2007 Annual Report to the Community
2007 Board of Directors George Thomas, Chair Sargent Corporation Robert Sutcliffe, Vice Chair Rudman & Winchell Rob Bennett Bangor Hydro-Electric Company Amy Cotton RossCare, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems John Diamond University of Maine System Nichi Farnham Robert Foster R.H. Foster Energy Andrew Hamilton Eaton Peabody John Hanson Maine State Building and Construction Trades Council Kenneth Hews Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems William Imes Bangor Theological Seminary Michael Jones Beatham, Bernier, Seekins & Colpritt Robert Montgomery-Rice Bangor Savings Bank Deb Sanford Eastern Maine Medical Center Kassie Stevens Hydro-Photon, Inc. Don Sturgeon
Your United Way
Over the last year, United Way's Board and staff have been working to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that builds upon our organization's success and sets a course on how we can become even more effective in serving the current and future needs of communities throughout Eastern Maine. In looking ahead, we recognize that our dynamic partnerships with donors, nonprofit agencies, and hundreds of businesses and community organizations are vital to our future growth and impact. Together, our work in promoting the common good benefits not just the 45,000 families we help directly each year, but everyone who is fortunate enough to call Eastern Maine home. We also know that you, along with all of our other individual and organizational partners, want to help find lasting solutions to problems facing our neighbors. Our strategic plan recognizes that we all win when a child succeeds in school, when families have access to quality child care, when a neighbor is freed from a violent relationship, when teens avoid using drugs, and when seniors are able to live independently. The benefits ripple out to our entire community. As you read the enclosed stories of individuals helped, you will appreciate that only through collective action can we create the lasting changes we need. These examples are representative of how United Way and our partners are creating opportunities and sparking hope, enabling individuals and families to navigate obstacles so that they can maintain success on their own. By developing the kind of meaningful initiatives such as 2-1-1 Maine and others that you'll learn more about in this report, and by working closely with our agency and other partners, we are determined to make steady progress in changing community conditions by addressing the underlying cause of common problems that fall under our three action areas:
Whether you are interested in increasing the financial stability of local families, improving the achievement level of our youth, preventing neighbors from facing crises, or giving our youngest children a smart start in life, United Way is your partner in addressing the issues that advance the common good for all people in our community. Thank you for your support.
United Way of Eastern Maine Staff Eric Buch President Kate Beale Co-Campaign Director Kathy Crossman Vice President, Community Impact
George Thomas
Eric Buch
Chair, United Way Board of Directors Chief Financial Officer, Sargent Corporation
President, United Way
Edward French Community Impact Associate Jennifer Hazelwood Operations Team Leader Erich Hunter Combined Federal Campaign of Maine Director Angel Matson 211 Maine Resource Coordinator
Our Mission
Karla McDougold Vice President, Finance & Administration
United Way of Eastern Maine improves people’s lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.
Emily McIntosh Co-Campaign Director
Our Comprehensive Approach
Laura H. Mitchell Communications Director Cheryl H. Russell Vice President, Resource Development Sabina Solouki Finance Associate
Strengthening Children & Families
Giving children a smart start in school and life
Lynda Strout Administrative Assistant Sara Yasner Community Impact Associate
Supporting Seniors
Extending seniors’ health and independence
Meeting Basic Needs & Promoting Self-Sufficiency
Helping families find financial stability
Letter to the Community
Early Childhood Education 2007-2008 Investment Bangor Y Discovery House Preschool Program $9,000 Bucksport Area Child Care Center Childcare Program
$12,000
Down East Family YMCA Preschool Program
$8,000
Good Samaritan Agency Childcare Program
$25,000
The Housing Foundation The Sharing Place
$16,000
Maine Adoption Placement Service My Choice Program
$7,000
Old Town/Orono YMCA YMCA Daycare Program
$12,000
UCP of Maine Peace Pals Program
$29,500
UMaine Cooperative Extension Waldo County Parents Are Teachers Too $7,000 Waldo County Preschool & Family Services Early Childhood Inclusive Program $8,500 Parent Education Program $2,500 Waldo County YMCA Childcare/Preschool Program
$5,000
The Warren Center Preschool Language Development $30,000 Washington County Children’s Program Childhood Development Therapy $10,000 Washington Hancock Community Agency Reader in ME Program $9,000
Strengthening Children & Families Council Stephanie Cotsirilos, Chair Peter Arno Jean Bridges Elaine Cale Candy Eaton Nichi Farnham
Debbie Giguere Eileen McAvoy Jim Miller Tony Pellegrini Rob Reeves Joyce Schelling Don Sturgeon
Strengthening Children & Families
Erwin's Story
Campers Are Our Future
Erwin looks back at his early high school days in Piscataquis County and describes himself as a “socially challenged boy who got along with no one and had frequent, loud outbursts. I was a ruffian.”
For the last eight years, United Way has run Camp Bangor, funded by the Libra Foundation. Thanks to this camp scholarship program, close to 8,000 third-through-sixth graders in the Bangor public school system have attended the Maine summer camp of their choice.
Abnaki Girl Scout Council Studio 2B Program
The program was launched in recognition of the life-changing boost of confidence, development of new skills and friendships that children forge while at camp.
Bangor Y Capehart Outreach JumpStart Kids Connection: Before & After School Opportunity for Teens & K-Club Youthworks Y-Works Programs
Youth Skills & Achievement 2007-2008 Investment
But that was five years ago. Now well into his first semester as a freshman mechanical engineering student at the University of Maine, Erwin is quick to smile, friendly, poised and articulate. It took strong mentors, time spent with peers discussing and challenging their skills, and the opportunity to mentor other kids facing the same issues he did as a young teen to get him where he is today. Erwin heard about the Charlotte White Center’s Life Jackets program, funded by United Way, and learned that it provided an environment that helped teens develop social and leadership skills. He thought the program might be able to help him in his problem areas at school. He remembers when he had “an epiphany of sorts.” It struck him after his first Life Jackets meeting. “I looked at the other students and wondered to myself, ‘Am I this bad?’” “Life Jackets is right in town, so I had no excuse for inconvenience,” he says. “At first, I admit, I had my doubts, but after I went to the first meeting, I started thinking more and appreciating it.” Finding motivation to do better, Erwin stopped making excuses and "opened myself up to ideals I never imagined joining and embraced being a part of something bigger than myself.” Attending the program’s meetings, he found himself changing and starting to think before he acted. The final wilderness expedition, a six-day trip in the northern Maine woods, put to the test all he had learned. Erwin and the other teens came through with flying colors. For the past two years, Erwin has been a Life Jackets Peer Leader, which he looks forward to continuing. He is doing well, is active in the campus community, and he has many friends.
“I hope you take my words to heart,” says Erwin, “and see how much this program has improved my life and how it will improve the lives of others.”
Bangor’s own Stephen King was an early visionary of the program, sharing his own powerful childhood camp experiences while advocating for the value of an overnight camp experience for grade-schoolers. The thousands of families whose children have participated in Camp Bangor are the first to attest to the difference it has made with their kids. Parents say the program has accomplished many things for their children that will help them set, and achieve, high aspirations.
Bangor Area Visiting Nurses Pathfinders: Support for Grieving Children
$10,000
$8,000 $28,000 $15,000 $7,890 $33,000 $19,000 $24,890
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Midcoast Mentoring $5,000 Charlotte White Center Life Jackets Program
$20,000
Down East Family YMCA Leadership, Volunteerism and Employment Program
$22,000
“It taught him to face his fears.”
Downeast AIDS Network Education Program
$25,000
“She wants to become an art teacher after going to art camp.”
Downeast Health Service Big Brothers Big Sisters Hancock County Children’s Council Program
Some of their comments are...
“I never could have afforded to send her. She loves going and it’s been the place she’s been able to make friends.” “We’re so grateful. She’s tried things she never thought she could do.”
The value of the investment in these young campers is priceless, but the return on investment from the Camp Bangor program has an even wider impact. Through Camp Bangor, more than $6.4 million dollars has been infused into the Maine economy over the last eight years. Similar Libra-funded programs are also run in Lewiston and Portland. On behalf of the thousands of families, hundreds of camps and the schools that are touched by Camp Bangor, United Way congratulates the Libra Foundation for their foresight and celebration of the potential of our youth in sponsoring Camp Bangor for the last eight years.
$89,000 $15,000
Good Samaritan Agency Single Parent Program
$31,400
The Next Step Youth Education Program
$20,000
Old Town/Orono YMCA After School Activity Program
$20,000
Open Door Recovery Center Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention
$16,000
Rape Response Services In-School Education & Prevention
$7,500
Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center In-School Education & Prevention $2,500 Shaw House Day Program Basic Center
$30,000
Waldo County YMCA Teen Center/Teen Program
$5,000
The Warren Center Pragmatic Skills Group Program
$7,500
Womancare/Aegis Association School-Based Services Program
$19,000
Aging Independently At Home 2007-2008 Investment Eastern Agency on Aging Community Services Program
$15,000
My Friend’s Place My Friend’s Place
$7,100
Univ. of Maine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program $8,000
Staying Active for Health 2007-2008 Investment Bangor Y Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Community Connections Transportation & other services
$10,000 $9,000
Center on Aging, Univ. of Maine Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
$16,900
Eastern Agency on Aging Meals for Me
$28,000
Penquis Foster Grandparent Program Coastal RSVP
$5,000 $6,500
The Warren Center Regional Hearing Aid Bank
$7,500
Supporting Seniors Council Amy Cotton, Co-Chair Nelson Durgin, Co-Chair Reita Abbott Colleen Adams Suzanne Ambrose-Thomas Arthur Comstock Roberta Downey Helen Genco Bob Farrar
Len Kaye Tim King Kay Lebowitz John Lord Russ Lumley Noelle Merrill Glen Porter Barbara Stellar Mike Tapper
Supporting Seniors
Betty's Story
Improving Senior Health Transportation
Betty is a cheerful woman who lives with her three cats in the family home where she grew up. She was always active, but her life changed dramatically when she took a bad fall and broke her knee. Now she must use a walker to get around. A personal care attendant comes in every day to take care of her, drive her to appointments and do the housework.
In 2004, United Way launched the Eastern Maine Transportation Collaborative, a group of health care, agency, government and transportation providers, focused on improving transportation for the elderly in need of chronic medical care.
Even though she is homebound, with a little help Betty has found ways to remain active and social - both vital for her health and well-being. Betty has a Senior Companion, funded by United Way through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, who comes on Fridays and plays Scrabble with her. Asked who wins, Betty admits, "Most of the time, she does, but once in a while I get my licks in." She says she has even more friends now than she did before her husband, a Maine Air National Guardsman, died two years ago. The retired CNA describes herself as "a voracious reader" who also uses the Bangor Public Library’s book delivery service. It’s Eastern Agency on Aging’s Meals for Me program, funded by United Way, that has really kept Betty going. Betty used to cook, but a tremor in her hands does not make that possible now. Through Meals for Me, Betty gets breakfast, lunch and frozen meals for the weekends delivered right to her home. She is a diabetic, so she receives meals that are sugar-free. "The cooking is delicious," she says. “Chicken parmesan, baked beans yum! The beans are home-cooked, par excellence." Betty recognizes that she needs this strong support system to live in her home and sustain the level of independence she has, and it keeps her from needing more intensive care. As far as Meals for Me, Betty says, “the program is wonderful -- the high point of my day. A volunteer checks on me, and she also checks on the cats. That means a lot to me." Volunteers at Meals for Me go out of their way to make holidays special. These extra touches bring a smile to Betty’s face. At Thanksgiving, twelve lucky seniors are delivered a special dinner. "I'm telling you, it's the most lavish Thanksgiving I've ever had," Betty says. For a treat, she even receives a special cupcake on Christmas Eve, which is her birthday.
"I love the people who bring (these programs) into existence. It means socialization, personal safety, good nutrition, and a hot nourishing meal - and it means I don’t have to cook it!” says Betty.
In October of this year, United Way’s Supporting Seniors Council voted to continue to work on this issue as the Eastern Maine Transportation Collaborative met a milestone of having fulfilled the outcomes of two grants. The Maine Health Access Foundation, the state's largest private nonprofit health care foundation, gave the collaborative a planning grant and an implementation grant that were completed this June. The first grant researched the challenges and barriers faced by older adults in getting chronic care medical services in Hancock, Washington and Penobscot counties. The study found that patients travel at least 10 miles to reach appointments and rely primarily on themselves or volunteers to drive them. Few were aware of public transportation opportunities, and healthcare schedulers indicated that arranging transportation and missed appointments were a significant challenge. The implementation grant allowed for the first steps toward positive change, including three "lunch-and-learn" sessions to teach medical staff about transportation resources and the development of a new "senior friendly" brochure used by the Bangor Area Transit system and distributed to elderly and disabled riders. With the support of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems' 2007 regional needs assessment, the Supporting Seniors Council continues to see a need to work with the logistical, physical and mental issues involved in elder health care transportation in our region.
Waldo County Community Investment Review Team John Diamond, Chair Cale Burger Greg Dutch Alan Hinsey Mike Labun Russ Lumley
Jim Miller Dana Mosher Jay Muth Jim Patterson Peter Taylor
Community Impact Steering Committee Bill Imes, Chair Bangor Theological Seminary Amy Cotton RossCare, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Stephanie Cotsirilos Nelson Durgin Phillips-Strickland House Nichi Farnham
Preventing Seniors From Taking Dangerous Falls United Way's Supporting Seniors Council has engaged an AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer to research programs designed to reduce falls. Fall-related injuries are a significant issue. They are the leading cause of injury death and injury hospitalization for Maine people over the age of 65. Almost 700 Eastern Maine seniors are treated annually for falls at hospital emergency rooms, at an annual cost of approximately $6.8 million. About 56 percent of those injured seniors are discharged to a skilled nursing facility, and many never live independently again. To address this costly community issue, the VISTA is working on an action plan that will be presented to the Council in the early spring.
Ben Haskell New England School of Communications Andrew Hamilton Eaton Peabody Judy Horan WLBZ 2 Russ Lumley Bangor Savings Bank George Thomas Sargent Corporation
Safety and Stability 2007-2008 Investment New Hope For Women Waldo County Domestic Violence Outreach
$4,000
Penquis Penquis Law Project Family Self-Sufficiency Program Pine Tree Legal Assistance Homeless Advocacy Program
$18,000 $9,000 $5,200
Spruce Run Association Domestic Violence Support And Education
$23,650
Washington Hancock Community Agency Helping Hands Garage Program
$25,000
Meeting Basic Needs & Promoting Self-Sufficiency Council Ben Haskell, Chair Mike Bush Ken Colpritt Rev. Mark Doty Susan Faloon Carla Ganiel John Gause Patty Hamilton John Hanson
Dan Hurley Carroll Lee Jamie Moreau Jay Muth Cole Palmer Anne Reed John Reed Francine Stark Sara Stevens
Meeting Basic Needs & Promoting Self-Sufficiency
April's Story
2 Those Who Care: Literacy Volunteers Honored
After three years, April’s marriage was falling apart and had turned violent. She knew she had to leave, but she couldn’t do it without her job as a home health aide, and that required a car.
2 Those Who Care is WLBZ 2’s gala dinner and television program that honors the dedication of six local volunteers and one agency. The show is filmed at the dinner for award winners and guests and is sponsored by Webber Energy and Merrill Bank, with support from United Way.
Maintaining Independence 2007-2008 Investment
With her car broken down and no credit history, she realized "I couldn't work, and I couldn't take care of myself without work." Living in a tiny, rural town in Washington County, she felt her options tightening. Safety had to come first, so she called the United Way-funded Next Step domestic violence project in Machias. They found April a confidential shelter and connected her with Helping Hands Garage, run by Washington Hancock Community Agency, also funded by United Way. Helping Hands Garage helps people in need buy used vehicles at a low cost with low finance rates, using a revolving-loan system, to improve their access to work and healthcare. The loans are below market rates, and applicants also get training in personal finance. “That was my answer," April said. "In this area, you can't do anything without a car. Everything is so far away." The Next Step helped April with the paper work, and then she waited. "I was really hopeful," she said. "A car was something I really needed to work." In the meantime, April took other steps to regain her independence, including registering for courses to become certified as an early education teacher. She had to travel to get to her classes in Calais, so her wait for a car became even more important. Then, on a sunny day, Helping Hands called April and drove her to Ellsworth to present her with her car - a 1998 sedan that got great gas mileage. When Tom from Helping Hands took April to the DMV and saw her crying while registering her car, he was concerned. He knew she had been through a lot. "I cried, I really did," April admits. "I was so happy. It was getting me out of a mess. It was saving me." And she really loved her new car. “It's even my favorite color," she said. Eventually, April returned home, without her husband, and she is now living there safely. She is able to go to work, to doctor's appointments, and most importantly, to school. "I used to be so scared. Now I'm excited,” she laughs. April knows her life has dramatically improved, and she has a bright future ahead of her that will let her fulfill her dreams.
This year’s 2 Those Who Care Agency of Distinction Award went to a long-time United Way partner, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor. The agency serves 120 adults, providing them tutoring to improve reading and language skills. In the Bangor area, an estimated 37 percent of adults operate at the two lowest levels of literacy, posing serious challenges at work and at home. By engaging 200 volunteers, Literacy Volunteers is making lasting changes in the lives of their clients, giving them the tools to advance at work, complete their education and provide for their families. Things didn’t always look so positive for Literacy Volunteers. Three years ago they completed a reassessment of their programs and mission in order to get through some difficult times. With guidance from community members brought together by United Way, Literacy Volunteers made some tough decisions, including moving their office and cutting a program. “They helped us see that we had strayed from our mission of serving adults by supporting an after-school program for at-risk children. We needed to refocus. We were strained for volunteer and financial support,” said Mary Marin-Lyon, director of Literacy Volunteers. “The changes were painful, but the results were dramatic," she said. The agency has become lean, efficient and effective. "United Way acknowledged the value of our work, recognized we were in need and orchestrated an opportunity for community leaders to assess our business. Their observations, feedback, and resources empowered us to make decisions so we could survive - and now thrive!" said Lyon.
Community Health and Counseling Services Homemaker Program Ed Bouchea Center for Communication and Learning Multiple Handicap Center Literacy Volunteers of Bangor Adult Literacy Programming Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County New Skills New Life: Adult Literacy
$3,300
$14 ,000
$50,000 $14 ,000
$6,500
Maine Mental Health Connections Together Place Social Club
$25,000
Wellspring Outpatient Services Program
$38,000
Shelter, Food & Crisis 2007-2008 Investment Bangor Area Homeless Shelter Day Program Eastern Maine AIDS Network Community Education, Outreach And Case Management Program
$37,840
$7,826
Mabel Wadsworth Women’s Health Center Crisis Care in Core Clinical Service Areas
$10,664
The Next Step Domestic Violence Project Client Services & Advocacy
$26,488
Galen Cole, Bangor Linda Howard, Dover-Foxcroft Warren Steward, Millinocket Ralph and Joyce Harvey, Searsport Walter Moore, Bangor
Penquis Penquis Health Services
$11 ,352
Shaw House Youth Emergency Shelter Streetlight Outreach Program
$28,280 $35,002
Agency of Distinction
Spruce Run Association 24-Hour Hotline
2 Those Who Care Award Winners for 2007 2 Those Who Care Award
Literacy Volunteers of Bangor
"I'm free to do what I want. I’m not scared. It's a matter of independence," says April.
Bangor Area Visiting Nurses Bangor Area Homeless Shelter Nursing
John Coombs Award G. Clifton Eames, Bangor
$31,218
Because complex community issues require comprehensive solutions, United Way also supports initiatives that get at the underlying cause of problems in our community impact areas.
2-1-1 Maine
Creating Assets $avings and Hope (CA$H)
More and more Mainers are relying on 2-1-1, a one-stop, 24/7 phone and web service that connects residents to social services statewide.
With an interest in improving the financial stability of all people in Eastern Maine, United Way helped to promote the CA$H in Eastern Maine coalition, a free tax preparation service that utilized trained volunteers to file taxes for low-income families and seniors in 2007.
United Ways in Maine worked for six years with agencies, Ingraham, a nonprofit call center, and the State of Maine to develop 2-1-1 and merge databases for more than 5,000 resources. Callers can get confidential information about all kinds of services, from basic needs and transportation to legal assistance and flu shots. The service also provides information on emergency operations during natural and other disasters. More than 33,000 callers have been helped by 2-1-1 since its launch in July 2006. 2-1-1 handles 3,000 calls a month and that number is growing. Most callers need mental health, housing and substance abuse services. 2-1-1 is a powerful example of how public, nonprofit and private sectors can work together to improve the quality of life for all Maine people.
Our New Work - Results Matter
Thanks to the effort, almost 2,000 seniors and families got their taxes filed for free. In some areas there was a 28 percent increase in the number of families receiving the Earned Income Tax Credit of up to $4,500, bringing more than $500,000 back to Eastern Maine. That’s good news for these families, and it’s good for our local economy. CA$H is preparing for the next tax season and looking to grow. CA$H will be connecting tax filers with financial education as well this year. The training will cover budgeting, managing debt, saving for major purchases such as a first-home or an education, and more. CA$H is always looking for volunteers to prepare taxes on a flexible schedule. Lead partners in CA$H include Penquis, Washington Hancock Community Agency, AARP, Women Work and Community, the IRS, Pine Tree Legal, Penobscot Federal Credit Union, and others. People needing tax services can call 2-1-1 after January 15 to find a local tax site.
Investing Your Contributions In the Community Three years ago, United Way Community Impact Council volunteers transitioned the organization to making three-year commitments of funding to the best local programs that met goals in their areas of work. This provided longer-term funding security, the time to measure and report results, and decreased costs and time for agencies and United Way managing applications every year. This fall, nonprofit organizations have applied for United Way’s second round of three-year funding commitments. Council and Finance volunteers will carefully review applications, looking at each program’s fiscal health and its ability to deliver results.
Acts of Kindness (AOK)
Born LearningTM
A total of 75 programs run by 44 agencies have applied for funding, including 26 new programs. The requests total more than $1.8 million in funding.
Helping your neighbor is a way of life in Maine. Building on that value, United Way for the second year joined with Clear Channel Radio and Bangor Savings Bank to run the Acts of Kindness campaign.
Born Learning is United Way's initiative that provides parents the tools and tips to give their children a smart start in life, because learning starts before school does.
The Councils will meet several times before making funding recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval.
Each month, radio announcements asked people to donate basic goods. Bank branches served as drop-off locations for donations. With United Way, the National Association of Letter Carriers chose AOK to expand their annual food drive that collects food left at mailboxes.
United Way is building on its partnership with Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems’ distribution of Born Learning parent education at key pediatric offices. Soon Eastern Maine Medical Center and Maine Coast Memorial Hospital will supply parents with baby care tips when their child is born.
Agencies will begin receiving funding for approved programs in July 2008.
The response was what one would expect from Mainers - substantial, even greater than in 2006. More than 120,000 pounds of food, 1,500 school supplies, 7,000 toothbrushes, 1,200 Christmas Is for Kids presents, 1,500 children's books and 500 winter coats went to families.
Thanks to Sargent Corporation, a Born Learning outdoor activity trail for kids and parents opened in Old Town's Riverfront Park this fall, and trails will open in French Island and Perkins Parks in the spring of 2008.
United Way worked with Penquis, Washington Hancock Community Agency, Waldo CAP and many other agencies to distribute the donations. The Acts of Kindness campaign will continue into 2008 on a quarterly basis, focusing on collecting children’s toothbrushes, food, school supplies, and Christmas Is For Kids presents.
United Way also trained 200 childcare providers in using Born Learning tools and engaged them in sharing these with the parents they serve.
Our New Work - Results Matter
From fundraising, to making community investment decisions and developing new initiatives, volunteers play a vital role at United Way. Last year, more than 3,000 people joined with their colleagues and neighbors in volunteering their time and talents for United Way.
Volunteer Maine Volunteer Maine, an online tool that matches interested volunteers with opportunities in their neighborhood, is supported in partnership with the other United Ways in Maine and the Maine Commission for Community Service. Thousands of volunteers already have found their calling by using the service. Give help today. Simply go to our website or visit volunteermaine.org. This year, United Way has an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer working to promote the service throughout Eastern Maine.
John Rohman CEO, WBRC Architects and Engineers
With a lifetime commitment to volunteerism and civic involvement, there are few organizations in Eastern Maine that aren’t thankful for John Rohman’s vision and commitment. The CEO of WBRC Architects and Engineers, John is a former mayor of Bangor and currently chairman of the Maine Arts Commission. He also volunteers for the University of Maine Alumni Association and was an initiator of the National Folk Festival in Bangor, helping it become the American Folk Festival, that draws over 100,000 attendees each year. John is no neophyte to fundraising, but he was new to United Way when he signed on as a campaign volunteer in 2005.
Volunteers Matter
He was on track to become the campaign chair in 2008, which gave him time to learn the ropes and term out of leadership roles on other boards. As the 2007 campaign was about to get under way, however, the then-chairman resigned to move out of state. John graciously stepped up. While some may have looked for others to lead, John rolled up his sleeves and put his full attention, passion and resources to work. “John has been an inspiration to everyone involved with United Way. His energy and enthusiasm are second to none and he leads by example,” says George Eaton, campaign vice-chair and attorney at Rudman & Winchell. There isn’t an extra phone call, personal visit or opportunity to thank a donor or volunteer that John won’t make a priority. Considering all of his other volunteer commitments, John says he added United Way because, “United Way doesn’t just give people a hand-out, it gives them a hand-up. By helping one person, United Way is making a difference that will last for generations.”
2007 Campaign Cabinet John Rohman, Chair WBRC Architects-Engineers George Eaton, Vice Chair Rudman & Winchell Jeff O’Sullivan Tocqueville Society Chair UBS Financial Services Deb Sanford Leaders' Circle Chair Eastern Maine Medical Center
Campaign Division Chairs Fred Brown Merrill Bank Tony Caruso City of Bangor Kelly Cotiaux Sephone Mo Fer ERA Dawson-Bradford
James Conlon President, Bangor Savings Bank
Dan Hurley Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Tom Palmer Black Bear Inn
When a company decides to act on its commitment to its community, the effect can be a powerful one. And that is the impact that Bangor Savings has throughout Eastern Maine. Starting with a belief “in the innate ability of Mainers to achieve and succeed,” Bangor Savings has forged a reputation as one of the region’s leading philanthropic businesses. Bangor Savings employees are strong supporters of United Way and the bank is the top corporate donor. “Bangor Savings Bank’s support of United Way goes back many years. As good corporate citizens, we have assisted United Way in ensuring our communities grow and be vibrant,” says Jim Conlon, president of Bangor Savings. The bank believes in the importance of supporting local, rather than national, charities. In 2005 and 2006, Bangor Savings won United Way of Eastern Maine’s Community Impact Award. These awards recognized the bank’s generosity in letting branches serve as the drop-off location for
collecting thousands of school supplies, coats and more for United Way and Clear Channel’s Acts of Kindness campaign, as well as for the bank’s $50,000 challenge grant to launch the Eastern Maine Funders’ Energy Initiative administered by United Way. The bank also has been a regular participant in United Way’s eight-week Loaned Executive program, in which employees are loaned to help with the annual campaign. By making their annual campaign exciting with incentives like snowmobiles for donors and running an online auction, Bangor Savings’ annual employee campaign continues to increase year after year. Thank you, Bangor Savings, on behalf of all Mainers.
Philanthropy Matters
Jim Parker Civil Engineering Services Sherry Roberts Bangor Savings Bank Jerry Whalen Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems
Leaders’ Circle Committee Don Becker Civil Engineering Services, Inc. Rob Bennett Bangor Hydro-Electric Company Wilma Bradford Lynne Darling Darling’s Jim Donnelly Machias Savings Bank Amanda Kitchen Husson College John Lord
Leaders’ Circle members are United Way of Eastern Maine’s most generous supporters who contribute $1,000 or more. They play a vital role in efforts to bring measurable, lasting change to the lives of thousands of families each year. An outstanding $820,664 was contributed by Leaders’ Circle members in 2006. There are many benefits to getting involved at the Leaders’ Circle level. As members, contributors are part of a distinctive philanthropic community. Introduced in 2006, the Pinnacle Club is a continuation of United Way’s Leaders’ Circle recognition for philanthropic leadership. Pinnacle Club members are United Way’s largest investors of $2,500 or more. Cheryl Russell, Vice President of Resource Development, is working closely with lead volunteers to continue to grow the benefits of Pinnacle Club membership with special events and United Way insider news. Thanks to sponsorships from individuals and organizations, United Way hosts at least one annual reception to celebrate the invaluable role the 730 members of Leaders’ Circle and Pinnacle Club play in our community.
William Lucy Merrill Bank D'arcy Main-Boyington City of Brewer Don Mitchell Means Investment Company Jeff O'Sullivan UBS Financial Services
Photo of Barbara Cassidy, seated, receiving her United Way Tocqueville Society award from Eric Buch and Wilma Bradford. Tocqueville donors contribute $10,000 or more a year to United Way.
Bob Quirk Quirk Chevrolet, Cadillac, Oldsmobile Deb Sanford Eastern Maine Medical Center Chris Winstead Merrill Bank Photo of Tanja Agrrawal, left, with Tricia Quirk, center, and Pushpa Agrrawal. This was taken at the Leaders’ Circle reception at the historic Tarratine Club in Bangor. The event was hosted by Bob and Tricia Quirk.
Leaders Matter
Photo of Cheryl Adams with Chris Winstead at the Tarratine Club.
Financials
Where the Contributions Come From
United Way of Eastern Maine is committed to ensuring that our donors’ generous contributions are well spent and overhead remains low.
Finance Committee
Employee Campaigns 49% Investments & Miscellaneous 6%
2007
2006
Assets Cash & Cash Equivalents Pledges Receivable, Net Accounts Receivable & Other Assets Investments Property & Equipment Beneficial Interests in Trusts Total Assets
$562,915 1,181,869 302,702 669,162 85,181 624,031 $3,425,860
$635,827 91 7,594 351,976 571,468 80,844 563,329
In Kind Contributions 6% Other Grants & Sponsorships 5% Company Contributions 12%
$3,121,038
Camp Bangor Scholarship Grant 16%
Individual Donor Gifts 6%
$279,015 16,251 587,334 241,353 5,233 11,024
$1,193,915
$1,140,210
$248,788 919,033 603,431 460,693
$296,751 766,331 480,925 436,821
Total Net Assets
$2,231,945
$1,980,828
Total Assets and Liabilities
$3,425,860
$3,121,038
Net Assets Undesignated Board Designated Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted
Tracy Harding, CPA Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker Brent Hartley, CPA Lafayette Hotels Ken Hews Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems Bob Montgomery-Rice Bangor Savings Bank
Where the Investments Are Made $234,643 12,163 603,501 330,686 4,000 8,922
Total Liabilities
Bob Foster R.H. Foster Energy
George Thomas Sargent Corporation
Liabilities & Net Assets Liabilities Accounts Payable Accrued Payables Allocations Payable Designations Payable Deferred Revenue Capital Lease Obligation
Michael Jones, CPA Treasurer Beatham, Bernier, Seekins & Colpritt
Based upon United Way’s Form 990 for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2007 as prepared by Loiselle, Goodwin & Hinds. For a complete copy, please call United Way or visit our website. * Endowment and investment revenue reduce our fundraising and administration costs to 17%.
General Community Support 9%
Supporting Seniors 4%
Meeting Basic Needs & Promoting Self-Sufficiency 13% 2-1-1 Maine 2%
Strengthening Children & Families 20%
Donor Designated Gifts to U.W. Partner Agencies 6% Donor Designated Gifts to Other Agencies 9% United Way of America Dues < 1%
Camp Bangor Scholarships 18%
Fundraising & Admin 18%*
Accountability Matters
Community Investment Financial Review Team Scott Clark Michelle Cobb Rick Fournier Jason Frederick Jay Gould Jack Hennessey Jay Muth
Donna Oxley Joelle Rioux Bruce Roscher Veronica White Chris Winstead
Report graciously sponsored by
24 Springer Drive, Bangor, ME 04401 www.unitedwayem.org 207-941-2800 Photography generously provided by
James Daigle Photography