United Ways unite, get $1,000 grant from Schnitzer Foundation
The United Way of the Desert has been serving our community for more than half a century, which is very impressive and very much appreciated and needed.
Thousands of Coachella Valley locals have been helped by the generous efforts of this important nonprofit and its volunteers. And now the organization has wonderful news to share.
"Last summer we merged with our neighboring United Way and officially became Inland SoCal United Way," says Kristal Granados, executive director of strategy. "We have had many opportunities to work together on projects over the years, but now we are so excited to say we are one United Way."
Now one big happy family, they can all cheer "Live united!"
"We are better together," Granados says. "This merger is a natural next step in our collaborative community-based work. There will be more opportunities to become engaged with a larger outreach to empower even more children, families and individuals across Inland SoCal."
It's important to realize "Live united" is not just a slogan. It's a way of life and it has been for more than 70 years when the original United Way of the Desert first found a home in our valley.
"We have been here to assist all in every one of our combined communities for decades," Granados says. "It's important to know our resources are available to everyone in need."
And, of course, fundraising is a crucial part of their providing resources to our neighbors in need.
To that end, there is good news. Their annual fundraiser will take place March 15 at the August Caliente Resort Casino Spa in Rancho Mirage hosted by award-winning KESQ anchor Peter Daut.
"We depend on this annual gala to raise the important funds we need for all of our programs," Granados says. "And it's a win-win because we really believe in putting the fun in fundraising."
Their many programs are varied and crucial for those in need in our community. In the last year alone, they directly and positively impacted more than 1,000,000 local lives through their important 211 services, direct housing supports, financial assistance, coaching, direct career services, mental health care, enrollment in CalFresh and other benefit programs that make a significant difference in a family's ability to thrive.
It's for all of this important outreach that we are proud to award this week's Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation Power of Community $1,000 grant to help the newly created Inland SoCal United Way in their many efforts to help all of our communities.
Live united! Yes, more than just a slogan — it's a new way of life for our new Inland SoCal United Way!
For more information, visit inlandsocaluw.org.
Sandie Newton is an award-winning broadcast journalist who began her career in Los Angeles as cohost of the nationally syndicated show "PM Magazine." She went on to host many local and national shows like "Hollywood Insider" before becoming one of the original anchors for E! and a regular on Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family." In 2017, she moved to the desert, creating and hosting NBCares for six years. She is currently the host of "Desert Chat," a half-hour lifestyle show spotlighting all the good people, events and news in the Coachella Valley. Watch it Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on KESQ, at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 11 and noon Mondays on CW5.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: United Ways unite, get $1,000 grant from Schnitzer Foundation
