Laurie Mann, United Way of Southern Nevada
• Title: Senior Director
• Agency address: 5830 W. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103
• Agency phone number: 702-892-2300
• Agency website: uwsn.org
• Hours of operation: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
What does your organization do?
United Way of Southern Nevada unites our community to improve people's lives and supports children and families from cradle to career.
When and why was it established?
With a strong foundation of connections formed over more than 61 years, we have been solving community issues since 1957 with donations, volunteering and advocacy.
What is Findlay Good Works?
Good Works is a twice-monthly series in Las Vegas Weekly in which we highlight the efforts of nonprofit groups that are making a difference in our community. You can check out the good work of more organizations by visiting facebook.com/FindlayAutoGroup.
Who are its clients today?
Every person in our community. We provide strong starts for children; we empower youth to graduate; we build a stronger workforce; and we support families as they build pathways out of poverty.
What are its current initiatives or goals?
• Increase the number of children reading proficiently by grades 3 and 4.
• Improve graduation rates in Clark County high schools that are below the average graduation rate.
• Increase the percentage of adults in Clark County with an associate degree or higher.
• Increase the percentage of Clark County residents working full time.
What services does the community likely know about?
United Way provides support through a host of agencies and organizations in the areas of early education, student success, immediate needs assistance and nonprofit support.
What services might the community not know about?
We provide the opportunity to give to your favorite nonprofit on March 21, 2019 through Nevada's Big Give. Find out more at NVBigGive.org.
What is the greatest success you've experienced?
Uniting 1,000+ volunteers to provide support at more than 78 local nonprofits during our Day of Caring in October. Also, building hope and healing at the end of 1 October Remembrance Week. Volunteers planted gardens and painted playgrounds at elementary schools, supported veterans by painting inspirational murals, read to students, mentored youth in need and helped move the community forward.
What can people do to get involved in the cause you serve?
Visit United Way at uwsn.org and follow us at Facebook.com/UnitedWaySN; Twitter.com/UWSN and Instagram.com/UWSN.
What can Southern Nevadans do to improve our community in general?
Whether you give, advocate or volunteer, choose a cause that you are passionate about and get involved.
Whom do you admire?
The leaders of our funded partners who are selfless, passionate and committed to changing lives in Southern Nevada and creating a brighter future for those in need.
Where do you see your organization in five years?
Adapting our community-focused approach and expanding our successful three-year funding to help other organizations address the needs of children and families.
Anything else you want to tell us?
We have seen our greatest successes when we unite as a community to improve lives. United we fight for a better future for Southern Nevada.