United Way Announces Change in Direction

The Board of Directors of the United Way of Washington County announced a change in direction and a new focus for its efforts to identify human services needs in Washington County. "Our Board feels that, in order to raise the funds needed to meet critical needs within our County, we need to build on our relationships with current and new donors," explained Carole Klotz, Board President and owner of Klotz's Piggy Wiggly. "We must also help everyone understand that the best way to maintain the quality of life within our County is to make sure that everyone has access to services they need." As part of the broader changes at the organization, Joe Calabrese will no longer be serving as Executive Director. The Board extends its thanks to Joe for his 3+ years of service to the organization and the community wishes him success in all future endeavors. According to Board President Carole Klotz, "We're looking forward to building a successful 2008 campaign that will support our mission to measurably improve the quality of life of Washington County residents." The United Way of Washington County currently funds over 37 programs through 20 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 Elects 2008 Officers & Board

"As a board member for United Way of Washington County for 4 years I have been amazed at the commitment of volunteers, both with United Way and through the volunteers that work at the member agencies," stated Carole Klotz, owner of Klotz's Piggy Wiggly and incoming board president. "When you think that one in every three people are touched by a United Way supported program sometime in their life, you realize that the funds raised are needed to support programs and services that effectively address identified human service needs. I am honored to be this year's United Way board president and look forward to continuing the relationship between United Way volunteers, donors and the 20 member agencies that offer solutions to meet ongoing community needs." Klotz spoke at the United Way of Washington County's February 26th annual meeting that was held immediately prior to the board's strategic planning retreat. At the annual meeting new board members were introduced and 2008 - 2009 officers elected. Officers include: president Carole Klotz of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly; vice president Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney; secretary Ann Schulz, Approved Home Mortgage; and treasurer Doug Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Law Office. Board members elected to a first three-year term include Patti Harmann of Slinger High School, Tony Warren and Kelly Tighe of West Bend Insurance, Bill Tustin of SynergyHealth, and Dave Weaver of June Tailor and community volunteers Jim Gilligan and Ernie Koch. Ann Schulz, Approved Home Mortgage, was elected for a second three-year term. Lisa Krenke of Friends of Abused Families 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, Cyndi Aulenbacher of Kettle Moraine Realtors Association, Jim Boldt of Broan-NuTone, Lisa Esser of 1st National Bank of Hartford, Jay Fisher of Boys & Girls Club, Doug Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Law Office, Sue Garman of West Bend Savings Bank, Fr. Jeff Haines of St. Francis Cabrini, Tom Hostad of Broan-NuTone, Shelly Humphrey of Serigraph, Carole Klotz of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly, Scott Lopas of WTKM Radio/WTKM Tours, Todd Martin, Washington County District Attorney, Josie Minskey of Downtown West Bend Association, Prudence Pick Hwy of Pick Heaters, Michael Schilling of M&I Bank, Jim Strachota of CCSA, Mike Sterr of Coldwell Banker, and Connie Stieber of M&I Bank. "It was an honor to serve as a board member and board president for United Way of Washington County," stated Tim Wiedmeyer, West Bend Insurance vice president and outgoing United Way president. "While the local and national economies are uncertain, the needs in Washington County are constant. The United Way makes a real difference, and I am very impressed with the people associated with the United Way and its member agencies. I am a better person because of my board service, and the wonderful people I've met over the years." Other departing board members recognized include David Bast of Ziegler Investment Services Group, Jacky Herriges of Regal Ware, Kim Pemble (formerly SynergyHealth), and Mary Gamerdinger, Big Brothers Big Sisters. "Holding a strategic planning retreat on the same day as our annual meeting enabled us to tap into the ideas of new board members while capturing the experiences of those leaving the Board," said Joe Calabrese, United Way of Washington County Executive Director. "We feel our United Way is at an important juncture because of changing demographics, types of donors, and increasing needs within Washington County. Our board wants to position itself in a way that will allow us to continue to improve and grow so that we can make a real difference in the lives of county residents." The United Way of Washington County currently funds over 37 programs through 20 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 does in Washington County, or to find out ways to give or how to help, visit its website at www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

FEMA Awards $73,032 to Washington County

Washington County has been chosen to receive $73,032 in 2008 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The amount awarded was based on the total number of unemployed within the county as compared to other jurisdictions and is a 16% increase over the $62,897 awarded for 2007. The funding award was made by a National Board that is chaired by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and consists of representatives from American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.; The Salvation Army; United Jewish Communities, and United Way of America. The local board, chaired by United Way Executive Director Joe Calabrese, is in charge of distributing funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the County. In 2007 funding priority was giving to programs that provided rent and utility payment assistance to eligible individuals and mass shelter. A local board, made up of the United Way of Washington County, Hebron House of Hospitality, Department of Social Services, Friends of Abused Families, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Salvation Army, Youth & Family Project, and other agencies and individuals, will determine how the funds awarded to Washington County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profits or unites of government, 2) have an accounting system, 3) practice nondiscrimination, 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply. Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds should contact Joe Calabrese, at the United Way of Washington County office, (262) 338-3821, by Friday, March 14th.

2007 Campaign Results

At United Way's January 15th Celebration Event, Michael and Kari Schilling, 2007 Campaign Co-chairs, announced that $1,085,000 was raised during the 2007 campaign, over $20,000 more than was raised last year. "Kari and I certainly didn't raise all of this money, the volunteers did. They did a wonderful job and we were very blessed by all of their hard work", according to Michael Schilling, a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with M&I Wealth Management in West Bend. Community leaders enjoyed a night of casino games at West Bend Mutual Insurance on Tuesday evening, January 15th, prior to the announcement of the campaign total. Representatives from member agencies shared with the group the positive impact United Way funds have had in improving the lives of their program clients. Kari Schilling shared numerous campaign success stories with the group, including the fact that this year 6,578 quarter pound hamburgers and cheeseburgers were sold on McDonald's Day, a 1,159 increase over last year. "We are very pleased with the results," stated Kari Schilling, Director of Patient Care & Information Systems at Synergy Health West Bend Clinic. "We are very grateful for all of the support and help we received with the campaign. Washington County is truly a wonderful community." "A lot of good will be done in Washington County with the $1,085,000 that was raised," said Tim Wiedmeyer, West Bend Mutual Insurance Vice President and United Way Board President. "In the coming weeks and months, we'll determine what we can do even better so we can raise more money in the years ahead to address the growing needs of our community. I know the generosity of this community, and I know they rise to the occasion when a need is identified." Funds raised through the 2007 Campaign will support 37 health and human service programs to help improved the lives of Washington County Residents. United Way's 20 partner agencies work closely with United Way to offer root cause solutions to address community needs. "Kari and I would like to thank all of those who worked on the campaign this past year. Whether you volunteered your time or made a contribution to the campaign, your support will make a significant impact in the lives of thousands of individuals and families in Washington County", declared Schilling. Each year community volunteers recommend funding awards after reviewing applications that focus on program results. United Way of Washington County raises funds to meet those identified human service needs of Washington County residents. "Our panel volunteers meet in April and May to review funding applications," according to Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director. "We are always looking for people who want to help improve people's lives in Washington County. Anyone interested in becoming one of our panel volunteers should contact the United Way office." "People often ask me why they should give to the United Way, versus some other charity. The answer lies in our fund distribution process. Donors can be sure the money they donate is put to use in agencies and programs that make a real difference. We have scores of volunteers who make sure that is the case", explained Wiedmeyer. "Although the 2007 campaign is over, it is never too late to contribute to the United Way of Washington County and help make a difference in 2008," stated Calabrese. To make a donation or to become a panel volunteer, call United Way at (262) 338-3821. You can also go to its website at unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org to learn more about the good work it helps fund in Washington County, ways to give or other ways you can help.

Campaign Reaches 94%
	As of December 21st, United Way of Washington County has reached 94% of its goal of $1,118,300. The campaign is being chaired by Mike & Kari Schilling. Our campaign thank you celebration is January 15th, where the final campaign total will be announced.

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

New Small Business Campaigns Make a Difference

As of Friday, October 19th, we've raised $620,822 of our $1,118,300 goal for United Way of Washington County, thanks to the hard work of our volunteers," said Kari Schilling, Campaign Co-Chair and Director of Patient Care & Information Systems at Synergy Health West Bend Clinic. "We've made good progress but know we're not done yet." "This year we need to raise about $60,000 more than last year in order to fund the community needs identified by our volunteers," stated Michael Schilling, 2007 Campaign Co-Chair and a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with M&I Wealth Management in West Bend. "One way we hope to make that happen is with a new 12 by 25 Small Business Club." The 12 by 25 Small Business Club is a special fundraising effort directed at businesses with less than 50 employees. With a donation of at least $25 per month, for 12 months, these businesses receive special recognition and benefits. "American Cartridge Systems, Fireside Books and Gifts, HED, J L Business Interiors, Reger Quality Consultants, Renard Law Office, Ron Albiero Heating and Air Conditioning, West Bend Builders Supply and West Bend Sand & Stone are charter members of our new 12 by 25 Small Business Club", announced Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director. "Their increased corporate donations help make Washington County a better place to live because people receive the help they need that measurably improves their lives." The donations raised during this year's campaign, which runs through December, will be used to fund 37 programs offered by 20 United Way member 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.

New Employee Campaigns Make a Difference

"This year's United Way campaign target of $1,118,300 is an aggressive one, when you compare it to the $1,062,272 raised last year," declared Michael Schilling, 2007 Campaign Co-Chair and a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with M&I Wealth Management in West Bend. "How will we make that happen? One of our major strategies is to increase the opportunity for people to donate through workplace giving." Earlier this summer United Way board members and former campaign chairs started contacting businesses in Washington County that did not have a United Way employee campaign. Eighteen new businesses have already agreed to share information about United Way with their employees and make pledge cards available through workplace giving. "We want to thank the following companies for agreeing to have an employee campaign for the first time this year," stated Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director. "Averill & Associates, Boys & Girls Club, Cedar Lake Dental Professionals, Dixon/MRD & Company, Edward Jones Investments, Ewald's Hartford Ford Lincoln Mercury, HIS Corporation, Horicon Bank, Jackson Crossing, Klotz's Piggly Wiggly, Lifestar, Re/Max Town & Country, Richards Insurance, Sno-Way International, Spiros Industries, USI International, West Bend Air, and Youth & Family Project." "As of September 21st, we've raised $187,331 or 17% of our goal," explained Kari Schilling, Campaign Co-Chair and Director of Patient Care & Information Systems at the West Bend Clinic-Synergy Health. "When we set the campaign target, we based it on what our volunteers felt the community's needs are, not necessarily how much we thought we could raise. We need to raise the full $1,118,300 if we are going to be able to meet those needs." The donations raised during this year's campaign will be used to fund 37 programs offered by 20 United Way member 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, you can call (262) 338-3821 or go to its website at unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org to learn more about the good work it helps fund in Washington County, ways to give or how you can help.

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