LIVING UNITED A UNITED WAY OF GREATER UNION COUNTY PUBLICATION
UNITED WAY OF GREATER UNION COUNTY’S 2012-2013 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY
THANK-YOU! FOR HELPING US MAKE STRONGER FAMILIES AND STRONGER COMMUNITIES.
A MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY Dear Friends, Meeting unexpected challenges. These are the words that would best describe this past year and we can honestly report we were challenged and tested in so many ways. In true United Way fashion, we worked together for the common good as we met so many unexpected challenges, with the resolve and support of our partners and friends. Our focus on strengthening families did not waver. The infamous Hurricane Sandy took its toll on so many families and communities, to this day, we continue to spearhead efforts to support those still struggling to gain a sense of normalcy in their lives. Our efforts were very successful as many of our partners and philanthropists believed we were the organization best suited to meet this challenge. We raised over $377,000 through the Hurricane Sandy Community Relief Fund Campaign and were able to assist families who were not normally part of our strengthening initiatives. We also collaborated with several community partners and helped to establish the Union County Long-Term Recovery Fund to assist residents who continue to struggle as a direct result of the hurricane.
Walter “Woody” Erhardt Chair, Board of Trustees United Way of Greater Union County
Understanding our challenges. This year we debuted the findings of our long-awaited community needs assessment. The assessment underscores our most critical challenges and clearly identifies 10 “communities of concern” where we must target our work and continue to practice our motto of Stronger Families = Stronger Communities. Strengthening families. Together, we provided families and individuals the tools they needed to reach stability in their lives. Our Family Success Centers, as well as our strategic partners, remain a tremendous asset in working with over 800 families this past year. Our family strengthening initiatives include the work of 55 community partners who provided comprehensive services to over 15,000 individuals. The economic downturn clearly eroded the building blocks of strong families. Mounting home foreclosures and evictions ripple throughout our County. Consequently, when families weaken our community weakens. This past year, we assisted at-risk families by providing over $200,000 in emergency response funds to a select group of community partners in the following communities (Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Rahway, Plainfield, Summit, New Providence and Union). Emergency Response funds are cash disbursements made to families with children facing an emergency, related to housing, utilities, childcare, food and other crisis situations. In the short term, we stabilized families by finding ways for them to stay in their homes, afford utilities or make sure they had enough food. In the long term, we worked with policy makers and advocated for more affordable housing options and good paying jobs. Our family strengthening initiatives remain focused on the three key areas of education, income and health. By focusing our resources and initiatives on these areas, we can identify the best ways to meet the needs of our communities. For example, this past year we worked with the Nurse Family Partnership program and helped lowincome, first-time mothers access prenatal care and learn how to care for their newborns. We empowered young girls, through the “Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow” initiative, to become leaders among their peers and in their communities. Additionally, we’ve helped a child return to school after brain surgery, we’ve helped formerly incarcerated fathers gain employment and support their children, and we’ve helped parents find and keep their jobs while providing child care for their children. These are just a few of the many examples of the work we’ve done.
James W. Horne, Jr. President / CEO United Way of Greater Union County
Working Together for the Common Good. We remain highly confident that our work and initiatives ensure the success of families. The strategies we use to meet those challenges work well for our communities. Armed with extensive data and lessons learned, we understand what it takes to strengthen families and what approaches we must apply to best meet the needs of each community and its residents. In the coming year we will begin educating our stakeholders and convening those who must participate in solving issues within our communities. As a direct result of the Community Needs Assessment study and panel discussion, we will conduct “Community Conversations” with key stakeholders such as policy makers, government officials, funders, residents, business owners and family advocates. We have accomplished much but still have much to do. We would especially like to thank our investors, partners, board members, and our dedicated team, who have placed their belief in the work we do and have helped us continue to strengthen families. We hope this report serves as confirmation to our supporters that your investment in us yielded positive social returns. We thank you all for your continued support in our journey.
Walter “Woody” Erhardt
James W. Horne, Jr.
Chair, Board of Trustees United Way of Greater Union County
President & CEO United Way of Greater Union County
LIVING UNITED 2012-2013 LEADERSHIP & STAFF BOARD OFFICERS BOARD MEMBERS CHAIR Walter“Woody”Erhardt VICE CHAIR Eileen Leahey PSE&G TREASURER Alison G. Yablonowitz Ernst & Young-LLP SECRETARY Ann-Marie Kay Kean University
Christopher D. Armstrong, Esq. Martha Bahamon Foundation of UMDNJ Chair, Hispanic Leadership Advisory Council
Clarence W. Bauknight III, Esq. Wendy Burney The Burney Group, Inc. James Carson Chair-Elect, Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights Community Council Paul Dango IBM Jerry DeNigris Riverside Financial Group Dr. Barbara Gaba Union County College William L. Donovan, Jr. Retired, Infineum USA L.P. Joan M. Evans Infineum USA L.P. Frank Guzzo Union County Department of Human Services
STAFF James W. Horne, Jr. President & CEO Debbie-Ann Anderson Senior Vice President & COO Dennis Dias New Business Development Consultant Rochelle Green Vice President, Finance & Administration Srabanti Sarkar Vice President, Community Building Tara Hilliard Creative Services Manager Nelly Huilcarema Operations Coordinator
Robert Hopkins Qualcare Inc. Susan B. Levy Larry J. Lockhart LJL Financial Martin Melilli TD Bank James L. Meyer Retired, Merck & Co. Patrick Murphy
Linde North America Inc.
Patricia Perkins-Auguste Elizabeth City Council Kevin N. Phoenix
C.R. Bard, Inc.
Thomas Ponosuk The Ponosuk Group
Dawn Jeglinski Finance & Administration Manager
Beatrice Romao TD Bank
Tenisha Malcolm Marketing & Communications Manager
Kimberly Smith Comcast
Valerie Mohyla Executive Assistant Cristina Pinzon Corporate Relations Manager Peter Scalici Corporate Relations Manager Jeff Scheckner Community Engagement Manager
Joseph Steiner Suburban Chamber of Commerce Bibi Taylor Dept. of Finance, County of Union Stephen Theriot Deloitte & Touche Timothy Williams AGL Resources / Elizabethtown Gas
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LEADERS-ON-LOAN Ferya Akdemir • Kenneth Arana • Neda Bavrlic • Christopher Giotis • Robyn Kohn Elana Melli • Brian Williams
•
CRANFORD COMMUNITY COUNCIL Stephanie Brant • Ann Darby • Jerry DeNigris • Nelson Dittmar • Brian Egenton • Robert Hopkins • John Malar • Robert McArthur • Harold Roy • David Springer • Diane Wurzburger
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LIVING UNITED TABLE OF CONTENTS
OUR FOCUS
P. 4
SUPPORTING THE JOURNEY FROM BIRTH TO ADULTHOOD CONTINUUM
P. 5
FAMILY STRENGTHENING NETWORK
P. 6-9
Family Strengthening Partners and services Family Strengthening Network Success Stories
FINANCIALS
P. 6-7 P. 8-9
P. 10
HOW YOU CAN LIVE UNITED GIVE
P. 11 P. 12-17
Campaign Top 20 Organizations Business Supporters United Way Leadership Giving Society Super Storm Sandy Stuff The Bus school supply drive Scholastic Book Donation
P. 12 P. 13 P. 13 P. 14-15 P. 16 P. 17 P. 17
ADVOCATE
P. 18-20
United Way Community Needs Assessment Release Haiti Lives On Initiative Learning Mi Way
P. 18-19 P. 20 P. 20
VOLUNTEER
P. 21
Junior Ambassador Program Youth For United Way
P. 21 P. 21
SPECIAL EVENTS
P.22-25
Celebration of Womanhood Conference P. 22-23 Celebration Gala - Honoring those who LIVE UNITED! P. 24 Golf Classic P. 25
NEXT STEPS- Meeting the challenge for 2013-14
P. 26 3
OUR FOCUS: FAMILY STRENGTHENING
United Way of Greater Union County’s goal is to improve lives and change conditions in our community by strengthening families; strong families are the foundation of a strong community.
“Family Strengthening” ensures that everyone in Greater Union County has the necessary opportunities, relationships and networks to support the success of their family. We focus on Family Strengthening by advancing Education, Income and Health throughout one’s journey from Birth to Adulthood.
EDUCATION
INCOME
HEALTH
Education is the foundation of a good life, setting an individual on a path of personal fulfillment and economic security.
Adequate income to pay for today’s necessities and save for the future, provides a family with financial stability and independence.
Good health improves a child’s opportunity to learn, increases an adult’s productivity at work and enhances the quality of life.
FACT: It is estimated that, in Union County, two adults with a preschool child needs to make over $55,000 to be considered self-sufficient. If they have two preschool children, they need to make over $69,000.²
FACT: It is estimated that 22.4% of Union County’s population is either uninsured or underinsured.³
FACT: 32% of the children in Union County, ages 3-5, are not enrolled in nursery school, preschool or kindergarten.¹ United Way of Greater Union County’s efforts in education focus on children from birth to age 18. UWGUC works to ensure that children in our community begin school, ready to learn. We support efforts to help students experience academic success so they can graduate from high school on time and continue to succeed as young adults.
1) Association for Children of New Jersey, Kids Count 2010, http://www.acnj.org
United Way of Greater Union County’s funded programs help people build the job skills and knowledge necessary for them to attain financial independence and stability. We are committed to helping close the economic gap by creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to find safe and affordable housing; the skills and training needed to succeed in a decent paying job; and the means to be self-sufficient. 2) Legal Services of New Jersey, The Real Cost of Living in 2008, http://www.lsnj.org
United Way of Greater Union County’s funded programs provides training to first time mothers teaching them parenting skills, the importance of pre-natal check-ups as well as providing mentorship to help raise a healthy child. United Way invests in programs that provide some of our most vulnerable residents with the support they need to achieve or maintain good health.
3) NJ-CCP County Report Summary of Union County, http://www.uniontownship.com/web/UnionReport.pdf
OUR MISSION The mission of United Way of Greater Union County is to ensure the health and human service needs of the community are identified and addressed in ways that create a better quality of life for the residents of Greater Union County.
COMMUNITIES WE SERVE Berkeley Heights • Clark • Cranford • Elizabeth • Fanwood • Garwood • Hillside • Kenilworth • Linden • Mountainside • New Providence • North Plainfield •
Plainfield • Rahway • Roselle • Roselle Park • Scotch Plains • Springfield • South Plainfield • Summit • Union • Westfield • Winfield Park •
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SUPPORTING THE JOURNEY FROM BIRTH TO ADULTHOOD All children need Family, Community Connection, Resources and Support across life domains to succeed.
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UNION COUNTY
FAMILY STRENGTHENING NET WORK
The Union County Family Strengthening Network (UCFSN) is a unique public– private partnership between United Way of Greater Union County, businesses, government, schools, faithbased and non-profit organizations, and foundations. The Union County Family Strengthening Network (UCFSN) partners work to break down barriers for families, and create opportunities to ensure that every child succeeds every step of the way from birth to adulthood.
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ANCHOR PARTNERS An anchor partner has deep roots in its community. An anchor partner is a multi-service organization providing critical services associated with supporting families and children along the continuum of care from birth to adulthood. Jefferson Park Ministries (Elizabeth) Communities in Cooperation (Linden, Rahway) Prevention Links (Roselle) Proceed, Inc. (Elizabeth, Union) Elizabeth Presbyterian Center (Elizabeth) Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless (Elizabeth) Homefirst (Plainfield) Plainfield Board of Education-Family Success Center (Plainfield) The Connection for Women and Families (Summit) Urban League of Union County (Elizabeth) YMCA-EUC (Hillside) The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ
COMMUNITY RESOURCE PARTNERS United Way of Greater Union County partners with non-profits and government agencies throughout the county to help deliver the human services our community needs. Over 55 organizations have joined our Community Resource Network, each filling a vital role connecting individuals and families of Union County, North Plainfield and South Plainfield to the support they need. Community Resource Network members work to support families and individuals by building a continuum of care – providing critical services ranging from pre-natal health classes to strengthening the life skills of the families in our community. The Network helps the people in our community build a stronger support system, assists them through crises and works with them to create long-term stability and self-sufficiency for their families. •
• Good
• Atlantic
• Groundwork
ARC of Union County Health/Overlook Hospital Family Service • Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County • Brand New Day • Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services • CASA of Union County • Catholic Charities • Central Jersey Legal Services • Community Access Unlimited • Community Service Association of New Providence • Contact We Care • Cranford Family Care Association • Department of Children and Families: Division of Child Protection and Permanency-Union County Office • Families and Communities Together • Family Promise • Family Support Organization of Union County
Grief, Inc Elizabeth • Holy Redeemer Home Care • Jewish Community Center of Central NJ • Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey • King's Daughter Day School • Lifetime Support, Inc, • Literacy Volunteers of Union County • Neighborhood Health Services Corp. • Neighborhood House Association • New Jersey Parents Caucus • Occupational Center of Union County • Plainfield Area YMCA–Plainfield • Planned Parenthood of Greater Northern NJ • Rahway Community Action Organization • Rahway Day Care Center • Resolve Community Counseling Center • Resolve Ministries, Inc.
MEDICAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES
• Roselle
Collaborative for Youth and Families • Roselle Day Care Center • Sage Eldercare, Inc. • Salvation Army • Second Street Youth Center • UC Div. of Social Services • Union County College • Union County Department of Human Services • United Family and Children’s Society • UPC Behavioral Healthcare • Westfield Area Y • YM & YWHA of Union County • YMCA Central Jersey • Youth and Family Counseling Services • YWCA of Central Jersey • YWCA of Eastern Union County
SHELTER / HOUSING PRE & POST NATAL CARE SERVICES
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES COUNSELING SERVICES
CLOTHING ASSISTANCE
EMERGENCY FOOD / CLOTHING / SHELTER ASSISTANCE
LEGAL SERVICES
FAMILY STRENGTHENING NETWORK PROVIDED SERVICES
FAMILY ENRICHMENT SERVICES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
HEALTH / WELLNESS SERVICES PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
ENERGY ASSISTANCE ESL CLASSES
EARLY CHILDHOOD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE
CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE GRIEF COUNSELING
COMPUTER CLASSES PARENTING SERVICES
FOOD ASSISTANCE 7
UNION COUNTY
FAMILY STRENGTHENING
NET WORK SUCCESS STORIES
Overlook Hospital’s Project Independence Established to help families in New Jersey work through outpatient therapy and mental health issues, Family Service at Overlook Hospital and Project Independence serves over 1,041 people annually. There are many stories of patients overcoming serious disease and physical trauma to achieve triumph and success in reintegrating into their lives. Ten-year-old Luis, diagnosed with fluid on the brain, had to undergo surgery. He struggled through several months of intense therapy and a very difficult recovery. Overlook Hospital connected his mother, Margaret, with a caseworker through its Project Independence, and helped her make the decision to home-school Luis until he was well enough to re-enter school. Margaret received counseling and training on how to care for her son’s medical needs at home. Both Luis and his mother are now doing well and Luis has since returned to elementary school.
The Connection for Women and Families Last year, a family of three moved from Costa Rica to Summit, NJ and enrolled their son, Jacob, into a Summit Elementary School. Jacob began the first grade and received special services for his learning disabilities. However, within months, Jacob’s mother suddenly left and went back to Costa Rica leaving Jacob and his father. Unfortunately, Jacob began exhibiting difficulties and emotional stress due to the sudden departure of his mother. Problems were exacerbated by lack of after-school care and lack of access to homework assistance, causing Jacob to have difficulties with his schoolwork. The Connection immediately provided Jacob with a scholarship to its after-school enrichment program conveniently located at Jacob’s school, which he now attends five days a week. The sudden absence of Jacob’s mother took a toll on him emotionally, but a Connection staff member, who is also a certified teacher, took special interest in Jacob and worked with him closely, to adjust to the changes. The teacher helped Jacob with his homework and encouraged him to become more involved with his peers and make new friends. As a result, Jacob has adjusted quite well, loves the after-school program, and is excelling in school. Gratefully, his father was able to retain his job and continue supporting them both. The Connection for Women and Families provides after-school enrichment and homework assistance for over 135 children, of working parents, from four Summit schools. They provide a variety of programs for over 5,000 women, men, and children. The Connection has a variety of programs including aquatics, comprehensive fitness for adults, performing arts, special needs classes for all ages, and Red Cross classes. In addition, the Scholarship Fund assures that everyone can participate in the programs and services regardless of economic circumstance.
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YWCA of Union County Mary, who is Spanish-speaking, went to the shelter with her two teenaged children, a boy and a girl, in an attempt to flee her abusive husband. They had been married for 13 years, during which the abuse escalated from verbal to pushing and shoving. Eventually, the violence became more intense and he threatened the lives of Mary and her two children (the daughter was from a previous relationship, the son was his). She was referred to the Emergency Shelter when her husband was pulled over in a traffic stop with the entire family in the car. He had been traveling at an extremely high rate of speed in an attempt to kill Mary, the children and himself. While living at the shelter Mary was able to acquire legal services through the Legal Representation Program. She obtained a final restraining order and her husband was removed from their home. She was assisted by staff in obtaining TANF, Medicaid and food stamps. She received counseling from the residential counselor and the children received counseling from the children’s counselor. Mary stayed in the shelter for 3 weeks and once her husband was removed from the home, she was able to safely return. Her daughter, age 16, had to leave her job suddenly when they entered the shelter. With the assistance of an advocate, her absence was explained and she was able to return to her job. As with all clients, Mary and her children created a safety plan with the assistance a shelter advocate. Now, with the support of her family, Mary is currently seeking employment. Before returning home, she and her children wrote letters of thanks to the shelter staff.
Cranford Family Care In August of 2013, Cranford Family Care received a telephone call from a resident who is a single mom to a six-year-old. She was worried because she had received a Civil Action Summons for eviction, for non-payment of two months rent, caused by the unfortunate loss of two jobs, one immediately after the other. She and her daughter were living very basic and she was really afraid of what the future held. She came for an intake interview and to fill out an application for rental assistance. After speaking with the agency director, she was encouraged to try to get her life back on track. The board agreed to pay the two months rent to resolve her eviction, in addition to two shut-offs for gas and electricity. She was also given food and school supplies for her daughter. Encouraged by this help and having someone to talk to, to get out her frustrations and fears, she gained the confidence to go back out in the job market and successfully gained employment. She has since enrolled in a local college for a few night courses to complete her studies and obtain her degree. Due to the assistance and personal interaction, she was able to put her life back together and become self-sufficient.
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FINANCIALS Unaudited August 31, 2013
Audited August 31, 2012
Campaign Contributions: Regular Campaign Contributions Prior Year Non-recurring Campaign Contributions Total Campaign & Other Contributions
2,777,153 (4,459) 2,772,693
3,021,269 276,374 500,000 3,797,643
Other revenue: Government Grants Special Events, gross Incoming Designations Other revenue Other Grants Total other revenue
1,142,963 84,084 789,186 126,019 434,307 2,576,559
1,764,230 130,605 515,211 249,923 69,546 2,729,515
5,349,252
6,527,158
Expenses Program services: Distributions to agencies in GUC Donor designated contribution Other Grants Government grants Direct program services Total Program Expenses
514,722 1,634,207 480,300 1,142,963 981,386 4,753,579
590,841 1,485,787 685,637 1,764,230 945,459 5,471,954
Supporting services: General and Administration Fund-raising Total supporting services Estimated uncollectible contributions Total expenses
425,623 223,320 648,943 132,736 5,535,258
457,903 238,859 696,762 147,842 6,316,558
Net Assets at Beginning of Year
2,996,532
2,666,108
Changes in Net Assets before Non-operating (186,005)
210,600
Non-operating
59,921
119,824
Changes in Net Assets after Non-operating
(126,085)
330,424
Net Assets at End of Year
2,870,447
2,996,532
Operating Expense Ratio
12.13%
10.67%
Total revenue
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LIVEUNITED
CAN
HOW YOU
JOIN HANDS. OPEN YOUR HEART. You can give at the office, through your employer’s workplace campaign, respond to our direct mail solicitation or go online to www.uwguc.org/give, or participate in our mobile giving campaign by texting “UWGUC” to 50555 to donate $10.00 to United Way of Greater Union County.
LEND YOUR MUSCLE. FIND YOUR VOICE. You can make change happen with your voice. Whether you are speaking out to improve the conditions of the community, reaching out to local or state government or wearing your LIVE UNITED t-shirt to show your support. You can help inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. Be visible. Be loud.
GIVE AN HOUR. GIVE A DAY. We all have special talents. Things we can do to help. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. As a volunteer, you make a direct, hands-on contribution to the community. Contact United Way of Greater Union County at 908353-7171 for more information on volunteer projects.
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THE 2012-2013 CAMPAIGN JOIN HANDS. OPEN YOUR HEART.
Every investment in your United Way goes to help people right here in the Union County North Plainfield and South Plainfield communities. This means that your money makes a local impact for friends, colleagues and neighbors in need of assistance. It takes all of us working together to build the kind of community for which we all hope. It takes your gift to United Way’s Community Impact Fund to make that happen.
Together we secured $5.7 Million Working together we can make a difference! United Way partners with donors (investors), companies, local businesses, organizations, private foundations, governmental entities and residents of Union County, North Plainfield and South Plainfield who are dedicated to making our families and communities stronger. Donating to United Way is a solid return on your investment that benefits people you know, focuses on issues you care about, achieves problem solving results and makes a difference in the community. Thank you for helping us change lives and build stronger communities through your generosity to United Way of Greater Union County.
A message from the 2012-2013 Campaign Chair This year was truly a remarkable experience serving as Campaign Chairman and helping meet the so many difficult challenges we faced. I am extremely grateful for having had the opportunity to work with so many dedicated people who not only contributed but also volunteered their time to such a worthy cause. As a Board member and donor, I have seen the benefits of our approach to strengthening families and building stronger communities. Contributing to United Way of Greater Union County is one of the best ways for business owners, residents, and corporate employees to invest in the community where we live and work. In addition to engaging in donor campaigns, United Way also mobilizes a team of campaign volunteers who continually strive to raise the funds needed by many of the organizations who are part of the health and human services partnership. Having had the distinct honor of leading as Campaign Chair, I appreciate the dedication and commitment of every member of the Campaign Cabinet. As a team, we are very proud to report that over 150 companies participated in workplace campaigns and we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the employee Campaign Coordinators who made their campaigns highly successful. Most notably, during the time when Hurricane Sandy put excessive strain on everyone’s time and efforts, our supporters truly rose to the occasion and contributions swelled as the outpouring of generosity canvassed our community. I would like to extend a personal thank you to the thousands of donors, companies, private foundations, volunteers, and community partners as well as government entities who committed to helping improve the conditions in Union County, North Plainfield and South Plainfield. It has truly been an amazing experience, one I will never forget. Sincerely, Paul Dango
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IBM Global Client Director United Way Campaign Chair
Our sincerest Thank-You the companies that provided financial or in-kind support to United Way of Greater Union County!
Top 20 Organizations State of New Jersey, Department of Children and Families Linde North America Inc. Merck & Co., Inc. C. R. Bard, Inc. McKinsey & Company, Inc. The Wilf Family Foundation
UPS J.C. Kellogg Foundation AT&T Infineum USA L.P. Nustar Macy's Alcatel-Lucent Prudential Financial Corp Wells Fargo AGL Resources/ Elizabethtown Gas Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Rent-A-Car FedEx Union County Department of Human Services
2012-2013 Business Support 1st SERVE • Abbott Laboratories Accenture • Acupowder International, LLC • ADP • Advance Auto Parts • AGL Resources / Elizabethtown Gas • Alcatel-Lucent • Allstate Insurance Co. • American Aluminum Company • American Express • Ameriprise Financial • Ameritrade National • Andersen Corporation • Anderson Publishing Ltd. • Aramark • ARC of Union County, Inc. • Ard Appraisal Company • Arkady • Assurant, Inc. • AT&T • Aventis • Avon Products Foundation • Baker Endowment • Bank of America • Bank of America • Bank of NY Mellon • Best Buy Company, Inc. • Best Buy Stores • BJ and M Auto Inc. • Bloomingdale • Books Direct, Inc. • Borough of Roselle • Borough of South Plainfield • Bristol Myers Squibb Products • Burling Charitable Fund • C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. • C.A.S.A • C.R. BARD Inc. • C3IT LLC • Ceridian • Chubb & Son • Communities in Cooperation Inc. • Cigna P&C Companies • Citigroup • City of Linden • Colgate-Palmolive • Comcast NBC Universal • Committee to Elect William Gallman • Community Access Unlimited • Community Coordinated Child Care • ConEd • Cooper Alloy Corporation • Costco • Cranford Board of Education • Day Care Center of The First • Deloitte & Touche • DuPont • EATON • Elberon Development Company • Election Fund of Carlos L. Torres • Election Fund of J. Christian Bollwage • Election Fund of Joseph Cryan • Eli Lilly • Elizabeth City • Elizabeth Fire Officers • Elizabeth PBA Local #4 • Elizabethport Presbyterian Center, Inc. • Enterprise Rent-A-Car • Equifax • Ernst & Young LLP • Estate of Edmund R. Drosdick • Exxon Mobil • Exxon Research & Engineering • FedEx Corporation • FedEx Ground • First United Methodist Church of Scotch Plains• FirstEnergy • Freeport-McMoRan Cooper & Gold • Fulton Bank • G4S Technology, LLC. • Gannett Fleming • GE CPARS • Gellert Global Group • Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey • GlaxoSmithKline (Emp) • Glenney Trust • Glimcher Realty Trust • Hanover Insurance • Hertz Corporation • Hilltop Community Bank • Holy Redeemer Health System • Honeywell International Incorporated • HSBC - No. Amer. Household International • IBM • Infineum USA L.P. • ING Financial Advisers, LLC • J. P. Morgan Chase & Co. • J.C. Kellogg Foundation • Jacobson & Company Inc. • Jewish Community Center of Central NJ • Johnson & Johnson • Joseph L. Snyder Trust • Kean University • KEEFE Commissary Network, L.L.C. • Kellogg Company • Kerry Ingredients & Flavours • Keystone Community Residence • Leal Trust • Liberty Mutual • Liberty Transportation & Storage Co. • Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper • Linde North America Inc. • Literacy Volunteers of Union County • L’Oreal USA • M & M Construction Company, Inc. • Macy’s • Marshalls • McKinsey & Company, Inc. • MEDCO HEALTH • Merck & Co., Inc. • Microsoft • Morgan Stanley Dean Witter • N.J. American Water Company • Nationwide Insurance • Neighborhood House Association • New England Motor Freight, Inc. • New York Life Insurance Company • Novartis • Nustar • OMG Electronic Chemicals, Inc. • Paychex • Payless Shoes • Pepsi-Cola • Pfizer • Phillips 66 • Picnic Corporation • Plainfield Board of Education • Plainfield Endowment Fund • Plainfield Foundation • PNC Bank • Pond Trust • Presbytery of Elizabeth • Prevention Links • PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP • PROCEED, Inc. • ProQuest/Bowker • Provident Bank • Prudential Financial Corp • PSEG • Raymond James & Associates, Inc. • Residence Inn by Marriott • Resolve Community Counseling Center, Inc • Ring Power Corporation • Roselle Savings Bank • SAGE Eldercare • Shell Oil Company Foundation • Siemen’s Medical Solutions • Solar Compounds Corporation • South Plainfield Board of Education • Sovereign Bank • State Farm Insurance • State of New Jersey Department of Children and Families • State of New Jersey • Stop & Shop Supermarkets, Inc. • Stryker Instruments • Summit Area Public Foundation • Target • TD Bank • Tempil-ITW • The MGive Foundation • The Nicholson Foundation • The Principal Financial Group • The T.F. Trust • The Wilf Family Foundation • TIAA CREF • Travelers Group Inc. • Trinitas Hospital • Tyco Telecommunications • UCPC Behavioral Health Care, Inc. • Union County College Foundation • Union County Dept. of Human Services • Union County Employees • Union County Savings Bank • UnitedHealth Group • Unum • UPS • Urban League of Union County • USAA - Staff Counsel Office • Vanguard Medical Group, PA • Vention Medical • Verizon-New Jersey • Victor M. Richel Family Foundation • Wal-Mart • Waring Trust • Wednesday Morning Club • Wells Fargo • Westfield YMCA • Williams Gas Pipeline Transco. • Workforce Advantage • WPI Communications • Xcel Energy Foundation • Xerox • YMCA of Eastern Union County • Zurich North America National Prc. List current as of September 1, we regret any errors or omissions.
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UNITED WAY
LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY United Way’s Leadership Giving Society was created to recognize members of our community who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to helping others. These influential leaders provide inspiration and motivation for others to take pride in caring for our community. They understand that like any investment, the benefits extend far into the future. The people helped through their generous gifts, in turn, affect our communities in the years to come.
2012-2013 Tocqueville Society La Société Nationale
Membre de la Société
Ordre de Liberté
Wilf Family Foundation
Raymond and Robin Beier
Steve and Kathleen Theriot
$100,000 or more
(Million Dollar RoundTable)
J.C. Kellogg Foundation
$10,000 - $14,999
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Alice and Glenn D. Engel Bank of America
$25,000 - $49,999
Ordre de Consul $15,000 - $24,999 Michael P. Staub
Deloitte & Touche
Linde North America Inc.
William and Angela Freda
Plainfield Foundation
Deloitte & Touche
James and Kathleen Meyer Timothy M. Ring C. R. Bard, Inc.
2012-2013 Leadership Gold Leaders
Andrea Casper
Charles A. Krauss
Curtiss Brown
David J. Ciavarella C. R. Bard, Inc.
R. Krish Krishnamurthy Linde North America Inc.
NuStar Energy L.P.
Donald Doran
Deloitte & Touche
Scott Coates
Larry Lockhart
Christine Veneruso
$5,000 - $7,499 C. R. Bard, Inc.
Silver Leaders $2,500 - $4,999 Atul M. Athalye
Linde North America Inc.
Marian Bozak
Linde North America Inc.
David M. Brennan Mary Rose Brown NuStar Energy L.P.
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C. R. Bard, Inc.
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Eric J. Martins
F.C. Coddington
Linde North America Inc.
Nelson and Carolyn Dittmar
James Maultsby
Jennifer Goodbody
Linde North America Inc.
James W. Horne, Jr.
United Way of Greater Union County
Bronwen K. Kelly C. R. Bard, Inc.
Sean Keough
Linde North America Inc.
Bank of America
Patrick F. Murphy
Linde North America Inc.
Robert G. Nettles
Linde North America Inc.
Mark A. Parkin
Deloitte & Touche
Gregory J. Szpunar Merck & Co., Inc.
Ian S. Vaughan Elizabeth City
Mark M. Walaska C. R. Bard, Inc.
Robbin G. Woods
Linde North America Inc.
Alison and Michael Yablonowitz Ernst & Young LLP
Robert L. Zocca
Johnson & Johnson
Bronze Leaders
John M. Carroll
Sharon M. Alterio
Kerry Cogen
$1,000 - $2,499
Merck & Co., Inc.
Mary Lou & Chip Hogan Jean Holloway C. R. Bard, Inc.
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Infineum USA L.P.
Debbie-Ann Anderson
Elaine Cook
Linde North America Inc.
Greg A. Dadika
Chad E. Hunter
United Way of Greater Union County
David Andrews
Merck & Co., Inc.
Bert Armeny
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Cajetan DeFeo David Deibert
Thomas F. Kennedy
Christopher D. Armstrong
Douglas Dever
Dave Awer UPS
Beat Barblan
Linde North America Inc.
William Donovan Steven F. Eckhardt
Linde North America Inc.
Joan Evans
ProQuest/Bowker
Infineum USA L.P.
Bruce M. Baron
Ray Fantuzzi
Ellen Barrabee
Keystone Community Residence
Stephen M. Bayse
Linde North America Inc.
Merck & Co., Inc.
Linde North America Inc.
Michael J. Beckman
Linde North America Inc.
Steven J. Finley
Mary Grace Finn Wells Fargo
Gary S. Fiorino
Steven M. Bertone
Linde North America Inc.
Stanley P. Borowiec
Linde North America Inc.
Linde North America Inc.
Daniel E. Fisher
Linde North America Inc.
Dr. Barbara Gaba
Lakeith Bradford
Peter M. Gavigan
Comcast Cablevision of NJ
Linde North America Inc.
Robert & Valeri Brewster
Joseph Gershey
Charles M. Brooks
Linde North America Inc.
Eileen M. Brown
Linde North America Inc.
Robert C. Brown
Linde North America Inc.
Wells Fargo
Anthony F. Gorka
Hollister Sykes
Charles Payne
Linde North America Inc.
Linde North America Inc.
Kristi R. Payne Benitez C. R. Bard, Inc.
Jack E. Pederson
Linde North America Inc.
Stephen M. Penn
UPS
Linde North America Inc.
Earl D. Lawson
Kevin N. Phoenix
Johnson & Johnson
Susan B. Levy
Dennis Poller
Linde North America Inc.
Ken H. Lew
Linde North America Inc.
Alison Little
Johnson & Johnson
Scott T. Lowry C. R. Bard, Inc.
Frank Lupisella
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Joseph H. Porto
Linde North America Inc.
Alex L. Primas
Michael Raikos
Linde North America Inc.
Lisa Whipkey
Craig Whittemore
Brian L. Maclean
Henry P. Riordan
Christopher Ziemian
Shirley A. Mangin
Wayne Robertson
Barbara A. Marzano
Patrick Roche
AGL Resources/ Elizabethtown Gas
Johnson & Johnson
Thomas E. McCrary
Terrence McDonald
UPS
Infineum USA L.P.
Murali Menon
Enterprise Rent A Car-Neptune
Maureen Muganda Johnson & Johnson
Lawrence J. Naldi Merck & Co., Inc.
David Nuzum
McKinsey & Company, Inc.
Catherine F. O'Neal Infineum USA L.P.
NuStar Energy L.P. NuStar Energy L.P.
Snezana Zlatar Bank of America
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Timothy J. Roessler NuStar Energy L.P.
Eric Schlesinger
McKinsey & Company, Inc.
Gin Schulz
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Carol B. Shichman
Brenda M. Hensley
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Anthony Redman
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Travis Millaci
Linde North America Inc.
Kevin S. Ward
Lynn MacDonald
Robert Hasbrouck
Raymond E. Carr
John M. Walcott
Johnson & Johnson
Deloitte & Touche
Gary Candies
C. R. Bard, Inc.
C. R. Bard, Inc.
NuStar Energy L.P.
James & Sarah Harrington
Bruce Hensinger
Patricia A. Vuocolo
John H. Weiland
Alan Campell
Linde North America Inc.
Claudio Vilas
William E. Pursley
Linde North America Inc.
Linde North America Inc.
Mark H. Carow
Michelle L. Vargo
Linde North America Inc.
Merck & Co., Inc.
AT&T
Merck & Co., Inc.
Linde North America Inc.
Thomas J. Calianese
Stephanie G. Carmel
Mark Vanarendonk
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Daniel Gregoire
Valarie O. Hawkins
Ruth Tumbokon
Johnson & Johnson
Linde North America Inc.
Robert B. Griscom
Exxon Mobil
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Gary N. Peterson
Linde North America Inc.
Infineum USA L.P.
Brenda L. Tregellas
Patti Laboo
Linde North America Inc.
Virginia K. Carhart
Infineum USA L.P.
Linde North America Inc.
David Greenzang
Robert Hauserman
Florence S. Thauvin
Patrick F. Perrone
UPS
UPS
Satish S. Tamhankar
Shane W. Krska Merck & Co., Inc.
Francis J. Maxwell
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Sean Pastic
Comcast Cablevision of NJ
Linde North America Inc.
Linde North America Inc. Assurant, Inc.
Joseph P. Sullivan
Linde North America Inc.
David M. Kristol
Anthony J. Masherelli
John J. Brull
Linde North America Inc.
John M. Kapura
Linde North America Inc.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Jeffrey M. Armus
Linde North America Inc.
C. R. Bard, Inc.
Infineum USA L.P.
Linde North America Inc.
Jonathan P. Hoy
John Occhipinti
Linde North America Inc.
Margaret A. Shannon
List current as of September 1, we regret any errors or omissions.
Merck & Co., Inc.
David E. Smedley
Linde North America Inc.
Paul Spellissy
Infineum USA L.P.
Robert W. Stauder
Linde North America Inc.
Paul A. Stockman
Linde North America Inc.
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Last year we endured one of the worst super storms of our time and with it came the knowledge that natural disasters can affect all of us despite our different life circumstances. So many families were placed in a vulnerable position and struggled with the shock of losing their homes. Whole neighborhoods were displaced and with that knowledge came the awful truth that our vulnerabilities are real and can affect anyone at any given time. In immediate response to the needs of those hardest hit by the storm, United Way of Greater Union County launched the Hurricane Sandy Community Relief Fund in early November 2012. The awareness and fundraising campaign raised over $377,000 with the support of corporate partners such as NuStar Foundation, Greehey Family Foundation, Linde North America, Inc. as well as numerous individual donors. With the generous support of our corporate donors, we were able to provide special consideration to those communities hardest hit. To ensure the funds were used for relief efforts, we invited organizations to submit requests for support to cover gaps not covered by service organizations,
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government programs or insurance. The relief funds were designated for items such as, but not limited to, food, household sanitizing supplies, diapers, infant formula, school supplies, and winter clothes. Funds were also used for emergency relief such as rental/mortgage payments, utility payments, transportation passes, prescriptions, medical supplies, and/or legal assistance. Funds targeted the worst hit communities including parts of Elizabeth and Plainfield as well as all of Linden and Rahway. Subsequently, we met with Mayors to conduct long-term planning which resulted in the establishment of the Union County Long-Term Recovery Group (UCLTR Group). The mission of the UCLTR Group is to monitor and meet the continuing needs of Super Storm Victims. UWGUC serves as the UCLTR Group’s fiduciary agent. In September 2013, the Group commissioned World Review who will conduct surveys and collect data regarding the needs of Sandy victims still working to regain losses as a result of the storm.
A very special partner, Villani Bus Company, ensure they received the necessary tools to provided door-to-door service by donating the successfully start the school year. use of a school bus for an entire day. The bus, equipped with a driver and a full tank of gas, 2013 Corporate Partners and Contributors: transported UWGUC staff and volunteers to each recipient organization to distribute the “ReadyAs part of our mission to strengthen families, to-Learn” backpacks. we invited our corporate partners, and their employees, to submit donations of school There was great joy and excitement exhibited, Recipient Organizations supplies, to contribute to the successful academic as the bus arrived at each distribution location. achievement of children throughout Union Children were selected from United Way partner County, North Plainfield, and South Plainfield. organizations serving low-income families, to In preparation to the start of the school year, United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC), “Stuffed the Bus” and delivered over 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to students from pre-k through 12.
United Way Distributes 10,000 books donated by Scholastic, Inc.
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Serving as Advocates to Address the Needs of Our Community LEND YOUR MUSCLE. FIND YOUR VOICE
Advocacy is a fundamental part of United Way of Greater Union County’s work and is essential to help us achieve our mission and goals. We engage in several advocacy initiatives and, most notably, work with stakeholders who can influence the conditions of communities. Recognizing there are decisions-makers who we must engage and partner with in providing, education, income, health and human services to our communities, we attempt to influence budget decisions made by our public servants, and act on behalf of those served by many critical programs necessary to create stronger communities.
In the Fall of 2012, United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC), concluded its Union County Needs Assessment Study as part of an on-going effort to monitor community conditions and identify emerging or chronic health and human service needs. Our strategy is to utilize the Community Needs Assessment report and “spread the word” of its findings, to help build a consensus among key government officials, network partners, advocates, and citizens who have the resources to help us. We believe, by engaging key stakeholders in productive dialogue, we will be able to influence public policy and implement a realistic plan of action.
Community Needs Assessment Collective Impact Modeling to Target “Communities of Concern” One of the primary roles of United Way of Greater Union County is to monitor the conditions of our communities, determine emerging social needs and to address those needs with as much impact as possible using limited resources. It is critically important for us to identify issues that emerge as a result of families living in poverty. Utilizing a Collective Impact model, we recognize large-scale social change requires broad cross-sector coordination, not isolated intervention of individual organizations. Collective Impact Initiatives are long-term commitments, by a group of important actors from different sectors, to a common agenda for solving a specific social problem. Their actions are supported by a shared measurement system, mutually reinforcing activities, and ongoing communication, and are staffed by an independent backbone organization. Identifying Communities of Concern In partnership with Rutgers School of Social Work and funded by the Nicholson Foundation, in the fall of 2012, UWGUC, concluded its Union County Needs Assessment Study. The study is part of UWGUC’s on-going effort to monitor community conditions and identify emerging or chronic health and human service needs. The study’s results are based on an analysis from a variety of national, state, and local data and input from community-based focus groups. The study provided us with a wealth of information to address a number of community issues, three recurring themes resonate as areas of critical concern to strengthening families: • The lack of access to affordable quality care and education, for children and youth, lead to educational disparities in our community. • High rates of unemployment and stagnant income, coupled with the high cost of living, are a burden to families, especially, the most vulnerable, at-risk, and working poor. • Disparities in access to health services in our community due to either high cost of care, lack of insurance, or lack of available services, negatively impact the overall health and well being of families, children and youth. Armed with data and a clear understanding of the problem causing stress factors within Greater Union County, UWGUC has identified “Communities of Concern.” A total of ten (10) communities, served by UWGUC, have been identified and are characterized by poor school performance, high poverty rates, and less access to health care services: all issues that weaken families.
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1. Collective Impact By John Kania & Mark Kramer, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Winter 2011.
There are two communities with extremely entrenched challenges: Elizabeth and Plainfield. By entrenched we mean social issues have not improved and the data suggests they will deepen and become harder to overcome. An additional seven (7) communities have been identified as having emerging needs and must be addressed before they become communities with entrenched challenges. These communities include Hillside, Linden, Union, North Plainfield, Rahway, Roselle, and Roselle Park. Finally, although small and not an entire town, there is one census block located in Summit, which has emerging needs.
study also revealed that 30% of residents are born abroad and 42% speak a language other than English. According to the data, international migration netted Union County 7,597 new residents in the past two years, while domestic migration represented about a 6,627-person net loss. Many immigrants are coming from Central and South America, specifically El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia, as well as a growing Puerto Rican population.
These communities are where UWGUC must strategically target its efforts and serve as premiere advocates for those most in need.
The Community Needs Assessment provides evidence that Union County is a popular location for immigrants because of its high per capita income and its employment opportunities at nearby ports and manufacturing facilities. It is also a choice spot among Latino immigrants because of the availability of housing and transportation.
Special Consideration Union County has a fairly large Latin American population composed of many countries; according to the data presented in the 2012 community needs assessment study on the county’s population. The
United Way will focus on monitoring racial and ethnic disparities, in order to provide competent services and continue creative outreach to diverse populations. And to strengthen those families and communities most in need.
Highly Anticipated Community Needs Assessment Debuts in Spring 2013 Experts Discuss the Data and Make Policy Recommendations Continuing our work as community advocates, in the spring of 2013, Union Way of Greater Union County revealed its list of 10 ‘Communities of Concern’ using data that demonstrates the conditions and needs of families living in poverty in Union County. UWGUC convened a panel of experts and held policy discussions regarding its Communities Needs Assessment Study. The debut of the study was held at Kean University’s Stem Building Auditorium in Union, NJ. The panelists, who are distinguished leaders in their fields, provided commentary on the major stress factors that cause ‘Communities of Concern’ and made policy recommendations for UWGUC to use in helping to strengthen families and communities.
(P) indicates Panelist, (M) indicates Moderator
Left-to-Right: (P) Antonio Lopez - Dept. Administrator, Div. of Family and Community Partnerships, (P) Kelli Puryear - Asst. Dir., Dept. of Children and Families, (P) Anna Belin-Pyles - Supt. of Schools, Plainfield Public School Dist., Plainfield Board of Education, (P) Michelle DeKlyen, Ph.D.- Associate Research Scholar Princeton Univ., Woodrow Wilson School of Public and Int’l Affairs, Bendheim-Thoman, Center for Research on Child Well-being, Office of Population Research, James W. Horne, Jr. - President/CEO, United Way of Greater Union County, (P) Renee WilsonSimmons, DrPH - Dir., National Center for Children in Poverty Mailman School of Public Health Columbia Univ., (P) William M. Rodgers III, Ph.D. - Professor, John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, (P) Junius Scott - Child Welfare Regional Program Manager, Regional Program Div., Children's Bureau/ACYF/ACF - Region II, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, (Moderator) Debbie-Ann Anderson - Senior Vice President / COO, United Way of Greater Union County, Karen Dinsmore - Asst. Dir., Union County Dept. of Human Services, Cherron Rountree - Deputy Dir., Dept. of Parks & Community Renewal, County of Union
Our strength as a United Way is educating our stakeholders and convening those who must participate in solving issues within our communities. As a direct result of the study, debut, and panel discussion, we have begun to conduct “Community Conversations.” Thus far, we have met with ten anchor organizations within the “Communities of Concern.” Anchor organizations are direct service organizations that have a unique and thorough understanding of their communities, families and residents. The Anchor Organizations historically and consistently provide programs and services that meet the needs of their communities. Considered United Way partners, we have discussed the problems and specifically identified the programs and services that would have the most impact in strengthening families. In conclusion, our goals for 2013-2014 are to lead the impact in meeting challenges of these communities and work toward creating a Collective Impact Group. This group will be those who can participate in meeting the challenges of “Communities of Concern.” 19
In late May of 2013, United Way of Greater Union County and NJ for Haiti launched a fundraising campaign to provide 800 million gallons of free, clean water to Haiti for the next 25 years, through the Haiti Lives On initiative. The plan is to distribute four solar powered water purification systems to some of the most densely populated areas in the country, including Carrefour, the epicenter of the 7.0 earthquake that ravaged the small country over three- years ago. Each water-purification system, the Solar Mobil MaxPure, has the capacity to produce 30,000 gallons of fresh water each day at a cost of less than one penny per gallon. The mobile self-powered system does not require a connection to an electric grid or any kind of fossil fuel. The unit also provides power to run lights, computers and other electronic equipment. The Solar Mobil MaxPure requires very little maintenance, can last up to 25 years, and purifies water from various sources including wells, lakes, and the ocean. The Haiti Lives On movement and supporters hope to eradicate health problems due to the lack of clean water. By meeting this basic need, cholera and other sicknesses derived from poor water quality would be eliminated and subsequently the quality of life will significantly improve for thousands of Haitians. Photo Credit: DHS S&T
L E ARN ING MI WAY The Learning Mi Way program utilizes professional artists from Yearning to Learn (a non-profit arts education organization) to bring arts experiences to Union County childcare centers. Programs are provided on a weekly basis during the school year for children ages 3-5 years old. During their residencies, artists provide education through music, movement, dramatic storytelling, visual and performing arts to students, teachers and parents. The workshops are designed to immerse students into an artistic environment that promotes higher-order thinking, cooperative learning, and problem-solving skills. Exercising these skills through the arts help students gain creativity. In addition, the instructors also gain invaluable skills such as learning to engage students according to each child’s learning style. Teachers also learn practical strategies for connecting to each student as well as capacity building skills to continue teaching using this Multiple Intelligence Art form. United Way of Greater Union County contracts with Yearning to Learn to design and implement the program to incorporate music, movement, visual and performing arts. Learning Mi Way uses various modes of expression and includes the value of creative learning through storytelling and dramatic movement, vocalization in association with stories, poetry, and call and response. These exercises are proven methods of improving self-esteem and self-expression. The exercises encourage creativity in the way children learn to read, learn their colors, and learn letter recognition and sound recognition. The ultimate goal of the program is to better prepare children for success in academics. This program is key to United Way of Greater Union County’s mission to act as a catalyst and change agent to address the root causes of social problems and support the needs of families. This project is designed to better prepare children’s pre-literacy skills and is a preventative approach to avoid academic failure. 20
Linden “Youth For United Way,” LIVE UNITED!
Linden High School "Youth for United Way" members gather for group photo.
Following a yearly holiday tradition since 1991, "Youth for United Way" collected and delivered canned food, new toys, personal care items, and winter clothing to 3 Union County United Way-supported homeless shelters. The items were delivered to Madison House, the YMCA shelter for women and children; Project Protect,YWCA; and the Plainfield YMCA.
In 1991, United Way of Greater Union County formed a partnership with Linden High School to form Youth for United Way, whose mission, through service-learning, offered students a unique opportunity to involve themselves with community service projects. Twenty-two years later, the students, freshmen through senior grade levels, have actively kept the mission of the program going strong.
GIVE AN HOUR. GIVE A DAY
The dedication and consistency of the volunteer efforts from Youth for United Way students, set the foundation for beginning their nationally recognized, Learn and Serve America program, that acknowledged them as a New Jersey Service Learning Leader School and national recognition by the White House and Congress in 2000.
Volunteering is your opportunity to contribute your time and to create lasting, positive change.
Change won’t happen without you. Volunteers are a very important component in how United Way meets the needs of our community and in our mission to improve lives by mobilizing and uniting the caring power of our community.
Esther Paden, Linden teacher and Program Coordinator of Linden Youth for United Way, has continued to rally the participants in organizing several drives this year, which included collecting gifts, clothing, and food for homeless women and children during the holiday season. In true “LIVE UNITED” form, the students distributed these gifts to three county homeless shelters for women and children who were victims of domestic violence.
Junior Ambassadors Organize Celebration of Womanhood Conference Beginning late fall, United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) selects a group of thirty (30) girls, in the at-risk age range of 13 to 17, to participate in a series of “Junior Ambassador”(JA) leadership training workshops. During the workshop sessions, the JA’s are guided as they research and design a core curriculum pertaining to the empowerment of young girls. This curriculum culminates into the planning and implementation of the Celebration of Womanhood Conference (COWC), now in it’s fifth year of being facilitated by UWGUC. On May 11th 2013, over 300 girls attended the Celebration of Womanhood Conference, which featured distinguished presenters such as television talk show host, Wendy Williams; actress, Kim Coles; beauty business guru, Jane Carter and Fox 5 news personality, Ines Rosales, just to name a few. UWGUC and program funder, New Jersey Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention committee (administered by the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission), were very pleased with the results! The JA’s planned and executed a highly successful conference and acquired team building and leadership skills while providing insight into the empowerment needs of themselves and their peers. News 12 NJ Anchor, Della Crews, provided extensive coverage of the conference and later interviewed three (3) of the JA’s, on her show, Spotlight NJ. The JA’s shared their thoughts on what it meant to participate in the workshops and plan the conference. They also expressed the impact the conference presenters and all those involved, have made on their lives. The segment aired several times over the course of summer months. The girls enthusiasm was overwhelmingly positive. This program provides training to girls from Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union Counties.
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SPECIAL EVENT
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Conference Presenters and special guests
Wendy Williams with some of the Junior Ambassadors
Conference Speakers: Actress, Kim Coles; News Reporter, Ines Rosales; Talk Show host, Wendy Williams
Actress, Kim Coles presents her program, G.I.F.T.S (Gratitude, Intention, Forgiveness, Triumphs, Self Love)
On Saturday, May 11, 2013, United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) hosted the 4th annual “Celebration of Womanhood” conference at Kean University. UWGUC was the recipient of a grant funded by The New Jersey Governor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Committee, administered by the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission and was also presented with the Connie Strand Award for Program Excellence, for successful facilitation of the conference. More than 300 girls in the at-risk age range of 13-17 from Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union Counties attended the event. Renowned celebrity and television talk show host, Wendy Williams, served as keynote speaker. “It was a great experience for me to be a speaker at this conference. There were so many impressive speakers like judges and businesswomen. We were speaking to girls on the brink, you know the ones who can go either way, and I was glad to be a part of the day with the girls!” Also in attendance as a special guest speaker was actress Kim Coles. Ms. Coles spoke about her views and personal perspectives on life by sharing candid stories of her own journey as a young woman. “In my personal quest, I found there indeed was more inside me I wanted to share. I realized I could be using my personal GIFTS more fully.” The workshop presenters also told their stories of setting life’s goals and overcoming adversities, and gave advice on how to succeed in life. The advice offered from both the keynote speakers and workshop presenters served as an opportunity to help the young women learn
Wendy speaks candidly with the girls about navigating life’s challenges
The Connie Strand Award for Program Excellence presented to United Way of Greater Union County’s, President/ CEO, James W. Horne Jr, (Center L) and Debbie-Ann Anderson Senior VP / COO (Center R)
more about themselves and help maximize their life choices. The remainder of the day consisted of a variety of workshops covering topics designed to empower young women and provide them with the resources needed to make responsible decisions. Conference topics included: healthy lifestyles, relationships, goals and visions, positive body image and self-esteem, etiquette and professionalism just to name a few. Prior to the conference, 30 girls were selected as Junior Ambassadors and met monthly for a series of structured workshops over a period of 6 months. The Junior Ambassadors received leadership training and were charged with the task of developing the curriculum and agenda for the one-day conference. This year, three of the 30 original Junior Ambassadors who helped plan and coordinate the conference were invited to appear and participate in an interview on Spotlight New Jersey, a News 12 television show hosted by news anchor, Della Crews. During the interview, they each spoke about their personal growth as leaders since joining the program, and were particularly enthusiastic about Wendy Williams’ comments and the opportunity they were afforded to meet her. UWGUC received a great deal of positive media coverage and was invited to attend The Wendy Williams Show as a part of her live audience! To view media coverage of the event please visit our Youtube page at: www.youtube.com/user/UWGUC1/videos A sincere Thank you to our Celebration of Womanhood Sponsors: Comcast-NBC Universal, AGL Resources/Elizabethtown Gas, Ernst & Young, County of Union, NJ 23
SPECIAL EVENT
Honoring
those who have done exemplary work in the Health and Human Services community was the focus of our annual Celebration Gala. This event took place on Thursday, June 6, 2013, at the Shackamaxon Country Club, Scotch Plains, NJ. We honored the leadership, support, and contributions of our partners, who were all determined to make progress in improving the conditions of those who are most effected by poverty, limited access to health care, affordable housing and lack of decent educational opportunities. Not only was the event a show of support for the honorees and their work, but it is also an opportunity to bring together our diverse group of corporate partners, municipalities, non-profit organizations and contributors, as well as many community members who benefit from UWGUC work and support. The Gala encourages community leaders to celebrate the successes of the prior years’ campaign and to highlight extraordinary individuals and corporations for their ingenuity and commitment to United Way’s campaigns and invoking its philosophy of “Live United.” The 2013 Honorees’ include a number of established philanthropists, accomplished public servants as well as companies that exhibited extraordinary commitment to helping Union County through workplace campaign participation.
A special Thank-You to our Celebration! sponsors. CR Bard Inc., Enterprise Rent-A-Car, NuStar Energy L.P., Dupont, Elizabethtown Gas, IBM Corporation
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Kean Family Governor Tom Kean & Senator Tom Kean Jr.
Champion for the Common Good Award
Walter“Woody Erhardt, United Way of Greater Union County Board chair presents award to Senator Tom Kean Jr,.
Assemblywoman Annette Quijano
Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski Dell Raudelunas Spirit of Caring Award
Walter“Woody Erhardt, United Way of Greater Union County Board chair and Frank Raudelunas presents award to Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski.
Mayor Chris Bollwage
Legislative Champion Award
Governance and Civic Leadership Award
James W. Horne Jr., United Way of Greater Union County, President and CEO presents award to Assemblywoman Annette Quijano
James W. Horne Jr., United Way of Greater Union County, President and CEO presents award to Mayor Chris Bollwage
NuStar Energy L.P.
Linde North America, Inc.
Community Champion Award
Community Champion Award
James W. Horne Jr., United Way of Greater Union County, President & CEO, presents award to NuStar Energy L.P.
James W. Horne Jr., United Way of Greater Union County, President & CEO, presents award to Linde North America, Inc.
The Greehey Family Foundation Community Champion Award
UPS
Corporate Award of Excellence
SPECIAL EVENT
UNITED WAY OF GREATER UNION COUNTY’S
2013 GOLF CLASSIC
RAISES 45,000 IN FUNDS TO HELP STRENGTHEN FAMILIES United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) held its Annual Golf Classic on August 5, 2013 at he premier golf courses of Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, NJ Canoe Brook has played host to the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifiers, the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, the New Jersey State Amateur Golf Championship, the American Junior Golf Tournament, and the British Open International Final Qualifying America. Scenic view of Canoe Brook South Course
Golfers from C.R.Bard Inc. warm up before shot-gun start
It was a perfect day for golf as over 80 supporters and sponsors walked the greens, golfed, and enjoyed an entire day in a beautiful country club setting, benefitting United Way of Greater Union County’s Family Strengthening Initiative. Stephen Baker, a former NFL New York Giants team member who is known as “the Touchdown Maker,” was the day's special celebrity guest. He made the event particularly memorable by graciously posing with attendees for individual photographs. Mr. Baker also donated an autographed football to the silent auction. Many attendees commented on how much they enjoyed Mr. Baker’s friendly demeanor and the events activities including the delicious buffet lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour, as well as the silent auction. Over 64 golfers attended the classic and raised over 45,000 in funds through sponsorships, player packages and the silent auction. A sincere thank-you to our Golf Classic Sponsors:
United Way of Greater Union County’s, President / CEO, James W. Horne, Jr. and special guest, former NY Giant, Stephen Baker, “The Touchdown Maker,” enjoy the day at Canoe Brook Country Club
Former NY Giant, Stephen Baker, “The Touchdown Maker” and United Way of Greater Union County’s, Board Member /Campaign Chair, Paul Dango
Benefactor Sponsor: C. R. Bard Inc., Beverage Sponsor: Total Lubricants, USA Fore Sponsors: Infineum USA L.P., Linde North America, Inc., LJL Financial, PSEG Green Sponsors: AGL Resources/ Elizabethtown Gas,Comcast NBC Universal, Paul Dango, UWGUC Board of Trustees, TD Bank, Par Sponsors: DuPont, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, NuStar Energy L.P., Village Super Market, Inc., YMCA of Eastern Union County
Many enjoyed the custom cigar rolling by Ciboney Cigars of Elizabeth NJ
A small snapshot of the robust auction item selection on display
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NEXT STEPS: Meeting the Challenge for 2013-14
Year in Review United Way of Greater Union County focused on several areas, including; • Debut of the Community Needs Assessment • Strengthening agency relationships and community relationships • Identifying emerging issues within Communities of Concern • Strengthening Families • Issuing Emergency Response Funds UWGUC has found alternative ways to build relationships with our partner agencies, such as sharing community and program data, identifying a successful “Cradle to Career Success” model, and providing linkages between agencies. These linkages allow for increase referrals for services through the Union County Community Resource Network while using less funding.
What’s Next? Community Conversations To date, we have held “Community Conversations” with ten anchor partners to discuss problems identified in “Communities of Concern” and begin to formulate strategies for providing services. United Way of Greater Union County will continue to convene policy makers, direct service providers, state and local governments, corporate leadership, community advocates, and other stakeholders who will be helpful in designing policies and programs that address the needs of families and communities alike. Our goals for 2013-2014 are to lead the Collective Impact Initiative through several key strategies, including; • Increase collaboration and networking among specific direct service providers who serve families in need • Strengthen our partnerships with member agencies and enhance their capacity to serve families in need • Developing positive engaging relationships with nontraditional partners • Strengthen communities by addressing critical community issues
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Text UWGUC to 50555 to donate $10.00 to United Way of Greater Union County’s Special Response Fund
Proceeds raised will go towards helping Union County families in need of emergency assistance for food, clothing and shelter.
be deducted from rges will appear on your wireless bill, or Cha nty. Cou n Unio ater Gre of Way ed STOP Unit *$10.00 donation to er. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text hold t oun acc by ed oriz auth be t mus your prepaid balance. All purchases acy Policy HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T. Priv to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for
NEED HELP....DIAL 2-1-1 United Way’s free telephone and web referral service connects residents to the resources they need. This service is confidential and available 24 hours-a-day / 7 days a week, in more than 150 languages. 2-1-1’s comprehensive database details resources such as state and federal programs; energy assistance programs sponsored by energy providers; non-profit organizations that have made it their mission to help fulfill an unmet need; and local community resources. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone
or visit the website at www.nj211.org
On any given day 2-1-1 offers access to: • Resources for Basic Human Needs: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, affordable housing, utility assistance • Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, health insurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children's health insurance programs • Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs • Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation and homemaker services • Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services • Volunteer opportunities and donations
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Please mail to: United Way of Greater Union County • 33 West Grand Street • Elizabeth, NJ 07202
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33 West Grand Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202 w w w. u w g u c . o r g Ph. 908-353-7171