UNITED WAY SELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Board of Directors of the United Way of Washington County is pleased to introduce Laura Giesenschlag as its new Executive Director. "Our Board felt that, in order to raise funds to meet critical needs within our County, we needed to build on our relationships with current and new donors," explained Carole Klotz, United Way Board President and owner of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly. "As part of broader changes within the organization, we decided we wanted an Executive Director with the proven background and vision to accomplish this."

"Our search committee, made up of board members, community members and a human resource professional, reviewed over 20 resumes for the Executive Director position," continued Klotz. "After interviewing the top candidates, Giesenschlag was the unanimous choice."

Giesenschlag has worked in Washington County for American Heart Association since 2004, during which time she has developed many personal relationships with business leaders in the County.

"Laura came highly recommended by a number of Washington County community leaders with whom she has worked on Heart Association events," stated Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and the United Way Board member who chaired the search committee. "She has a proven track record of fundraising and relationship building success. We believe Laura will be a tremendous leader for the United Way of Washington County as we enter this year's campaign."

"I am very excited about staying in Washington County and continuing to build on the relationships I have already formed," declared Laura Giesenschlag, the new United Way of Washington County Executive Director. "I am looking forward to working with the 2008 Campaign Chair, Tony Warren from West Bend Insurance, and being involved with the campaign, including to help set the campaign goal. It will be wonderful to build relationships with all of the United Way member agencies who work very hard supporting the needs of our community!"

According to Klotz, "Laura has a heart and passion for Washington County that has been shown in her years of service to the County with the American Heart Association. Laura is compassionate about helping others and has worked hard in her personal life to help many families. Laura believes in the mission of United Way 'to measurably improve the quality of life of Washington County residents'. We are very excited about Laura helping to build a successful 2008 campaign and continue working with the agencies and learning about all of the programs that are currently funded by United Way."

The United Way of Washington County currently funds over 37 programs through 20 agencies in five community impact areas: supporting people in crises, strengthening families, developing successful children and youth, building strong and healthy communities, and promoting self-sufficiency. For additional information about the United Way, the good work it does in Washington County, or to find out ways to give or help, visit its website at www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATION CHANGE

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.

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 14^th.

At United Way's January 15^th 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 15^th, 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.

"It is really crunch time for the campaign," states Michael Schilling, 2007 Campaign Co-Chair and a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with M&I Wealth Management in West Bend. "With only a few weeks left in the year, it is vitally important for everyone in the community to step up and donate. Even gifts of $10 or $25 can make a huge difference in making our goal this year."

"We set an aggressive goal this year, a goal significantly higher than last year's, because that was the amount of money our volunteers identified to meet human service needs within Washington County," explained Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director.

Each year United Way volunteers determine how much needs to be raised during the campaign by reviewing program funding requests that include both the need and how the program will address that need. Funds raised during the 2007 Campaign will support 37 health and human service programs to improve the lives of Washington County residents.

"Not making goal means that United Way will not have the needed resources to fund the valuable programs that United Way supports," continued Schilling. "These programs are very important to the overall health of our community."

"The campaign has had its share of successes and setbacks this year. Small workforces, fewer large employers, and an increasing number of commuters has meant United Way volunteers have had to make more personal asks than ever," explained Kari Schilling, Campaign Co-Chair and Director of Patient Care & Information Systems at the West Bend Clinic-Synergy Health. "Our volunteers have been tremendous."

"The single biggest reason people give for not contributing to the United Way is that they are not asked. United Way's mission is as strong as ever and your friends and neighbors need your help. We're asking for your help," urged Michael Schilling.

Are you ready to put your dollars to work helping your friends, neighbors or family members in need? Donate online at www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org or send your pledge directly to United Way of Washington County at P.O. Box 304, West Bend, WI, 53095.

For the 16^th consecutive year, Killian Management agreed to sponsor a United Way Quarter Pound Hamburger Day at their six area McDonalds. This year, 6,578 quarter pound hamburgers and cheeseburgers were sold, an increase of over 21% from the amount sold in 2006. Fifty cents (2-quarters) of each sale goes to United Way. We appreciate Killian, McDonald staff and all the volunteers who helped made this day such a great success.

People are more likely to give to an organization that they know about. Because of the excellent coverage provided by the Daily News, Hartford Times Press, Kewaskum Statements, and both the West Bend and Hartford Cable TV stations, residents in Washington County are able to track this year's campaign's process, learn about our new Indicator Project website and how their donations to the United Way of Washington County make a difference in the lives of county residents. They help keep county residents informed about the important role United Way plays beyond raising money.

United Way is more than just staff and Board members, it is an entire community of volunteers and organizations working together to make a difference in people's lives, when it matters most. For examples of donations at work or to learn ways to give or personally help, people can go to the United Way website, unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

Joe Calabrese, Executive Director

United Way of Washington County

As a United Way of Washington County board member, I've seen how donations to our United Way have improved the lives of County residents. Victims of domestic violence have a safe place to stay and receive services they need. Parents, including those in jail, can attend a weekly parents anonymous support groups. Teens can attend alcohol, tobacco and drug free events. Individuals and families can find to volunteer opportunities that meet their needs and interests. Kids get tutoring help.

Help your Washington County friends, family, and neighbors in need by giving your dollars to the United Way of Washington County. When you invest our United Way, you help our community respond to disasters and everyday needs like homelessness and youth development. Your investment in our United Way can change lives where you live. To learn more about United Way of Washington County, calling (262) 338-3821 or go to www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

Shelly Humphrey

West Bend

"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

Hundreds of people had an opportunity on Friday, October 26, 2007, to donate to the United Way of Washington County while enjoying a McDonald's quarter pound hamburger or quarter pound cheeseburger. For the 16^th consecutive year, Washington County area McDonalds donated two quarters (50 cents) of every quarter pound hamburger and quarter pound cheeseburger sold on Friday to United Way's annual campaign.

At a WTKM hosted live radio remote at the Hartford McDonalds, Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director shared his excitement over the campaign's progress. "Thanks to the hard work of our campaign volunteers, even before today United Way had raised $620,822, or 55% of the $1,118,300 necessary to meet identified community needs. That number is going to be even higher after we get today's totals."

Over 50 volunteers at McDonalds located in West Bend, Hartford, Kewaskum, Jackson and Richfield distributed coupons and encouraged patrons to purchase a quarter pound hamburger for $.99. People at McDonalds were able to see community leaders such as George Prescott, Father Jeff Haines-St. Francis Cabrini Church, Dr. Kramer-Hartford Union High School, and West Bend Fire Chief Jim Vest and Police Chief Ken Meuler assist McDonald's crewmembers during the lunch and dinner hours and help generate support for the United Way.

During a live interview on WBKV/WBWI at the West Bend Hwy 33 McDonalds, Kari Schilling, Campaign Co-Chair and Director of Patient Care & Information Systems at Synergy Health West Bend Clinic exclaimed, "We'd like to express our sincere appreciation to all who made McDonald's Day possible and to those who have already given so generously to the United Way campaign. In order to raise $1,118,300 so that identified community needs can be met, even more community-minded companies, concerned employees and big-hearted citizens will need to give generously when asked by our volunteers. I know our donors will come through, because people who live in Washington County are people who care."

This year on McDonalds Day, 6,578 quarter pound hamburgers and cheeseburgers were sold, a 1,159 increase over last year when 5,419 were sold. All funds raised during the 2007 campaign support 37 health and human service programs that improve the lives of Washington County residents. Working closely with United Way, 20 member agencies offer community solutions to meet community needs.

"As of Friday, October 19^th, 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.

Donations to United Way are used to fund programs that change people's lives. So many programs improving so many lives. It would be impossible to tell all the positive things happening without the help of businesses like the Booster, WBKV/WBWI Radio and WTKM AM/FM Radio.

So far in 2007, the Booster has printed, free of charge, over 30 stories about the good things happening in Washington County because of donations to United Way. The radio stations have aired over 900 free PSA's. Stories about how an 8-year old girl was helped by the Project Learn tutoring program, Healthy Families showing a young woman how to be a good mother, parents learning how to help their baby with Downs Syndrome by Early Intervention. If United Way had to pay for all these stories, the cost would be in the thousands of dollars.

Thank you, Booster and radio stations WBKV/WBWI and WTKM, for your in-kind business donations that help inform the residents of Washington County about the good things accomplished with the funds United Way annually awards to nonprofit programs. Thank you for letting United Way give the money they raise directly to program services by providing free "advertisements" about how donations to United Way improve people’s lives.

For more examples of donations at work or to learn ways to give or personally help, people can go to the United Way website, unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

Karin Westerlund, United Way Community Impact Coordinator

"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 21^st, 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.

"When making funding decisions, one of the things our volunteers want to know is what are some of the priority human service needs within Washington County," stated Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director. "That is why we partnered with UW-Extension Applied Population Lab and several nonprofit organizations to create the Washington County Indicator Project website. This new website will be one additional tool our volunteers when they review program funding requests."

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.

"United Way bases funding decisions on program results that meet prioritized needs," according to Karin Westerlund, United Way Community Impact Coordinator. "This new website will help nonprofit agencies justify needs, track trends, identify benchmarks, and improve evaluation of expected outcomes. It will help both agencies applying for funding and local businesses and foundations who allocate funds to programs. To visit the Washington County Indicator Project website, just go to www.washingtoncountyindicatorproject.org or www.washcoip.org."

"It used to take considerable time to collect data to for grant applications and to make decisions on allocating scarce resources," explained Calabrese. "With the data and links available on the Indicator Project website, many agencies can better demonstrate the level of need for program services. Community-level information is available as easy-to-use community profiles, tables and maps. There are also links to other data websites."

For information on ways your donations to United Way help improve Washington County or to attend the Indicator Project Launch Event which will be held at 7:30 a.m. on October 31st, call (262) 338-3821 or go to its website at unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

THE GOAL IS NOT ENOUGH,  UNITED WAY 2007 CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF

Using a fun, 007-James Bond theme, the United Way of Washington County held its annual Campaign Kick-off Event at the recently reopened West Bend Cinema Brewhouse. After providing a secret password, attendees picked-up their lunch and entered the theatre

"T", United Way Board President and Vice President at West Bend Mutual Insurance Company Tim Wiedmeyer, welcomed the "recruits" to the kick-off event. "Your participation today, and in the coming weeks, will help us work toward solutions to real problems in our community," stated Wiedmeyer. "Agents 007 and 008 have already been assigned the duty to lead our effort. Please help me welcome agents 007 and 008, Mike and Kari Schilling, this year's Campaign Co-Chairs."

"Schilling, Mike Schilling is my name and it is an honor for Kari and I to lead the effort of the 71st United Way Campaign here in Washington County," declared Michael Schilling, 2007 Campaign Co-Chair and a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with M&I Wealth Management in West Bend. "Washington County's United Way makes great things happen every day. Whether it is a young person in need of a mentor, or a family in need of a shelter or a good meal, United Way funded programs make a difference When It Matters Most."

"We are truly excited to be here today with operatives as dedicated as you, who share our vision for a safer and more vibrant community," said Kari Schilling, Campaign Co-Chair and Director of Patient Care & Information Systems at the West Bend Clinic-Synergy Health. "You are United Way. Without your support fewer people in the community would find the support they need when they need it most."

Using a martini shaker and a locked briefcase, Mike and Kari Schilling revealed the 2007 campaign fundraising target of $1,118,300.

"We have set our goal in such a way that reflects what our volunteers feel the community's needs are, not necessarily how much we think we can raise," explained Schilling. "Meeting and exceeding goal means meeting these needs, anything short is unacceptable."

As Dr. Gadget, Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director, previewed the campaign video that is also available, for the first time, as one of two flash videos on the United Way website. "The theme of the video is "Old Way, United Way", explained Calabrese. "We want people to understand that United Way programs are more than stop-gap measures. They are programs led by incredible staffs and volunteers that get to the root causes of problems, and work together to lead to solutions."

With the aid of a special pen, Wiedmeyer announced that $135,373 had already been raised for this year's campaign by pacesetter organizations and individuals who pledged their support prior to the kick-off event. "I'd like to thank all the pacesetters for getting us off to a great start for the 2007 campaign," stated Wiedmeyer. "Fellow operatives, we are off to a great start in this year's campaign," exclaimed Kari Schilling. "The theme of this event is, "The Goal is Not Enough" because United Way recognizes that the amount of money raised is more than just a number, it means meeting the needs identified by our volunteers for our partner agency programs."

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, 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.

Michael and Kari Schilling have been selected by the United Way of Washington County Board of Directors to serve as the 2007 Campaign Co-Chairs.  As Campaign Co-Chairs, Michael and Kari will lead United Way's annual campaign to raise funds to meet human services needs within Washington County. 

"Both Kari and I feel it is important to be involved in making our community a better place to live," stated Michael.  "We are both honored and excited about co-chairing the United Way 2007 campaign that will raise funds to support human services programs that make a difference in people's lives."

"I was surprised to find out that 1 in every 3 people are touched by a United Way supported program sometime during their life," shared Kari.  "That is why Michael and I are committed to chairing a successful campaign that will raise the funds needed to support program services that effectively address identified human services needs within Washington County."

Married since 1997, Michael and Kari are the proud parents of Pearse (age 5), Olivia (age 3) and Grace (age 5 months).  Both Wisconsin born, Michael received his B.S. degree in Finance from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota; Kari obtained a nursing degree from St. Cloud Technical School.   

Michael is a Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor with M&I Wealth Management in West Bend.  Kari is the Director of Patient Care & Information Systems at the West Bend Clinic-Synergy Health. 

Michael, a United Way board member, is the board treasurer for both the Museum of Wisconsin Art and the West Bend Noon Rotary.  He is also a Budget and Finance Committee Member of the Kettle Moraine YMCA and a board member of the Cedar Community Foundation.

Kari is a member of the West Bend Noon Rotary, the board chair of YMCA Camp Matawa and on the boards of the Albrecht Free Clinic and West Bend Chamber of Commerce.

Funds raised through the 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. 

'We are pleased to have Michael and Kari on board as this year's United Way Campaign Co-Chairs," declared Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director.  "Because of their proven leadership and fresh ideas, I am confident that we will be successful in raising the donations needed to fund program services that address identified human service needs in our County."

To learn more about the issues affecting Washington County, how your donations support those in need when it matters most, or to make a donation online, go to the United Way website at www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.

Each year United Way member agencies apply for program funding for services to address the human service needs of Washington County residents. This year, 21 agencies submitted applications totaling $912,517 for 2008 program funding. At its June Board meeting, United Way approved $851,158 in 2008 program funding awards, based on recommendations of five Fund Distribution Panels.

"Our panel volunteers take their responsibility very seriously," according to Carole Klotz of Klotz's Piggly Wiggly and the United Way Community Impact Committee Chair. "They ensure that United Way funds are distributed based on prioritized needs within United Way's five impacts."

One panel is assigned to each of the five impact areas: Supporting People in Crisis, Strengthening Families, Developing Successful Children & Youth, Building Strong & Healthy Communities, and Promoting Self-Sufficiency. In April and May, the community volunteers closely review program applications and meet with agencies within their panel's impact area so that they can make funding award recommendations for program services that will measurably improve the quality of life of Washington County residents.

"Program funding applications include outcome result data that show how program activities and services measurably improve the quality of lives of the people being served," stated Karin Westerlund, United Way Community Impact Coordinator. "Outcome measures answer the question, 'so what?' So what if parents attend a parenting class? So what if people receive emergency shelter? So what if children learn how to make smart and healthy choices? What difference does it really make in our community?"

"Our fund distribution process is what sets the United Way apart from many other charities", explained Tim Wiedmeyer, West Bend Mutual Insurance Vice President and United Way Board Chair. "With our outcome based funding model, donors can rest assured money is going where it is needed, and where it is making a difference."

At its May Board meeting, the United Way of Washington County accepted Donna Lexa Community Art Center as their newest member agency. Member agencies are eligible to apply for yearly program funding. Before a non-profit organization can apply to become a member agency, it must have received two consecutive years of United Way Venture Grant funds.

"While Donna Lexa Community Art Center has provided classes in West Bend for several years, we are thrilled to become a United Way member agency," stated Marsha Siehr, the organization's Executive Director.

Donna Lexa Community Art Center was established in 1985 to provide art programs for students with disabilities that would provide an environment of creative expression. The program nurtures artistic creativity and expression with individuals experiencing physical or other types of health conditions.

"We're excited to be able to support this type of program within our community," explained Joe Calabrese, United Way Executive Director. "Not only does this program provide students an opportunity to receive fine art instruction, it also promotes student independence by improving their social skills."

Headquartered in Waukesha, Donna Lexa Community Art Program offers two art classes every Tuesday at its West Bend location. As much choice as possible is left to the student for project selection and artistic expression. Materials and special adaptations are included in a class fee. Individuals interested in attending the two-hour long art classes should call (262) 521-2292.

The United Way of Washington County currently funds over 40 programs through 21 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 more information about the United Way of Washington County, its member agencies, Venture Grants or to find out about ways to give or how to help, visit its website at www.unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.