United Way of Southeast Mississippi Annual Report 2008

UNITED WAY OF SOUTHEAST MISSISSIPPI 2008 ANNUAL REPORT LIVE UNITED

From the Board President

Looking Back... Year in Review

Serving as the board president of United Way of Southeast Mississippi this past year has been one of the highlights of my professional career and one of the greatest blessings in my personal life. My thanks begin first to Executive Director Dan Kibodeaux and his staff of Brooke Bryan, Michelle Garraway, Renita Hatten and Maggie West, who work passionately each and every day to ensure the strength and integrity of this organization.

During 2008-2009, despite the nation’s economic turmoil, United Way of Southeast Mississippi was able to accomplish many positive things for our community. United Way strives to be a leader in improving Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties, not only through funding our partner agencies, but by taking the lead on several community initiatives. Below is a brief summary of United Way of Southeast Mississippi’s work in the past year.

Second, I have been very fortunate to have such a strong leadership team including Campaign Chair Allen Anderson and Pacesetter Chair Dr. Annie Wimbish.

The functional committees for United Way were headed this year by Gail Atkinson (funds distribution), Karen Griffis (finance), Dr. Bill Smith (community impact), Kemi Simmons (communications), Mike Pasquale (audit) and Randy Read (personnel). The 47 members of the funds distribution committee spent many volunteer hours reviewing the needs and service of our 21 member agencies. In addition to these, we have 47 active board members and 18 communications committee members. The value and impact of all these volunteer hours to United Way of Southeast Mississippi is immeasurable, and the impact to our community is invaluable. My deepest thanks go to all of these volunteers.

My third thank you is to the outstanding supporters of the annual Home Sweet Home Raffle: the Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association, Leaf River Cellulose and Regions Bank. This annual project always generates great excitement in the community.

My fourth thank you is for the continuing service to the community of the 21 partner agencies and their boards. The Pine Belt is the premier community that it is due to their dedication and assistance to those in need.

Your United Way brought some new programs to Southeast Mississippi this year, such as the first Dropout Prevention

2008-2009 Board President Skippy Haik Summit this past October. Hundreds of members of the educational and business fields participated. United Way partnered with the local school districts in Forrest, Jones, Lamar and Perry counties to provide a forum for discussion and brainstorming to reduce the dropout rates in the Pine Belt area. Another project is the Friends for Financial Freedom program whose goal is to break the cycle of continued dependence upon agency assistance by individuals. This program will provide much needed financial training courses for individuals to help them gain financial independence. United Way also has a partnership with FamilyWize to help lower the cost of prescription medications for people with no prescription drug coverage. Our community should be proud of all these achievements by your United Way. Last, but most importantly, my deepest thanks to everyone who volunteered their time or gave a donation, either through a company campaign or individually, to United Way of Southeast Mississippi.

We continue to face very difficult economic challenges as a nation, and the tremendous success we have been fortunate to have this past year could not happen without…YOU! It is a testament to the deep beliefs that the wisest investment we can make is in our citizens and our community. With your continued support, we can truly “LIVE UNITED.” Sincerely, Skippy Haik 2008-2009 Board President

United Way provided FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards, which offer helpful discounts for those in need of financial assistance.

R³SM, the long-term recovery organization which began as a United Way program, spun off as its own separate agency and continues to repair and rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

United Way partnered with the American Humanics program at Southern Miss and utilized a student intern, Melody Sharp, who is working to develop student United Way chapters at Southern Miss and William Carey University.

We acquired the CharityTracker software program and collaborated with other community organizations in keeping accurate records of individuals receiving financial assistance.

In partnership with Hattiesburg Public Schools, United Way took the lead in organizing a High School Dropout Summit, which was a huge success with hundreds in attendance.

United Way also partnered with the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits to host a local conference to benefit area non-profits.

As part of our venture grant program, United Way provided grants to the ADEPT School, a new educational program aimed to help high school dropouts graduate, and the 3-D School

in Petal, a new school designed to help children with dyslexia.

We

also provided start-up funding to Friends for Financial Freedom, a new program striving to break the cycle of continued dependence upon agency assistance for basic living costs, such as utilities.

United Way applied for and secured grants for its partner agencies, including a $175,000 grant from the Asbury Foundation to The Carpenter’s Helper to repair over 100 roofs which still remain damaged after Hurricane Katrina.

United Way Funding in 2008-09

Aldersgate Mission $20,985 American Red Cross $168,081 ARC $104,015 Big Brothers Big Sisters $46,053 Boy Scouts of America, Pine Burr Area Council $139,004 The Carpenter’s Helper $26,326 Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse $77,793 Children’s Center for Communication and Development $93,127 Christian Services $93,385 Domestic Abuse Family Shelter $66,412 D.R.E.A.M. $61,119 DuBard School for Language Disorders $133,095 The Family Y $112,770 Girl Scouts, Gulf Pines Council $80,925 Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity $34,200 L.I.F.E. of South Mississippi $26,023 Pinebelt Association of Families $13,942 The Salvation Army $146,405 Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention $57,415 South Mississippi Children’s Center $80,949 Venture/Emergency Grants $24,100 Outside Agencies Designations $25,177 Other Program Funding $7,341 Total Agency and Program Allocations $1,638,642

LIVE UNITED – the 2008-2009 Campaign McMullan, Grand Givers Society; Bernice Linton, retirees; Jerry Moore, United Way agencies and Kemi Simmons, communications.

2008-2009 Campaign Chair Allen Anderson LIVE UNITED. That’s what we asked you to do this year, and it’s exactly what you did! Although this has been a rollercoaster year with our economy, our caring community LIVED UNITED to have another successful Campaign. United Way of Southeast Mississippi is very pleased to announce that you contributed over $1.62 million this year to fund our 21 worthy partner agencies. Although we didn’t quite meet our campaign goal of $1.7 million, we are very honored and thankful for the generosity of the community to give as much as you did.

Campaign Chair Allen Anderson of Anderson Design Center, his Campaign Cabinet and especially the many volunteers running campaigns in organizations across the community worked very hard this year despite many challenges.

Anderson said, “I am very proud of this caring community of ours. It’s truly admirable to witness the generous spirit of the donors and volunteers who dug deep in these difficult times. On behalf of the thousands who will be helped by your donations, I thank you!”

This year’s Campaign Cabinet members were: Dr. Annie Wimbish, Pacesetters; Jim Wild, major firms; Arnie Williams, mid-size firms; Debbie Burt, education; Sheriff Danny Rigel, public service; Chris Strebeck, account development; Jan and Craig Howard and Lynn and Holt

“Top Ten” honors for campaigns raising the most money this year went to (in order of amount raised): Hattiesburg Clinic, Forrest General Hospital, The University of Southern Mississippi, Leaf River Cellulose, Hattiesburg Public Schools, Regions, Wesley Medical Center, BancorpSouth, Zeon Chemicals and Mississippi Power. All of these organizations worked very hard to raise the most funds as possible. Great work, Top Ten! Organizations also deserving recognition are the Award of Excellence winners.

These organizations gave 95% or more of giving potential, which is considered the amount given if every employee gave his or her fair share. These winners were Coldwell Banker, Copy Cats Printing, D.R.E.A.M. of Hattiesburg, Grand Bank, Green Eye Institute, Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity, United Way’s Staff and Zeon Chemicals.

United Way appreciates the dedication and generosity of these organizations.

We also want to give special recognition to our Pacesetter organizations, which started the Campaign with great momentum. These 12 organizations raised about 30% of the overall amount raised.

The Pacesetter organizations were Anderson Design Center, BancorpSouth, Boy Scouts, Forrest General Hospital, Girl Scouts, Grand Bank, Hattiesburg American, Hattiesburg Clinic, Mississippi Power, Regions, Wesley Medical Center and Zeon Chemicals. We also appreciate our partner agencies which ran their campaigns early as unofficial Pacesetters to show their support. Thanks again, Pacesetters.

Many thanks to all our volunteers and donors for LIVING UNITED!

7th Annual Home Sweet Home Raffle United Way of Southeast Mississippi would like to thank everyone for their support of the 7th Annual Home Sweet Home Raffle. We especially want to thank our raffle sponsors, The Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association and Leaf River Cellulose, without whom the raffle would not be possible. We would like to thank Regions Bank as well for providing zero percent financing on the home construction. We also appreciate the many businesses, banks, local media and our volunteers for all their help with making the raffle succeed. Finally, we want to thank everyone who purchased a ticket in the raffle. Remember if you didn’t win, there’s always next year!

already a United Way supporter as a Grand Giver through Wesley Medical Center. Griffith is a family practice physician in Purvis. Congratulations, Dr. Griffith!

Other winners in the raffle included Tyler Hodges who won a personal computer donated by Owens Business Machines; Karen Lammert, who won a stained glass window donated by Nancy Powe; Paul Ahluwalia who won a gift card donated by Best Buy; and Mishelene Pellerin who won a gift card to Ashley Furniture Home Store.

This year’s raffle home, built by Dana Smith of DRS Construction, was located in the Legacy subdivision. The $285,000 home had three bedrooms, two and onehalf bathrooms and a bonus room. It featured a screened-in porch, granite counters and a whirlpool tub. Summer Sammons of Anderson Design Center was the interior designer.

This year’s lucky winner was Dr. Charles Griffith of Hattiesburg. Griffith was

Dan Kibodeaux presents Dr. Charles Griffith with the keys to his new home.

Special Thanks to: Our Sponsors:

ABC Supply Co., Inc. American Concrete Products Anderson Design Center Ashley Furniture Home Store Atlas Shingle Company BPI BancorpSouth Benjamin Moore Paints Best Buy Blakeney Communications Boral Bricks, Inc. The Cabinet Studio CBS-22

Citizens Bank Citizens National Bank Clear Channel Communications Comcast Cable Community Bank Copy Cats Printing Custom-Made Stained Glass by Nancy Powe Custom Surfaces & Interiors Delta Faucet Company DRS Construction The First Grand Bank Greater Hattiesburg Home Builders Association Hattiesburg American Jones Ready-Mix, LLC Laholden Wood Flooring The Lamar Times Larry Johnson & Co., LLC/ Legacy Development

Law Offices of Brian A. Montague, PLLC Leaf River Cellulose Nicholson and Company Owens Business Machines PriorityOne Bank Probuild, Inc. Regions Residential Designs, Inc. Sears Contract Sales Southeastern Concrete Southern Bath and Kitchen Southern Pipe and Supply Southern Windows and Doors of Hattiesburg, Inc. Sunbelt Fans and Lighting Trustmark National Bank Video Image Productions/ David Garraway WDAM-TV Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. Willmut Gas

Looking Ahead... 2009-2010 Your United Way continues to look forward to making a long-term, positive impact on our community by working through our network of partner agencies and developing programs of our own to meet areawide needs. In the coming months, we will continue the important work which began in 2008-09 including the following:

We will keep expanding our Financial Freedom initiative to improve the financial stability of people in impoverished households by providing training and other tools to equip and empower people.

We will seek ways to revitalize our webbased Volunteer Center to engage our community in service to those in need.

We will be taking the next steps with our Student United Ways at Southern Miss and William Carey University to promote United Way and civic engagement among the next generation of our leaders.

Through these efforts and the continued funding of our partner agencies, your investment in United Way will continue to provide leadership and opportunity throughout our area.

Where Your Money Goes – Our Partner Agencies United Way Funding 2009-2010 Aldersgate Mission $16,019 American Red Cross $133,220 ARC $91,160 Big Brothers Big Sisters $39,555 Boy Scouts of America, Pine Burr Area Council $119,003 The Carpenter’s Helper $22,556 Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse $81,749 Children’s Center for Communication and Development $84,196 Christian Services $83,433 Domestic Abuse Family Shelter $54,554 D.R.E.A.M. $52,004 DuBard School for Language Disorders $118,176 The Family Y $95,115 Girl Scouts, Gulf Pines Council $69,922 Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity $31,003 L.I.F.E. of South Mississippi $22,533 Pinebelt Association of Families $11,923 R³SM $30,035 The Salvation Army $117,689 Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention $50,670 South Mississippi Children’s Center $68,670 Outside Agencies Designations $21,000 Other Program Funding $46,500 Total Agency and Program Allocations $1,460,685 United Way of America Fee Administrative and Campaign Expenses

$16,050 $333,650

Total Estimated 2009-2010 Allocations/Expenses $1,810,385

How Your Donation is Used 18%

81%

1%

Funding to Agencies/Programs Campaign and Administrative Expenses United Way of America Fee

Aldersgate Mission

601-544-8141

Aldersgate Mission, a ministry of Main Street United Methodist Church since 1972, serves more than 60 youth of the downtown Hattiesburg area. It is the mission of Aldersgate to enhance the academic, social and spiritual development of the youth of the Briarfield community in order for them to become independent and productive young men and women of the world. Programs offered are intended to help children develop appropriate social skills, aid with academics, maximize leadership potential, teach compassion, build self-confidence, deter children from potential gang affliation, explore talent, build character and promote spiritual growth.

Total served in 2008 - 89 Maximum served daily - 66 United Way dollars fund the College Bound program, which encourages higher education and provides college preparation to underserved youth, mainly in the Briarfield community.

American Red Cross 601-582-8151 www.redcross-scms.org

Helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies such as disasters and medical emergencies. Provides emergency communication to members of the Armed Forces and financial assistance to the elderly or disabled. Provides a variety of community services, volunteer and service-learning opportunities.

Emergency Services: Single-family fires - 230 Forrest County - 77 Lamar County - 16 Perry County - 6 Other Counties - 131 Multi-family fires/familes - 4 fires/10 families Forrest County - 2 fires Other Counties - 2 fires Christmas Adopt-A-Fire-Family - 186 families qualified; 96 families participated Floods/families - 2 floods/26 families Forrest County - 2 floods Tornadoes/families - 2 tornadoes/15 families Train derailment/chemical spill (Stone County) - 1 event/25 families; 100 first responders Disaster assistance spent - $108,400 Local volunteers deployed to respond to national disasters across the country - 40 Services to Armed Forces: Military families receiving emergency communications - 174 Military families receiving emergency financial assistance - 37 Military verification provided for other service to the Armed Forces Service Centers 134 Soldiers receiving Red Cross briefings - 15,000 Financial assistance (including active duty service member loans and grants to

Veterans) - $38,957.17 Health and Safety (CPR/First Aid/Babysitter’s Training/Lifeguard Training, etc.): Classes taught - 466 classes to 4,321 students Community presentations - 21 presentations for 829 people Utility Assistance: Assistance provided - $33,544 for 363 clients Forrest County - 303 Lamar County - 49 Perry County - 11 United Way provides funds for disaster preparation and response services, emergency relief services, armed forces emergency services and health and safety classes.

ARC (Association for the Rights of Citizens with Developmental Challenges) 601-583-4251 www.hattiesburgarc.org

Provides information and referral to broaden community knowledge, acceptance of and interaction with people with mental disabilities. ARC provides services to this population and their families through such programs as After-School Child Care, Men's Respite, Ladies' Respite, Weekend at the ARC (respite for children and clients that require the services of a nurse), Friends Night at the ARC, Summer Adventures, Mother's Day Out and adult activities, such as dances. ARC also participates in a special buddy program developed to provide "buddies" for children with disabilites.

Total served in 2008 - 680 Forrest County - 415 Lamar County - 230 Perry County - 11 Other Counties - 24

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi www.bbbsms.org

601-545-1602

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mississippi is a non-profit organization receiving funding through United Way, community and corporate contributions, as well as agency fundraisers. The mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children - youth primarily - through a professionally supported one-to-one relationship with a caring adult and to assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow up to become confident, competent, caring individuals by providing committed volunteers, national leadership and standard of excellence. The role of the “big” is to be a friend to a child who is struggling academically, displaying behavioral problems, experiencing family problems, seems withdrawn or is simply a child in need of a friend. Big Brothers Big Sisters offers two mentoring programs for volunteers. The two programs are the community-based program and the school-based program. Offices are located in Hattiesburg and Petal.

Total number of children served in 2008 - 403 Children matched in the community-based program - 28 matches Children matched in the school-based program - 375 matches Children on waiting list for programs - 27 United Way funds help the Big Brothers Big Sisters offices manage the community and school-based mentoring programs in Hattiesburg and Petal.

Boy Scouts (Pine Burr Area Council) www.pineburrscouting.org

601-582-2326

Provides service for 17 counties in Southeast/South Mississippi. Offers a year-round program that places emphasis on character development, citizenship and moral and ethical training through Cub Scouts, Boys Scouts and Venture. Council targets Scoutreach and Learning for Life Character Education Programs as well.

United Way funds go toward educational and recreational activities for special needs youth and adults including respites and summer programming.

Agency Outcomes Your United Way Investment At Work Nadine Coleman has been Destiney’s big sister since 2001. Destiney was in kindergarten when her mother was incarcerated. Since then Nadine has assumed the role as Destiney’s main cheerleader, encourager, counselor, surrogate mother and friend.

Nadine makes a point to communicate with Destiney’s teachers on a daily basis to check on her academics and behavior. The pair work on homework and school projects together. Nadine assures Destiney that she will be there for her until high school graduation and as long as she needs her. At times, Nadine feels her presence with Destiney is all that is needed for her to feel safe and secure. This pair represents what Big Brothers Big Sisters is all about - a lasting relationship with a positive role model which both the “big” and “little” enjoy.

Total served in 2008 - 9,088 Youth - 6,297 Cub Scouts - 3,142 Boy Scouts - 2,634 Venture Scouts - 521 Volunteers - 2,791 Participants in Scoutreach - 1,248 Scouts earning rank of Eagle Scout - 93; 6 Eagle Scouts from Scoutreach division United Way funds are used for the Scoutreach program, which provides underprivileged youth the opportunity to participate in Scouting.

The Carpenter’s Helper 601-582-3330 www.carpentershelper.net

The Carpenter’s Helper’s mission is, to the best of its ability and resources, correct deficient housing conditions for persons in our immediate area who lack the resources, or the physical or mental abilities, to correct the problems themselves. This includes widows, widowers, the disabled and the disadvantaged. Work has included many different types of projects ranging from repairing substandard roofing systems, making homes handicap-accessible, installing a septic system and remodeling damaged housing.

Christian Services, Inc. 601-582-5683 www.christianserve.org

Homes repaired in 2008 - 19 Forrest County - 15 Lamar County - 2 Other Counties - 2 United Way dollars go toward home repair projects for the elderly and disabled in Forrest, Lamar, and Perry counties.

Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse www.mscpca.com

601-545-6680

Provides such programs as Parent Aide Program, Teen Parent Program, Child Victim/Witness Orientation (Court School), Community Awareness and referrals.

Total served in 2008 - 3,029 Forrest County - 1,721 Lamar County - 1,076 Perry County - 210 Other Counties - 22 Total number of families served - 171 Adults - 746; Children - 2,283 Community Education - 9 Volunteers trained - 2 United Way provides funds for the Welcome Baby program that teaches parenting skills to at-risk mothers; the Creating Lasting Family Connections program, which counsels families dealing with behavior and substance abuse issues; and other child victim support services.

Children's Center for Communication and Development 601-266-5222 www.usm.edu/childrenscenter

The Children’s Center provides speech and language therapy, special education, audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, behavior management and parent education for infants, toddlers and preschoolers with disabilities. The Center also offers outreach and technical assistance to public school early intervention programs in service development, assessments and intervention design. A resource loan library is maintained for families of children with disabilities who require adaptive toys, specialized equipment and educational information.

Total served in 2008 - 359 Enrollment, therapy and evaluations - 152 Forrest County - 28 Lamar County - 10 Perry County - 14 Other Counties - 100 Consultations/referrals - 207 United Way dollars help fund services to children ages birth to five with disabilities in communication and development, including education, therapy and special materials and equipment.

Provides a hot noonday meal five days each week and operates a Meals on Wheels program. Operates a residential recovery program for adult men. Provides emergency help with rent, food, utilities, medicine, etc.

Distributes high-quality, low-cost nutritional food boxes on a monthly basis. Shares large quantities of frozen and dry food with other area ministries/agencies. Holds special community holiday dinners. Sponsors weekly programs and holds special events for children. Thrift store offers low-cost clothing, furniture, etc. six days each week.

Did You Know?

Last year, over 65,000 meals were prepared by Christian Services and served to home-bound individuals through the Meals on Wheels program. The program provides more than just a meal; it provides a bit of companionship to those who are elderly and disabled and enjoy visits from a friend.

The Angel Food ministry is another program of Christian Services which assists many people during tight economic times. Like Meals on Wheels, people can reach out to others through Angel Food. For example, one client drives from a community 20 miles away to place and pick up orders, not only for her own family, but for her friends and neighbors as well. This program has been in operation for almost seven years, and last year over 13,000 boxes were provided.

Daily meals served - 146,679 Meals on Wheels served - 65,862 Emergency assistance - 969 families (1,489 total family members) Food distributed to other ministries/agencies 270,000 lbs. - 14 ministries/agencies Residential recovery treatment - 70 men (6,559 nights) Placements to other Christian recovery centers - 4 women; 12 men Thrift store shoppers - 22,000 Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners - 1,956 (Thanksgiving); 998 (Christmas) Angel Food boxes - 13,619 boxes to families from 10 counties Yule care baskets - 42 families (106 family members) Special Events (Birthday Party for Jesus, Easter Fun Day, Bible Clubs, etc.) - 1,200 children

United Way funds are directed to the soup kitchen services, which include the Compassion Van and Meals on Wheels operations. Angel Food Ministries and special events for children are also funded.

Domestic Abuse Family Shelter

1-800-649-1092

Provides services for victims of domestic violence at no charge, including a 24-hour crisis line and a 24-hour shelter providing safe housing for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. Shelter services include child care, counseling, transportation, aftercare case management and referrals. Provides non-residential counseling, victim advocacy, information and referrals to victims from the community. Education and prevention of domestic violence are provided through educational programs and trainings to schools, agencies and the community; and domestic violence intervention classes are also provided for abusers.

Total served in 2008 - 2,420 Services other than crisis calls: Forrest County - 92 Lamar County - 55

Perry County - 6 Other Counties - 325 Total housed in Hattiesburg shelter 150; Women - 69; Children - 81 Total housed in Laurel shelter - 131; Women - 46; Children - 50 Crisis calls answered - 1,942 Aftercare case management - 32; Women - 11; Children - 21 Non-residential counseling - 28; Women - 28 Children receiving therapeutic child care - 125 Victim Advocacy Program - 149; Women - 149 Domestic Violence Intervention Program - 23 Referrals for women - 830 (shelter); 235 (non-residential) Referrals for children - 605 (shelter); 157 (non-residential) Educational programs - 339 Media contacts provided - 131 Volunteers trained - 9 Volunteer service hours - 1,420

United Way dollars fund after-school tutoring, substance abuse prevention activities and youth leadership development programs.

Agency Outcomes Your United Way Investment At Work In late summer 2008, with her three children by her side, “Jane”, an African-American woman in her early thirties came to the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter fleeing an abusive marriage. This insightful and resourceful client sought help from individual and support group counseling offered by the shelter to help with the effects of the physical and emotional abuse she had endured. While at the shelter, the staff assisted her with finding many types of assistance. “Jane” is now in aftercare case management and faces the challenges ahead of her with support, determination and freedom from a violent relationship.

United Way funds are used for the daily operation of the Hattiesburg shelter, counseling and support services, victim advocacy, public education, special services for children and case management.

D.R.E.A.M. (Drug-free Resources for Education and Alternatives in Mississippi) 601-545-2102 www.dreamofhattiesburg.org

DREAM of Hattiesburg, Inc.’s mission is to prevent/reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. DREAM is a Certified Prevention Program (Department of Mental Health, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Abuse). The agency provides information, alternative activities, life skills development, resources and training; and it encourages community collaboration to promote healthy choices.

Total served in 2008 - 15,283 Forrest County - 8,789 Lamar County - 4,250 Perry County - 1,850 Marion County - 190 Greene County - 200 Other Counties - 4 DREAM Resource Center pieces of material distributed - 11,401 K-12 students completing alcohol, tobacco and other drugs prevention classes - 3,600 DREAM Youth Leadership Programs - 100 youth involved in youth programs, such as DREAM-Senior Optimist Club, DREAM Center and Palmers Crossing Community Center

DuBard School for Language Disorders www.usm.edu/dubard

601-266-5223

Provides an 11-month program that offers intensive instruction for preschool and schoolage children with severe language/speech disorders and/or hearing impairments. Also provides outclient therapy and outclient evaluations.

Total served in 2008 - 551 Enrollment, therapy and evaluations in 2007-2008 school year - 172 Consultations/referrals - 379 United Way funds help provide evaluation, therapy and education services to children with language and communication disorders.

The Family Y

601-583-4000

www.ymcahattiesburg.org

The YMCA mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Family YMCA is proud to have played a part in helping thousands of people experience life changing moments. The goal in all programs is to provide a positive environment and variety of experiences that will allow individuals the opportunities to grow. The YMCA provides a myriad of programs and services for children, teens, adults, families and active adults, many with a special emphasis on fitness. In addition, The Family Y provides recreational and social programs at no charge for those with special needs and mental disabilities. All programs at the Y are structured around the core values of caring, honesty, respect, faith and responsibility.

The Family YMCA is committed to helping people grow in spirit, mind and body, regardless of financial circumstances. The Y will never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance is available for all programs through funding from United Way of Southeast Mississipi, Partners of Youth, Sustaining Members and Friends of the Y. With the Gandy Child Development Center, the expansion of the Petal Family YMCA in 2008 and the planned construction of a Lamar County branch in 2009, The Family YMCA continues to identify the needs of our population as it builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Total served in 2008 - 27,023 Forrest County - 17,833 Lamar County - 6,414 Perry County - 362 Other Counties - 2,414 Total amount of financial assistance provided - $400,000 United Way funds provide scholarships for families and individuals unable to pay for recreational and fitness programs and services.

Girl Scouts (Gulf Pines Council) www.gulfpines.org

601-582-1455

Provides a contemporary, year-round program that is fun and responsive to the needs of all girls between ages 5-17, enabling them to reach their full potential and empowering them to take leadership roles in a changing global society. The purpose of Girl Scouting is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Forrest County - 1,353 Girls - 949; Adults - 404 Lamar County - 1,176 Girls - 923; Adults - 253 Perry County - 493 Girls - 462; Adults - 31 Other Counties - 14,787 Girls - 12,424; Adults - 2,363

United Way provides funds for the construction of ramps, roll-in showers and other home modifications that allow disabled residents to continue to live independently.

Pinebelt Association for Families www.paffpetal.org

United Way dollars used by Girl Scouts fund troop activities for girls in Forrest, Lamar and Perry counties.

Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity www.hattiesburghabitat.org

601-582-4663

Helps low-income families in need build affordable, simple and decent housing through a partnership between families, volunteers and a coalition of individuals, businesses, churches and others with the necessary resources to accomplish its mission.

In 2008, Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity built its first 48-hour blitz build house in partnership with First Baptist Church of Hattiesburg and the Hill family. Hattiesburg was one of 18 other Gulf Coast region Habitat affiliates participating in the 2008 Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project by completing five houses in the city of Hattiesburg. Habitat began implementing its homeowner educational component by holding 11 workshops with more than 50 individuals attending. During the year, Habitat hosted more than 49 volunteer groups (both in and out of state) and engaged a total of 700 volunteers who contributed more than 5,800 volunteer hours in our community. By the year’s end, Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity completed houses for nine families who completed more than 3,300 sweat equity hours.

Total homes buily in 2008 - 9 Forrest County - 9 Total family members assisted - 37 Forrest County - 37 United Way dollars help cover the operational expenses of the agency including the family services with partner families.

L.I.F.E. of South Mississippi (Living Independence for Everyone) 601-583-2108 www.lifeofms.com

Provides services to individuals with disabilities of any age and any type of disability.

The services provided are designed to empower individuals with disabilities to be as fully involved in their communities as they can and want to be and to continue living independently in their own homes. The four core services of independent living are peer support, skills training, advocacy and information and referral. LIFE also provides purchased services, such as home modifications or durable medical equipment and supplies, when necessary and when funding allows.

Total Served in 2008 - 281 Forrest County - 131 Lamar County - 27 Perry County - 16 Other Counties - 107

601-582-0909

R.A.P.P. (Relatives as Parents Program) provides services to grandparents (and other relatives) raising grandchildren. Services include: support groups, information and referral, health insurance and benefits counseling, in-home services, respite, tutoring for grandchildren, school interventions, behavior management programs, educational forums, intergenerational physical fitness programs and a psycho-educational summer program for grandchildren ages 6-14. Special services are available to grandparents over 55 years old. Also offers free monthly activities for the entire family with familybuilding and educational emphasis. Faith in Action Helping Hands improves the quality of life for the frail elderly, family caregivers of homebound family members, the chronically disabled and grandparents raising grandchildren through volunteer informal caregiver services and collaborations among churches, community organizations, local hospitals and service providers. McGruff Citizenship and Literacy Program combines the values of citizenship and literacy. Pinebelt Association for Families teams up with local law enforcement to present a crime prevention program and a personalized McGruff and Me hardbound book for first and second graders in Perry County sponsored by business leaders in the community.

Total served in 2008 - 874 Forrest County - 502 Lamar County - 4 Perry County - 175 Other Counties - 193 United Way dollars fund the Relatives as Parents Program, which offers support services to grandparents (or other relatives) raising grandchildren.

R³SM (Recover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast Mississippi) 601-544-5115 www.r3sm.org

The mission of R³SM is to coordinate recovery services for families impacted by Hurricate Katrina. The primary focus is to support efforts to repair and rebuild homes and lives beginning with the most vulnerable first, which includes the elderly, disabled and single parents with minor-aged children.

R³SM is an affiliate through the Mississippi Commission on Volunteerism to provide case management services, funded by a FEMA grant, to more than 500 families who remain in FEMA provided housing (mobile homes, travel trailers or hotel rooms) in 13 counties. This opportunity brought more than $2 million dollars into our communities’ economy in the way of salaries and other

Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention Regionally toll-free 601-264-7777 www.theshafercenter.org

goods and services to support the program.

Provides support, counseling, referral and information to victims of all types of sexual assault and survivors of homicide and suicide victims. Provides a 24-hour Crisis Line for direct toll-free service. Offers escort services to accompany a victim to the hospital, police department and/or court proceedings. Educates the community on issues related to homicide, the sexual abuse of children and adults and in regard to personal safety and rape prevention.

Total served in 2008 - 364 Forrest County - 233 Lamar County - 48 Perry County - 80 Other Counties - 3 Volunteers - 600 Volunteer hours - 27,169 United Way funds help with operational expenses to assist the long-term disaster recovery program as it coordinates home repairs and re-builds.

The Salvation Army 601-544-3684 www.salvationarmyhattiesburg.org

Serves Forrest, Lamar, Perry, Marion, Greene, Jefferson Davis and Covington counties.

Provides crisis intervention and direct services to area residents in need. Temporary assistance given for housing, food, clothing, rent, utilities, medicine, eyeglasses, transportation and counseling emergencies. Provides summer camping programs for adults, assistance during times of disaster, school supplies for needy children, seasonal assistance during Thanksgiving and Christmas and senior adult centers in Perry and Forrest counties. Provides character building programs for youth through Corps Youth activities, summer camps for youth and The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club programs. These include a variety of activities for children ages 6-18 provided through the following core areas: Education and Career Development; Health/Life Skills; The Arts; Sports/Fitness & Recreation; Citizenship/Leadership Development; Cultural/Social Enrichment and Spiritual Growth. The School for the Performing Arts provides classes in visual art, dance, voice, drama and chimes.

Social services - 30,918 Emergency assistance - 3,536 Christmas assistance - 27,328 School for Performing Arts - 54 Homeless shelter - 841 people; 3,583 nights stayed Service units - 764 Senior adults - 81 members Corps programs - 18,356 Disaster services - 3,884 Boys and Girls Club program Educational sessions - 2,489 Recreational sessions - 1,905 Total members - 481 Other youth served - 325

Agency Outcomes Your United Way Investment At Work Kolby is a five-year-old boy who loves tractors.

Now, thanks to the Children’s Center for Communication and Development, he can tell you all about them! When Kolby first came to the center at age two, he was not speaking - at all. His mother had taught him a couple of very basic signs that he occasionally used. At the Children’s Center, Kolby receives the special education and therapy he needs. He has made incredible progress from a little boy who cried for hours when separated from his mother to a big boy who can tell you with beautifully clear sentences all about his next birthday party!

United Way funds are used to help cover the costs of social services programs, the homeless shelter, senior adult centers and activities at the Boys and Girls Club.

Total served in 2008 - 231 victims Homicide co-victims - 70 Suicide survivors served - 24 Follow-up contacts - 231 Children - 68; Adults - 163 Females - 182; Males - 49 Court support - 18 Sexual assault primary victims - 119 Sexual assault secondary victims - 42 Crisis line calls - 750 Support group participants - 60 Information packets provided - 120 Prevention/Awareness information presented or given to - 1,200+

Agency Outcomes Your United Way Investment At Work

“It made me want to stay in school and hang out with smart people.”

- quote from 14-year-old student in the College Bound program at Aldersgate

Mission, a United Way-funded program

United Way dollars are used to fund support services such as a 24-hour crisis line, counseling, victim escort services and support for survivors of homicide and suicide.

South Mississippi Children's Center www.mchscares.org

1-800-635-9056

Provides a safe, homelike refuge for youth ages 9-17 who are abused, neglected, runaway and/or homeless. Serves as the community sponsor for Project Safe Place.

Provides 24- hour admissions and crisis line for runaway, homeless or in-crisis youth.

Total served in 2008 - 122 Forrest County - 14 Lamar County - 4 Perry County - 11 Other Counties - 93 Bed days available - 4,392 Bed days utilized - 3,426 Hours of outreach and aftercare - 319.75 Total Safe Place calls - 25 Total Safe Place calls housed - 13 Total served in outreach - 3,505 United Way funds help cover the costs to operate the full-time shelter for runaway and homeless youth, provide case management, offer youth programs and provide outreach through Project Safe Place.

2008-2009 Volunteers Executive Committee

Skippy Haik, President, Hattiesburg American Rob Stultz, Past President, Forrest General Hospital Allen Anderson, Campaign Chair, Anderson Design Center Dr. Annie Wimbish, Assistant Campaign Chair/Pacesetters Chair, Hattiesburg Public Schools Karen Griffis, Secretary/Treasurer & Finance Chair, Regions Gail Atkinson, Funds Distribution Chair, Community Volunteer Kemi Simmons, Communications Chair, Grand Bank Randy Read, Personnel Chair, Community Volunteer Dr. Bill Smith, Community Impact Chair, The University of Southern Mississippi Mike Pasquale, Audit Committee Chair, Leaf River Cellulose

Board of Directors

Skippy Haik, President, Hattiesburg American Allen Anderson, Anderson Design Center Gail Atkinson, Community Volunteer Jerome Brown, The First Julia Brown, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources Clyde Bryant, State Farm Insurance Dr. Ben Burnett, Lamar County Schools *Rev. Marcus Cathey, West Point Baptist Church Nadine Coleman, Petal School District *Dr. Cynthia Easterling, The University of Southern Mississippi Andrew Ellard, Wachovia Securities Brett Emmett, Wesley Medical Center Lamar Evans, Association Management Systems, Inc. Ed Felsher, Retired Sue Gallaspy, Keller Williams Honorable Deborah Gambrell,

Gambrell Law Firm Dr. Angie Godwin, Area Development Partnership Karen Griffis, Regions John Griffith, Regions Russ Hendley, Hattiesburg CocaCola Bottling Company Stephanie Hoze, Hattiesburg Public Schools Jan Lacy, Copy Cats Printing Marcia Line, Community Volunteer *Cliff Marshall, Camp Shelby Rev. Anthony McCullum, Piney Grove Baptist Church Hayden Mitchell, Citizens National Bank Brian Montague, Law Offices of Brian A. Montague, PLLC Joe O’Connell, Bryan Nelson Mike Pasquale, Leaf River Cellulose Dr. Joe Paul, The University of Southern Mississippi Pam Peterman, BancorpSouth Sara Peterson, Anderson Design Center Dr. Steve Ramp, Westminster Presbyterian Church Sterling Rascoe, BancorpSouth Kaye Ray, Retired Randy Read, Community Volunteer Joe Riley, Community Volunteer Kemi Simmons, Grand Bank

Susan Slaughter, Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services Dr. Bill Smith, The University of Southern Mississippi *Laura Smith, Green Eye Institute Rob Stultz, Forrest General Hospital Beverly Walley, Richton Bank and Trust Dawson Wilkerson, Zeon Chemicals *Arnie Williams, Mississippi Power Dr. Annie Wimbish, Hattiesburg Public Schools Joy Yates, Hattiesburg Clinic *Term expired March 31, 2009 or earlier

Campaign Cabinet

Allen Anderson, Campaign Chair, Anderson Design Center Dr. Annie Wimbish, Assistant Campaign Chair/Pacesetters Chair, Hattiesburg Public Schools Jim Wild, Major Accounts Chair, Regions Arnie Williams, Mid-size Accounts Chair, Mississippi Power Debbie Burt, Education Chair, Forrest County Schools Sheriff Danny Rigel, Public Service Chair, Lamar County Chris Strebeck, Account Development Chair, Community Bank Craig and Jan Howard, Grand Givers Society Co-Chairs, Comprehensive Radiology Services Holt and Lynn McMullan, Grand Givers Society Co-Chairs, Trustmark National Bank Bernice Linton, Retirees Chair, Retired Jerry Moore, Agencies Chair, Boy Scouts, Pine Burr Area Council Kemi Simmons, Communications Chair, Grand Bank

Communications Committee

Kemi Simmons, Chair, Grand Bank Jaclyn Adams, Hancock Bank Linda Bass, The University of Southern Mississippi

Emily Bond, Community Volunteer Leigh Canoy, Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services Nancy Carpenter, Forrest General Home Care and Hospice Susan Cucullu, Community Volunteer Julie DeFatta, Hattiesburg Clinic David Garraway, Video Image Productions Bill Hickman, Community Volunteer Anne Carol Giles Johnson, The Citizens Bank Kari Lamb, Hancock Bank Linda Nary, Community Bank Sara Peterson, Anderson Design Center Karen Shemper, Trustmark National Bank Susan Slaughter, Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services Laura Smith, Green Eye Institute Sharon Weathersby, Davenport Specialty Foods

Funds Distribution Committee

Gail Atkinson, Chair, Community Volunteer Lora Anderson, Zeon Chemicals Wally Babbidge, CBS-22 Todd Binion, State Farm Insurance Ione Bond, Retired Julia Brown, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources Nadine Coleman, Petal School District Judi Collins, Community Volunteer Beverly Commodore, Community Volunteer Annette Davenport, Retired Scott Dumas, Johnson Controls, Inc. Andrew Ellard, Wachovia Securities Brett Emmett, Wesley Medical Center Lamar Evans, Association Management Systems, Inc. Sue Gallaspy, Keller Williams Dr. Rex Gandy, The University of Southern Mississippi Karen Griffis, Regions Skippy Haik, Hattiesburg American Russ Hendley, Hattiesburg CocaCola Bottling Company Robin Hulsey, Leaf River Cellulose

Stephanie Hoze, Hattiesburg Public Schools Carolyn Karlovich, Lowe’s Adrienne Kent, Community Volunteer Demaris Lee, ServiceMaster of Petal Marcia Line, Community Volunteer Bernice Linton, Retired Chris Litton, Mississippi Power Jim Lloyd, Forrest General Hospital Dee Dee Lowery, The First Cliff Marshall, Camp Shelby Rev. Anthony McCullum, Piney Grove Baptist Church Hayden Mitchell, Citizens National Bank Joe O’Connell, Bryan Nelson LaSandra Pace, Forrest General Hospital Pam Peterman, BancorpSouth Dr. Rod Posey, The University of Southern Mississippi Corey Proctor, Neel-Schaffer Jo Ann Raanes, Debbie Sinopoli and Associates Real Estate Rhonda Rains, First Continental Leasing, BancorpSouth Dr. Steve Ramp, Westminster Presbyterian Church Kaye Ray, Retired Deborah Reynolds, Petal Chamber of Commerce John Shappley, Wachovia Bank Renee Smith, Leaf River Cellulose Joe Stevens, Wise, Carter, Child & Caraway Elaine Temple, First Continental Leasing, BancorpSouth Terri Lynn Warden, Forrest General Hospital Jim Yelverton, Retired

Staff

Dan Kibodeaux, Executive Director Brooke Bryan, Campaign/

Communications Coordinator

Michelle Garraway, Community Impact Coordinator

Renita Hatten, Office Coordinator Maggie West, Grants Specialist

2008-2009 Contributors Alexis de Tocqueville Society Gifts of $10,000 or more

One anonymous donor Betty and Bobby Chain Mary and Dean Cromartie Drs. Marcia and Geoffrey Hartwig Carolyn and Warren Hood Olga and Rick Jorgensen Michael and Courtney Patterson Duane and Jo Ann Raanes Susan Thomson Rutland Mr. Joe and Dr. Virginia Angelico Tatum Thad and Gerry Waites Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence W. Warren

Platinum Society

Gifts from $5,000 to $9,999

Dan and Vicki Kibodeaux Dr. and Mrs. Lance Line Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Shemper

Diamond Society

Gifts from $2,500 to $4,999

Dr. Theodore and Anita Gail Atkinson David and Judy Burckel John and Della Faust Charlie and Lorita Finnegan C.D. and Ruby Galey Glenn and Gayle Galey Dr. and Mrs. H. Lamar Gillespie, Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Hilton L. Gillespie, Jr. Karen and Neal Griffis John and Skippy Haik Mrs. Bernice Huddleston Edward J. “Ed” and Lynda Langton Dee Dee and Robert Lowery Katie Rose McClendon Drs. Les Goff and Sarah Morgan Dr. Alan and Sgt. 1st Class Susan Oubre Louis and Lou Ann Poynter Betty T. Reuben Dr. and Mrs. Glenn B. Ruffin Nikki Stogner Dr. and Mrs. William Strong Fred and Mary Margaret Tatum Sara Myers Turner Drs. Eddie and Sue Walker

Sterling Society

Gifts from $1,500 to $2,499 Jeff and Nina Allen Deborah and Keith Barrett Mike and Judi Collins Robert and Theresa Coltharp Jim and Debbie Compton Dr. and Mrs. Rick Conn Ward and Mary Moore Conville Dr. Don and Dr. Donna Davis Larry and Beth Davis Wayne Dawson, Jr. Philip and Judy Dur Melanie Fink Jim and Sue Gallaspy Charles R. Griffith, M.D. Dr. D. Harry Halliwell, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Robert Heath Dr. Charles and Charlene Hernandez Joey and Becky Hurston Dr. Frances A. Karnes Richard and Debra Ann King Paul and Sherry Laughlin Drs. Julie and Scott Lynn Mr. and Mrs. Harry McArthur, Jr. Morgan and Angela McCarty Mr. and Mrs. Ken McCaskill Joseph B. McMillon, M.D. Holt and Lynn McMullan Hayden and Janet Mitchell Deborah and Steve Moore Joseph and Jane O’Connell Bill and Becky Oliver Meg and Joe Paul John and Betty Pearson Dr. Suyon Rhee and Young Yu Robert and Charlene Robbins Marcus and Jan Robinson Mickey and Carol Ryan Dr. Cathy Sessums John and T.J. Shappley Dr. and Mrs. J. Larry Smith Suzanne and Howard Stroud Rob and Connie Stultz Drs. Jon and Christy Thornton Tommy and Martha Thornton Richard and Debra Topp G. Edward Tucker, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Hernando Velez Roy and Lincy Viator Drs. Joseph and Elizabeth Washburne Jim and Toni Wild Dawson and Brenda Wilkerson Alphonso and Dora Willis

Crystal Society

Gifts from $1,000 to $1,499 Four anonymous donors Alex and Leigh Agnew Mickey G. Allen Kate Aseme, M.D. Dr. and Mrs. William C. Baker, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Rocco Barbieri Ken Barbor Stephen and Dawn Beam Babs Faulk and John Blanks Hugh Bolton Will Bond Todd and Mary Glenn Bradley Hope Braley Jerome and Celeste Brown Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Brownlee Clyde and Tanya Bryant Dave Bush Margaret Buttross-Brinegar Tom Caldwell Drs. Barbara and George Carter Vincent and Deborah Gambrell Chambers Dr. and Mrs. Steve Cockerham Timothy L. Cole Dr. Stephen and Dianne Coleman Howell and Ginny Crawford Mark and Jennifer Crosby Dr. and Mrs. John P. Culpepper Warren and Darleen Dale David Dancsisin Lee and Kristine Danley Martha V. Dearman William and Shirley Ducker Drs. Kenneth and Rebecca Duff Mayor and Mrs. Johnny DuPree Dr. Cynthia R. Easterling Brett and Allison Emmett Joel and Charity Engle Theresa Erickson Greg Fairey Tommy and Dolores Fairley Lee and Linda Fedric Col.(R) and Mrs. Ed Felsher Dr. Nollie Felts Jerry Fenton Teresa and Herbert Floyd Mr. and Mrs. L.Y. Foote, Jr. Mrs. T. Lewis Fowler, Jr. Rahn and Tiffany Freeman Janet and David Gallaspy Dr. Rex Gandy and Laura Prange Greg and Amy Garraway

Sheila Gaudet Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Q. Gilder Dr. Angie Godwin Dr. and Mrs. Erik Graham Dennis and Erin Granberry John and Linda Griffith Dr. C.E. “Chuck” Guice, III Isle and Allen Hale Jane B. Heidelberg Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Heinmiller Wendell and Kerry Helveston David K. Hemeter David Hollis Jimmy L. Hopkins Dr. and Mrs. Craig S. Howard Kim and Kinny Howell Rucker and Renee Howell Milan and Stephanie Hoze Wayne and Terri Hughes James Hutto Gwen James J. Robert and Patricia Jefcoat David and Anita Johnson Dr. and Mrs. Tommy King Charlotte and Roy Krag Terry and Jan Lacy David and Demaris Lee Mr. and Mrs. John W. Lee, Jr. Henry and Bernice Linton Robert and Margaret Lochhead Dr. and Mrs. Kimble Love Drs. Alan and Melinda Lucas Aubrey and Ella Lucas Dr. Robert Lyman Steve and Sue Lyon Charlie and Mary Pat Manogue Maureen K. Martin David and Carolyn Masters Chris and Khristi Matheny Victor and Shirley Mattson Jerry and Kay Mayo Carey and Danette McAlexander Robert and Mary McCarthy Mike and Janet McElroy George E. McGee, M.D. Ben and Lana McIlwain Dr. and Mrs. Lynn McMahan Mike and Marci McMahan Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. McMullan Mr. and Mrs. Frank McWhorter Dr. and Mrs. Keith Melancon Philip and Leigh Anne Mellen Dr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Messer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Brian A. Montague

Doug and Becky Montague H. A. Moore Jerry and Wendy Moore Joseph and Connie Morgan Troy and Natalie Morrissette Dr. and Mrs. Steven M. Murphey Don and Winnie Nace Lance and Ruth Nail Carl Nicholson Drs. Farhang Niroomand and Farnaz Zand Dr. Edward Nissan Dr. Kelly R. O’Neal, Jr. Nancy and William O’Toole Dr. and Mrs. David M. Owen Gene and Brenda Owens Dr. Gregory R. and Kathy Owens Louis and Shirley Pace MaryAnn Parrish Gwen Pate Doug and Pam Peterman Carl and Pat Peterson Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Phillips Don and Katherine Pittman Benny and Doris Prestridge Dr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Puckett Edward H. Purcell Steve and Ellen Ramp Justice Mike and Kathy Randolph Mrs. Patricia S. Raulston Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Rhian, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. David Richardson Paul and Margaret Rocconi Dr. and Mrs. Randolph J. Ross Dr. and Mrs. Douglas W. Rouse Larry and Ka Russum Mr. Joe Bailey and Dr. Martha Saunders Ron and Marcia Seal Robert and Amy Sevier Dr. and Mrs. Lin Shannon Travis and Michelle Sisson Lavon and DeLois Smith Neil and Jill Solomon Mr. and Mrs. W. Kenneth Stevens Dr. and Mrs. Paul J. Talbot Linda M. Taylor Ken and Elaine Temple Douglas F. Thomas, M.D. Judge and Mrs. James H.C. Thomas, Jr. Greg and Paula Thrash Ike and Dawn Thrash Richard and Janice Vannatta LTC(R) Frederick and Col.(R) Sheila Varnado Lee Anne and Ronnie Venable

Benny and Pam Waddle Leonard and Beverly Walley Tracy and Terri Lynn Warden Larry and Carol Watson Mr. and Mrs. Ted J. Webb Dr. Greer and Mrs. Sandy Whitacre Dr. and Mrs. Clinton White Kathleen and Gene Williams Mheja Williams Mr. Ray and Dr. Annie Wimbish Joy and Jason Yates James N. Yelverton Francis and Kathy Yadrick Zipple

Diamond Donors

Diamond Donors are supporters who have been giving to United Way - any United Way - for 25 years or more.

Nationally, United Way of America highlights the significance and importance of this donor longevity. These donors are self-identified. If you are a Diamond Donor but are not on this list, please notify the United Way office.

We would like to give our special thanks to these donors for their dedication and support.

Wayne Alsobrooks Ida Anderson Lora Anderson Sue Anthony Sylvia R. Ball

Ella Barnes Deborah and Keith Barrett Mary Jane Baxter Virginia S. Berry Vermester Bester Cynthia Bivins John Blanks Martin Blount Darlene Bolton Hugh Bolton Will Bond Willie Bourne Bobbie Branch Laura Bridges Karen Brown Pat Brown Sidne Buelow Susan Hubble Burchell Margaret Buttross-Brinegar Barbara Callahan Libby Carroll Bobby L. Chain Pat Chambless Tina B. Cook Brenda P. Cooper Gloria Courtney Mary and Dean Cromartie Henry Dabon Darleen Dale Chyrel Dantzler Victoria Easterling Robert E. Evans Babs Faulk Rebecca Featherston Regenia Fluker Karen Fortenberry Sue Fortenberry Ruby and Red Galey Sue Gallaspy Tina Gibbs Mike Gibs William Goggin Sid Gonsoulin Susan Graham-Kresge Patsy Gray Mr. and Mrs. George Hall Chester L. Hamilton JoAnn Harrington Ryan Hawk Linda Haywood Johnnie Hendricks Stephanie B. Hoze Debbie Hudson

Gwen James Peggy James Jo-Anne Johnson Fran Jones Jacquelyn Jones Ursula Jones Sybil Jordan Dr. Frances A. Karnes John Kent Louise Kiefer Patricia Kimble Wayne Landers Lynn Landrum Anne Larsen Paul and Sherry Laughlin Patsy Lee Bob Lindley Joy Lines Lynne A. Lively Aubrey and Ella Lucas Alyce A. Lucius Willie Macko William Magee Linda Malone Marcella Martin Maureen Martin William H. McCall Carla McCann Bill McCrary Mary McGilvery Rachel McKenzie Ronnie McLemore Holt McMullan Mr. and Mrs. Andy Mercier John Meyers Ulysses Michini Betty Miller Cheryl Mims Hayden Mitchell Viola Mitchell Jerry Moore Susie Morris Megan Mullican John Muma Kenny Nicholas Drs. Farhang and Farnaz Niroomand Edward Nissan Martha Nunley Louis Pace Paula Palazzolo Debbie Patterson Penny Patterson

John M. Peoples, III Carol Perrer Carl Peterson Connie C. Pittman Kathy Polk Pamela G. Posey Gale Powell Edward Purcell Mary Ann Purvis Pat Riley Kathy Rounsaville Vivian Rounsaville Barbara Ross Bettie Ross Susan B. Sanders Mark Satterlee Mary T. Schaub Mary Clare Shaw Gary Shelley Cheryl Siccone Edna Siddon Gloria Smalley Laura Smith Kathleen Speed JoAnn Speights Jay Staats Mr. and Mrs. Howard Stroud Rob Stultz Mary Butler Sumrall Stanley Thomas David O. Thoms, Jr. Richard Thrash Sandra K. Tillson Marcelle Todd David Trim Jewel Tucker Jacquelyn Ulm Mary Walker Shirley Walmon Billie Walters Janice Watson Faley Weathersby Barbara H. Wheat Dr. Alvin J. Williams Dr. Annie Wimbish Donald E. Winters Larita Woodard Terri Woolbright Reginald Woullard Kimberly M. Wyatt Constance Wyldman

Special Thanks to the Following Organizations Employee Campaigns Plus a Corporate Gift:

AT&T Alter Trading^ BancorpSouth*+• Belk Best Buy Chevron^ Citizens National Bank Coldwell Banker, Don Nace, Inc. Realtors Comcast Cable Community Bank• Cooper Power Systems• Dillard’s• Eli Lilly^ Hattiesburg American*• Hercules Hoffman La Roche Hunt-Southland Refinery^ JCPenney Johnson Controls^• The Merchants Company Mississippi Power*+• Moore Funeral Home Nationwide Insurance^ Rain CII Regions*+• Richton Bank and Trust Sam’s Club^ South Mississippi Electric Power Association• SouthGroup Insurance State Farm Insurance Stuart Irby Co.^

Agency Outcomes Your United Way Investment At Work The programs of The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Aldersgate and DREAM are aimed at developing the potential of our youth to become leaders of tomorrow. The funds provided to these agencies are used for activities that engage and empower young people to make smart choices like graduating from high school and going on to college, so they can be more productive adults.

Target Trustmark National Bank Wal-Mart.Com^ Wal-Mart #2717 – Highway 49^ Wal-Mart #916 – Highway 98^ Wal-Mart #1-1168 – Columbia^ Wal-Mart #0887 – Petal^ Wachovia Bank Wachovia Securities Western Container William Carey University Zeon Chemicals*^+•

Employee Campaigns:

Abbott Labs Aldersgate Mission• Allstate Insurance American Red Cross – South Central Mississippi Chapter• Anderson Design Center*• Aramark Area Development Partnership• Assurant Bank of America Big Brothers Big Sisters Boy Scouts of America – Pine Burr Area Council*• CBS-22 Camp Shelby The Carpenter’s Helper• Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse• CenterPoint Energy Children’s Center for Communication and Development City of Hattiesburg Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Copy Cats Printing D.R.E.A.M. of Hattiesburg• Domestic Abuse Family Shelter, Inc.• DuBard School for Language Disorders ExxonMobil The Family Y FedEx The First Forrest County Department of Human Services Forrest County Schools Forrest General Hospital*+• Gander Mountain Girl Scouts – Gulf Pines Council*• Grand Bank*• Green Eye Institute•

Hancock Bank• Hattiesburg Area Habitat for Humanity• Hattiesburg Clinic*+ Hattiesburg Coca-Cola Bottling Company• Hattiesburg Convention Commission Hattiesburg Public Schools+ IBM Johnson & Johnson Keller Williams Kohler Company L.I.F.E. of South Mississippi• Lamar County Lamar County Schools• Leaf River Cellulose+• Lowe’s Manpower MegaGate Broadband Nicholson and Company O’Reilly Auto Parts Payless Shoe Source Perry County Schools• Petal Public Schools• Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources Presto-X / Dunagin Pest Control PriorityOne Bank R³SM (Recover, Rebuild, Restore Southeast Mississippi)• Realty Executives Roberts Company• The Salvation Army• Schering-Plough Corporation Shafer Center for Crisis Intervention• Debbie Sinopoli and Associates South Mississippi Children’s Center• South Mississippi State Hospital Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative• Southern Bone and Joint Specialists, P.A.• Southgate Realty Sunbelt Rehabilitation Turner Industries UPS• USA Funds United Way of Southeast Mississippi Staff• The University of Southern Mississippi+• Wells Fargo Wesley Medical Center*+• Winn Dixie Women’s Pavilion of South Mississippi Yellow Book USA Zachry Construction * indicates Pacesetter organization + indicates Top Ten campaign ^ indicates corporate dollar-for-dollar match • indicates 100% in 100 days local campaign

Corporate Gifts:

Christian Services, Inc. Downtown Tonsorial Parlor Holden Earth Moving and Construction Company Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home Hunt Insurance Agency New York Life Newell Paper Company Parker’s Landscape Service Perry Office Machines Pinebelt Association for Families Regency Hospital Scott Tractor Southern Oaks House and Gardens Touchstone Motor Sales Warren Paving Westminster Presbyterian Church

Other Gifts:

Kappa Delta Sorority, Beta Sigma Chapter Shell Oil Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lacy Kelly Post

OUR MISSION IS

TO IMPROVE LIVES

BY LEADING AND MOBILIZING

THE CARING POWER OF SOUTHEAST

MISSISSIPPI

P.O. Box 1648 Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1648 www.unitedwaysems.org unitedwaysems@megagate.com (601) 545-7141