United Way of Cass-Clay 2015 Annual Report to the Community
WHO WE ARE Our Leadership Vision for 2020 and Bold Goals Top 50 Most Generous Workplaces of 2015 Volunteer Leadership Board of Trustees Our Team Corporate Partners & Sponsors Financial Highlights Community Investments
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-13
OUR INVESTMENTS Basic Needs UNITED for Education Investments Childcare Scholarships UNITED for Income Stability Investments Housing Navigation Project United for Health Investments Workforce Development Initiative Community Investment Results and Statistics Imagination Library School Supply Drive Day of Caring 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program
14 16 17 18 19 20 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31
OUR INVESTORS Women’s Leadership Council Tocqueville Society Investors and Volunteers Campaign Volunteer Leadership Corporate Community Events LIVE UNITED Awards Billboard Partnerships LIVE UNITED T-Shirt Day
32-33 34-35 36 38 39 40-41 42-43
I have always believed the United Way is a living, breathing organization filled with the very best of our community’s people–YOU! When we UNITE our resources and efforts to reduce hunger and homelessness, prepare children to succeed, and help people be independent, we are lifting people out of poverty — which is much more than charity. What does it mean when we say that UNITED, we are more than charity? The official definition of CHARITY is: an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need. Yes, because of your generosity, we have raised $5.65 million for our community this year, but with United Way, the gifts you give are amplified when they are invested in a unified and comprehensive investment strategy. United Way’s work has a real and lasting impact on children, individuals, families–and on YOU. The difference we make for people in our community is not only meaningful, but also measureable. When people invest in United Way, they should expect results. Our team and Community Partners are proud to highlight these results and we hope you enjoy the opportunity to see the return on your investment. At the heart of United Way is helping people–it always has been, and always will be. Our vision is to help people one by one, but also to create a social change movement that will help all of us–and our entire community–be more healthy and successful.
Sher Thomsen President United Way of Cass-Clay 4
OUR 5 YEAR VISION:
5 BOLD COMMUNITY
GOALS 1
ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY TO INVEST AND ACHIEVE THE 5 BOLD COMMUNITY GOALS BY 2020
REDUCE HUNGER &
HOMELESSNESS
2 TO SUCCEED
PREPARE CHILDREN
3 HELP PEOPLE
BE INDEPENDENT
4 LIFT PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY
5 RAISE & INVEST $29 MILLION
BY 2020
#MORETHANCHARITYFM 5
TOP 50 MOST GENEROUS WORKPLACES
1 Scheels Corporation
17 North Dakota State University
34 Swanson Health Products
2 Sanford Health
18 Wells Fargo Bank
35 Bank of the West
3 John Deere Electronic Solutions
19 Fargo Public Schools
36 Cargill, Inc.
4 Bell State Bank & Trust
20 Doosan Bobcat Inc.
37 Cardinal IG
5 Eide Bailly LLP
21 Roers
38 Dakota Supply Group
6 Border States Electric
22 Titan Machinery Inc.
39 Essentia Health
7 Microsoft
23 Caterpillar Reman Drivetrain
40 General Equipment & Supplies
8 Butler Machinery Company
24 Dawson Insurance
41 Xcel Energy
9 American Crystal Sugar Company
25 TMI Hospitality, Inc.
42 Vogel Law Firm
10 Blue Cross Blue Shield
26 Concordia
43 Nodak Mutual Insurance Company
27 AgCountry Farm Credit Services
44 UPS
11 U.S. Bank
28 Cornerstone Bank
45 Cass County
12 Hornbacher’s
29 Alerus Financial
46 Trail King Industries, Inc.
13 Discovery Benefits
30 Pepsi Beverages Company
47 United Sugars Corporation
14 The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
31 Case New Holland - Fargo Plant
48 Park Co. Realtors
15 Gate City Bank
32 Warner and Company Insurance
49 Moore Engineering
16 Sammons Financial Group
33 CoreLink Administrative Solutions
50 BlackRidgeBANK
of North Dakota
More than 650 businesses partner with United Way every year. These businesses serve as a role model for corporate social responsibility which in turn creates a culture of caring among their employees. Additionally, they are leading the way by empowering and encouraging their employees to get involved, volunteer and give back to the community we all call home and it’s having a positive impact on the lives of thousands of men, women and children. 6
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP MY UNITED WAY: OUR PHILANTHROPIC BROKER & SOCIAL CHANGE AGENT People often ask me why I invest my time, resources, and energy in United Way. I believe that to create social change in our community, we need the leadership from United Way. We need their ability to research the problems that exist and find the very best solutions, programs, and partners.
Merlyn
My husband and I see United Way as our philanthropic broker-we know that when we invest in United Way it is a smart investment for our family because they are measuring results and holding their community partners accountable for results. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as the volunteer campaign chair and I am so proud of the work we did together to accomplish our goal of raising $5.65 million. But our goal this year wasn’t to raise more money. Our goal was to engage people from our community to invest so that we could achieve our ultimate goal of lifting people out of poverty. To be a part of the LIVE UNITED movement and work alongside outstanding leaders and people who want to help their community has been one of my most meaningful experiences.
Wes Moore
What really energizes me is hearing the stories of the people whose lives are completely different because of people like you that step forward to give. To know that we are part of helping people like Merlyn to be safe and happy in their own home and putting thousands of people in need on the path to success is what inspires me to LIVE UNITED always! Tonya Stende 2015 United Way Campaign Chair Dale Carnegie Training of North Dakota
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Board of trustees
8
Denise Kolpack
Michelle Killoran Scheels TREASURER
Louise Dardis ND Succeed 2020 BOARD CHAIR
Chris Lerum Intelligent InSites CHAIR ELECT
John Biwer Discovery Benefits
Anne Blackhurst Minnesota State University Moorhead
Lisa Borgen American Crystal Sugar
Thomas Budan John Deere Electronic Solutions
Camille Grade Myriad Mobile
Mary Jo Hotzler Forum Communications
Susan Jarvis Sanford Health
Sheriff Paul D. Laney Cass County
Matt Leiseth Hornbacher’s
Rock Messerschmidt Bell State Bank & Trust
Erin Prochnow YWCA of Cass-Clay
Joel Vettel City of Fargo
Blue Cross Blue Shield ND
VICE CHAIR
Tonya Stende Eide Bailly 2015 CAMPAIGN CHAIR
OUR TEAM
Sherri Thomsen President
Travis Christopher Resource Development Director
Sarah Kennedy Brittany Edmondson Accounting & Technology Community Impact Manager Specialist
Summer Hanson Finance & Administration Director
Tiffany McShane Resource Development Project Manager
Kristina Hein Marketing & Brand Management Director
Rachael Lawson Executive Assistant
Thomas Hill Community Impact Director
Kelly Rotar Taya Spelhaug Communications Project Resource Development Manager Manager
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CORPORATE PARTNERS & SPONSORS
PREMIERE SPONSORs—LIVE UNITED PARTNERS
PRESENTING SPONSORS
EXCLUSIVE EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR
CORPORATE & EVENT SPONSORS Bell State Bank & Trust, Catalyst Medical Center, Choice Financial Group, Cornerstone Bank, Doosan Bobcat Inc., Evolution 1, General Equipment & Supplies, McCulley Optix Gallery, Midco, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Network Center, Inc., Park Co. Realtors, Roers, Ulteig, Xcel Energy
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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS COMMUNITY SUPPORT Thanks to our investors, we met the 2015 goal of raising $5.65 million to invest in our community. Our investments continue to be centered on our strategic priority areas of Education, Income Stability, Health and Basic Needs such as food, shelter and safety.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Grants, sponsorships & investment income
CORPORATE GIVING
INDIVIDUAL GIVING
FINANCE COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS
CHAIR: Michelle Killoran, Scheels Dan Armbrust, Dawson Insurance Lisa Borgen, American Crystal Sugar Company Randy Johnson, Wanzek Construction Kevin Jordre, Bremer Bank Amber Merhiy, KPH, Inc. Michelle Schumacher, Microsoft Wendy Simek, O’Day Management Becky Walen, Bell State Bank & Trust
COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS FUND DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT STRATEGY, COMMUNITY PARTNERS & INITIATIVES
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community investments COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS The individuals on the Community Investment Committee provide the volunteer leadership needed to make crucial decisions as to how and where dollars are invested locally, and ensure investments align with our strategic priorities of Education, Income Stability, Health and Basic Needs. Each year, the volunteers on the Community Investment Committee lead a team of Community Investment Review Panel volunteers to carefully review applications and visit the locations of the Community Partners applying for United Way funding to help propose investment decisions to the United Way Board of Trustees. Any United Way investor is invited to volunteer to serve on a review panel and 94 volunteers participated in 2015.
Chris Lerum Intelligent InSites CHAIR
Kim Busch Tom Budan John Deere Electronic TMI Hospitality Solutions
Josh Malnourie Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND
April Olson-Mata Goldmark Property Management
Mike Prekel Holiday Inn
“I am honored to serve as the Community Partner Representative on the United Way Board and to have the opportunity to provide input and unique perspective as a nonprofit director. United Way Community Partners are stronger through a unified comprehensive investment strategy. I am fortunate to see the collective impact we have when we join forces and hope I can be a voice that helps our community understand how we are working together towards common goals championed by United Way of Cass-Clay.“ -Erin Prochnow YWCA Cass Clay Executive Director Community Partner United Way Board Representative 12
Nicole Ellis TMI Hospitality
Eddie Sheeley Choice Financial Group
COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS
WHO WE ARE
United Way of Cass-Clay works at the intersection of the private, public, philanthropic and nonprofit sectors. We are community builders, leaders, unifiers and champions. We are connectors and information resource brokers. We inspire philanthropic investments that are volunteer-driven.
OUR MISSION
United Way connects people to people, needs to resources, and experts to advocates to improve lives and advance the common good throughout Cass and Clay Counties.
OUR VISION
United Way’s investment strategy is about helping one person at a time while focusing on improving systems that help all of us succeed.
Preparing children & youth for success in school & life
Promoting financial stability & independence
Empowering people to lead healthy lives
Providing food, shelter & safety
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BASIC NEEDS INVESTMENTS • FOOD • SAFETY • SHELTER • VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS
basic needs Community Partners
American Red Cross, Dakotas Region Emergency Services Barnesville Area Helpers Block Nurse Program Catholic Charities North Dakota Guardianship Services Churches United for the Homeless Emergency Shelter & Services Community of Care One Stop Service Center Creative Care for Reaching Independence (CCRI, Inc.) Independent by Design FirstLink 2-1-1 Information & Crisis Services FM Coalition for Homeless Persons Coordinated Assessment Referral Evaluation Systems FM Dorothy Day House of Hospitality Emergency Shelter & Services Food Pantry Fraser, Ltd. Stepping Stones Resource Center GFA (Guardian, Fiduciary & Advocacy) Services Guardianship Services HERO, Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization Affordable Healthcare Supplies Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership Rainbow Bridge Safe Exchange & Visitation Center Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota Kids Legal Aid Work 14
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Caregiver Support & Respite Services Guardianship Services Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota Great Plains Food Bank Senior Companion Program Aging Life Care Management New Life Center Emergency Shelter & Services North Dakota Autism Center AuSome Kids After School Program Rape & Abuse Crisis Center Domestic Violence Services Legal Advocacy Sexual Assault Services REACH (Rural Enrichment & Counseling Headquarters) Basic Needs & Crisis Services Red River Children’s Advocacy Center Forensic Interviews Red River Valley Dental Access Project Urgent Walk-In Clinic Red River Human Services Foundation Activity Center Salvation Army Hot Meals Sexual Abuse Treatment Program Sexual Abuse Treatment Program Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Presentation Partners in Housing South Central Adult Services Council Prescription Assistance Program TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics Academy Special Needs Program Vocational Training Center Center Based Employment Youthworks Street Outreach Program YWCA Cass Clay Emergency Shelter & Services
Merlyn
When you invest in United Way, you help change the story so people can be happy, healthy, safe and comfortable in their homes in the communities they love. After losing his wife and now living alone in rural Cass County, a partnership with United Way makes it possible for Merlyn to stay in his home and have the safety, companionship, and quality of life he deserves and needs.
UNITED FOR EDUCATION INVESTMENTS
• EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION • OUT OF SCHOOL TIME PROGRAMs • PARENT/GUARDIAN EDUCATION
We invest in opportunities for children to receive quality early childhood education experiences that ensure they are prepared for kindergarten. We invest in school and after school programs that create safe, engaging places for struggling children to learn. We teach parents the skills they need to help their children and families succeed.
UNITED for Education Community PArtners
Boy Scouts of America, Northern Lights Council Youth Development Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley / Youth Commission Boys & Girls Club Programming/Youth Commission Scholarship Program Catholic Charities North Dakota Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress (SPARCS) CHARISM Build a Neighborhood, Achieve a Dream Children’s Consultation Network Children’s Consultation Network Fargo Adult Learning Center Even Start Family Literacy Program Fargo Cass Public Health Nurse Family Partnership Girl Scouts – Dakota Horizons Girl Scout Leadership Experience Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership Summer School Head Start Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota Child Care Aware Youth Court
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Moorhead Area Public Schools Jump Start North Dakota State University Upward Bound South East Education Cooperative Gearing Up for Kindergarten North Dakota Reading Corps SouthEastern North Dakota Community Action Agency (SENDCAA) SENDCAA Child Care Center Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals Incredible Years TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics Academy Mobile Fitness Labs The Village Family Service Center Big Brothers/Big Sisters Nokomis Child Care Center Truancy Intervention Program YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties YMCA Child Care Scholarships YWCA Cass Clay A Child’s World
CHILDCARE SCHOLARSHIPS
There is a growing body of nationally recognized research pointing to the long term benefits and return on investment from providing high-quality early childhood education to low income children. The benefits not only improve kindergarten readiness levels, but improve third grade reading levels, high school graduation rates and dramatically increase the lifetime earning potential for students who benefit from quality early childhood experiences. United Way is working to remove barriers for low-income families to access quality childcare. The result? More kids are receiving a higher quality of childcare. In turn, they’re better prepared for school and better prepared for life.
1,923
new high quality childcare SPOTS were created FOR LOCAL CHILDREN
3,531
children received HIGH QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION EXPERIENCES
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UNITED FOR INCOME STABILITY INVESTMENTS
INCOME STABILITY
• HOUSING • workforce development • financial services
UNITED FOR Income stability Community PArtners Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity Family Support Services Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership Transitional Housing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA Sites) Rebuilding Together, Inc. Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead SouthEastern North Dakota Community Action Agency Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Youth Individual Development Accounts (IDA) YWCA Cass Clay Permanent Supportive Housing & Transitional Housing
HOUSING 18
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
In 2015, United Way launched a new initiative focusing on affordable and supportive housing with the goal of ensuring individuals and families can access permanent housing more rapidly, and stay stably housed for longer periods of time. We invest in assisting families with attaining or maintaining housing and/or stable living situations through supportive housing services. Financial Services investments provide tax assistance to low income individuals and families and support programs that encourage the creation and funding of savings accounts at banking institutions that aim to build the assets of youth or low income individuals.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
HOUSING NAVIGATION PROJECT housing navigation LEADERSHIP team
5 FACTS TO KNOW
Jan Eliassen, Gladys Ray Shelter & Veterans Drop-in Center Cheri Gerken, Presentation Partners in Housing Neal Hines, New Life Center Gina Kautz, Clay County Housing & Redevelopment Authority Dan Mahli, City of Fargo Colleen Murray, Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. Beth Olson, FM Dorothy Day House of Hospitality Erin Prochnow, YWCA Cass Clay Julie Rivenes, Salvation Army Ebonee Ronningen, Fraser, Ltd. Cody Schuler, CARES Coordinator Kim Seeb, Homeless Health Laureen Seely, ND Coalition for Homeless People, Inc. Ginny Stoe, Churches United for the Homeless
1 2 3 4 5
Between 2000 and 2010, the local rate of homelessness has doubled. Over 800 men, women and children experience homelessness in the FM area each night. Children represent 17% of the homeless population locally. Nearly half of the homeless population is impacted by mental illness and 80% have a serious disability or health condition. Housing navigator professionals made available through this new initiative will focus on vulnerability assessments instead of a “first come, first served� approach.
As the issue of homelessness continues to grow, United Way knows that innovative solutions are needed to help local people in need be housed more rapidly, and for longer periods of time. With the help and expertise of an experienced leadership team, United Way co-designed and launched this new project focused on collaboration and stopping the cycle of homelessness. The United Way Housing Navigation Project is a community based solution-focused strategy that assists individuals with complex and frequently occurring issues that prevent them with accessing and maintaining stable housing. The goal of this new investment is to create a new culture of service delivery and enhance collaboration and partnerships among homeless service providers. With this new approach, our partners will create a link between existing resources and case management, thus closing gaps and removing barriers in order to achieve housing stability for our most vulnerable homeless population-men, women and children who are chronically homeless. United Way is proud to partner with Presentation Partners in Housing to implement this innovative strategy and we look forward to sharing the impact this new work will have on local people experiencing homelessness. 19
UNITED FOR HEALTH INVESTMENTS
• counseling • behavioral health
UNITED FOR Health Community PArtners The Village Family Service Center Counseling Services Youthworks Brief Family Counseling Program
workforce development Six-months of research, surveys, focus groups and in-person interviews by TIP Strategies, a consulting firm based in Austin, Texas, have culminated in a 100-page report that details the environment surrounding regional workforce and the challenges and opportunities we face recruiting, retaining and developing our workforce. Employers across the region are already having difficulty securing the talent they need. Some of this difficulty is consistent with challenges employers across the US are facing – the mismatch between the skills that available workers have and the skills employers need. This is known as the skills gap. In the Fargo Moorhead region the workforce challenges are further complicated by the low unemployment rate and the high labor force participation rate. There are not enough workers in the region to fill these job openings. That’s why United Way has partnered with four other organizations to assess and develop a workforce study to assess the current state of workforce development, training, recruitment, and attainment in our region.
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
IDENTIFIED STRATEGIES cultivate
Build innovate
collaborating partners
5 FACTS TO KNOW
Attract
1 2 3 4 5
The goal is to address a growing workforce gap between available positions and qualified workers to enhance the region’s economic development competitiveness. The 5 organizations will drive the implementation of the 4 strategies and evaluate progress toward strengthening our workforce system. The Greater Fargo Moorhead region currently has more than 6,700 job openings and research suggests it is expected to grow to 30,000 in the next five years. United Way will focus on increasing affordable housing and childcare for low-income working families. Efforts to improve workforce development align with United Way’s goals to reduce hunger and homelessness, help people be independent, and lift people out of poverty.
United Way President Sher Thomsen joined Craig Whitney, President/CEO of The Chamber; Jim Gartin, President of the FM Economic Development Corporation; Charley Johnson, President/CEO of the FM Convention & Visitors Bureau; and Tim Beaton Executive Director of the FM Area Foundation to announce collaborative efforts to research local needs and strategically improve workforce development. 21
CREATE
a pathway for upward mobility
INCOME STABILITY
Empower
people to lead healthy lives
HEALTH
Provide
safety, food and shelter
BASIC NEEDS 22
Quality child care Early intervention screenings for children Quality out of school time programming Number of students paired with mentors Quality parent education efforts
• • • •
Investments in housing first efforts Support to individuals seeking housing Efforts to prevent homelessness Attainable housing
• • • •
Access to counseling Access to behavioral health services Assistance to senior citizens living at home Quality of life for senior citizens & vulnerable individuals
• • • •
Access to food for people who are hungry Shelter for people who are homeless Interventions that decrease homelessnesss Services for victims of violence & abuse
INCREASE
EDUCATION
• • • • •
INCREASE
children for success in school and life
INCREASE
Prepare
INCREASE
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT STRATEGY
COMMUNITY NEEDS & INVESTMENT RESULTS Children receiving scholarships for quality child care improved ON academic skills
2X
THE RATE OF other children
A STUDENT WHO DOES NOT GRADUATE IS
1,923
AND In just
The number of children that exceeded growth expectations
doubled
90%
2X MORE likely to live in poverty throughout their adulthood
NEW HIGH QUALITY CHILD CARE FOR LOCAL SPOTS were CHILDREN & created FAMILIES
9 MONTHS
63X more likely to be incarcerated
of a child’s brain is developed before their
5TH birthday for children & families
3,641
shower & laundry services WERE PROVIDED to
OF THE HOMELESS IN FARGO MOORHEAD ADULTS 81%
530 people WHICH IS crucial to empower THEM To attain & maintain employment
NEARLY
& SAFETY AT
LOCAL DROP-IN CENTERS
stable housing rent & utility
assistance
of THE HOMELESS POPULATION is IMPACTED BY MENTAL ILLNESS and
PEOPLE IN CASS
& CLAY COUNTIES LIVE IN POVERTY WHICH COULD FILL
SCHEELS ARENA
4.5 times
One half
80%
40%
HAD ACCESS TO FOOD & SHELTER
Poverty is defined aSs a family of FOUR living on less than $24,250/year
maintained
HAVE COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL
1/3 are EMPLOYED
there was a reduction in local parents leaving work because of their child’s behavior
youth
families
because of
a child’s well-being often impacts a parent’s job performance but After receiving local services
1,600+ at-risk
27,000
530
IN FARGO MOORHEAD
HAVE A serious
disability
THIS SUMMER
298
children per week
were given backpacks of food
TO PREVENT HUNGER
when SCHOOL LUNCHes were not AVAILABLE
57% of households
One half
accessing food banks IN nd report having to choose between food & medical care
1,446
children AT
25
different local schools
received backpacks OF FOOD on fridays TO PREVENT HUNGER
of all chronic mental illness begins by the age of
14
Children represent
17%
of the local homeless
800+
MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN in the FM area
are homeless
each night
population
OVER THE WEEKENDs
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IMAGINATION LIBRARY
United Way partners with the Dolly Parton Foundation to provide children ages birth through five with a free book in the mail each month and spark a love for reading. Our partnership provides children in Cass and Clay counties the possibility to build a home library of 60 books before they enter kindergarten! As parents are a child’s first teacher, Imagination Library gives them a fun and easy way to get involved with their child’s early education. Studies show that 97% of parents surveyed reported that the program has encouraged them to read more to and with their children. United Way of Cass-Clay was the first to partner with Imagination Library in North Dakota and has since given out over ONE MILLION books to children in Cass and Clay Counties. Since 2003, it has grown to 55 affiliates in North Dakota and 38 in Minnesota.
9,175 108,347 12 CHILDREN
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BOOKS
YEARS
EACH MONTH, AN AVERAGE OF 9,175 CHILDREN receive a book in the mail thanks to united way
THANKS TO YOU
5,260 CHILDREN IN NEED
WERE EQUIPPED WITH BACKPACKS
FULL OF
SUPPLIES
TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR
2015 School Supply Drive Recipient
SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE Our School Supply Drive provides students in need with a new backpack and grade-appropriate school supplies so they can start school in the fall confident, ready to learn and prepared to succeed. In 2015, we partnered with hundreds of businesses and individuals and engaged more than 500 volunteers to pack and distribute backpacks filled with thousands of school supplies that were given to children in 66 local schools. This is one of our most popular events and volunteers look forward to it every year.
Volunteer Team
For the third year, children from a local day care had a lemonade stand and used the proceeds to buy new school supplies.
BACKPACKS DISTRIBUTED BY GRADE 1,409 1,124 1,551 1,176
Grades K-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12
VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE
Chair: Pat Kotta, Gate City Bank Penny Crowder, Dawson Insurance Barb Grabar, Fraser, Ltd. Marti Jensen, General Equipment & Supplies Brook Spaulding, Park Christian School Kevin Spaulding, Summit Group Software Brad Storm, West Fargo Public Schools
5,260 STUDENTS EQUIPPED
66
LOCAL SCHOOLS
14 DAYS
500
VOLUNTEERS
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DAY OF CARING The 24th Annual Day of Caring was another fantastic turnout of volunteers and seniors. 1,690 individuals volunteered their time to assist 465 senior citizens in their homes. Local seniors requested help with basic housework, from prepping for winter by raking and mowing to dusting inside. They enjoyed an afternoon of companionship as well as help from the caring United Way volunteers.
1,690
VOLUNTEERS
28
465
LOCAL SENIORS
24
YEARS
MORTENSON CONSTRUCTION DAY OF CARING VOLUNTEER TEAM
1,690 VOLUNTEERS
PROVIDED COMPANIONSHIP
AND SUPPORT
465 SENIORS
HELPED
35 UNDER 35 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 2015 PARTICIPANTS
MISSION: Mobilize the caring power of women, energize and inspire women to make a difference and deepen leadership opportunities in the Cass-Clay community for young women. Since 2009, 245 women have participated in the program. The women meet monthly to focus on issues pertinent to young leaders such as goal-setting, communication, personal growth, board leadership, public speaking, conflict management, and other leadership topics. Participants in the program represent various industries throughout our community. Each year, volunteers aspire to select a group of dynamic and diverse women to experience the leadership program. 30
Tiffany Anderson, Goldmark Property Management Katie Aukland, Sanford Health Laura Boulger, Gate City Bank Olya Brase, Titan Machinery Amanda Carlson, State Farm Insurance - Jay Bartley Agency Amber DeKrey, Doosan Bobcat Inc. Bethany Gartin, YWCA Cass Clay Ashley Gerner, Edward Jones Jenna Gilbertson, McCulley Optix Gallery Katie Gross Andrea Hagen, RDO Truck Centers Heather Heick, Bell State Bank & Trust Carisa Hendrickson, Concordia College Anne Kallhoff, Keller Williams Roers Realty Darcy Kasprowicz, North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. Katherine Kiernan, Kiernan DeJean Property Associates at Element Realty, Inc. Heidi Knutson, Western State Bank Kelly Krenzel, Hospice of the Red River Valley Amanda Maslowski, Volt Workforce Solutions Angela Mathers, Minnesota State Community and Technical College Chelsea Monda, Sundog Jenny Olson, Microsoft Rammie Olson, Bank of the West Stephanie Pearson, John Deere Electronic Solutions Amber Petersen, Noridian Healthcare Solutions Briana Scearcy, Eide Bailly LLP Christy Schauer, Love Always Floral Ann Schneider, TMI Hospitality Amber Schoenborn, Northern Improvement Company Sarah Swanholm, Bagan Strinden Vision Tawnya Taylor, Great Plains Food Bank Kayla Terry, Wells Fargo Sara Van de Streek, NDSU Career Center Amanda Volmer, Homeward Animal Shelter Mary Zoss, Microsoft
35 UNDER 35 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
SHARE A STORY FAMILY LITERACY EVENT
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP Courtney Barstad, MODE Kimberly Busch, TMI Hospitality Inc. Jennifer Dietz, U.S. Bank Kristi Engelstad, F-M Ambulance Service Katie Froeber, Dynamic Communities Inc. Bobbiann Froemke, Sundog Mary Jo Hotzler, Forum Communications Co. Katie Hutton, Eide Bailly LLP Nikki Kressin, First International Bank & Trust Beth Nelson, Prairie Heights Community Church Tiffany Reese, Integrity Steel Supply Jessica Staehr, Doosan Bobcat Inc. Tonya Stende, Dale Carnegie Business Group Carrie Snyder, Eide Bailly LLP Danielle Teigen, Forum Communications Co.
United Way partners with the Fargo Park District and Prairie Public Broadcasting to host the annual Share A Story Family Literacy Event. This year, children and families enjoyed a day of storytelling, activities focused on literacy, and the opportunity to meet PBS Kids character Buddy the Dinosaur. Participants in the the 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program lead the volunteer efforts for the event and this year provided 62 volunteers to help children pick out books to promote literacy, tell stories, paint faces, and prepare food to ensure a fun day.
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women’s leadership council MAY DAY BASKETS OF BOOKS On May 1, Women’s Leadership Council members brought baskets of books to celebrate our partnership with the Imagination Library program. They visited local childcare centers, gave books to each child and spent time reading their favorite books to the children.
MISSION: Create a powerful network of women who strengthen our community through investments of: • Leadership • Fundraising • Community Service Women who give an annual gift of $600 or more or a combined gift of $1,200 with a spouse or partner are members of Women’s Leadership.
2015 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
CHAIR: Susan Jarvis, Sanford Health Tamara Anderson, Dale Carnegie Business Group Lisa Artz, Choice Financial Group Jakelle Cornell, ELCA Eastern ND Synod Amber Ferrie, Eide Bailly LLP Shara Fischer Bobbiann Froemke, Sundog Jodi Heilman, Bell State Bank & Trust Jenna Johnson, Family Wellness Kara Kalbus, Evolution1 Dawn Lahlum, Park Co. Realtors Dr. Melissa McCulley, McCulley Optix Gallery Danielle Paulus, Roers Sherri Schmidt, Scheels Jill Staffne, Scheels Dr. Stephanie Roers, Summit Chiropractic 32
women’s leadership council WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP GOLF SCRAMBLE Each summer, women gather for a friendly round of golf to benefit United Way’s work in early childhood education. This year included a costume contest and hundreds of donated supplies for the School Supply Drive to help students in need.
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GOLFERS
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON The Women’s Leadership Luncheon features an impactful keynote speaker, a silent auction of beautiful items, and the opportunity for women to unite to support local children. Keynote speaker Kelly Corrigan, an inspirational speaker and best-selling author, shared her experiences, knowledge and sense of humor with the 750 women in the audience.
750
ATTENDEES
“The formula for happiness is to make yourself useful, doing something hard with good people. The number one source of happiness is meaningful connection to others. In other words, LIVE UNITED.” -Kelly Corrigan, 2015 Keynote Speaker 33
Erik and Emily Hatch Family Tocqueville Investors Photo by Karianna Photography
tocqueville society Investors and volunteers “Our family chooses to invest with the United Way because it’s just that - an investment. We are deeply passionate about young people and align naturally with the United Way’s mission. With the right leadership, the right support, and the right community, United Way can and will change the world, one kid at a time. And that not only changes the life of that child, but it changes the world for our children, too! We’re all connected, and United Way works hard to remind us of that!“ Erik and Emily Hatch United Way Tocqueville Investors
United Way recognizes our Tocqueville Society Members for their vision to build a brighter and stronger future for our community. Their leadership creates measurable change in Cass & Clay Counties by helping children achieve success in school and in life, putting families on the path to financial stability and improving the health of all. Our generous and distinguished members reflect extraordinary concern, foresight and dedication to creating opportunities for a better local Cass-Clay community through an annual contribution of $10,000 or more to United Way. Each year, United Way invites current and potential Tocqueville members to a fall event to network, socialize, and learn more about how their gifts to United Way make a significant impact on the lives of people that live and work in our community. United Way of Cass-Clay’s Tocqueville Society has had an active local membership for over 10 years.
VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE
CHAIR: Tammy Miller, Border States Electric Erica Chaffee, Petro Serve USA Patrick Chaffee, Bell State Bank & Trust Thomas Dawson, Dawson Insurance Brian Hayer, Warner and Company Michelle Killoran, Scheels Nick Killoran, Great North Insurance Company
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campaign VOLUNTEER leadership
2015 CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP 2015 CHAIR: Tonya Stende, Dale Carnegie Business Group 2016 CHAIR: Mark Nisbet, Xcel Energy 2017 CHAIR: Paul Richard, Sanford Health
2015 Campaign Cabinet VOLUNTEERS Dave Anderson, Sanford Health Katie Aukland, Sanford Health Aaron Becher, The Forum of FargoMoorhead Mary Bommersbach, Sammons Financial Group Eric Braun, Bell State Bank & Trust Kriss Burns, Volt Workforce Solutions Susie Carlson, Eide Bailly LLP Erica Chaffee, Petro Serve USA Melissa Clancy, TMI Hospitality, Inc. Kristin Dehmer, Moorhead Area Public Schools Rich Duysen, City of Moorhead Valerie Fiske-Blasczyk, Park Co. Realtors Marsha Frericks, Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons Natalie Ganske, Wells Fargo Kristin Gille, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Christie Gleason, YMCA of Cass-Clay Counties Tom Gohdes, Tecton Products LLC 36
Ashley Hahn, Intelligent InSites Kayce Halley, Eide Bailly LLP Bruce Harner, Cummins NPower Kyle Haugland, BlackRidgeBANK Matt Heinzen, American Federal Bank Marie Hestdalen, Pepsi Beverages Company Dale Hetland, Starion Financial Caileen Heuertz, Alerus Financial Charley Johnson, FM Convention & Visitors Bureau Kevin Jordre, Bremer Bank Kurtis Karn, Discovery Benefits Shelly Kegley, Bell State Bank & Trust Heather Konschak, West Fargo Public Schools Calie Larkin, Bell State Bank & Trust Matt Marshall, City of West Fargo Joe Martin, Caterpillar Reman Drive Train Tracy Meckler, FMWF Chamber John Nelson, Fargo Public Schools Rob Neuteboom, Rasmussen College Patrick Novak, Border States Electric
Jeremy Ostrowski, StrataCom Danielle Paulus, Roers Jamey Pesek, Principal Financial Group Jason Pratt, Wells Fargo Jim Schaefbauer, Capital Credit Union Eddie Scheely, Choice Financial Group Angie Scoville, Western State Bank Joanna Slominski, Mortenson Construction Jeni Strand, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Paul Tebben, U.S. Bank - Service Center Mona Tedford, Bremer Bank Dale Terry, Wells Fargo Jeff Thomas, Cornerstone Bank David Wahlberg, Minnesota State University Moorhead Karl Warner, New York Life Gary Weinberger, John Deere Electronic Solutions Emmett Worth, Gate City Bank Mary Zoss, Microsoft
Thanks to United Way, lindsay and patrick were able to keep their son in daycare while lindsay worked and patrick was sick in the hospital. A partnership with United Way makes it possible for Connor to stay in his daycare thanks to childcare scholarships offered to those in need.
Lindsay, Connor & Patrick
Corporate community events HORNBACHER’S GOBBLE IT UP FOR UNITED WAY $5 LUNCH Each summer, Hornbacher’s partners with United Way to serve a delicious $5 lunch. This year marked the 8th annual event which raised over $27,000 for United Way! Nearly 100 volunteers at seven Hornbacher’s locations served lunches and encouraged people to support our community!
8TH YEAR
ROERS CHILI FEED FOR UNITED WAY The Annual Roers Chili Feed is quickly becoming one of the best lunches to be at in town, and all proceeds go to United Way. Over 50 chili recipes were served to a packed house including all of the fixings, corn bread and dessert. This year over $35,000 was raised at the 3rd Annual Event.
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CHILI RECIPES
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LIVE UNITED AWARDS 2015 LIVE UNITED LEADER OF THE YEAR Concorde General Agency, Inc. As the top award given by United Way, this recognizes an organization with outstanding commitment to United Way and an excellent workplace campaign. The recipient of this award is an exclusive leader that engages their employees to invest to make our community a great place to live, work and succeed.
2015 OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT Sundog - Dani Krolek, Chelsea Monda, Bobbian Froemke & Team Wanzek Construction Inc. - Amanda Begin, Melissa Hanson, Karmen Giesen & Team Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota - Stacy Devig, Jessica Cruz, Sadie Reiniger & Team 2015 outstanding campaign cabinet volunteer Charley Johnson - FM Convention and Visitors Bureau 2015 LEADERS IN GIVING CAMPAIGN Largest percent increase in donors investing $600 or more Wanzek Construction 2015 MOST CREATIVE CAMPAIGN TMI Hospitality - Sue Kugler, Kimberly Busch, Nicole Ellis & Team 2015 YOUTH LIVING UNITED AWARD Maria Slette, School Supply Drive Volunteer 2015 LIVE UNITED CATALYST Chelsea Monda, Sundog and Carrie Carney, Eventide Senior Living Communities
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Billboard partnerships
United Way of Cass-Clay offers a unique corporate sponsorship opportunity to participate in a co-branding experience. In 2015, 21 billboards featured local businesses with their employees, volunteers, families and products demonstrating how they LIVE UNITED.
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Billboard Partnerships
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It’s more than a shirt – it is making a commitment to partner with United Way to help those in need and bring about social change in our community. More than 1,600 LIVE UNITED shirts were sold and over 80 businesses and organizations joined in our 4th Annual LIVE UNITED T-Shirt Day. Thank you for participating! You don’t just wear the shirt, you live it!
UnitedWayCassClay.org unitedway@unitedwaycassclay.org
219 7th Street South Fargo, ND 58103