United Way of Porter County Receives Rising Star Award

United-Way-of-Porter-County-Receives-Rising-Star-AwardThe Indiana Association of United Ways (IaUW) Board of Directors has named United Way of Porter County (UWPC) as the Community Impact Rising Star. UWPC was honored at the recent State Leaders Conference Awards Banquet in Indianapolis.

The Rising Star Award is given to a United Way in the state of Indiana that demonstrates the most significant progress and success in the development and implementation of community impact programs. This was the inaugural year for this award. UWPC’s Reading Buddies, financial literacy and homeless prevention activities were highlighted.

Through UWPC’s Reading Buddies program, 1st and 2nd grade reading levels and oral fluency increased significantly throughout the school year, and a Purdue North Central evaluation found that classrooms with Reading Buddies increased reading scores by 50%. Financial knowledge increased by 85.6% through the financial literacy program, and $100,000 was raised by community partners for the implementation of Porter County’s 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness.

“We are so excited and honored to have received this award,” said Melissa Castle-Kirincic, UWPC Resource Development Director. “We put so much work into each of our programs, and to be recognized for their success shows that they truly do have a positive, lasting impact on our community.”

In addition, Laurie Mullet, Community Impact Committee Chair and UWPC Board Secretary, was recognized at the banquet for her exceptional contributions to United Way. “Laurie has lead the effort at the Board level to move United Way of Porter County to a Community Impact organization,” said Sharon Kish, UWPC CEO. “She has been a United Way champion and a cheerleader.”

unitedway portercountyUnited Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the Porter County community through financial and volunteer resource development. United Way invests in 3 core strategies: Education, Financial Stability, and Health. We help nearly 40,000 Porter County residents per year build better lives. For more information, visit www.unitedwaypc.org, www.uwsuccessby6.org & www.nwivolunteer.org or call 219-464-3583.