As you walk into the United Way building on Main Street in downtown Merced, California, you will notice a hand painted quotation above the reception desk. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”- Margaret Mead. I believe that quotation firmly describes the actions of United Way of Merced County as well as its employees and non profits that it supports.
As an intern at United Way I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by people who are so generous with their time and want to make a positive difference in the county we live in. Merced ranks 3rd out of 58 counties in California in poverty and 5th in child poverty, so there is obviously a great need for assistance in our community. United Way of Merced’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community. Their focus is on education (pre-school & curriculum development), financial stability/economic development (Earned Income Tax Credit, Financial Training, Job Training, and Economic Development), and health initiatives (Obesity, diabetes and nutrition).
I have been fortunate enough to meet the people behind the non-profits and they are all passionate about what they do. Whether it is feeding the hungry, helping those in our community with low vision and hearing, or just trying to keep their culture alive by educating their youth, it is truly amazing to see how one person can make a difference. One of the most important things I have learned at United Way of Merced is to volunteer! I am not the same person I was before interning here & I can’t be that person anymore. I like to say that I have more time than money and that is truly all you need to volunteer.
Review from Guidestar