Dads Matter...A Lot!

Shawn Gardner
President & Founder
2Not1 Fatherhood & Families

Years ago when I was out in the community with my four daughters I was often asked, "are you babysitting?", "where’s mom" or something of that nature. I guess they thought there was no way I could actually just be doing what dads do. In tandem with that reoccurring scenario, I talked with another young father that prompted a workshop-type discussion in our community around fatherhood. It soon became evident that there were support services provided to moms that would have benefited this dad’s efforts to be a better father too.

These conversations led to a partnership with Neighborhood Place to provide a series of fatherhood workshops in our community. Dads learned parenting skills, the community benefited from the insight gained from the discussions, and I recognized my calling for founding an organization to advocate for fathers and to strengthen families - 2NOT1.

This I Believe

Joe Tolan

President & CEO

We hear a lot about the magic of BELIEVING during the holidays, and my message to you for the season reflects that.

At Metro United Way, we believe everyone can achieve their fullest potential through education, financial stability and healthy lives. And that success in life starts with a quality education so that kids are ready before they even set foot in a classroom. Sadly today, 47% of children in our community are behind when they enter kindergarten.

What Children Need The Most In Order To Learn Isn't Always In The Classroom

By Kimberly Broecker

Learning is far more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. Education is about the whole child and the whole family. Learning truly begins on the most basic of levels.

After all, a child who is hungry won't be able to concentrate in class. A child who lacks a coat isn't able to play on the playground during cold months and unable to learn needed social skills gained from playing with other kids. Any parent or grandparent who is overwhelmed won't be able to provide the stability that is needed for a child to learn. And a single working mother can't always afford to take precious time off from work to see to the physical needs of her child.  

I Didn’t Realize Third Grade Was So Important

By Melody Murphy

Read with your child for 20 minutes every night.

That’s been the mantra of my kids’ teachers since my oldest (who is now a junior at Ballard High School) was in kindergarten.  I never really thought much of it because I began reading to my children when they were babies, so doing this was not a huge deal.  Although, I admit, I sometimes felt that a teacher REQUIRING this on top of nightly homework was a bit much to ask.

Until now.

Staying Healthy and Getting Smart with “FamilyWize”

By Jan Sherrell

Our vision at Metro United Way is a community whose people achieve their fullest potential through education, financial stability and healthy lives – the building blocks of a good quality of life. Without access to quality healthcare, individuals are unable to thrive and this affects our overall community health.

That’s why I’m excited that Metro United Way is participating with FamilyWize, a program that offers free prescription drug discount cards, in a partnership approved by United Way Worldwide.

11 Things You Didn’t Know About 2-1-1

By Glen Powell

Today is a special day at Metro United Way. Every year, on February 11th (2/11), we celebrate 2-1-1 Day! It's an opportunity for us to reflect on all of the good things that Metro United Way's 2-1-1 service does to help people in our community.

2-1-1 connects people with resources to help them face life challenges, often for the first time, to the appropriate service provider. This easy to remember phone number saves time and frustration by eliminating the need to navigate a maze of agencies and help-lines.

You may know that one call to 2-1-1 connects people with the help they need, when they need it. But here are 11 things that you may NOT know about 2-1-1: