Pat Barcas/staff photographer
The Fox Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, represented above by its various leaders, were acknowledged for its help with the Fox Valley United Way’s 2013 Holiday Assistance program.
By Pat Barcas
Staff writer
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Email Pat Barcas at pat@foxvalleylabornews.com
AURORA — It was early, but Clayton Muhammad really wanted people to dance.
Muhammad, director of communications and public information, emceed the 2014 United Way annual breakfast May 15, which served to inspire attendees, thank donors, and inform exactly how donations help everyday people in the Fox Valley community.
He got people up and out of their seats to clap along to a cover of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” performed by the Exelon/ComEd United Way Band. The jubilant music exhilarated people as the awards were handed out and personal stories of hope were shared.
The Fox Valley Building and Construction Trades Council took home a Community Action Award for its support of United Way’s 2013 holiday assistance program, donating cash and gift cards to families in need.
Fox Valley United Way Executive Director Michael Meyer said actions such as those are what set United Way apart.
“We are not a short term charity, this is not just fundraising. We create lasting change in the community,” he said.
Meyer said three gaps were identified in the community in the last three years, gaps that United Way has addressed.
Early learning opportunities were tackled by launching the SPARK initiative. Access to affordable prescription medication was a problem in the community, so United Way partnered with FamilyWize, a prescription savings card that essentially acts like a huge consumer group buying service for the uninsured and underinsured, saving them money.
Finally, Meyer said a gap existed between non-profits and volunteers in the Fox Valley, so Volunteer Fox Valley was launched, which links the two together and provides willing volunteers to those organizations that need it.
An example of how the United Way partners strengthen the community was found in Christopher, who spoke of his experiences with addiction (check This Site for treatment options) and how Hope for Tomorrow in Aurora has provided him with a support system while he turns his life around.
He said he grew up as a child actor, and turned to drugs and alcohol at the age of 13 to cope with his loneliness. Two years ago he did get sober, but relapsed just four months ago.
“I lost everything, and ended up in the intensive care unit. My family said they were done with me. I had nowhere to go,” said Christopher.
As he was going down the list of resources, he saw Hope for Tomorrow in Aurora. They took him in.
“They graciously accepted me into their program,” he said. “My life totally changed. I’m slowly getting back what was lost. I’m getting my hope, family, and relationships back.”
“Thank you to all of you who contribute to our success. Together, we can do more than just place a Band-aid on the challenges of our community,” said Meyer.”