Jason Preston has been working with Lilly for over 16 years now, and he has truly made the most out of the UWCI-Lilly partnership over those years. From ReadUP to Emerging Leaders steering committee to joining Diversity Leadership Circle this past year - Jason is dedicated to raising awareness of and encouraging participation in various programs offered by United Way of Central Indiana.

This month we got to know Anthony Arthur, an Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance Agent who has a passion for the education of our community's youth. A strong believer in the "golden rule" - do for others what you would want done for you - Anthony enjoys having the opportunity to engage with other young members of the Central Indiana area that are dedicated to serving and building the community.

United Way of Central Indiana’s LINC program aims to connect young professionals to ways they can fight for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of every person in our community.

Next year, United Way of Central Indiana launches into what might be the most exciting year in our history – our 100th anniversary. Can you believe it? 100 years. There are very few people, businesses and organizations that make it to the centennial category, which is why we don’t take one moment – or more importantly, one person – for granted.

United Way of Central Indiana is dedicated to fighting for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of every person in our community. We take on the complex issues, so when the Julian Center expressed interest in teaming up to pack backpacks with critical summer items for the kids who take refuge there, we couldn’t wait to get involved!

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced 15 additional Indiana counties are now eligible to participate in On My Way Pre-K, making prekindergarten available in 2018 to 4-year-olds from low-income families in those counties. Earlier this year, the Indiana General Assembly expanded the program from five pilot counties to 20 counties in House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1004-2017.

Today, United Way of Central Indiana launched its 100th anniversary celebration at its annual meeting at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. The meeting recapped a year of community impact, strategic partnerships and new initiatives in front of a crowd of almost 900 enthusiastic supporters.

Four companies earned the top prize – the Spirit United Award – for exceptional volunteer and financial support of United Way of Central Indiana today during United Way’s Annual Meeting at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in front of a crowd of 900 people.

United Way of Central Indiana announced tonight the four individuals from Indianapolis Public Schools who were named as Hubbard Life-Changing Educators. Each winner received a $25,000 prize.

On Tuesday, May 16th, Lacy Johnson, Partner at Ice Miller and Alan Mills, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg co-hosted a special event honoring Fay Williams and Bill Mays who co-founded the Minority Key Club – which today is known as the Diversity Leadership Circle.

Can a single individual impact company culture enough to trigger healthier habits in the workplace? Jeffrey Wilson, administrative assistant at United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI), did.

Meet our Emerging Leader of the month, Erin Skahill. She's a visiting scientist fellow with Eli Lilly and Company, and although she's not an Indianapolis native, she's just as committed to serving her new community.

United Way of Central Indiana fights for the education, financial stability, health and basic needs of everyone in our community. So, when our partner agency, Flanner House, unveiled plans to create a community garden for the people of northwest Indianapolis to enjoy, we couldn’t wait to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty!

The field of Diversity and Inclusion is evolving rapidly to focus in on inclusion or actions taken to create a sense of belonging not only for employees but also for patients, customers and other constituents. Three Human Resource leaders from the healthcare, financial and nonprofit worlds were on an Indy SHRM panel April 20th to discuss how they are moving their organizations from an emphasis on diversity  to more of a spotlight on inclusion.

Stephen Hastings learned at an early age what it meant to work hard. But when he and his father traveled to Indy in search of higher-wage jobs, a strong work ethic wasn't enough. After years of struggling, Stephen found real help from the Center for Working Families at The John H. Boner Center where he was able to develop a plan with the help of a social worker, financial coach and career coach.

Melissa Meier has been involved with United Way for 15 years! A year ago, she combined her passion for quality education for all children with the impactful work of Women United. "I love the idea of women working together on behalf of the community to impact the lives of preschoolers."

Ten Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) educators out of 584 nominees have been chosen as finalists for this year’s Hubbard Life-Changing Educator Award, presented by United Way of Central Indiana. Now in its fourth year, the award honors teachers and principals who have made a significant difference in the classroom and in the lives of students.

UPS delivers more than just packages. On April 24, UPS employees delivered loads of smiles to kids at United Way of Central Indiana partner agency, Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.

Michael O’Connor, Director of State Government Affairs for Eli Lilly and Company, has received Indiana United Ways’ highest honor for his extraordinary leadership in early childhood education and a global partnership between Lilly and United Way Worldwide. O’Connor received the Castaldi Award at the 2017 United Way and Funds State Leaders Conference Awards Banquet on April 13 at the Indianapolis Marriott North, Indianapolis.

The General Assembly voted to expand Indiana’s pre-k for low-income children with the passage of a pre-k expansion bill and approved a budget which includes an investment of $22 million per year in the next biennium budget.