United Way to Reopen Wait List for Yolo County Dolly Parton Imagination Library

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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Yolo County, managed by United Way California Capital Region, will be growing this summer thanks to a statewide expansion. The program that provides free books to children from birth to age 5 regardless of income has had a full waitlist in Yolo County, but that list will reopen this summer with opportunities for more Yolo County families to sign up. For more information or to sign up, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/our-work/help-kids-succeed/dolly-parton-imagination-library/.

The statewide expansion was driven by legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Under the bipartisan bill — by Senator Shannon Grove, a Bakersfield Republican, and Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, a San Diego Democrat — the California State Library coordinates the Imagination Library of California’s statewide program and provides a dollar-for-dollar match to help Imagination Library local partners like United Way sign up children to receive free, high-quality books each month.  

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is one of United Way’s most beloved programs here in Yolo County, and a critical tool for helping kids learn to read,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Reading is a key indicator of academic achievement, which we know is a ladder out of poverty. We are thrilled that this statewide expansion means more Yolo County families will have access to outstanding children’s books so kids can develop a lifelong love of reading and succeed in school.”

The Imagination Library is available in 30 counties in California with expansion plans to fully cover the entire state. The Imagination Library of California will focus on reaching more children and families in existing Imagination Library programs, as well as finding community partners to create new Imagination Library programs across California. California is the first state to partner with the Imagination Library to offer a fully bilingual English/Spanish book language option. Books are selected by the Imagination Library’s panel of experts in early childhood and reading. To learn more about the book selection process, visit: www.imaginationlibrary.com/usa/choosing-our-books/.

“Studies show developing reading skills at an early age leads to more long-term success in life,” said California State Librarian Greg Lucas. “Reading these free books with your children improves their language skills, grows their vocabulary and better prepares them for kindergarten.”  

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has gifted more than 200 million free books in the United States and internationally through funding shared by the foundation and local partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 2 million books each month to enrolled children from birth to age 5. Parton envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to dream more, learn more, care more and be more. The program has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, visit www.ImaginationLibrary.com.

For 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has been working to end poverty by creating stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities. Since 1923, the local United Way has raised more than $500 million to fight poverty in the region and help families succeed. The group recently announced a goal to raise $3 million to help 10,000 kids excel in school by 2025 as part of its work to end poverty for local families. The local United Way has found one place in each community to reach the most families in need: School is square one for ending poverty. United Way uses its Square One approach to end poverty for local families by helping children excel in school, investing in families, and strengthening schools with resources to address increased poverty and deep roots of racial inequality. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

United Way 100th Anniversary Gala Raises $640K to Help Kids Excel in School

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More than 450 community members came together to raise $640,000 to help local children succeed in school at United Way California Capital Region’s 100th anniversary gala on April 29. The event held on the eve of the organization’s 100th birthday at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium included dinner, keynote presentation by San Francisco 49er Arik Armstead who cofounded the Armstead Academic Project, fund a need, silent and live auctions, raffle for tickets to Game 7 of the Kings vs. Warriors playoff series the next day, and dollar-for-dollar match courtesy of the Capital Region Foundation.

The local United Way has raised more than $671,000 toward its 100th anniversary goal announced in February to raise $3 million to help 10,000 kids excel in school by 2025.

“This night was the culmination of 100 years of work in this community to end poverty for local families,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We know education is a proven ladder out of poverty, and we know school is square one for reaching families in need. Our 100th anniversary campaign is the launching pad for our next century of work to make sure our community’s children succeed in school and thrive as adults.”

United Way California Capital Region has found one place in each community to reach the most families in need: School is square one for ending poverty. United Way uses its Square One approach to end poverty for local families by helping children excel in school, investing in families, and strengthening schools with resources to address increased poverty and deep roots of racial inequality.

The local United Way offers a wide array of programming and services to ensure children and their families have the resources they need to succeed in school and in adulthood. From a regional reading tutoring program and school-readiness services for incoming kindergarteners to an income program for foster youth, guaranteed income for families, free tax preparation services and more, United Way has created a holistic approach that starts in schools.

To make a donation to the 100th anniversary campaign or learn more about United Way’s programs and services: YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

Make It Happen Hires First Executive Director

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Davis resident Cathi Schmidt has been named the first executive director of nonprofit Make It Happen for Yolo County, which provides local foster youth and other transition age youth ages 18-24 with furnishings, household goods and resources needed to move into their first apartments. Schmidt is the nonprofit’s first paid staff member and takes the reins as the group prepares to enter its 10th anniversary year.

“We are elated to have found such a capable and heartfelt person to lead Make It Happen for Yolo County after nearly a decade as a volunteer-run nonprofit,” said Jan Judson, board president, Make It Happen for Yolo County. “Cathi has an extensive background in business development, organizational behavioral management and significant experience working with nonprofits. We are excited to work together to ensure more transition age youth have the foundation they need to become successful young adults, starting with safe housing and continuing with academic work and career.”

Schmidt will work closely with volunteers to expand partnerships, raise awareness with potential new partners, increase fundraising activities and provide additional organizational support to increase the number of transition age youth the nonprofit serves. Prior to joining Make It Happen for Yolo County, Schmidt was vice president of a global supply chain services company.

“It has been my goal and desire to work for a nonprofit that provides much needed services to the underserved youth of our community,” Schmidt said. “These young adults deserve better, and I believe in partnership with other Yolo County organizations, we can offer more. I have found Make It Happen for Yolo County to be an organization that addresses needs in a way that is truly impactful, and one in which I believe I can make a positive contribution.”

Make It Happen for Yolo County receives furniture donations from the community and purchases new appliances and household items to help youth involved with the Yolo County child welfare, mental health and probation divisions, as well as the UC Davis Guardian Scholars program for students who have experienced foster care. The nonprofit works with clients to complete a wish list of desired household items and then select items at the group’s storage units. Since its founding in 2014, the nonprofit has served more than 200 youth. To volunteer or make a financial or furniture donation, visit MIHYolo.org.

Big Day of Giving Event: Write Encouraging Words at Women’s Empowerment

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For Big Day of Giving, local residents are invited to stop by Women’s Empowerment on May 4 from noon-2pm to inscribe notebooks with words of encouragement for local women experiencing homelessness who will join the nonprofit’s employment-readiness and empowerment program this year. The event will take place at 1590 North A Street in Sacramento, and all supplies will be provided, including notebooks that future students will use as they work to rewrite their stories. Attendees will receive a Women’s Empowerment pen and sticker.

Community members also can make a donation to Women’s Empowerment now through Big Day of Giving at Womens-Empowerment.org. Gifts will be matched dollar for dollar by the Poswall Family Foundation and Women’s Empowerment’s board of directors, up to $30,000.

“With homelessness in Sacramento at an all-time high, so many women and children are waiting to turn the page, become the author of their stories and courageously transform their lives,” said Lisa Culp, executive director, Women’s Empowerment. “We hope the community will come together on Big Day of Giving to share empowering words and make a donation that will help close the chapter on family homelessness in Sacramento, one woman, one child, at a time.”

Women’s Empowerment provides a two-month employment-readiness and empowerment program, paid job training, childcare and support services so women and their children can break the generational cycle of homelessness. Women’s Empowerment offers the most comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women experiencing homelessness and their children. On average, 70% of women in the program find housing for their families despite the ongoing housing crisis. Last year, 121 graduates secured employment or enrolled in paid training or education. Since 2001, 1,808 women have graduated from the program with their 3,897 children. Women’s Empowerment is funded through private donations from the community and grants. To make a donation: Womens-Empowerment.org.

United Way Opens Second Round of Guaranteed Income

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Local residents can apply for a second round of funding through United Way California Capital Region’s Guaranteed Income program, which will provide 80 eligible households with $500 of unconditional guaranteed income each month for one year. Eligible applicants must live in the City of Sacramento and meet household income requirements. The online application will be open until April 14 at 11:59pm. Qualifying households will be selected randomly and confirmed by the end of May. First payments will begin in July. For more information or to apply: YourLocalUnitedWay.org/Guaranteed-Income.

“With rising housing, food, gas and electricity costs, too many residents of our state’s capital are struggling to make ends meet,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Through this second round of funding, United Way’s Guaranteed Income Program will continue to address poverty directly by giving even more community members money to meet basic needs, no strings attached.”

United Way announced the new round of funding at a press conference with Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Mayor Pro Tem Mai Vang, Sacramento City Council Member Lisa Kaplan, and former state senator and United Way board member Dr. Richard Pan. The City of Sacramento allocated $750,000 in American Rescue Plan dollars to expand United Way’s Guaranteed Income program.

United Way’s Guaranteed Income program is the first of its kind in the California Capital Region. United Way launched the program in July 2021 with a portion of the $10 million gift it received from renowned philanthropist MacKenzie Scott in December 2020.

“This program helps alleviate the daily financial stress many local families face,” Early said. “We trust that participants best know how to spend their money to meet their family’s needs. Participants in our first cohort reported that guaranteed income each month helped to decrease income volatility, stay housed, pay for childcare, buy food and increase savings.”

United Way will partner with Sacramento State University to conduct a detailed study of the second round of households, including a comparative analysis. Data will be used to improve and expand the program.

For 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has worked to end poverty by creating stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities. Since 1923, the local United Way has raised more than $500 million to fight poverty in the region and help families succeed. The local United Way has found one place in each community to reach the most families in need: School is square one for ending poverty. United Way uses its Square One approach to end poverty for local families by helping children excel in school, investing in families, and strengthening schools with resources to address increased poverty and deep roots of racial inequality. For its 100th anniversary, United Way is working to raise $3 million to help 10,000 kids excel in school by 2025. To make a donation to the 100th anniversary campaign or learn more about United Way: YourLocalUnitedWay.org.  

100+ Women Who Care Yolo County Donates to Make It Happen

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Make It Happen for Yolo County has received a grant of $8,962 from 100+ Women Who Care Yolo County of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation to furnish homes for local transition age youth in need, mostly foster youth, moving out on their own for the first time in 2023.

“We are grateful to these phenomenal women who have given generously to support transition age youth in our county as they move into their first homes and begin their adult lives, often without many resources,” said Jan Judson, board president, Make It Happen for Yolo County. “The youth we work with are always floored to learn how many people in our community care about their well-being and are rooting for them.”

Make It Happen for Yolo County provides transition age youth (ages 18-24) in Yolo County with the furnishings, household goods and resources needed to move into their first apartments. The group receives furniture donations from the community and purchases new appliances and household items to help youth involved with the Yolo County child welfare, mental health and probation divisions, as well as the UC Davis Guardian Scholars program for students who have experienced foster care. The nonprofit works with clients to complete a wish list of desired household items and then select items at the group’s storage units. Since its founding in 2014, the nonprofit has served more than 190 youth. To make a financial or furniture donation, visit MIHYolo.org.

100+ Women Who Care Yolo County is a giving circle of local women who work together to magnify and focus individual philanthropy by pooling funds with others and making a collective decision. Each member contributes to the pool and members decide on the recipient. For more information, visit 100wwcyolo.org.

Women’s Empowerment to Hold Trivia Night Fundraiser

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To celebrate Women’s History Month, local residents can enjoy multiple rounds of trivia competition, entertainment, food, beverages and inspiring stories at Women’s Empowerment’s Trivia for Transformation fundraiser on March 24. The event will take place 6:00-9:30pm at the Croatian American Cultural Center in Sacramento and will benefit local nonprofit Women’s Empowerment’s employment-readiness and empowerment program for unhoused women and children in Sacramento. Tickets can be purchased individually, in pairs or in teams of six at Womens-Empowerment.org.

v“We are excited to bring the community together for this fun event during Women’s History Month,” said Lisa Culp, executive director, Women’s Empowerment. “At Trivia for Transformation, we will celebrate the nearly 1,800 women in our community who have overcome the obstacles of homelessness and transformed their lives over the past two decades. They are truly brave women in history here in Sacramento, and we can’t wait to share some of their stories.”

Women’s Empowerment provides a two-month employment-readiness and empowerment program, paid job training, childcare and support services so women and their children can break the generational cycle of homelessness. Women’s Empowerment offers the most comprehensive job-readiness program in the Sacramento area designed specifically for women experiencing homelessness and their children. On average, 70% of women in the program find housing for their families despite the ongoing housing crisis. Last year, 121 graduates secured employment or enrolled in paid training or education. Since 2001, 1,791 women have graduated from the program with their 3,897 children. Women’s Empowerment is funded through private donations from the community and grants. To make a donation: Womens-Empowerment.org.

United Way Announces 100th Anniversary Goal

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As United Way California Capital Region celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the local nonprofit working to end poverty through education has announced a new goal to raise $3 million to help 10,000 kids excel in school by 2025.

“This is such an important year as we celebrate 100 years working together with this community to end poverty for local families,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We have learned so much over the past 100 years, and now we are ready to enter our next century with a bold new goal. We know education is a proven ladder out of poverty, and we know school is square one for reaching families in need. With kids coming out of Covid even more behind in school, we have doubled down on our commitment to raise the resources necessary for our region’s children to excel in school and thrive as adults.”

Focusing on schools through its Square One approach, United Way California Capital Region offers a wide array of programming and services to ensure children and their families have the resources they need to succeed in school and in adulthood. From a regional reading tutoring program and school-readiness services for incoming kindergarteners to an income program for foster youth, guaranteed income for families, free tax preparation services and more, United Way has created a holistic approach that starts in schools. United Way’s work centers families in their children’s academic achievement by helping children excel in school, investing in families, and strengthening schools with resources to address increased poverty and deep roots of racial inequality.   

“We know a quality education helps children develop social, emotional and cognitive skills that lay the foundation for a more fulfilling and stable life,” Early said. “Research shows that students who are not proficient in reading by the end of third grade falter in later grades and often drop out before earning a high school diploma.”

To make a donation to the 100th anniversary campaign or to learn more about United Way’s programs and services, visit: YourLocalUnitedWay.org. For 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has been working to end poverty by creating stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities. Since 1923, the local United Way has raised more than $500 million to fight poverty in the region and help families succeed.

United Way’s milestone year will culminate on April 29 with its 100th Anniversary Gala at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. The fundraiser will honor the local United Way’s past, recognize present impact, and look forward to building a future where everyone in the region has the opportunities and resources to thrive. The event will include silent and live auctions, dinner and a keynote presentation by San Francisco 49er Arik Armstead who also cofounded the Armstead Academic Project that supports students in Sacramento and the Bay Area. For tickets, visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

United Way Receives $2.5M Federal Grant for West Sac Community Schools

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United Way California Capital Region has received a federal five-year grant totaling $2.5 million to plan and implement its community schools project in West Sacramento’s Washington Unified School District. The project was launched in summer 2022 after receiving a $200,000 grant through the California Community Schools Partnership Program. Through the federal Office of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Full-Services Community Schools grant, United Way and Washington Unified School District will create two full-service community schools as neighborhood hubs that provide access to a variety of services that support children, strengthen families and improve community health. 

“We know that schools are square one for ending generational poverty because they are a central hub for reaching families in any given community,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “We are grateful to the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education for recognizing the importance of the community schools model and our local United Way’s ability to partner with schools and nonprofits in our region to transform our community and ensure every child has an opportunity to thrive.”

Through case managers and site-level coordinators, the community schools at Riverbank Elementary School and River City High School will provide services that may include access to health care, mentoring, expanded learning programs, adult guidance and other services. Based on feedback from the community, services will be tailored to meet each school’s individual needs, such as a Wellness Center that provides direct support and trauma-informed care to students or hiring a restorative justice and equity coordinator to reduce punitive actions and promote trust, respect and sense of safety between the school, students and families.

The project has a preliminary goal to increase student and family participation in services by at least 20% each year. Other objectives include increasing the number of students who are prepared for kindergarten, student academic achievement, and the extent to which students feel safe, healthy and supported by engaged parents.

United Way has already begun working with the district on the planning process, including establishing a core leadership team, deploying a needs assessment and asset mapping analysis, engaging school representatives, providing students with leadership opportunities, convening agencies to expand school-based service delivery models, and developing a shared vision and implementation plan.

“The growing momentum behind the community schools project is humbling, and Washington Unified is grateful to be a partner in such a transformative opportunity with United Way,” said Dr. Cheryl P. Hildreth, superintendent, Washington Unified School District. “We can all agree that schools have always been the cornerstone of the community, but now, we’re re-envisioning what that looks like by providing greater access and opportunity to resources and relevant educational and life experiences for individual success.”

Washington Unified School District is the premier provider of high-quality education in West Sacramento, serving nearly 7,500 students across seven K-8 schools and three high schools. The district offers cutting-edge opportunities featuring free college savings accounts for kindergarteners, Spanish dual language immersion, visual and performing arts, career technical education, AVID, MESA, before and after school care, and more. For more information: www.wusd.k12.ca.us.

For 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has been working to end poverty by creating stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities. Since 1923, the local United Way has raised more than $500 million to fight poverty in the region and help families succeed. The local United Way has found one place in each community to reach the most families in need: School is square one for ending poverty. United Way uses its Square One approach to end poverty for local families by helping children excel in school, investing in families, and strengthening schools with resources to address increased poverty and deep roots of racial inequality. For more information or to make a donation, visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org.

United Way Offers Free Tax Prep Services

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Local residents throughout the Sacramento region are eligible to file their taxes online for free through United Way California Capital Region’s Free Tax Prep program through April 18. Households that earned up to $66,000 in 2022 can file for free and receive up to $8,000 cash back from state and federal credits, including the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC and CalEITC). United Way’s Free Tax Prep program saves qualifying residents an average of $200 in preparer fees. The program provides free tax help virtually and in person in multiple languages and locations. For more information or to begin filing, visit YourFreeTaxPrep.org or call 2-1-1.

“Most people think they have to pay to file their taxes, but many people across our region qualify to file for free through United Way’s Free Tax Prep program,” said Dr. Dawnté Early, president and CEO, United Way California Capital Region. “Through this program, families in our community get the tax credits they’ve earned and have important funds to use toward immediate needs and longer-term financial stability. Our local United Way has been working to fight poverty for 100 years, and our Free Tax Prep program is an important part of that work.”

Though the tax filing deadline is April 18 for most people, there are some California counties that are eligible for extensions due to hazardous weather in January, including El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. United Way recommends filing as early as possible, no matter the deadline, to receive tax credits sooner. In 2022, more than 5,000 households filed their taxes through United Way’s Free Tax Prep program and collectively received more than $9.5 million in tax credits.

For 100 years, United Way California Capital Region has been working to end poverty by creating stronger, healthier, more compassionate communities. Since 1923, the local United Way has raised more than $500 million to fight poverty in the region and help families succeed. The local United Way has found one place in each community to reach the most families in need: School is square one for ending family poverty. United Way uses its Square One approach to end poverty for local families by helping children excel in school, investing in families, and strengthening schools with resources to address increased poverty and deep roots of racial inequality. For more information or to make a donation, visit YourLocalUnitedWay.org.