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United Way Exceeds Campaign Goal! To a drum roll provided by the West Bend High Schools Drum Corps, Tony Warren, Chair of the Board of West Bend Mutual Insurance Company and 2009 United Way Campaign Chair, announced that United Way of Washington County had exceeded its 2009 Campaign Goal of $1,075,000. "I can't even begin to express how proud I am of Washington County's companies and residents' response to the needs of our partner agencies and the individuals they support," exclaimed Warren. "I am proud to announce that, with the hard work of our dedicated campaign volunteers, our United Way raised $1,120,894. To exceed our goal by over 4% during the worst economic downturn in decades says a lot about the character of Washington County." Warren spoke to over 100 participants at United Way's Campaign Thank You Celebration held at the West Bend Mutual Insurance Company's Prairie Center on the evening of January 11th. In keeping with this year's school theme, entertainment for the event was provided by the West Bend High Schools. Music during registration was provided by Ricky Kellow. Leah Duckert and Diana Jonan performed an instrumental duet during dinner. The West Bend High Schools Dance Team and Drum Corps also performed. "The people in Washington County responded to the message of the United Way – 'Give at Home'. Money raised in our campaign stays in the community," stated Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and United Way Board President. "The success of our campaign is a testament to the commitment of our volunteers and the generosity of the people of Washington County. The money raised will be distributed to local agencies to support programs which measurably improve the lives of Washington County residents in need." Donations raised by this year's United Way of Washington County's campaign will be used to fund 33 programs offered by 21 United Way partner agencies. Programs supported by United Way include those that help feed hungry adults and children, people with disabilities who need someone to advocate for them, babies born with developmental delays, and youth who learn life skills by participating in Scouting. "This year we stressed educating Washington County residents about the human service needs within our County and the services provided by our partner agencies to address those needs," explained Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director. "Through the use of cable TV programs, radio PSA's, news articles, and agency fairs, we strove to make sure people knew about various resources available to them." "Reaching our goal in 2009 is a evidence to the generosity of the individuals, businesses and other organizations in Washington County," stated Ric Leitheiser, M&I Community Bank President and 2009 Campaign Vice-Chair. "Throughout this campaign, I was impressed with the awareness of the critical situation that exists in the county at this time. High unemployment in particular is taking its toll on individuals and families. The programs supported by the United Way campaign dollars will directly benefit these individuals and families until they can make the transition to a better situation." "Because Ric will chair our 2010 campaign, we are confident that United Way can continue the success we had during the 2009 campaign," continued Giesenschlag. "We are excited to announce that Michael Laird, St. Josephs Hospital President will join Ric as the 2010 Campaign Vice-Chair and agreed to be the 2011 Campaign Chair"

United Way Accepts Two New Partner Agencies Casa Guadalupe and Interfaith Caregivers are accepted by the United Way of Washington County Board of Directors as new partner agencies effective January 1, 2010. As such, these agencies programs will be eligible to apply for annual United Way funding. With a strong focus on English language literacy, Casa Guadalupe’s Latino Education Leadership Program supports the ability of Spanish-speaking families to achieve economic self-sufficiency and successfully integrate into American Society through education. Because the Hispanic population in Washington County grew 76% from 2000 to 2008, United Way felt it was important to provide funding to programs that service this population. Interfaith Caregivers’ Caregiver Program connects older adults with caring volunteers who want to lend a helping hand. Interfaith Caregiver volunteers help seniors avoid social isolation and maintain a safe, healthy home environment by assisting with grocery shopping, yard work, in-home visits, light housekeeping, minor yard maintenance and home repairs, meal preparations, and snow shoveling.

Free Prescription Drug Discount Cards "During this period of economic downturn, I am pleased that United Way has free prescription drug discount cards that are available to Washington County residents," stated Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director. "This can be a big help to individuals who do not have any prescription drug coverage." The prescription drug discount cards are being distributed free of charge nationwide by the FamilyWize Partnership and participating United Way agencies. Discounts are provided by and available only at participating pharmacies. "These discount cards require no enrollment and have no activation fee," continued Laura. "They can be used as often as needed. People who do not have prescription drug coverage average a 20% savings using the discount card." To obtain a discount prescription card, call or stop by the United Way of Washington County between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm Monday through Friday. The office is located at 120 N Main, Ste 210, in West Bend. The office phone number is (262) 338-3821. For additional information and a list of participating pharmacies, go to http://www.familywize.org

Blizzard Hits Washington County

As part of United Way of Washington County's new campaign strategy, it is teaming up with Dairy Queen for its first annual Blizzard Days. Through December 1, 2009, customers of Dairy Queen can purchase a $3.00 coupon for a 12oz Blizzard that can be used through the end of 2009, a savings over the normal cost of a Blizzard. $2.00 of every coupon purchased will also go to United Way. “We are excited about our new partnership with area Dairy Queens,” stated Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director. “The United Way continues to look for new, easy ways for people to donate to United Way and our new partnership with area Dairy Queens is a perfect example.” “We are blessed to have businesses like Dairy Queen as strong supporters of United Way,” explained Tony Warren, Chairman of the Board of West Bend Mutual Insurance Company and the 2009 United Way Campaign Chair. “We continue to look for new ways that will help us have a successful campaign.” “During these trying economic times the needs in Washington County are growing,” continued Warren. “Our United Way is committed to meeting these needs but we need everyone’s help to do so. We need individuals and community leaders to invest in their community by donating to United Way.” Donations raised during this year’s campaign will be used to fund 36 programs offered by 20 United Way partner agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crisis, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency. “The purchase of a Blizzard is an easy way to donate,” said Giesenschlag. “People can also donate to the United Way campaign through payroll deductions, send a donation directly to United Way at P.O. Box 304, West Bend, zip code 53095, or donate online at our website, unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.”

High Schools Help United Way Rev Up For Campaign

The Hartford Union High School orchestra, chorus, band and spirit squad helped to rev-up the campaign team at the United Way of Washington County’s 2009 Campaign Pep Rally Kick-off. This campaign event was attended by over 100 community leaders and volunteers on September 9th at the Chandelier Ballroom. Anthony J. “Tony” Warren, West Bend Mutual Insurance Chairman of the Board, is the chair of the United Way campaign for the second consecutive year. “I am pleased to return as Campaign Chair because I have seen first-hand how United Way creates teamwork within the agencies themselves as well as motivates volunteers who want to help create a better place to live for our families, children and friends,” explained Warren. Warren announced the 2009 campaign year goal of $1,075,000. “Considering the economic times, we feel this campaign goal is ambitious. Still, it isn’t enough to meet the growing needs of those citizens that need help the most,” continued Warren. To assure that continuity exists year to year, Ric Leitheiser, M&I Community Bank President, agreed to be the 2009 Campaign Vice-Chair so that he will be able to hit the ground running as next year’s Campaign Chair. “We are again using the theme, Give at Home - When It Matters Most, because we feel it encourages all of us to invest in our community so that it remains a great place to live,” commented Leitheiser. “Although many of us in Washington county are blessed, others are struggling – hungry children and adults, people who are homeless, juvenile offenders in need of guidance, first time parents, parents who are in jail, and agencies struggling to fund services greatly needed within our county. United Way offers us the opportunity to help those who are in need.” Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director, introduced campaign “refs” that will help during this year’s campaign, including Campaign Division Leaders, Loaned Executives, Agency Representatives, and past Campaign Chairs. “We are blessed to have so many committed volunteers willing to help raise funds to address human service needs within our county,” stated Giesenschlag. This year the United Way office worked with Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, IDL, Dreamworks, Cherrylane Music, and Sony records to use the music “When You Believe” during its campaign. This song inspires hope and shows that everyone has the ability to help make miracles happen. United Way of Washington County was given releases by all parties in order to use the music in their campaign video – and everyone agreed to help make a difference through the use of this music so that Washington County, Wisconsin, can continue to be a wonderful community in which to live. “The United Way of Washington County would like to thank all parties who gave their permission for us to use “When You Believe” for this wonderful message of hope and for their investment in our 2009 Campaign,” stated Giesenschlag. “Last year I was amazed at the generosity and concern displayed by the citizens of our county for those in need of the services offered by United Way agencies,” commented Warren. “Our partner agencies support and touch one in three residents of Washington County during their lifetime.” “As of today, we have raised over $376,021. That is 35% of this year’s campaign goal and $73,956 more than this time last year,” announced Warren. “Because I firmly believe United Way is the best way to invest in the future of your family and community, I ask you to join our team in making this year’s campaign a success.” The donations raised during this year’s campaign will be used to fund 33 programs offered by 20 United Way partner agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crisis, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency. For additional information about United Way, the good work it helps fund in Washington County, or to find out ways to give or how to help, visit its website at unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

United Way Honors John Dedrick At its annual Award Event held May 6, 2009, United Way of Washington County recognized and thanked donors and volunteers who contributed to the 2008 fund raising campaign.  The funds raised during the campaign are being used to support 34 health and human service programs provided by United Way's 19 partner agencies, services that measurably improved the lives of Washington County residents.  "We thank the donors who contributed $1,072,138 to the United Way of Washington County 2008 campaign," stated Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and United Way Board President.  "Dollars are hard to come by in these difficult times.  The success of the 2008 campaign is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the quality of the programs we support, and the tireless efforts of our volunteers." "We thank the hundreds of volunteers who spent thousands of hours raising funds that go directly to helping those in need in Washington County," continued Todd.  "When you support United Way, you 'Give at Home.'  You help your neighbors in crisis, help strengthen families, help develop successful kids, help promote self-sufficiency and help build a strong and healthy community.  The money stays here and helps those who need it most.  Every dollar you give helps make Washington County a better place to live.   Your work and your donations are investments in the community." A highlight of the Award Event was the announcement of John "Rocky" Dedrick as the 2009 Clifford A. Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award recipient.  Since 1988, this award has been given to individuals in Washington County who demonstrate a long-term commitment to volunteer leadership in the human service area.  "A leader leads by example, both personally and professionally," according to Andrew Gumm, the 2008 Cliff Nelson Leadership Award Recipient.  "Rocky Dedrick is a leader that has made a significant impact on the quality of all of our lives in Washington County." A graduate of West Bend High School, Rocky and his wife Julie raised four daughters here in Washington County.  Upon graduating from Drake University in 1961, Rocky began his career at West Bend Mutual insurance Company as a Special Agent.  Rocky worked his way up through the company, becoming the President of West Bend Mutual Insurance in 1982.  In 2000 he became the firm's CEO and Chairman of the Board. Rocky provides volunteer leadership to numerous nonprofit organizations, including the West Bend Urban Redevelopment Corporation, Digestive Disease Center Board of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Ozaukee Washington County Land Trust Advisory Board, West Bend Friends of Sculpture Committee, West Bend Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board, and the Chair of the Museum of Wisconsin Art’s Capital Fund Drive.  Rocky has also been on the University of Wisconsin Athletic Advisory Council and on the Board for MJM, Inc.   "I am really excited about being selected for this award because Cliff Nelson was a mentor to me in so many ways," Rocky told the group.  "A favorite quote and inspiration for both Cliff and I is one by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  '…To leave the world a little better … to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded'." "A turning point in my life was when I was the United Way Board President," continued Rocky.  "That year I visited each of the United Way agencies.  Although often underpaid and underappreciated, the real compensation these staff people received was the difference they were able to make in the lives of the people they served." The Volunteer Leadership Award is named in honor of prominent West Bend resident Clifford A. Nelson, known for his outstanding volunteer and leadership efforts on behalf of human services, civic and arts organizations in the community.  John "Rocky' Dedrick joins an impressive roster of past Award Recipients: 1988 Cliff Nelson 1999 Rick Edwards 1989 Joan M. Pick 2000 Thomas R. Bast 1990 Robert J. Steiner 2001 George E. Prescott 1991 John F. Rozek 2002 Doug Ziegler 1992 John B. Tortinus, Jr. 2003 James W. Kieckhafer 1993 Judie Lewis 2004 Ray Lipman 1994 Helen Hillman 2005 Mo Josten 1995 Bernard C. Ziegler 2006 Bob Rolfs 1996 Vic Albiero 2007 Charlie & Gaytha Hillman 1997 Sharon S. Ziegler 2008 Andrew Gumm 1998 Jerry & Nancy Mehring 2009 John Dedrick

United Way Elects New Board Officers & Officers

New United Way Leader Urges Washington County Residents to "Give at Home" "I am proud to have the opportunity to lead the United Way of Washington County this year," stated Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and newly elected United Way Board President.  "I am grateful for Carole Klotz's dedicated work as Board President last year, as well as the hard work of our Executive Director, Campaign Chair, Board Members, staff and community volunteers who spend thousands of hours helping the United Way of Washington County fulfill its mission." "I am optimistic about this year's campaign," continued Martens.  "We are so fortunate to have Tony Warren from West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company, return as Campaign Chair and Ric Leitheiser from M & I, serving as Campaign Vice-Chair.   These community leaders understand the needs of Washington County citizens, and care enough to take enormous amounts of time out of their busy lives to help." Martens spoke at the United Way of Washington County's annual meeting held on February 25th.  At that meeting new Board members for 2009-2010 were introduced and officers elected. Officers elected include: President Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney; Vice President Ann Schulz, Approved Home Mortgage; Secretary Kelly Tighe, West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company; and Treasurer Rob Johnson, Kettle Moraine YMCA.  Board members elected to a first three-year term include Julie Gabelmann of ASQ, Bob Gannon of Richards Insurance, Rob Johnson of Kettle Moraine YMCA, Mary Kannenberg of Aurora Health Care, Ric Leitheiser of M&I Bank, Warren Simmons of Broan-NuTone, and Randy Spaulding of Spaulding Clinical Research. Board members elected for a second three-year tem include Lisa Esser of First National Bank of Hartford, Sue Garman of Westbury Bank, Fr. Jeff Haines of St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, and Mike Sterr of Coldwell Banker. Tom Bergerud of The Threshold was elected to serve a two-year term as an agency representative on the board. Board members who continue to serve include Marcia Arndt of Moraine Park Technical College, Patti Harmann of Slinger High School, Shelly Humphrey of Serigraph, Carole Klotz of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly, Ernie Koch retired, Lisa Krenke of Friends of Abused Families, Scott Lopas of WTKM Radio/WTKM Tours, Todd Martens -Washington County District Attorney, Prudence Pick Hway of Pick Heaters, Michael Schilling of M&I Bank, Ann Schulz of Approved Home Mortgage, Kelly Tighe of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company, Tony Warren of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company, and Dave Weaver of June Tailor. Departing board members recognized include Jim Boldt of Broan-NuTone, Jay Fisher of Boys & Girls Club, Doug Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Law Office, Tom Hostad of Broan-NuTone, Josie Minskey of Downtown West Bend Association, and Connie Stieber of  M&I Bank. "It was an honor to serve as the 2008-2009 United Way Board President," said Carole Klotz of Klotz's Piggy Wiggly.  "During this past year our United Way was able to strengthen relationships with both our donors and partner agencies.  I feel our new focus on educating the public about human service needs and resources to meet those needs will enable United Way to be even more effective in helping to improve the lives of Washington County residents."

United Way Celebrates Its 2008 Campaign "United Way of Washington County made some serious changes in 2008 in order to rebuild relationships with donors and partner agencies and forge new relationships. One of those changes was the selection of Laura Giesenschlag as its new Executive Director," stated Carole Klotz, Owner of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly and the 2008 United Way Board President. "The success those changes brought about has resulted in a significant improvement in where we are today compared to where we were a year ago." "2008 was a year of rebuilding during hard economic times," according to Tony Warren, CEO of West Bend A Mutual Insurance Company and the 2008 Campaign Chair. "Some of the money raised in 2008 comes through the United Way of Greater Milwaukee and the United Way of America. We had those figures at Celebration time last year but this year those figures will become a part of the 2009 campaign. As of tonight, we raised $1,070,343 which is 93% of our 2008 campaign goal." "I am optimistic about Washington County and its great United Way organization," continued Warren. "There is a lot of good news from the 2008 campaign. We've re-established relationships and created a new spirit of camaraderie and communication within the community. Despite layoffs, more than 93% of the companies donated more than what they had in 2007. Because I see a bright future with great opportunities ahead, I've agreed to continue as the Campaign Chair for 2009." "I, too, believe in the great people who live in Washington County and the mission of United Way in helping friends, families and neighbors," explained Laura Giesenschlag, United Way Executive Director. "The work done by our partner agencies and the support provided by past campaign chairs and this year's campaign volunteers are truly impressive. And I am excited about the opportunity to work on the 2009 campaign with my good friend Tony Warren." The donations raised during this year's campaign will be used to fund 35 programs offered by 20 United Way partner agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crisis, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency.

United Way Launches New Indicator Website

On October 31st, United Way of Washington County held an event to launch the new Indictor Project website that United Way developed in partnership with UW-Extension's Applied Population Lab. Over thirty community leaders, including Washington County Government's Doug Johnson (Administrative Coordinator), Mike Bloedorn (Department of Social Services), Jim Strachota (CCSA), non-profit agency Executive Directors, and business leaders such as Carole Klotz (Piggly Wiggly), Julie Tonkowitz (AT&T) and Patricia Kashmerick (Community Memorial Hospital) were in attendance to learn more about this new community data website. "This new website is the culmination of an initiative started over two years ago when representatives from more than 50 organizations met to discuss the need for this type of data source," explained Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director. "The planning team's objective was three fold: 1) to provide the community with objective statistical information that could be measured over time; 2) information and links that could increase the abilities of organizations and agencies to justify need, design programs, identify benchmarks, track changes, and improve evaluation of expected outcomes; and 3) present information in a format useable for grant writing, research and to make funding and programming decisions." The Washington County Indicator Project is an easy-to-use, centralized, web-based compendium of community indicator data. The array of demographic and local human service needs data available will be useful to nonprofit organizations, businesses, funders, donors, government, students and anyone else interested in local community needs and trends. Community-level information is available as easy-to-use community profiles, tables and maps. There are also links to other data websites. To visit the Indicator Project website, go to www.washcoip.org  or www.washingtoncountyindicatorproject.org. "It used to take considerable time to collect data to for grant applications and to make decisions on allocating scarce resources," continued Calabrese. "With the data and links available on the Indicator Project website, many agencies can better demonstrate the level of need for program services and funders such as United Way will have additional data upon which to base funding decisions." A computer training class on how to use the new Indicator Project website will be held at UW-WC on Wednesday, November 7 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Individuals interested in attending should contact Karin Westerlund, United Way Community Impact Coordinator, at 262-338-3821 or kwesterlund@unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org

Give Where You Live

MAKE YOUR DOLLARS COUNT WHERE YOU LIVE! Do you live in Washington County but take the bus or drive to Milwaukee to work?  Help your friends, family, and neighbors in need in Washington County by giving your dollars to the United Way of Washington County. How does your donation to United Way of Washington County help?  Funds raised through our United Way's 2007 campaign will support 37 health and human service programs to improve the lives of Washington County residents.  Working closely with United Way, 20 member agencies offer community solutions to meet community needs. Here are some of the ways your investment in the United Way of Washington County will be put to work next year, when it matters most: SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN CRISIS:  In 2008, Emergency Shelter, a program of Friends of Abused Families, will provide over 2,000 nights of shelter for victims of domestic violence.  In addition to having a safe place to stay, these women and children will receive counseling, food, legal assistance, personal care items, and referrals to community resources and support groups. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES:  Almost 150 adult caretakers, including parents in jail, will attend weekly support group sessions offered by The Youth & Family Project's Parents Anonymous Program.  After learning how to improve their parenting skills, these individuals will incorporate positive parenting skills into their daily lives. DEVELOPING SUCCESSFUL CHILDREN & YOUTH:  In 2008, approximately 4000 Washington County youth will participate in alcohol, tobacco and drug free events organized by the Council on Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse's Prevention Program.  Over 90% of youth surveyed will report not using alcohol in the last 30 days. BUILDING STRONG & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES:  During 2008, over 700 individuals and families will be connected with volunteer opportunities that meet their needs and interests because of the Volunteer Center's Volunteer Connection online volunteer referral system. PROMOTING SELF-SUFFICIENCY:  Senior Citizens will enhance their lifestyle and find new friends by participating in the programs and activities offered by Senior Citizens Activities.  Program Activities available include creative art and craft classes, massage therapy, card games (including sheepshead and cribbage), exercise classes, musical practices and performances, Red Hat Groups, and day trips. When you invest in United Way of Washington County, you help your community respond to disasters and everyday needs like homelessness and youth development.  With the promise of results, right here, right now, your investment in United Way changes lives right where you live. Here are 3 ways you can put your United Way investment to work where you live: Donate online at  www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org Send your money or pledge directly to United Way of Washington County at P.O. Box 304, West Bend, WI 53095 Write in "United Way of Washington County" as a Donor Choice on a Milwaukee United Way pledge card