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.

What breaks YOUR heart? What makes YOU angry?

By Janet Masterson

Nearly 16 years ago, I was given a challenge. Actually, it was more of a directive. I was asked to be Community Coordinated Child Care's (also known as 4-C) point person on public policy. Effective immediately.

At the time, I considered myself to be somewhat of an early childhood expert, but the thought of participating in politics sent chills up my spine. Nevertheless, I do not scare easily, so I said, "challenge accepted."

Early Childhood Education - The Rest of The Story!

By Joe Tolan

Last Thursday, Business First published an article entitled "The Point of Preschool."  First, I want to applaud Business First for speaking about this national issue that affects our community's children and our future. As you may know, I have a personal passion to help change the odds. And Metro United Way is doing just that through programs such as our Excellence Academy early learning centers.

Because I Said I Would

By Mary Grissom

Here’s an embarrassing confession:  Those of us who make our living inspiring others to take action – sometimes fail at our own civic participation. 

As Director of Engagement at Metro United Way, I have the privilege of asking others to give, advocate, and volunteer to make long lasting change in our community.  And on occasion, I fall short of fulfilling my own commitments. But in this fresh New Year, I am starting off right.

Can We Unite and do What’s Best for our Kids, our Communities, and our Country?

By Joe Tolan

Can we find issues of paramount importance for a vital future that we can put partisanship aside for?  Oklahoma has!

Recently the New York Times published a powerful story - “ Oklahoma! Where the Kids Learn Early” -  that clearly demonstrates the results we can achieve in early education when we help ensure that all children enter kindergarten ready to learn.