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Launches Its 2011 Campaign
September 27, 2011United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has launched its 2011 impact campaign.
This year’s push, the organization’s 90th annual campaign, aims to raise more than $15 million to support education, financial stability and health initiatives.
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UNITED WAY WILL LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP TO HELP ADDRESS COMMUNITY’S SPIKING FOOD AND SHELTER NEEDS
September 09, 2011UNITED WAY WILL LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP TO HELP ADDRESS COMMUNITY’S SPIKING FOOD AND SHELTER NEEDS
Announcement Begins 21-Day “Basic Needs” Drive and Organization’s 90th Annual Campaign.
NASHVILLE, TN, Sept. 9, 2011—United Way of Metropolitan Nashville today launched its 2011 communitywide impact campaign, announcing creation of the United Way Meet The Need Partnership to help address Nashville’s rapidly-growing emergency food and shelter needs – in the midst of a challenging economy.
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UNITED WAY PREPARES NAPIER ELEMENTARY FOR ‘BACK-TO-SCHOOL’ SUCCESS
August 12, 2011NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 11, 2011—The school bell is set to ring in the 2011-2012 year, and more than 435 students in one of Nashville’s neediest schools are more prepared than ever for success.
Every student at Napier Elementary School started off on the right foot today when they received backpacks filled with school supplies from United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. More than 50 volunteers handed out the backpacks, giving the students a leg-up on the school year.
Each teacher at Napier Elementary – a total of 36 – also received a resources kit containing teacher supplies, information on the United Way’s Family Resource Centers, 2-1-1 Helpline tips, and other helpful information to further prepare students for success in one of the city’s neediest schools.
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UNITED WAY READ TO SUCCEED PROGRAM RESULTS IN NEAR-PERFECT READINESS THREE YEARS IN A ROW
July 29, 2011For the first time since the program was launched seven years ago, 99% of participants in United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s Read to Succeed program enter kindergarten with the basic reading skills needed to make a successful scholastic start, Margaret Dolan, United Way’s Board Chair, announced today. At the beginning of the reading program, only 33% of pre-school children were ready for school.
That follows two consecutive years where more than 98 percent of participants in the Read to Succeed program entered kindergarten with the basic reading skills needed to make a successful scholastic start.
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STUFF THE BUS DAY OF ACTION ON JULY 29
July 14, 2011Join us on July 29, 2011, for United Way’s Day of Action as we Stuff the Bus with school supplies for children and teens served through United Way’s Neighborhood Family Resource Centers and partner agencies working daily to equip the youth of Nashville’s neighborhoods for success.
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CAMPAIGN CABINET & 2011 CAMPAIGN KICK OFFS
July 14, 2011When companies commit to running a workplace campaign for United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, they are backed by an impressive team of corporate and community leaders known as the Campaign Cabinet. This group of volunteers is a critical component to having a well-run Campaign. Working closely with executive staff of Nashville-area companies, they assist in setting campaign goals and strategies which ultimately set the tone for the entire United Way Campaign.
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PREDATOR’S FOUNDATION GRANT HELPS OPEN TWO NEW BORN LEARNING TRAILS
July 14, 2011Through a grant awarded to United Way of Metropolitan Nashville by the Predator’s Foundation, two United Way Born Learning Trails were recently opened in the Metro Nashville area. These trails, located in Madison Park and Coleman Park, provide value to communities by offering fun early learning activities and games that build pre-literacy skills critical to school readiness.
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TOP MUSIC INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS HOST 2011 LIVE UNITED SONG CONTEST
July 14, 2011To kick off the Stuff the Bus Day of Action school supply drive, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville hosted a night of music on June 21 at one of Nashville’s premier live music venues, The Listening Room Café.
The launch concert featured performances by the top 10 finalists from the LIVE UNITED song contest who then each performed their song in front of the crowd and a panel of judges made up of some of Nashville’s most prominent music industry professionals including hit songwriter and artist, Cary Barlowe; 95.5 WSM personality, Beth Brightwell; George Strait backup vocalist and United Way advocate, Marty Slayton Jordan; Belmont University Instructor of Music Business, Dan Keen; and owner of The Nashville Muse and Music Starts Here, Doak Turner.
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Songwriters Perform for Pencils and Other School Supplies Tonight
June 21, 2011NASHVILLE, TN, June 21, 2011--United Way of Metropolitan Nashville tonight launches a six-week “Stuff the Bus” drive to provide encouragement and back-to-school essentials for 2,500 of Nashville’s neediest school children.
United Way’s Stuff the Bus Launch Concert tonight from 7 until 9 p.m. at The Listening Room Café in Nashville’s Cummins Station, will be packed with emerging Music City talent.
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Songwriters Compete and Help Area Students at the Stuff the Bus Launch Concert
June 20, 2011Ten Nashville songwriters will perform songs of hope and healing in front of a blue-ribbon panel of judges Tuesday, June 21 at The Listening Room for United Way’s second annual Stuff The Bus Launch Concert.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Success
April 29, 2011In 2004, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville began offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that helps families and working individuals making less than $49,000 receive free tax preparation. The program was designed to allow taxpayers receive the full amount of their tax return without losing any of it to commercial fees or rapid refund loans. United Way has established several physical VITA sites across the Metro Nashville area where taxpayers can come and take advantage of free tax preparation assistance given by trained volunteers. Individuals and families earning less than $58,000 per year qualify for the same free tax preparation assistance online.
Following an extremely successful 2010 tax season where more than 7,500 tax returns were processed through the 18 VITA sites, the 2011 tax season saw a 20% increase in visits to VITA sites, despite the decrease in actual sites to 10.
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2010 Campaign Awards
April 29, 2011Despite challenging economic conditions and the aftermath of the May flood of 2010, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s 2010 Campaign saw the largest year-to-year percentage increase in the last decade. Thanks to those who helped us reach this tremendous achievement…the 400 companies representing 50,000 employees who hosted workplace campaigns and the more than 280 members of our Alexis de Tocqueville, Alpha Chapter.
• United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s 2010 Campaign grew this year from $14.1 million dollars to $14.5 million dollars
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Community Celebrates Restore The Dream Centers’ Success; Focuses on Remaining Flood-Impacted…
April 26, 2011COMMUNITY CELEBRATES RESTORE THE DREAM CENTERS’ SUCCESS; FOCUSES ON REMAINING FLOOD-IMPACTED FAMILIES.
NASHVILLE, TN, April 26, 2011—Leaders in the corporate and philanthropic community gathered tonight to recognize United Way’s Restore The Dream Centers partnership, which has served 1,199 families since opening early last summer.
Mayor Karl Dean and Congressman Jim Cooper attended the celebration hosted by AT&T Tennessee at its downtown headquarters to say “thank you” to employees and volunteers of The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, St. Luke’s Community House, Conexión Américas, and Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Centers for their work in helping 719 families achieve recovery after last year’s flood.
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United Way Funds Restore The Dream Centers Through Sept. 30
April 13, 2011United Way Restore The Dream Centers have helped 719 families recover from the Flood of 2010 and United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s board of directors has voted to continue funding Restore The Dream Center case management through September 30 in order to assist the remaining 480 families still working with the Restore The Dream network to reach their recovery goals.
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United Way Read To Succeed Sites Pilot Innovative Curriculum
April 06, 2011Three United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Read to Succeed sites will pilot a nationally-innovative new curriculum that emphasizes the importance of social emotional development of pre-schoolers in addition to traditionally-emphasized intellectual development.
United Way announced a new partnership with Frog Street Press during an event at King’s Daughters Child Development Center on Wednesday.
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Relief to Japan Earthquake Survivors
March 21, 2011United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has established a means by which the Nashville community can provide aid to the people of Japan suffering from the effects of the devastating earthquake, the tsunami and the resulting damage.
There are several ways to give:
-To make a donation online, please visit http://www.unitedwaynashville.org/give
-Send a check to United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, 250 Venture Circle, Nashville, TN 37228 Attn: Japan Disaster Relief
-Text “JAPAN” to UNITED (864833) on your mobile phone to give $10 to United Way for Japan Disaster Relief
-United Way Worldwide http://www.liveunited.org/japan
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville will waive all administrative fees on donations received locally for Japan Disaster Relief.
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UNITED WAY EXPERIENCES LARGEST CAMPAIGN GROWTH IN A DECADE
March 10, 2011UNITED WAY EXPERIENCES LARGEST CAMPAIGN GROWTH IN A DECADE
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville wrapped up and celebrated its 2010 fundraising efforts today with a Volunteer Day of Action that will put books in the hands of more than 1,900 infants, toddlers and pre-teens.
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Disaster Deductions Could Mean More Federal Tax Refund Dollars
February 21, 2011NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Many Davidson County residents still trying to rebuild their homes and livelihood lost in the May 2010 flood could get much-needed financial help in the form of federal income tax refunds.
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United Way Launches Efforts to Bring Tax Refunds to More Nashville Families
February 02, 2011With an estimated $27 million in tax credits left unclaimed by Nashvillians each year, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville and Congressman Jim Cooper today officially launched a dozen locations offering free tax preparation service for Davidson County low- and moderate-income working families.
Ten standing sites, one mobile site, and a “roving site” are available this tax season across the community (See attached list of locations and hours). Rep. Cooper and United Way officials toured tax sites at Sam Levy Homes in East Nashville and Woodbine Community Organization in South Nashville to thank volunteers and encourage Nashvillians to take advantage of the program.
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Donelson to Get New Restore the Dream Center to Aid Flood Recovery
January 11, 2011A new Restore The Dream center is opening in Donelson to assist residents who are still trying to recover from the May flood. The United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Restore the Dream center is scheduled to open this week at 2416 Music Valley Drive in a strip mall near Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Trained case managers will assess flood victims’ individual situations, create a recovery plan and find resources.
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Noritz Donates Water Heaters to Flood Affected Households Through Restore the Dream Centers
December 29, 2010Flood survivor households who have registered for case management with one of the five United Way Restore The Dream Centers are eligible to receive a new tankless water heater donated by Noritz, the world’s largest manufacturer of tankless water heaters. The gas appliance maker has shipped more than $50,000 worth of water heaters to Nashville and United Way Restore The Dream Centers are in the process of accepting requests for the energy efficient appliances.
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United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Endorses ONE NASHVILLE
December 09, 2010
Education is one of the four key focus areas of United Way of Metropolitan Nashville (Education, Financial Stability, Health and Neighborhoods). Our work in education involves supporting quality community programs that assist students and families in public schools, leading the Read to Succeed and School Based Family Resource Center Initiatives and participating in community collaborative efforts to improve the education system. One of the collaborative, community efforts United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has endorsed is ONE NASHVILLE.Read More »
Local CPAs, Tax Pros Available to Assist Flood Survivors
November 30, 2010
The Mayor’s Flood Recovery Team has assembled a group of local tax experts who are volunteering their time to assist flood survivors with amending their 2009 or preparing to file their 2010 federal income tax. State sales tax refund and IRS Casualty Loss Deduction are among resources for residents.Read More »
Five United Way ‘Restore the Dream’ Centers Meet Long Term Needs of Flood Victims
November 01, 2010
Many victims of Nashville’s May 1-2 flood are still struggling to meet a myriad of needs, and United Way has organized community resources and is pushing them out to the areas hardest hit. United Way of Metropolitan Nashville and six of its partner agencies are operating five Restore the Dream Centers, which work one-on-one with individuals and families who are struggling to put their lives and their homes back together in the wake of the May Flood.Read More »
United Way Announces New Round of ‘Restore the Dream’ Funding
October 06, 2010
United Way’s Restore the Dream Fund today announced seven more grants totaling over $75,000 to help non-profit and community organizations defer costs sustained during the May floods. The latest round of grants brings the amount invested by United Way to more than $671,000, including funding for five Restore the Dream Centers in areas of the community hardest hit by the flood, said Eric Dewey, president of United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. Over 90% of the donations pledged to the fund since the flood has been invested to date and the remaining funds will be awarded to qualified applicants who meet the criteria for the grants. Read More »
United Way Announces 2010 Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Award
October 05, 2010
Michael Carter, President and CEO of Athena Health Club & Day Spa, and President of Athena Health Sphere LLC, was awarded the 2010 Dr. Thomas F. Frist Jr. Excellence in Volunteer Leadership Award. United Way Of Metropolitan Nashville presented the award at its annual Alexis de Tocqueville Society Banquet Tuesday, October 5th. “It is an honor to be recognized by an organization that does so much to improve lives. We must keep working and continue to give. Our work is not over,” Michael Carter said. Over the years, Carter has demonstrated exemplary attendance and leadership through active volunteerism in all aspects of United Way. Carter has been an active member of United Way Board of Trustees from since 2005, and was chair the board in 2008. Read More »
United Way Launches First “Post-Flood” Campaign to Support Needs Not Flood Related
September 10, 2010
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville kicked off its 89th annual community-wide fundraising campaign today with the announcement of its goal to raise $15 million in the upcoming 2010-2011 year. The campaign will support needs impacting education, financial stability, health and neighborhoods that are not directly related to the flood. Campaign Chair Gregg Morton, president of AT&T Tennessee, launched the campaign and announced the goal at an early-morning community rally at United Way’s MetroCenter offices in Nashville.Read More »
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville and Northwestern Mutual Honor William S. Cochran
August 20, 2010
A Dedicated Volunteer Receives Community Service Award - For over 50 years, Bill Cochran has given of his time and financial resources to United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. His dedication to service and volunteerism was recognized Friday, August 20, 2010. Bill founded Team Tennessee for United Way of America Tocqueville Society, producing 7 new societies in the state and increased membership by 60%. He is also responsible for ‘Next Generation’ Tocqueville Society, designed to enable young professionals to step up their giving over a three-year period. Read More »
United Way’s Read To Suceed Program Results in Near-Perfect Readiness For Second Consecutive Year
July 23, 2010
For the second consecutive year, more than 98% of participants in United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s Read to Succeed program enter kindergarten with the basic reading skills needed to make a successful scholastic start, Margaret Dolan, United Way’s Board Chair-elect, announced today. Of third grade students enrolled in Metro schools, who participated in the Read to Succeed program, 75% tested ‘proficient or advanced’ in reading and language at the end of the most recently reported school year, with 66% scoring better than their peers. Read More »
Five United Way Restore the Dream Centers Open To Meet Long Term Needs of Flood Victims
July 08, 2010
United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Invests $500,000 To Expand Family Resource Centers' Platform. United Way and six of its partner agencies opened five Restore the Dream Centers today to work one-on-one with individuals and families who are struggling to put their lives and their homes back together in the wake of the May Flood. The Restore The Dream Centers utilize the same model used in United Way’s Family Resource Centers to enhance pre-kindergarten learning, provide financial counseling, and provide hot meals to the elderly. Read More »
HELPFUL TIP for individuals impacted by May 2010 Flood: The SBA Loans are for individuals too.
June 29, 2010Here’s the Helpful Tip!
Individuals have to apply for an SBA Loan to be eligible for potential additional FEMA dollars.
You can decline the loan if approved so that you are still eligible for other assistance.
Please share this with your friends, family and colleagues.
Deadline for SBA Loans for businesses and individuals is Thursday, August 5, 2010.
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United Way of Metropolitan Nashville announces top two finalists of LIVE UNITED Summer Song Contest
June 22, 2010With many of Nashville’s at-risk neighborhoods recovering from the recent flood, more Nashville students than ever will lack the supplies to return to school prepared to succeed. United Way’s LIVE UNITED Summer Song Contest featured a chance to perform live at 3rd and Lindsley during United Way’s “Stuff the Bus” School Supply Drive Launch Concert on June 24th (featuring Kink Ador and KNAPSACKHEROES). Songs will be performed at United Way’s “Stuff the Bus” Launch Concert at Third and Lindsley, Thursday, June 24th 7pm.
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United Way Poised to Move Community from Rescue to Restoration
May 06, 2010
In the wake of the Nashville area’s worst natural disaster in decades, United Way of Metropolitan Nashville is poised to help the community move from “rescue and recovery” to “restoration and rebuilding.” The organization will activate “Restore the Dream” fund to support agencies’ efforts during and after disasters, restoring structure and infrastructure. The Restore The Dream Fund, which was established in 1996 and has been accessed in previous community disasters, has more than a quarter of a million dollars available for grants to agencies, but United Way said it would likely take much more than that to meet the catastrophic needs that continue to unfold. Read More »
A Message from United Way of Metropolitan Nashville
May 04, 2010United Way of Metropolitan Nashville's official message on the Nashville flood.
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United Way meets “Board Books for Babies” goal
April 07, 2010United Way's March Day of Action benefited 1,200 at-risk children served through nine United Way-supported child care centers
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United Way presents free concert to educate youth about importance of financial stabililty
April 02, 2010Volunteers on site to offer free tax prep services during event
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Companies recognized for successful 2009 United Way campaigns
March 11, 2010United Way celebrates more than 80 Nashville area companies for their giving, volunteering and advocacy.
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United Way announces fundraising results at campaign rally
March 11, 2010Traditional celebration transformed into Day of Action for second year
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United Way celebrates 2009 campaign success with rally, volunteer activities
March 09, 2010Traditional celebration transformed into Day of Action for second year
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United Way of Metropolitan Nashville terminates Mercatus Contract
March 08, 2010United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has terminated its contract with Mercatus Communications.
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NewsChannel 5’s Charlie Neese supports United Way “Board Books for Babies” Book Drive
March 01, 2010Meteorologist to read at Davis-Kidd story time
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United Way offers free online filing for taxpayers earning less than $58,000
February 17, 2010Service part of grant from Wal-mart, One Economy and United Way Worldwide
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United Way’s Boyd Society learns about impact of their philanthropy
December 08, 2009The annual thank you reception for members of United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s R.H. Boyd Leadership Society was held recently at the home of Lee and Kelli Molette.
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Community Baby Shower Gives Babies Healthy Start
November 04, 2009United Way of Metropolitan Nashville addressed a serious health issue by hosting a community-wide baby shower that filled more than 1,000 bags with items needed to give newborns a healthy start.
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New Family Resource Center Open in Antioch School
October 29, 2009When students get help addressing issues affecting them and their families, they can better focus on academics inside the classroom. That’s the theory behind United Way’s school-based Family Resource Centers — and the impetus for the newest center now open at Cole Elementary School in Antioch.
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United Way Sets 2009-2010 Fundraising Goal of $16.8 million, A Five Percent Increase.
October 07, 2009United Way of Metropolitan Nashville has kicked off its 88th annual community-wide fundraising campaign with the announcement of its goal to raise $16.8 million, a 5-percent increase over last year, to meet unprecedented health and human service needs.
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