Stewart’s Story

The Bridge Between Surviving and Thriving

“This is the story,” says Stewart, “of how United Way saved my life.”  Not long before his 50^th birthday, Stewart was struck by unemployment, poor health, relocation and the death of his mother in rapid succession.  He was in crisis.  “I had to make the choice,” he recalls.  “Should I follow the urge to just walk away from everyone and everything?”  Instead, he made a call that connected him with programs at a community agency, beginning his long journey to recovery.

Later, after another health crisis, Stewart had the opportunity to move into a subsidized apartment run by a United Way supported agency.  The dozen people at his intake meeting quickly became Stewart’s ‘peeps.’  “Once I was in my apartment,” he says, “I took a breath and finally felt my road to recovery wasn’t a dusty path, but a clear road to change.”

A local community health program played a big role in that recovery and, in turn, Stewart became a facilitator for self-esteem, recovery and anxiety seminars.  “I experienced the amazing feelings you can only get from talking to people. The program’s people-to-people approach took me the rest of the way, saving my life by showing me there was a reason to keep going.”  Now, Stewart works with TAMI (Talking About Mental Illness) in high schools and is a peer mentor.  He’s helping other people find the same path he did.

“Thanks to United Way’s support,” says Stewart, “these programs became the bridge between just surviving and thriving. They not only changed my life, but the lives of the people I have tried to help.”

Cheryl & Drew’s Story

Planting the Seed

When children and adults with intellectual disabilities have an opportunity to participate in programs, “its almost like there’s a seed that’s planted, and it gets nourished by the interactions with their peers, program facilitators, and community as a whole”. Cheryl uses this analogy to describe one of the reasons that she chooses to give to United Way.

Thirty-two years ago, Cheryl gave birth her son Drew, and to her surprise, two weeks later he was diagnosed with Down syndrome. At that moment Cheryl could not even begin to process what that meant for her son’s life, and her life as his mother. Thankfully, Cheryl quickly learned that she would not have to tackle this alone.

As a parent of a child with a disability, Cheryl knew that her life as a parent would be a hard road, and she would be have to advocate for him to help make sure he lived a productive life. She wanted to ensure he lived a fulfilling life, one where he is able to contribute to the community “the way any parent would hope their child would”.

Drew, who accesses a range of United Way supported programs, now has an interest in being part of the community, and now has a reason to get up in the morning. He is more outgoing and interactive, has more friends, contributes to the community, and in turn the community knows him as well.

“I would like to thank United Way for their continued support in making sure that so many others who are dependent on the programs can wake up every day knowing that they have a place to go and that they are supported by the community…thanks to the generosity of the people in our community and United Way”.

Cheryl wants to help plant the seed for others in the community who are in need, and she needs your help to nourish it. That’s the strength of leadership, and the power behind our uprising of care. Your investment has the power to change lives locally. Think what can happen when we stand together.

Lee’s Story

The Good Life

Known as “the famous one” in her community, Lee’s smile and energy are contagious. Always looking for a hug, she loves being connected to others.

At 35, Lee lives with her parents, but with the help of United Way supported programs, she is expanding her sense of independence and connection to her community. She has learned life skills ranging from ordering in a restaurant, to using public transportation and she’s now a weekly fixture at bowling, crafting and bingo events. A Special Olympian, Lee has a strong drive to stay active and engaged. She’s doing that in part by taking on a number of jobs including serving as a receptionist for two community agencies.

Lee, however, isn’t the only person in her family to benefit from United Way supported programs. Lee reports that when she is out participating in a program, her parents “get to sit back with their feet up and watch T.V., just like other moms and dads.”

Knowing what United Way supported programs have done for her family, Lee is passionate about giving those same kinds of opportunities to other people in her community. Unfortunately, the drop-in programs she attends have long waitlists. That inspired Lee to become a United Way volunteer so she could play a role in helping her “friends learn life skills to.” She has made more than 100 presentations in the community, to tell the story of what she calls her “good life” and the role that community supports plays in making that life. “We can make more room,” she says, “if we raise more money. That’s why I love helping United Way.