Monmouth, Illinois - Warren County United Way kicks off its 2015-2016 Campaign already approaching $35,000 of its final goal of $200,000 and announces new grant program. At a luncheon last week, Cerar's Barnstormer was overflowing with sixty-plus community supporters of Warren County United Way. The program, led by executive director Jeannie Weber and board president Trevor Davies, included special guests Nancy Bersted and Judy Bersted Andrews as well as guest presenters Mary Francis Miller, Bob Meling, and Dan Ashton, who spoke about Helen Bersted's community legacy, having been active in the opening of both Warren Achievement Center and Warren County United Way decades ago.

Weber outlined plans for the campaign year - which has a complete emphasis on partner agencies, up to and including agencies speaking to potential donors. She stated, "Our mission is to assess needs, raise funds, and develop other resources for the community. During this time of reductions in state and local funding, as well as our demographic shift, it is more important than ever that we reach our campaign goal of $200,000."

She also announced that in addition to the campaign, which raises operational funding for 26 agencies that ultimately assist tens of thousands each year, Warren County United Way created the Helen Bersted Memorial Grant, which allows all community non-profit organizations to compete for additional funding beyond campaign allocations. The Helen Bersted Memorial Grant will be annual, and will provide giving based on continued investment outcomes of the Len G. Everett endowment. The endowment is also is also responsible for funding all administrative costs associated with Warren County United Way, giving contributors the advantage of knowing that every dollar donated goes directly to member agencies.

Unlike campaign funds which are raised for agency operational expenses, the new Grant allows organizations to seek funding for programming and/or capital improvements. "Creating this grant is in keeping with part of our mission, which is to develop other resources for the community," Weber stated. "Our board of directors felt there was no better way to honor Helen Bersted than to create this opportunity."

Davies spoke on behalf of the board of directors, stating that Warren County United Way was in an excellent position, having already raised dollars prior to the campaign launch. "Many thanks to our executive director Jeannie Weber and her campaign co-chairs Buster Kellogg Jr. and Lowell Crow, who have hit the ground running having raised close to $35,000," Davies stated. "Yet, I challenge us. This is not enough. We have a commitment to our agencies. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." Davies encouraged those present to assist with the campaign by speaking to family and friends they know, who have most likely benefited from one or more of the agencies Warren County United Way serves.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Warren County United Way will be soliciting campaign donations through direct mail, employee presentations with agencies, and through social media. "We look forward to a successful campaign for our agencies and for the community," Weber said. "I encourage everyone to give. Whether large or small, every contribution counts toward the big picture for Warren County and surrounding communities."

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Warren County United Way Member Agencies

Alternatives for Older Adults, Galesburg, IL

American Red Cross, Moline, IL

Buchanan Center for the Arts, Monmouth, IL

Cameron Recreational Council, Cameron, IL

Carl Sandburg Literacy Coalition, Galesburg, IL

Center for Youth and Family Solutions, Galesburg, IL

Child Advocacy Center, Galesburg, IL

Eagle View Community Health Systems

Girl Scouts of E. Iowa & Western Illinois

Illowa Council Boy Scouts of America, Davenport, IA

Jamieson Community Center, Monmouth, IL

Kirkwood Senior Citizens, Kirkwood, IL

Lutheran Preschool, Monmouth, IL

Monmouth Early Learning Center, Monmouth, IL

Mother to Mother Ministeries, Monmouth, IL

Prairie State Legal Services, Galesburg, IL

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Rock Island, IL

Roseville Kid's Place, Roseville, IL

Starting Point, Monmouth, IL

Strom Center, Monmouth, IL

Teddy Bear Day Care Center, Monmouth, IL

Triumph Services, Monmouth, IL

Warren Achievement Center, Monmouth, IL

Warren County Health Department, Monmouth, IL

Warren County Historical Society, Monmouth, IL

October 7, 2015, Davenport, IA:   Imagine if all our relationship were free from conflict and deeply satisfying.  Finding the right mental attitude is the key to making this happen.

Healthy Relationships A 4-Week Series will be presented by Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center on Thursday evenings from October 29th to November 19th, 6:30pm-7:30pm.
Many of the meditations Buddha taught were ways to transform how we view ourselves, others and the world around us.  Without a fundamental shift in our often unconscious views about others, we will continue to be stuck in our well-worn relationship patterns.

In this four week series, uplifting meditations that will help us transform our personal relationships will be explained and explored.

This series is open to the public and no experience is necessary.

Class dates are Thursday evenings October 29th, November 5th, 12th & 19th.

Classes are held at Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center, 502 1/2 W. 3rd Street, Davenport, IA.  The Center entrance is on Scott St. which is closed from 3rd to 4th street for Davenport Central Fire Station Renovation.  Please park on 3rd Street and walk to entrance on Scott Street.

Cost is $10 per class or $30 for the series (no cost with class card).

For more information or to register call (563)322-1600 or email info@meditateiniowa.org, or visit www.MeditateInIowa.org.

About Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center:

Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center was founded under the guidance of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso; Internationally renowned Buddhist meditation master and scholar.  Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center is a member of the New Kadampa Tradition-International Kadampa Buddhist Union, a worldwide network of Buddhist Centers that are located in over 40 different countries.

The purpose of Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center is to help people learn practical methods to solve their daily problems and to live a happy and meaningful life.  Lamrim Center offers meditation classes In Davenport, Clinton and Iowa City, Iowa and in Rock Island and Galesburg, IL.  The Center in Davenport also offers Buddhist studies, day courses, retreats, chanted prayers in English, community outreach and a chance to learn more about the Buddhist way of life. Classes and courses are designed to help those who wish to learn about or deepen their understanding of basic Buddhist thought and practice, as well as for those who simply wish to start a meditation practice or to meditate in a group setting.  Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center is a State of Iowa registered nonprofit.

Community is invited to learn about viable plan options available to senior adults

DAVENPORT, IA (October 7, 2015) - Senior Star at Elmore Place is pleased to invite the Quad Cities community to a Medicare presentation at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 15 at 4502 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.

This seminar will be especially helpful in addressing the sometimes confusing Medicare system and application process.  Attendees will be able to ask specific questions of a trained professional with experience in the complexities and misconceptions of the different coverage plans.

Richard Schillig of RJS & Associates will present information on the following points:

• Basics of Medicare
• Prescription Drug Plans
• Medicare Alternatives (Advantage Plans)

For more than 37 years, Schillig has been offering trusted guidance and valuable financial solutions.  Among his diverse selection of service, Schillig provides explanations on the provisions of Medicare, helping his clients navigate the often confusing aspects of preserving existing assets while making important decisions.

Senior Star at Elmore Place understands that decisions regarding Medicare and prescription plans can be challenging and strives to provide pertinent information to its residents and senior adults in the Quad Cities area.  "We are proud to host local experts on diverse subjects such as Medicare planning, which contribute vital information to our community and neighbors," said Marc Strohschein, executive director at Senior Star at Elmore Place.  "Senior Star embraces all aspects of aging well including the opportunity to learn more about current health coverage options in order to make informed choices."

Please RSVP by October 14 by calling 563.359.0100 to reserve your spot.