strengthenthecommunity.Youbuildthings.Youfixthings.Youkeepfamiliessafe.Youhelpchildrenlearn.Youhealp

You.

You change people’s lives. You strengthen the community. You build things. You fix things.

You keep families safe.

You help children learn.

You heal people. You find them homes. You train them for jobs. You give people hope. And thanks to you, so do we.

United Way of Central Ohio 2007 Annual Report

Dear Friend, It has been a year of great accomplishments at your United Way of Central Ohio. With the support and guidance of our volunteers and donors we have touched more lives than ever before.

In this annual report you will find specific information on the many ways United Way is building a stronger community here in central Ohio. You also will read the personal stories of people whose lives have been improved through our donors’ generosity. To ensure accountability and transparency we have included an overview of our financial information and a link to our website so you can view more detailed data.

As we have been working together to build a stronger community, we have been planning for the future.

We have collaborated extensively, working to identify the most critical issues facing our community.

These intense efforts have resulted in a new strategic framework.

The framework will be our roadmap as we move forward. We will track our results via specific performance measures, letting you know about the success we’re having while we monitor our progress.

United Way also will be adding greater flexibility to its program investment process. Beginning in early 2008, the funding process will be opened to eligible health and human services organizations in central Ohio that can help United Way achieve its mission. By re-energizing the funding process United Way will be able to fund the most innovative and effective solutions to address the root causes of our community’s most critical challenges.

We are energized by the new direction of our work. We are entering a time of greater possibilities and greater hope -- a time when the vision of a community in which everyone can reach their potential will move closer to reality.

Of course we cannot do this without you. As we move forward we need the strength of the entire community. Please continue to give United Way your support and understanding and together we can do what works and what matters.

Sincerely, Monsignor Joseph Hendricks Chair, Board of Trustees United Way of Central Ohio

Janet E. Jackson President and CEO United Way of Central Ohio

Strategic framework After nearly two years of planning and preparation, the United Way of Central Ohio Board of Trustees approved a new strategic framework for the organization’s future. The framework responds to Board and donor interest in producing even stronger community results that are sustainable over time, and monitored for success via specific performance measures. The framework addresses United Way’s mission of improving lives and building stronger communities through four areas of focus and nine community results.

Thousands of lives have been touched by our efforts and with the community’s help we can do even more. By working with the community to set goals and then applying proven strategies, United Way can make a lasting impact on the quality of life in central Ohio.

The strategic framework is our roadmap for the future.

Mission To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community.

Vision To build a community where everyone has the aspirations, resources and opportunities to reach their potential Areas of Focus

Community Results

Ensuring children and youth succeed

• Young children enter kindergarten physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively prepared to succeed • Youth graduate from high school well-prepared for additional learning and productive careers

Strengthening individuals and families

• People overcome barriers to accessing health and wellness services • People maintain healthy nutrition and physical fitness • People achieve financial stability

Building vibrant neighborhoods

• People live in safe neighborhoods • People live in safe and decent housing

Meeting emergency and short-term basic needs

• People in crisis have access to emergency food, shelter and financial assistance • The community is prepared to respond to disasters and emergencies in a coordinated and comprehensive way

Who we are More than 80 years ago, concerned and compassionate citizens created what became United Way of Central Ohio, to help people in need and, ultimately, make our community a better place to live and work. Today, United Way represents the hopes and ambitions of thousands of central Ohioans and hundreds of area employers who want to make a real difference by improving people’s lives and building a stronger community. Together, we can accomplish more than any one donor or charity can do alone.

Why we are different United Way of Central Ohio no longer simply raises and distributes money to non-profits. Instead, we focus on the underlying causes of our community’s most pressing problems. Our history of leadership enables us to spearhead comprehensive change by bringing people together to determine the root causes of problems. United, we have the ability to do what it takes to achieve permanent solutions, not quick fixes.

What we do Through our community assessment, we bring people together to identify the issues that matter most. Then, we research the problems, craft smarter solutions, invest funds, deploy resources and evaluate the results. By leveraging partnerships, government funding, grant support and people, we maximize our impact and find the best, most cost-effective ways to respond to problems.

At United Way of Central Ohio, we measure our success by the lives we improve, not the number of services we fund.

Why it works It works because of you. Without you, there would be no United Way. That’s why we work hard to earn your trust every day, not just during our annual campaigns.

We use benchmark measurements and proven practices to ensure we are making a difference. We set performance standards for the programs and services we fund and measure the impact of each dollar contributed. Bottom line, together, we deliver results that change lives because we know that’s what matters.

Thanks to you United Way’s early learning initiative Start Smart has increased the quality of early care and education by helping 89 local providers meet the demanding standards required to achieve national accreditation. As a result, 20 percent of centers in central Ohio are accredited, compared with 8 percent nationally.

United Way invests more than $4.2 million annually in after school and youth development programs. Last year, more than 41,000 young people in central Ohio participated in United Way-funded efforts that worked to reinforce educational goals and success, develop positive social skills, improve relationships with adults and peers, provide leadership development, and prevent risky behaviors.

United Way dedicated more than $3.1 million to support programs that help people in crisis have access to emergency food, shelter and financial assistance. It helped provide direct food assistance to more than 138,000 people, funded more than 51,000 nights in shelters, and helped leverage additional resources resulting in more than 336,000 nights of emergency shelter for homeless individuals and families.

United Way helped launch and lead the Franklin County EITC Coalition which provided free tax preparation services to more than 1,700 households, allowing them to receive $2.2 million. This money helps hardworking people build assets and financial stability while strengthening the local economy.

United Way has helped create 772 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless adults through our longstanding partnership with the Community Shelter Board in the Rebuilding Lives Initiative. This housing provides not just shelter but links to vital services like food pantries, health programs and job training. Last year, more than 90 percent of chronically homeless adults in Rebuilding Lives did not return to emergency shelter.

United Way’s Start Smart initiative has improved the quality of early care and education for over children.

15,000

Stephanie’s four-year-old son Caleb seemed to be a late bloomer. He lacked self-confidence. He couldn’t focus. He didn’t like to be told what to do. Stephanie was afraid he’d be totally lost in kindergarten. Fortunately, she discovered the Born Learning program, a part of United Way’s Start Smart early learning program.

Through Born Learning, parents learn how to increase kindergarten readiness by turning everyday moments into learning moments. And children get a better start in life. Today, Caleb is blossoming. He’s reading. He’s writing. And he’s got the confidence he needs to succeed.

We do what works United Way partnered with Community Properties of Ohio, which manages 1,000 low-income housing units across Columbus, to develop an innovative Community Hub where residents can go and quickly and easily connect to services for their children and themselves, including Head Start, immunizations and summer camp. One program has reduced infant mortality rates and the number of low birthweight babies by half.

United Way’s Community Care Day is the largest single volunteering effort in central Ohio.

In September 2006, the event marked its 15th anniversary with over 4,700 volunteers from 75 local companies tackling more than 130 projects across the community. From improving playgrounds to delivering meals to the homebound, volunteers pitched in to accomplish in a single day what would otherwise have taken weeks of work, and over $400,000 dollars in equivalent labor costs.

United Way partnered with Stonewall Columbus and Columbus AIDS Task Force to design and conduct the first census of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) community in central Ohio. This groundbreaking census will provide up-to-date information that will help United Way, its partners and the broader community better understand this segment of the population.

United Way improved neighborhoods through The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant program, which engaged almost 1,300 volunteers in 24 different community-based projects.

A total of $137,500 was invested in projects that focused on community outreach/involvement, neighborhood identity, park improvements and health.

United Way is a founding partner of the Juvenile Justice Community Planning Initiative which develops strategies that reduce racial disparities in the juvenile justice system. This data driven approach has resulted in increased racial and ethnic data collection and a cohesive approach to reducing racial disparities.

100

More than CPO families received help from United Waysupported social services.

Sometimes the road to a better life means making some tough choices. For Sha’Harra Jamison, it meant moving her family to a low-income neighborhood troubled by violence so she could afford to go to school full time. Fortunately, shortly after she moved in, Community Properties of Ohio Management Services (CPO) took over the property and things began to improve.

The maintenance was better. Security and safety improved. And with assistance from United Way, CPO helped residents take advantage of social services to improve their lives and neighborhood. Today, Sha’Harra works full time for CPO, helping others become as self-sufficient as she is.

Why we need leaders like you Our most critical resource is people. It takes individual donors, volunteers, businesses, unions, government, and civic and social service organizations working collaboratively to achieve the kind of progress that makes a difference. It also takes the support of a special group of individuals who are inspired by what we can accomplish together and step up to a leadership role in charitable giving.

United Way Key Club Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Key Club is a unique partnership of individuals within the African American community. Its mission is to advance United Way of Central Ohio’s work of improving lives and building stronger communities. All African Amercian households that invest $1,000 or more may be recognized as Key Club members. And members are invited to participate in special members-only networking events, professional development opportunities, educational forums and community service projects.

10th

anniversary

United Way Young Leadership Group Young Leadership Group (YLG) is a group of donors, age 45 or younger, who want to make a difference in our community by encouraging their peers to join them in supporting United Way of Central Ohio. Individuals or couples who contribute a household gift of $2,500 or more may be recognized as YLG members. Members are invited to attend monthly events designed to help them build their professional and social networks, develop as leaders in the community and connect them with established business and community leaders.

United Way Cinquefoil Fellowship The Cinquefoil Fellowship is the latest addition to our leadership giving groups and is based on five core values: appreciation, recognition, education, advocacy and inclusion. The Cinquefoil Fellowship recognizes individuals and couples who contribute between $5,000 and $9,999 per year to United Way of Central Ohio. Members benefit from special communications and events, including a kick-off in the fall and a special spring celebration.

United Way Tocqueville Society The Tocqueville Society is a special partnership of individuals who invest at the following levels: Tocqueville Society ($10,000 - $24,999) , Tocqueville Vingt-Cinq Society ($25,000 - $99,000), Tocqueville Premiere Society ($100,000+). Tocqueville Society members are recognized in the national Leadership Register. They may participate in special gatherings, luncheons and select social events, and are invited to monthly networking opportunities including the Tocqueville Arts and Culture Series.

United Way helped bring housing units on line with supportive services, to reduce the costs of homelessness in our community.

772

He had no place to live, no place to go. And he was addicted to drugs and alcohol. How does a 41-year-old man with no job and no support system even begin to turn his life around? Brett got help from the YMCA and Rebuilding Lives, a United Way-funded initiative that not only provides special housing for homeless adults, it also helps them with things like addiction recovery, training and education and employment opportunities. Brett got 10 months of training, and today, he has a full-time job as an automotive technician. According to Brett, “I have a new job, a new attitude and a new life.�

How your contribution makes an impact United Way of Central Ohio would not be a successful agent for change without the trust and confidence of donors and volunteers. To continue to earn that trust, we have established comprehensive accountability guidelines that are regularly reviewed by our Board of Trustees and finance committee. As part of our efforts to be both accountable and transparent in our operations, our annual audit and IRS Form 990 are available at our website www.uwcentralohio.org.

11.7%

7.2%

2006 Campaign Investments - $54.6 Million Total Resources Raised n n n n n

20.1%

Operating Related and Other Expenses Uncollectible Pledges Community Impact Program Investments and Initiatives Community Impact Supportive Services Donor Designations to Other UWs and Donor Choice Agencies

1.7% 59.3%

1%

10%

2007 -2008 Program Initiative Investments by Category

27% 43%

6% 13%

n n n n n n

Basic Needs Education Housing, Safety and Neighborhood Development Employment Health Other

1,700

More than low-income central Ohioans were able to maximize the amount of their tax refunds through the Franklin County EITC Coalition.

Becky Lewis knows about hard work. She’s a single mother who loads trucks on the graveyard shift, then goes home to take care of her two young boys. But when her car broke down, she couldn’t get to work to support her family. Thanks to a free tax service program led by United Way, Becky took advantage of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, designed to reduce the burden on low-income wage earners by offering them a sizable refund. Becky was able to get a $5,400 tax refund – which she used to buy a desperately needed truck.

So today, she can still support her family with a job – and a way to get there.

Board of Trustees Msgr. Joseph M. Hendricks, chair, Dublin St. Brigid of Kildare Jerome R. Bahlmann, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, LLP John Bickley, YMCA of Central Ohio David L. Caldwell, United Steel Workers District 1 Jonathan D. Dargusch, JP Morgan Chase Karen Days, The Coalition Against Family Violence Julia L. Dorrian, Franklin County Municipal Court Brandon Dupler, Dupler Office Robert W. Edmund, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, LLP Ivery D. Foreman, Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease Michael Gonsiorowski, National City Bank Tom Grote, Community Volunteer Thomas Griesdorn, WBNS TV & Ohio News Network Gene T. Harris, Ph.D, Columbus Public Schools Patricia R. Hatler, Nationwide Anthony Hebron, Battelle Memorial Institute Rhonda Johnson, Columbus Education Association Marshall Loeb, Glimcher Realty Trust Timothy Miller, Crane Plastics Company Gregory Overmyer, Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Ann Pizzuti, Community Volunteer Martyn R. Redgrave, Limited Brands Jon Ricker, DSW Inc. Nicholas Stanutz, Huntington Bancshares, Inc. Susan Tomasky, American Electric Power Kay Monroe Townsend, UPS Claus P. von Zychlin, Mount Carmel Health System Daniel J. Walsh, Cardinal Health Becky Westerfelt, Huckleberry House Anthony C. White, Thompson Hine, LLP Walter L. Workman, Central Ohio AFL-CIO

Agencies and initiatives United Way of Central Ohio funds programs that work. We are proud to collaborate with these partners to create sustainable change and build a stronger community Initiatives

Columbus AIDS Task Force

Rebuilding Together—Columbus

African American Leadership Academy

Columbus Early Learning Centers

Rosemont Center

After School Counts!

Columbus Literacy Council

St. Stephen’s Community House

CARE Columbus

Columbus Speech & Hearing Center

St. Vincent Family Centers

CPO Community Hub

Columbus Urban League

Earned Income Tax Credit

Columbus Works Inc.

Salesian Boys & Girls Club of Columbus Inc.

Juvenile Justice Planning Initiative

Community Connection for Ohio Offenders Inc.

Neighborhood Partnership Center Project Diversity Rebuilding Lives Start Smart Member Agencies Action for Children Alvis House Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio American Cancer Society American Heart Association American Red Cross of Greater Columbus Arthritis Foundation Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Central Ohio Inc.

Community Mediation Services of Central Ohio

The Salvation Army South Side Learning & Development Center South Side Settlement House

Community Shelter Board

United Cerebral Palsy of Central Ohio

Directions for Youth and Families

Vision & Vocational Services

Epilepsy Foundation of Central Ohio

VOICEcorps Reading Service

FIRSTLINK

YMCA of Central Ohio

Girl Scouts-Seal of Ohio Council Inc.

YWCA Columbus

Gladden Community House Godman Guild Association

Community Partners

Goodwill Columbus

Asian American Community Services

Heritage Day Health Centers

City Year Columbus

House of Hope for Alcoholics Inc.

Communities in Schools Columbus

Huckleberry House Inc.

Community for New Direction

J. Ashburn Jr. Youth Center

Community Refugee & Immigration Services

Boy Scouts of America, Simon Kenton Council

Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus

Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus Inc.

Jewish Family Services

Drug-Free Action Alliance (KNOW!)

The Breathing Association

The Legal Aid Society of Columbus

Education Council Foundation

The Buckeye Ranch

LifeCare Alliance

GroundWork Group

Catholic Social Services

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio

Homes on the Hill CDC

Central Community House

Maryhaven

Senior Independence

Central Ohio Diabetes Association

Mental Health America of Franklin County

Central Ohio Poison Center

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ohio Buckeye Chapter

Village to Child, Ohio Dominican University

Children’s Hunger Alliance CHOICES Clintonville Beechwold Community Resources Center

The Neighborhood House Inc. New Directions Career Center The Prevention Council of Central Ohio

Community Research Partners

We do what works. We do what matters.

360 South Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215-5485 Tel 614.227.2700 Fax 614.224.5835 TTY 614.227.2710 www.uwcentralohio.org