September 2020 E-Newsletter
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Dear Friends,
This week, three AmeriCorps VIP Fellows will be sworn in to serve United Way and our partner sites. Partner sites for the upcoming year include the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and Westminster Free Clinic, a brand new site. These VIP Fellows are part of a cohort serving sites across 17 California counties. United Way of Ventura County has served as the Supervising Organization for the AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) in our county since 2016.
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AmeriCorps VIP is a capacity building program created to grow volunteer engagement at local nonprofit partner sites. VIP Fellows work to increase the infrastructure, volunteer support, and resources that will empower the nonprofit to serve their constituents more effectively. Over the past five years, United Way of Ventura County has placed 22 VIP Fellows with 13 different nonprofit organizations.
Our most recent class of fellows, who graduated in July, did remarkable work during the pandemic to mobilize COVID-19 volunteers for nonprofits in our community. Lauren Zika, our fellow here at United Way, helped us in countless ways–even serving as a 211 operator during the height of pandemic related calls in early March.
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In service,
Eric Harrison
President & CEO
United Way of Ventura County
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Advocate.
You can make change happen with your voice. United Way needs people who are passionate about education, income, and health to make some noise. To stay informed, visit vcunitedway.org/advocate. To become involved in our advocacy work, email info@vcunitedway.org
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Women United 2020-2021 Education Award Recipients Announced
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United Way of Ventura County’s Women United recently presented 12 local single mothers with 2020-2021 Education Awards. Each award included $2,000 in financial support to help support their continuing education expenses.
“From all of us at United Way of Ventura County and the amazing team at Women United, congratulations to this year’s award recipients,” said United Way of Ventura County CEO Eric Harrison. “In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, your tireless work ethic, accomplishments, and desire to succeed and build a stronger future for yourselves and your families is inspiring to us all.”
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Sage Publishing, and to our major supporters, California Lutheran University, County of Ventura, Montecito Bank & Trust, Premier America Credit Union, Wells Fargo, and Ventura County Community College District.
To learn more about joining a diverse group of leaders who are engaged in philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy, contact Mitchel Sloan at 805.485.6288, x229, or mitchel.sloan@vcunitedway.org.
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AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project
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The 2020-2021 VIP Fellows for the AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) recently completed their training and began their assignments.
Our VIP Fellows include (left to right):
- Cruz Olguin Silva, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
- Francesca DeMatto, United Way of Ventura County
AmeriCorps VIP places a national service member at local non-profits for 11 months (September 2020 – July 2021), with the objective of building and enhancing the organization’s ability to leverage volunteers in their service delivery or operations.
VIP Fellows qualify for a living stipend, free health insurance coverage, and an education award upon completion of service. It is a great way to serve our community while developing professional skills and networks.
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Mentors Needed for Women United Education Award Recipients
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Women United is seeking potential mentors in professional positions who would like to mentor a single mom college student who is striving to reach her career goals. This year, five new recipients of the Women United Education Award are looking for mentors who will guide, encourage, and support them in their professional journey. The career goals of the students looking to be matched are in the following fields:
- Law
- Entrepreneurship
- Accounting and Finance
- College Counseling
- Healthcare Administration
Serving as a mentor is a unique and rewarding experience that enhances your own leadership skills and has a profound positive impact on the life of a single mother pursuing her higher education and career goals. This opportunity will provide a valuable experience for both the mentor and mentee.
Proficiency in the fields listed above is not a requirement to serve as a mentor. Anyone who has professional experience in a business environment and is willing to share their knowledge with a mentee is encouraged to become a mentor.
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United to End Homelessness Community Partner Spotlight – DJ’s Catering
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DJ’s California Catering is a true community champion and United Way of Ventura County partner. Since April 2020, the DJ’s Catering team has provided more than 4,300 daily meals to homeless veterans and their family members sheltered at local motels. President Doug Biggs, General Manager John Blauert, food preparers, and delivery drivers have worked tirelessly seven days a week without pause. With kindness, professionalism, flexibility, and delicious and nutritious food, DJ’s has made a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Ventura County’s homeless veterans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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National Voter Registration Day is Coming Soon!
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September 22 is National Voter Registration Day! It’s a day that celebrates our country’s democracy and helps register eligible American to vote! Make sure you and your friends and family are registered to vote. Help the community you serve get #VoteReady on #NationalVoterRegistrationDay by enlisting your university, library, nonprofit, government agency, or business to organize a voter registration drive in person or online.
To register, update your voter registration, check your registration status, view the voter information guide, find your polling place, and much more, visit sos.ca.gov/elections.
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Volunteer Ventura County COVID-19 Rapid Response & Recovery Volunteers Needed
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As a rapid response to the needs of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, United Way’s Volunteer Ventura County (VVC) center is actively mobilizing volunteers in support of our community partners and neighbors in need. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the VVC center has placed hundreds of volunteers providing vital support and service to our amazing community partners.
To learn about immediate COVID-19 Rapid Response Volunteer needs, visit
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TEXT TO GIVE!
Did you know that United Way of Ventura County has gone mobile? Make a $10 donation to the United Way’s Community Impact Fund using your cellphone. Your donation counts! Simply text the keyword UWVC to 91999. Standard message & data rates apply.
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