Apr 20th Speaker

   If there is one organization that is all about hope, opportunity and change, it is the United Way, Carol Hebert, director of the Mid and South Jefferson County United Way, says.

   "If we can give that, we're successful," Hebert said in her Monday presentation. Speaking about the new United Way slogan, "Live United!" Hebert said, "When people work together, volunteer together, and advocate for a cause, that's what United Way is all about."

   Hebert has been director of the local United Way for going on three years, coming over from one of its member agencies, Capland Speech Therapy Center, to direct UWay in providing help and funding for more than 20 member agencies. During her tenure the South County United Way has merged with Nederland and Port Neches to become United Way of Mid and South Jefferson County, and has consistently met its funding goals.

   United Way focuses on responsible agencies that provide education, income assistance and other kinds of help, Hebert said. "If you can help youth through education, you can help them gain the potential that builds opportunities to better lives, and they can excel and achieve." She pointed to the Communities in Schools agency, Boys Haven, Camp Fire and YMCA as agencies that promote education.

   She also talked about the importance of providing financial literacy -- teaching people to manage needs versus wants. "Poverty's circle is not impossible to break," she said. Agencies such as United Board of Missions, Salvation Army and Community Care-Prayer Outreach teach them "here's how."