Stacy Dalton’s Post

Psychologists call it "role theory." For every role you have -- parent, coach, friend, coworker -- there is a source of purpose and meaning in your life. Older adults tend to lose roles as they see children move out, they retire, and they become less involved in their community. Volunteering not only provides a new role and a new purpose for older adults, but also research shows that volunteers report lower levels of stress and greater amounts of life satisfaction. Volunteers report less discomfort than non-volunteers in the population of people dealing with chronic pain or illness. But where can older adults find their new role and their new purpose in service? Enter the United Way. A long-standing pillar of service, the United Way vets every nonprofit organization to determine that funds will be well spent and volunteers will provide impactful service to those who are truly in need. In this episode of the Later in Life Planning Show, Jason Maddux of the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County discusses the wide array of service opportunities that are available. https://lnkd.in/eEFA-T6b

The Homeschool Counseling Network (HCN) is making BIG changes in the upcoming months. To help us continue our support of the homeschooling community, we are making changes to officially transition to a nonprofit. At HCN, our sincerest wish is to offer comfort, encouragement, and support by connecting homeschooling families with providers equipped to help meet their counseling, education, and therapy needs. Just like us, our mission, vision, and purpose are growing. Our heart remains committed to service. To help us better serve the homeschooling community, and the professional members who have partnered with HCN, we would like to hear from YOU! Homeschool families, what are your needs, interests, and concerns with participating in a membership-based community outside of traditional social media? Professionals, what are your needs, interests, and concerns with participating in a membership-based community outside of traditional social media? Let us know in the comments below!

This piece by the Schott Foundation for Public Education is a brief, powerful case study on how large #funders can be more than #donors - as #catalysts, connectors, and reinforcement for #community #collaborative efforts. One of Schott's areas of impact? More loving communities, and clear benefits to #children, families, and neighborhoods.

Having grown up in a small town, many of the components of "community school" makes sense to me. We may not have called what we had "integrated support services", it was just school. #community #schools #family #safe #education "A full-service community school includes four elements: various integrated support services through nonprofits, businesses and higher-education institutions; active family and community engagement; expanded and enriched learning, which can include after-school, weekends and summers; and collaborative partnerships among parents, students, school administrators and community leaders" https://lnkd.in/gnwt5pQJ

Join Us in Empowering Adults: Corporate Partnerships Welcome! At Literacy Link Inc., we believe that the path to a stronger, more inclusive community begins with literacy. By partnering with us, your organization can play a pivotal role in helping adults overcome the challenges of illiteracy and unlock their full potential. Our program offers tailored opportunities for corporate partners to make a meaningful impact, whether through sponsorships, volunteer initiatives, or collaborative projects that align with your company’s values. Your partnership with Literacy Link Inc. is more than just a corporate responsibility initiative – it’s a commitment to transforming lives and creating opportunities for those who need it most. Together, we can bridge the literacy gap and empower individuals to succeed in the workplace, at home, and in their communities. Let’s join forces to build a brighter, more literate future. #LiteracyLink #Nonprofit #CorporateSocialResponsibility #EmpowerThroughLiteracy #CommunityImpact #TransformLives #PartnershipForGood #AdultEducation

📢The thing I wished people would spend their time on when it comes to working in their communities is sharing their evaluation results. 👀But what I see is they spend way too much time collecting useless information, thinking the more information they collect, the better. 🤔I get that, because you, nonprofit coalition leader, have so many people to answer to! 🌟 What if I told you that there is another approach that will help you demonstrate and communicate your outcomes and that collecting every piece of information isn’t the answer? 🎯The way I work with community coalitions and nonprofits is to start with the end in mind. 📬If you are drowning in data and funders’ reports, or maybe you haven’t even developed your evaluation process, I’d like to invite you to check out my free mini-course, Using Data to Tell Your story. https://bit.ly/3ZbZh0x Begin with the end in mind. #evaluation #nonprofits #coalition #community

❓ What is your role in the system❓ If you work in systems change, to make progress you should start by asking what you / your organisation's role is within the system. #ICYMI last week we launched a guide to systems change. Get in touch if you'd like to learn more. 👇🏻

What could £250,000 worth of government funding for children and young people achieve? Since 2021, I've been fortunate to participate in Holiday Activities and Food funding with two organisations. The importance of this funding cannot be understated as a lifeline for families struggling to find activities for their children while being affordable and receiving high-quality activities. Since starting with the funding in two schools in the Wyre Forest, my drive to deliver has supported the facilitation of over £250,000 worth of activities to local communities, fostering community safety, development, and most importantly positive childhood experiences! Whether it was the push for community outreach programs in the funding, the drive for community-inclusive events, the promotion of local organisations and individuals, or building a genuine connection between people and communities, I've done it all with this funding! In 2023, following a fantastic year and a half of HAF delivery and developmental practice, I led AYOS to be the community champion in West Midlands, championing over 8,000 organisations in the region. This summer is my last program with the HAF fund, which is being delivered at COACH in French Weir Park. I am now using this time to reflect on the highs and development areas of the fund, as I look to the future to find new opportunities to invest my skills and knowledge in smaller legacy projects, with locations that have already benefitted from the funding. So what about that £250k? It can do a hell of a lot if used right! Community development and support, growing local businesses and partners, investing in the future of children and young people, and delivering sensational childhood experiences! If I had my wish, I'd ask for the government to consider the renewal of this funding increased slightly to continue to support the organisations and families that need it the most.

In the nonprofit sector, we often talk about the value and necessity of involving lived experience perspectives in our work. Yet, when it comes time to walk the walk of that work, we fall short. Next Thursday, I'll have the chance to share space with some fantastic friends and colleagues that work extensively in this arena with me. This is a great chance for funders, service providers, and nonprofit leaders to come and hear how two non-profits have approached this work, and how we've succeeded, the challenges we've faced, and where we can grow. Beyond just hearing from us, you'll also have a chance to engage directly in this issue from your own agency/foundation/organizational perspective, and leave with a clearer idea of how to support community and lived experience engagement in your own work.

I believe that Businesses and Corporations should have a significant impact on their communities, and giving back to the infrastructure of kids is a great way to make a positive difference. By donating time, services, or resources, companies can help support the development and well-being of young people, which can lead to a more prosperous and healthy community. Some ways businesses can give back include: 1. Mentorship programs: Pairing employees with young people for guidance and support. 2. Educational initiatives: Supporting schools, literacy programs, or STEM education. 3. Community outreach: Hosting events, workshops, or activities that benefit local youth. 4. Philanthropy: Donating to organizations that support children's health, education, and welfare. 5. Employee volunteer programs: Encouraging employees to volunteer their time to support local youth-focused initiatives. By giving back, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility, enhance their reputation, and contribute to a brighter future for generations to come. Terry T. Gray