I don’t know about you, but summer seems to go by faster and faster each year.

As a parent, I know how chaotic it can be to get kids ready to go back to school. Being a junior high school student this year has given me the opportunity to reflect on my children’s education so far. All my children are so grateful for the education they have received in this wonderful community. The skills and bonds formed at an early age laid the foundation for future classroom success and basic life skills.

Success is possible thanks to the dedicated teachers and support staff in your local school system who understand that early education sets the tone for your child’s development and decision-making skills.

Here at United Way of Northwest Georgia, we are committed year-round to improving the education, basic needs and health of everyone in our community. Education is one of our top priorities. 46% of our funding supports educational programs. Getting kids ready for kindergarten, grade-level reading by third grade, and graduating on time with career- and life-ready skills is critical to the success of our entire community. Our community focuses on education and support systems for children and families. It’s great to have one less thing to worry about this year, knowing that all our kids have a great education that puts them on the path to success.

We understand how important the next generation is to helping build a better future. So our summer was focused on literacy. It’s “Keep Kids Thriving”. United Way provides comprehensive support for children learning to read and write, and then learning to read and write.

United Way’s Keep Kids Thriving is a campaign aimed at providing young children with tools and resources to help prevent summer heat exhaustion. Every child and young person in our community should have the knowledge, skills and experience to succeed in school, work and life. Studies show that being proficient in reading and writing by the third grade is an important predictor of high school graduation and career success. The good news is that United Way can help bridge the gap and help students stay on track through their literacy efforts. !

This summer, United Way distributed 3,983 books to children to support healthy summer reading habits and prevent summer reading deficits. United Way of Northwest Georgia gives children access to books and enriching activities to improve their reading skills.

The United Way is also committed to the Youth United program. Youth United is your source for volunteer opportunities focused on high school students.

Led by the Youth Council, Youth United provides unique and impactful service projects to improve the lives of children and families in Whitfield and Murray counties. Youth United develops the next generation of philanthropic leaders by creating unique leadership and community engagement opportunities for young people in grades 9 through her 12.

The Youth United Council is made up of 14 high school students from Whitfield and Murray counties. The Council is a youth-led staff assistance program in which students work with community leaders and community service providers to identify and improve community issues through volunteer work. Youth United members were required to submit two letters of recommendation and were individually selected by the Volunteer Center Committee through the application process. Through their experiences as Council members, they are able to see the impact of their service to their communities and the United Way!

United Way of Northwest Georgia is one of seven organizations selected to receive leadership initiatives from the University of Georgia by the JW Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach. The Innovations in Community Leadership Initiative provides resources and technical support to communities and organizations in Georgia seeking to strengthen their leadership development efforts.

So, as Pete and Julian Dosche spearhead the campaign season for United Way, the gift of Northwest Georgia’s United Way is a long-term investment in the children of our community and a big one. Know that you will benefit. You are enhancing your school readiness and strengthening your family dynamics. preventing child abuse; providing mentoring, safe play spaces, tutoring and leadership development; Keep young people on track in school, work and life.

Happy new semester!

Live “United!”

Amanda Burt is president of the United Way of Northwest Georgia.