The wisdom of a Cuban barber was shared by President Obama in his speech to the Cuban people last week. The barber, Papito Buydelez, is quoted as saying, "I realize I'm not going to solve all the world's problems, but if I can solve problems in the little piece of world where I live, it can ripple across Havana."
If we all work to help those in our own neighborhoods and towns, then we collectively make the world a better place. How do we solve problems in the "little piece of world" where we live? This is where local giving, advocating, and volunteering are important. All of us in this community are experts, in a sense, because we see, firsthand, the ways that people struggle and thrive.
I am fortunate to have access to a lot of data about the challenges in our community. Good information helps us to make sound decisions about where to invest to improve lives. I have to admit, though, that the real stories from real people living in poverty and with health challenges motivate me to work harder than any of data I read. Some of our neighbors need help to overcome life's challenges and build better futures. I know that due to life's circumstances, any one of us could, someday, be that neighbor in need.
For example, I learned about a family that was succeeding in many ways until the serious illness of one of the parents resulted in massive changes in income, healthcare expenses, extreme stress, and so much more. The programs funded by United Way helped to get them through the difficult and unexpected changes and find hope for the future.
I also know about several kids who have trouble attending school through no fault of their own. Their living environments include parents with mental illness, homelessness, and a lack of basic needs (e.g. toiletries, clothing, and food). Thankfully, support from United Way is helping these kids regain some stability so they can attend school regularly. A solid education is the best strategy for better outcomes for all kids.
I have heard hundreds more stories and celebrate when I learn of successes. We estimate that approximately 25,000 of our neighbors were helped by the services supported by United Way of Southwest Colorado last year. A charity doesn't get more local than that! All of the donations we receive are used in a variety of ways to help people who live in southwest Colorado. It's not that we don't care about other corners of the world, but we are putting our efforts into solving problems in our own neighborhood. There are 1,200 independent United Ways across the globe. We share a collective wisdom, but we each help our local neighbors in our own unique way.
If you want to help, like the barber in Havana, I encourage you to GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE here in southwest Colorado. Thank you for Living United (right here!).
Lynn Urban, President & CEO
United Way of Southwest Colorado
