We Fight For Iowans Tuesday, June 30

KWWL And Five Eastern Iowa United Ways Are Teaming Up For A Special Day Of Giving To Raise Money For The COVID-19 CARE FUND. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja0DqpATXxM On Tuesday, June 30, KWWL and five Eastern Iowa United Ways are teaming up for a special day of giving to raise money for the COVID-19 CARE FUND. The day-long event is called We Fight For Iowans. The five participating United Ways include: United Way of East Central Iowa United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties Cedar Valley United Way Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way “We’ve all been affected by Covid-19, but some much more than others – our fellow Iowans who are the most vulnerable,” says KWWL Station Manager John Huff.The day of giving will begin at 5am on KWWL’s Today In Iowa morning newscast, and continue all the way through KWWL’s News at 10pm. There will be updates, interviews and stories throughout the day, including a 6:30pm live, half-hour special that night. Viewers will be able to donate to their local United Way by going to the website, WeFightFor.org. They can also text WEFIGHT to 91999.   “Any funds raised will be used in our communities,” says Cedar Valley United Way President Sheila Baird. “Any disaster, including COVID-19, has short-term emergency needs like food and shelter, followed by the long-term recovery needs,” adds Baird. “Long-term needs include mental health, addictions, and ongoing shelter and income issues. Anything we can collectively do to lessen the damage will make a healthier and more productive community for everyone.” KWWL has enlisted the help of local officials and celebrities to record special video messages urging Iowans to help those most in need. “When it comes to those in need, every dollar counts,” says Huff. “When times get tough, Iowans come together to lend a helping hand,” he continues. “We’re counting on them to answer the call once again and join us in the ongoing battle against the devastating economic and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.” For more information about KWWL, visit https://kwwl.com. St. Mark Youth Enrichment is a funded partner of the United Way of the Dubuque Area Tri-States. Partners and friends like the United Way stepped up to help us remain connected to these beautiful kids through regular at-home activities, stories, and more than 1500 grab and go bags that helped these same kids stay engaged, work through difficult feelings, and often have a tasty snack or a new book at home.

St. Mark is Here

As we continue to navigate this new, albeit temporary, normal together know that you have been on my mind every single day. I imagine all the beautiful things that are coming from this…things like families working together to make dinner, playing together in backyards, pets who are thrilled their humans will be home ALL day again, finding new and creative ways to stay connected to family and friends, and having this moment to pause and remember all that is really important in life centers on our relationships and those we love. I also know, though, that there are many challenges. I think about those too…the financial impact, fear of the unknown, trying to do things you either never signed up to do or at least not in the way you are doing them— being a teacher, a non-stop referee for sibling shenanigans, missing the physical connection of family and friends, wishing you could go back to the office or wishing someone’s job would finally make it possible for them to work from home… Due to the recent extension on guidelines and schools not yet reopening, our offices will continue to be closed to the public at least through April 30. All of our administrative staff are now working from home. We will continue to share the best and most recent news and resources with you. We want you to be safe and to know you are loved and supported. Know that all of us from your St. Mark family miss you dearly, are cheering for you, and continue to prepare to be ready once we get to be with you again…that thought makes my heart smile! In the meantime, please take advantage of ways to stay connected: We are offering Social-Emotional Learning kits that can be picked up at our Little Free Library outside our office. We are also working to figure out ways to ensure more of you can access these kits in both Dubuque and Western Dubuque/ Be on the lookout for updates on that soon. These small gestures help us to feel connected to all of you. And we hope it provides opportunities for you and your family to maintain your emotional health during these tough times.Virtual enrichment activities and stories are shared daily on our Facebook pageReach out to a team member just to say hi or to ask any questions you may have: https://stmarkyouthenrichment.org/staff/Share a video clip via email to Jon at jaguilar@stmarkyouthenrichment.org. It could be a hello from the kids to our team, a project you are working on together, using the SEL kit, or any other thing you want to share to help keep us all connectedKeep the clips coming of you reading, virtual field trips, or sharing a talent. Families and the community as a whole are loving them! Please be safe, protect yourself and those you interact with, and be healthy. Most importantly, thank you, as always, for all the extraordinary things you do every day! We appreciate you! With love and big air hugs, Dawn View Parent Resources