Is there any good news?

By Lisa Sieren

My granny used to ask me as a kid, "Lisa Marie, what’s the good news and what’s the bad news?"

Not to be a downer, but let me just point out that what is in the news these days can’t exactly be called "good." With the economy in the state it is in, world hunger overwhelming and military conflicts across the globe, it is hard to see a bright spot in the day. It is even harder to see how we can change it.

My work at United Way of Central Iowa can make the news less overwhelming and negative for me. United Way is taking very concrete steps to create change during these tough times, just as we do in the less challenging times.

As an example, let me refer to an article in the newspaper on Thursday about the increased foreclosure rate in Iowa. Iowa’s rate for the first quarter of 2009 was 2.34%, higher than the last quarter of 2008 and higher than it was one year ago. While some states are certainly in a much worse situation, it becomes more of a reality when it hits home.

This isn’t an article that just dampens the mood, with another one waiting in the wings to bring more gloom. This is an article that highlights an issue that United Way is taking steps to mitigate. United Way has been working with community partners in central Iowa to lessen the impact of foreclosures. Through a Time Limited Grant, United Way is investing in Iowa Legal Aid’s Foreclosure Defense Project. This project assists and advises homeowners with low or moderate incomes to protect and sustain the important asset that is their home. In addition, United Way of Central Iowa is involved in the Polk County Housing Continuum, a collaboration whose mission is "to identify the state of homeless and affordable housing in Polk County and to create a coordinated plan that addresses the economic and social challenges that produce homelessness and lack of affordable housing."

As staff of United Way and seeing the change we create in the community, I feel a little more hopeful about the future. You don’t have to be a United Way employee, though, to feel a part of creating change in the community. As donors, advocates and volunteers, you play a vital role in this change. So the next time you see news about the tough economic times, think about what you are doing as a United Way supporter to change it. Amidst all of the bad news, that is some great news.