Over 120 community leaders joined the United Way of Washington County in honoring Nancie Heaps as the 2010 Cliff Nelson Volunteer Leadership Award recipient. The announcement of the selection was made at United Way’s annual Award Event held May 12, 2010. At the event United Way also recognized and thanked donors and volunteers who contributed to the 2009 fund raising campaign.

Nancie is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Secretary of Westbury Bank. A graduate of the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, Nancie was the recipient of the Betty Pearson Leadership Award in 2002.

Nancie provides volunteer leadership to numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Dr. James E. Albrecht Free Clinic, West Bend Policy & Fire Commission, Schauer Arts & Activities Center, and the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Alumni Board.

Nancie has also been on the board of the Washington County Chapter of the American Heart Association, West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce (as both a past president and chamber ambassador), a fundraiser for the Kettle Moraine YMCA Friends of the Y Campaign, and United Way of Washington County past Board Member, Division Chair, Communications Committee Chair, Loaned Executive, and currently serves as a member of United Way’s Special Events committee.

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. 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. Nancie Heaps joins an impressive roster of past Award Recipients:

Each volunteer is assigned to a panel that reviews programs in one of United Way's four impact areas: Supporting People in Crisis, Strengthening Families & Communities, Developing Successful Children & Youth, and Promoting Self-Sufficiency.

In May, panel volunteers visit agencies to conduct fact-to-face program review meetings. Funding recommendations made by panels are forwarded to the United Way Board of Directors for final deliberation in June.

"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."

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.

"In order for an agency to become a partner agency, it must go through the rigorous 3-year Venture Grant process which enables it to demonstrate measurable results." explained Karin Westerlund, United Way Community Impact Coordinator. "This is important because United Way volunteers only award annual funds to programs that can prove they improve the lives of their clients in significant ways."

"During a challenging economic period such as this, United Way thinks it is important to not only continue to fund existing programs, but also provide funding for programs that address emerging needs," stated Ann Schulz, Approved Home Mortgage Broker and United Way Community Impact Committee Chair. "Because of the growing Hispanic population and the increasing number of senior citizens in Washington County, the United Way Board felt it is important to provide funding to programs that provide services to these two groups."

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. According the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2000 to 2008, the Hispanic population in Washington County grew 76%. Spanish speaking residents are currently underserved by existing agencies due to the inability of service providers to offer culturally and linguistically competent services, which hinders the integration for Hispanics into their local communities.

Interfaith Caregivers' Caregiver Program connects older adults with caring volunteers who want to lend a helping hand. According to U.S. Census data, 25.2% of Washington County seniors age 65 and older live alone. 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. The Caregiver Program joins Interfaith's Medical Transportation Program that already receives United Way funding.

"Although we are guardedly optimistic about reaching this year’s campaign goal of $1,075,000, we will only be able to do so through the generosity of Washington County residents. In order to provide needed funds to programs that improve lives in our County, now, more than ever, we ask everyone to 'Give at Home', through the United Way of Washington County," urged Todd Martens, Washington County District Attorney and United Way Board Chair.

Donations raised during this year’s campaign will be used to fund 33 programs offered by 21 United Way partner agencies. People can 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 unitedwayofwashingtoncounty.org.