October 26 — November 6
Visit Stephanie's Blog
Help us reach our goal to raise $1.5 million for the United Way of Central Maryland and the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund
Dear Colleagues,
A couple of months ago, I was asked to serve as the chairperson of the United Way Campaign for Johns Hopkins Medicine. I was honored to do it, but soon became humbled by your generosity. I was so pleasantly surprised when I learned of the amazing generosity of our faculty and staff. Even though our participation rate is not as high as it should be, it became clear to me that those who give, give generously.
I also decided to learn more about the United Way. I spent an afternoon at the 2-1-1 “First Call for Help” call center, where highly qualified professionals respond to more than 15,000 calls each month from people who need help. The calls are incredible. The callers are often desperate, need so much, and have so little. Sometimes they just need to talk, and they need to know that help is available. They call all day, and all night.
I listened to a single mom who had no place to live. I listened to a day care center employee, who needed to know where to go for help, for one of her clients. I listened to a man, who had no idea how to get the health care he needed. And in each case, help was provided. And in each case, a United Way professional offered to call back later, to be sure the caller was going to be ok. Truly amazing.
Your donations make a difference. They fund the “First Call for Help.” They fund day care centers, and health care clinics, and women’s shelters. They serve our patients, and they serve our staff. The serve us all. And this year, the needs are greater than ever.
So, please consider a donation to United Way. You can pledge your gift at https://portal.johnshopkins.edu/unitedway. And please remember, whatever you give, gives hope.
Thanks very much,
Steph
Stephanie L. Reel
Vice President for Information Services
Johns Hopkins Medicine
United Way Campaign Chair
