The United Way of Central Indiana

• Since 2007, The United Way of Central Indiana has seen a 90 percent increase in calls to their 2-1-1 Help Line. 
• One in three children born in Indiana today is born into an economically disadvantaged household. 
• Many families in Indiana lack access to quality child care. 
• Several children, for various reasons, are not read to on a regular basis (if at all) and therefore begin school at levels far behind those of other children. 
• One in five Marion County 9^th-graders won’t graduate in four years (6,000 children dropped out of school in Central Indiana in the past four years). 

These and other statistics indicate why, for three generations, The Hagerman Group has chosen to partner with The United Way and share in their mission/our vision of reaching out to help Build a Better Future for those in need.    To date, our company as a whole has donated several thousands of dollars to this cause.      

The mission of the United Way is to assist in sustaining vital human services for those who need help most while reducing such needs for future generations.  They seek to complete this mission with the help of over 100 agencies and more than 10,000 volunteers (in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties in Central Indiana, and Allen County in Northern Indiana).  Their priorities include providing basic needs such as food, housing, safety, winter assistance, homelessness intervention, youth and family support; and educational needs such as early literacy, quality child care, kindergarten readiness, reading tutors, enhanced math instruction, and more. 

Under the leadership of Jeff Hagerman, President of The Hagerman Group, we serve the United Way in a variety of capacities for the United Way, including Jeff’s service as Chair of the Professional Portfolio for the 2011 Capital Campaign (3 years running); Member of the Child Care Ministry Task Force, Member of the Success by Six Leadership Council, and various other volunteer programs throughout the year.  On August 24, 2011, Jeff and other United Way Board Members volunteered their time to the United Way Day of Caring, which took place at the Purpose of Life Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Walls were painted to brighten up the rooms, and a “Reading Corner” was created by placing donated bean bag chairs in one corner of the room so the children could enjoy a more focused study area.    

The Hagerman Group has been instrumental in completing at least 24 United Way Daycare / Childcare / Preschool Ministries to date, and are tracking some 30 more ministries to see where we might become involved.  Hagerman has donated construction services to assist with the minor upgrades to the ministries.

On Fridays each week, The Hagerman Group allows its employees to pay $1.00 to wear jeans, with the proceeds going directly to our United Way Fund.  That money is then given as a lump-sum donation at the end of each year.      

The Hagerman Group is proud to be affiliated with the United Way.erever possible.  If you or your organization would like more information about the various programs sponsored by The United Way, or to find out how you can donate, visit their website at uwci.org. 

Linda Cauger

Administrative Assistant

The Guiltiest Shopping Trip

Reading Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle book will likely lead most average citizens to experience an incredibly guilty grocery shopping trip at least once before the book is through.  I had mine this week.  And considering the produce I picked up (organic though it may be) that probably came from California and Mexico, and the meat raised in CAFO’s that will likely hit my table, perhaps some of that guilt is rightfully experienced.  The oil burned alone to ship my peppers puts my slight savings from my hybrid car to shame.

However, when I'm overwhelmed with facing a complete lifestyle change (and trust me, becoming a locavore would be a lifestyle change for me) I am reminded of a concept my coworker Laura introduced to me:  “Do One Thing”.  The idea is simple: it may be hard to completely change one’s life, but if we all just try to do one thing, these actions or “DOTs” can really add up.  Then, once your “DOT” becomes a habit, pick a new one! 

So maybe I decide to forgo the tempting asparagus that I know cannot be grown anywhere local this time of year, but still pick up my hard to pass up blueberries with a promise to attend my local Farmer’s Market for fresh in-season apples this weekend….. hopefully, with a lot less guilt.

Karen Schutte

Estimator/Sustainability Coordinator

The Hagerman Group