When asked to draw “what family means to me,” dozens of elementary and middle school students across Baltimore took the challenge, grabbing pencils, markers, colored pencils, crayons and watercolors to create their masterpieces.

 

   Some students captured family activities, like eating pizza, going fishing and catching Pokemon characters. Others took a more abstract route. One student drew a family tree with the caption: “Together we reach great heights.” Another sketched the Earth and wrote: “Family means the world to me.” Still other students captured each family member, taking care not to leave out grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and pets.

 

   These students attend three of the many public and private schools that benefit from United Way of Central Maryland’s education programs, which provide things like backpacks full of school supplies, support for teen parents and resources to stay in school. They may come from low-income  families, endure unstable housing  conditions or simply have a tough childhood, but, with support from United Way, these students all found ways to creatively showcase the best part of being a family.

 

   “Changing the Odds for Families and Communities” is the theme for the 2016 Johns Hopkins Medicine United Way campaign, which launches Thursday, Oct. 13, and continues through Dec. 16. This year’s campaign reflects United Way of Central Maryland’s focus on achieving family stability. Funds raised by the annual campaign help people find stable jobs, give families a safe place to call home, provide access to healthy meals and health care, and keep students on track for success and graduation.

 

   Johns Hopkins employees can support one or more of these familyfriendly building blocks by donating to a specific program or initiative, like the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund or the 2-1-1 Maryland United Way Helpline. Employees can choose to donate to a community partnership that supports their hometown or designate their gift to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of their choice, including eligible Johns Hopkins departments and programs.

 

   “Family is a team,” writes seventhgrader Madison above a lineup of her five family members in uniform. Together, Johns Hopkins Medicine can also be a team to help make a difference for families and our local communities during this year’s campaign. Visit hopkinsmedicine.org/unitedway to make your contribution. You can also find resources to host fundraising events in your department and check on the campaign’s progress.