Fall River-

The United Way of Greater Fall River hosted its Annual Holiday Campaign Breakfast  on Wednesday, December 14, at White’s of Westport in Westport, MA. Over 150 members of the community gathered to hear updates on this year’s campaign. A food drive was also set up at the entrance to collect nonperishable food items for the local food pantries.
James Wallace, Senior Vice President of Citizens-Union Savings Bank and United Way Board Chair, thanked donors and community members for their time and support, but urged them to continue their efforts.
“We still need your help and your commitment to meet the challenges that lie ahead,” said Wallace. “It would be helpful if everyone could make a key call or two. With three weeks left of this year, we still have time to get the job done.”
Executive Director Bob Horne shared highlights and challenges faced during the campaign, which has been extended to January 31, 2012.
“As we anticipated, the 2011 campaign has been a challenge for us,” said Horne. “We are working very hard to reach last year’s number, but we need the commitment of everyone in the room to make it happen.”
Horne highlighted early successes in the campaign, expressing a special thanks to the Rodgers Family Foundation and the Charlton Charitable Trusts for their generous leadership gifts.
Also recognized were three volunteers for their help with this year’s campaign. These individuals volunteered to be part of the Loaned Executive program, where local firms allow the United Way to “borrow” an employee for two weeks during the campaign. This year’s Loaned Executives were Anna Freitas from BankFive, Cheryl A. Curt from Partners Insurance Group, and Kelly Lawlor from St. Anne’s Credit Union.
The children of W.O.R.D., Inc, King Philip Community House, and Ninth Street Day Nursery provided entertainment with various holiday songs.

November 2011

September 2011

Our Day of Caring and Campaign Kick-off will now be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 due to the weather and safety concerns. Volunteers will gather on Plymouth Avenue at the empty lot near the Applebee's at 3 pm. Refreshments and pizza will be provided to all volunteers by local businesses at the end of the event.

To sign up for this event, please call us today or send an email to Solightuw@aol.com

August 2011

Fall River - On Wednesday, September 7th (3-6 p.m.), the United Way will be hosting its Annual Day of Caring, an initiative in the community which focuses on volunteers
cleaning up a specific location in the city.  Last year, the event was held
on Davol Street, and over 100 volunteers were in attendance. This will also serve as United Way's Campaign Kick-off, and Mayor Flanagan will be present with a speech to rally up the giving spirit.

United Way is receiving help and supplies from the City of Fall River and Mass DOT, as well as from several local businesses.

This year, United Way and its volunteers will be focusing on Plymouth Avenue. Volunteers are welcomed to gather near the on ramps next to Applebee's in the open field. Parking will be available in the parking lots of the local businesses.

To join us in Living United and volunteer your time, please contact Solight Sou, Communications Coordinator, by calling (508)678-8361 or by sending an email to solightuw@aol.com.

May 2011

FALL RIVER – The United Way of Greater Fall River, Inc. is accepting applications for a total of $84,581 in Community Impact and “Investing in Families” funding, announced Lisa Lundy-Kusinitz of Dominion Energy, Chair of the Community Impact Grant Committee. 

Community Impact Grants are distributed to agencies that are implementing new, innovative programs to meet emerging needs in the Greater Fall River community.  To be eligible for Community Impact funds, an organization must be a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) organization providing health and human service programs.  Before applying, agencies should note that Community Impact Grants are restricted to new programs or projects and will be funded on a one year only basis.  This year, the United Way’s Board of Directors has authorized a total of $44,581 for Community Impact Grants.

Additionally, the United Way is accepting applications for up to $40,000 in one time funding for services in the community specifically addressing family issues related to health and education.  These “Investing in Families” grants may be for new or existing programs/services, providing support for a broad base of the needs of families in Greater Fall River. 

The funding cycle for both programs begins September 15, 2011, with quarterly payments through June, 2012. All applications for this special grant funding must be submitted by Friday, June 25th at 12:00 p.m.

Applications can be obtained at the United Way office located at 80 North Main Street.  If any organization has questions regarding the application process, please contact Bob Horne, Executive Director, at the United Way of Greater Fall River - (508) 678-8361.

May 2011

United Way Worldwide offers its deepest sympathy to the people affected by the spring storms and tornadoes that caused wide-spread destruction across several states from April 26-28. In the wake of natural disaster, United Ways engage in long-term recovery efforts to ensure a bright future for affected communities.

Infrastructure and communications have been disrupted by the disaster, and United Way Worldwide is currently assessing the situation with our local partners. Updates and information will be provided as soon as they become available.

For more information on the spring storms and tornadoes please visit National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD).

What you can do to help in the affected communities

United Way of Western Alabama (Tuscaloosa) and United Way of Central Alabama (Birmingham) have established disaster relief funds.

Additionally, United Way of Russell and Washington Counties (Abingdon, VA) and United Way of Central Alabama are running mobile giving campaigns in response to the storms.  Those campaigns will be live on all carriers today with the exception of Verizon, who will go live by the end of next week.

• UWRWC: Text SUPPORT to 27722 to give $10 to United Way of Russell and Washington Counties
• UWCA: Text TORNADO to 50555 to give $10 to United Way of Central Alabama

Thanks for your support!

You can also donate by sending money to your local United Way and the money will be forwarded to United Way WorldWide, where it will be specifically used for Disaster Relief in the South.

April 2011

We here at United Way believe in Living United. That's why we are making it our mission to help provide relief to Japan amidst the aftermath of the earthquakes and tsunami that claimed so many lives.

Help us by donating today. For more information, please click here.

You can also donate by sending money to your local United Way and the money will be forwarded to United Way WorldWide, where it will be specifically used for Disaster Relief in the South.

March 2011

The United Way of Greater Fall River hosted its 64th Annual Business Meeting and Awards Reception on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at White’s of Westport in Westport, MA. The business meeting commenced at 5:00 pm., followed by the Awards Reception at 6:00 P.M. Unlike previous years, the United Way felt it necessary to replace the usual Awards Dinner with an Awards Reception to reflect the current economy.

The business meeting was open to all United Way supporters. The agenda included reports from various committee chairpersons and a quick review of where the United Way of Greater Fall River stands financially.

The Awards Reception began at 6:00 PM. The reception featured special awards to honor outstanding companies and organizations for their support during last year’s campaign. Citizens-Union Savings Bank was awarded the Number One Giving Company Award and Samaritans and Steppingstone, Inc. both received the Agency of the Year Award. There were also awards given to individuals who have made a lasting impression on United Way and the community it strives to help. This year’s recipients included Ranee Levesque from Family Service Association for 2010 Campaign Coordinator, and Lisa Lundy-Kusinitz of Dominion Energy for Campaign Chair. Mary Lou Mancini of Gabriel Care, LLC was also honored with the Thomas F. Cooney Memorial Award, which is presented every few years to a campaign volunteer who best exemplifies the qualities of leadership, organization, thoughtfulness and achievement; all of the qualities that the late Mr. Cooney demonstrated.

December 2010

Fall River- The United Way of Greater Fall River hosted its Annual Holiday Campaign Breakfast  on Wednesday, December 15, at Venus de Milo in Swansea. Over 150 members of the community gathered to hear updates on this year’s campaign.
James Wallace, Senior Vice President of Citizens-Union Savings Bank and United Way Board Chair, thanked donors and community members for their time and support, but urged them to continue their efforts.
“We still need your help and your commitment to meet the challenges that lie ahead,” said Wallace. “It would be helpful if everyone could make a key call or two. With three weeks left of this year, we still have time to get the job done.”
Lisa Lundy-Kusinitz of Dominion Energy, and Chair of this year’s Annual Campaign, shared highlights and challenges faced during the campaign, which has been extended to January 31, 2011.
“As we anticipated, the 2010 campaign has been a challenge for us,” said Lundy-Kusinitz. “We are working very hard to reach last year’s number, but we need the commitment of everyone in the room to make it happen.”
Lundy-Kusinitz highlighted early successes in the campaign, expressing a special thanks to the Rodgers Family Foundation and the Charlton Charitable Trusts for their generous leadership gifts.
Bob Horne, Executive Director of the United Way, also recognized two volunteers for their help with this year’s campaign. These individuals volunteered to be part of the Loaned Executive program, where local firms allow the United Way to “borrow” an employee for two weeks during the campaign. The Loaned Executives for 2010 included Brian Damaso of BankFive and Suzette Mello of Citizens-Union Savings Bank. Another award was presented to Ryan Fitzgerald, a teacher at Durfee High School who volunteered his free time to redesign United Way’s new website.
The children of W.O.R.D., Inc, King Philip Community House, and Ninth Street Day Nursery provided entertainment with various holiday songs in English and other languages.
For more information on the United Way or its campaign, please call 508-678-8361 or visit www.uwgfr.org.

FALL RIVER — For Bob Horne, the first sign that something wasn't right physically came 10 years ago.

“I was playing softball and I couldn’t get my glove up fast enough as a pitcher,” said Horne, 56. “I thought I was just getting old. The kids were getting younger and the ball was coming faster. That was the first time I was a bit slow.”

The slowing reaction time was followed by shaking in his right arm. Horne was first diagnosed with an essential tremor, and he took medication to control the condition. Horne’s grandfather had Parkinson’s disease, and Horne wondered if he had the same ailment, but doctors initially ruled it out.    

Horne, who has been executive director of United Way in Greater Fall River for 16 years, eventually consulted with Farrel Douglas, a Fall River-based neurologist. After follow-ups with specialists in Providence and Boston, Horne's suspicions were confirmed: He had Parkinson’s.

“My initial reaction was shock,” said Horne, who is married to Martha and has two adult children, Brendan and Erin. “I was concerned about the future. When I shared it with my family there were a lot of tears. Shortly after that it was a situation of ‘It is what it is.' I can’t control it. I can only control how I react to it and how I approach it. My family is tremendously supportive.”

Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that impairs motor skills, cognitive processes and other functions. Typical symptoms include tremors, rigidity and pain in the muscles, shuffling of the feet, a soft voice and "Parkinson's mask," a fixed, vacant expression caused by weakening muscles in the face.

Horne takes pramipexole, a generic form of mirapex, which mimics the effect of dopamine in a person’s brain. He also takes sinemet, a combination of levodopa and carbidopa, which prevents nausea.   

“Parkinson’s patients vary in the degree of symptoms, and reactions to medications are far-ranging,” said Horne. “The progression is different from person to person.”

Horne is no longer able to play softball, and he retired his tennis racket a number of years ago. But he still plays an occasional game of squash — regular exercise is recommended for Parkinson’s patients.

He also will climb up a ladder to clean out the gutters at his home. He admits that chore is a cause of concern among his neighbors in Swansea.

“They get a little freaked out,” Horne said. “They think I’m going to crash to the ground.”

Horne’s condition has forced him to have his ties pre-knotted. He cannot button the left cuff on his dress shirts, and he sometimes struggles with the movements required to remove his wallet from his pocket. His son jokes that he had that condition prior to his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Horne, an avid photographer, had to add image stabilization lenses to his camera.

But Horne insists he never felt sorry for himself. He prefers to be an optimist and considers himself fortunate.   

“My sister-in-law has multiple sclerosis,” said Horne. “She’s in tougher shape than I am. I’ve had several members of my high school class pass away. Three good friends have had cancer and I have a niece who has cancer right now. Looking at all that, I’m lucky.”

Horne said there was two reasons he decided to come forward about his diagnosis. If people were to see him in public on a day with obvious symptoms, Horne didn’t want them to think he was using alcohol or drugs. He also wanted to lend support for anyone struggling with the disease. He recently sent out an e-mail to his closest friends and colleagues disclosing his condition. The response was overwhelmingly positive.   

“It’s good to educate the community about what Parkinson’s is and what it’s not,” said Horne. “The more people know about the better they are. There are 1.2 million people have Parkinson’s and many more who are misdiagnosed. If this prompts someone who is having some of the symptoms to go to the doctor and improve their quality of life, it would certainly be a plus.”

The United Way of Greater Fall River, through its Community Impact Grants Program, awarded 17 grants to 12 local agencies at a recent breakfast meeting.

Grants totaling $96,019 were awarded for new and innovative programs serving the Greater Fall River community. Recipient agencies included Katie Brown Educational Program, Family Service Association, People, Inc., SMILES, Boys & Girls Club and
Steppingstone, Inc.

Awards were provided for health and human service programs meeting the needs of children, elderly and entire families.  Funded projects/programs include support for relationship violence prevention, family fitness, mentoring, family literacy, GED & ESOL education, cyber bullying, childcare and healthy lifestyles.  One program will
develop a community-wide effort to keep those serving in the military connected to our community through letter writing and shipments of supplies, reading material and food items.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of this special grant program. United Way has
awarded over $1 million through 168 grants since 1985.
 
“We are pleased to make these special grants available to our community, helping to make an impact on the lives of many children, elderly and families,” commented Michael McDonald, Vice President of BankFive and Chair of the Community Impact Committee.

For more information about United Way’s Community Impact Grants program, please contact Bo Horne at 508-678-8361.

September 2010

The United Way of Greater Fall River conducted it 1st Annual “Day of Caring,” in an effort to help make the community a better place to live.  In cooperation with the City of Fall River, United Way and 123 volunteers recently conducted a clean up project on a section of Davol Street, including the area at Turner & Durfee Streets.  Supplies were provided by the city’s Public Works Department. Volunteers were greeted by Mayor William Flanagan and a short speech was delivered by United Way’s campaign chair, Lisa Lundy-Kusinitz of Dominion Energy.

“We understand that in today’s economy, not everyone can give financially,” said United Way’s Executive Director Bob Horne. “But there are other ways of giving back to your community, such as volunteering. This was a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and make a difference.”

Over 8,000 people in the state of Massachusetts participated in this year’s first ever Statewide Day of Caring. Locally, volunteers helped by gathering trash, weeding the streets, and sorting recyclables. Volunteers came from various local companies and agencies, as well as a few individuals who signed up after hearing about the opportunity from friends and family.
 
This year’s event also served as the United Way’s 2010 Campaign Kick-Off. This annual campaign raises over $1.5 million for local health and human service agencies in the Greater Fall River area.

For more information or to sign up for future volunteer opportunities, call United Way at 508-678-8361.