LIVING UNITEDUNITED WAY OF GREATER UNION COUNTY’S 2012-2013 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

A UNITED WAY OF GREATER UNION COUNTY PUBLICATION

THANK-YOU!FOR HELPING US MAKE STRONGERFAMILIES AND STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

A MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITYDear Friends,Meeting unexpected challenges. These are the words that would best describe this past year and we canhonestly report we were challenged and tested in so many ways. In true United Way fashion, we worked togetherfor the common good as we met so many unexpected challenges, with the resolve and support of our partnersand friends. Our focus on strengthening families did not waver.

The infamous Hurricane Sandy took its toll on so many families and communities, to this day, we continue tospearhead efforts to support those still struggling to gain a sense of normalcy in their lives. Our efforts werevery successful as many of our partners and philanthropists believed we were the organization best suited tomeet this challenge. We raised over $377,000 through the Hurricane Sandy Community Relief Fund Campaignand were able to assist families who were not normally part of our strengthening initiatives. We also collaboratedwith several community partners and helped to establish the Union County Long-Term Recovery Fund to assistresidents who continue to struggle as a direct result of the hurricane.

Understanding our challenges. This year we debuted the findings of our long-awaited community needsassessment. The assessment underscores our most critical challenges and clearly identifies 10 “communitiesof concern” where we must target our work and continue to practice our motto of Stronger Families = StrongerCommunities.

Strengthening families. Together, we provided families and individuals the tools they needed to reach stabilityin their lives. Our Family Success Centers, as well as our strategic partners, remain a tremendous asset in workingwith over 800 families this past year. Our family strengthening initiatives include the work of 55 communitypartners who provided comprehensive services to over 15,000 individuals.

The economic downturn clearly eroded the building blocks of strong families. Mounting home foreclosures andevictions ripple throughout our County. Consequently, when families weaken our community weakens. This pastyear, we assisted at-risk families by providing over $200,000 in emergency response funds to a select group ofcommunity partners in the following communities (Elizabeth, Hillside, Linden, Rahway, Plainfield, Summit, NewProvidence and Union). Emergency Response funds are cash disbursements made to families with childrenfacing an emergency, related to housing, utilities, childcare, food and other crisis situations. In the short term,we stabilized families by finding ways for them to stay in their homes, afford utilities or make sure they hadenough food. In the long term, we worked with policy makers and advocated for more affordable housingoptions and good paying jobs.

Our family strengthening initiatives remain focused on the three key areas of education, income and health. Byfocusing our resources and initiatives on these areas, we can identify the best ways to meet the needs of ourcommunities. For example, this past year we worked with the Nurse Family Partnership program and helped low-income, first-time mothers access prenatal care and learn how to care for their newborns. We empowered younggirls, through the “Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow” initiative, to become leaders among their peers and in theircommunities. Additionally, we’ve helped a child return to school after brain surgery, we’ve helped formerlyincarcerated fathers gain employment and support their children, and we’ve helped parents find and keep theirjobs while providing child care for their children. These are just a few of the many examples of the work we’ve done.

Working Together for the Common Good. We remain highly confident that our work and initiatives ensure thesuccess of families. The strategies we use to meet those challenges work well for our communities. Armed withextensive data and lessons learned, we understand what it takes to strengthen families and what approacheswe must apply to best meet the needs of each community and its residents.

In the coming year we will begin educating our stakeholders and convening those who must participate in solvingissues within our communities. As a direct result of the Community Needs Assessment study and paneldiscussion, we will conduct “Community Conversations” with key stakeholders such as policy makers,government officials, funders, residents, business owners and family advocates. We have accomplished muchbut still have much to do.

We would especially like to thank our investors, partners, board members, and our dedicated team, whohave placed their belief in the work we do and have helped us continue to strengthen families.

We hope this report serves as confirmation to our supporters that your investment in us yielded positive social returns.

We thank you all for your continued support in our journey.

James W. Horne, Jr.President / CEOUnited Way of Greater Union County

Walter “Woody” ErhardtChair, Board of TrusteesUnited Way of Greater Union County

James W. Horne, Jr.

President & CEOUnited Way of Greater Union County

Walter “Woody” Erhardt

Chair, Board of TrusteesUnited Way of Greater Union County

LIVING UNITED2012-2013 LEADERSHIP & STAFF

BOARD OFFICERSCHAIR Walter“Woody”Erhardt

VICE CHAIR Eileen Leahey PSE&G

TREASURER Alison G. Yablonowitz Ernst & Young-LLP

SECRETARY Ann-Marie Kay Kean University

STAFFJames W. Horne, Jr. President & CEO

Debbie-Ann Anderson Senior Vice President & COO

Dennis Dias New Business Development Consultant

Rochelle Green Vice President, Finance & Administration

Srabanti Sarkar Vice President, Community Building

Tara Hilliard Creative Services Manager

Nelly Huilcarema Operations Coordinator

Dawn Jeglinski Finance & Administration Manager

Tenisha Malcolm Marketing & Communications Manager

Valerie Mohyla Executive Assistant

Cristina Pinzon Corporate Relations Manager

Peter Scalici Corporate Relations Manager

Jeff Scheckner Community Engagement Manager

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LEADERS-ON-LOANFerya Akdemir • Kenneth Arana • Neda Bavrlic • Christopher Giotis • Robyn Kohn •

Elana Melli • Brian Williams

CRANFORD COMMUNITY COUNCILStephanie Brant • Ann Darby • Jerry DeNigris •Nelson Dittmar • Brian Egenton • Robert Hopkins •John Malar • Robert McArthur • Harold Roy • David Springer • Diane Wurzburger

BOARD MEMBERSChristopher D. Armstrong, Esq.

Martha Bahamon Foundation of UMDNJ - Chair, Hispanic Leadership Advisory Council

Clarence W. Bauknight III, Esq.

Wendy Burney The Burney Group, Inc.

James Carson Chair-Elect, Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights Community Council

Paul Dango IBM

Jerry DeNigris Riverside Financial Group

Dr. Barbara Gaba Union County College

William L. Donovan, Jr. Retired, Infineum USA L.P.

Joan M. Evans Infineum USA L.P.

Frank Guzzo Union CountyDepartment of Human Services

Robert Hopkins Qualcare Inc.

Susan B. Levy

Larry J. Lockhart LJL Financial

Martin Melilli TD Bank

James L. Meyer Retired, Merck & Co.

Patrick Murphy Linde North America Inc.

Patricia Perkins-Auguste Elizabeth City Council

Kevin N. Phoenix C.R. Bard, Inc.

Thomas Ponosuk The Ponosuk Group

Beatrice Romao TD Bank

Kimberly Smith Comcast

Joseph Steiner Suburban Chamber of Commerce

Bibi Taylor Dept. of Finance, County of Union

Stephen Theriot Deloitte & Touche

Timothy Williams AGL Resources / Elizabethtown Gas

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LIVING UNITEDTABLE OF CONTENTS

OUR FOCUS

SUPPORTING THE JOURNEY FROMBIRTH TO ADULTHOOD CONTINUUM

FAMILY STRENGTHENING NETWORKFamily Strengthening Partners and servicesFamily Strengthening Network Success Stories

FINANCIALS

HOW YOU CAN LIVE UNITEDGIVECampaignTop 20 OrganizationsBusiness SupportersUnited Way Leadership Giving SocietySuper Storm SandyStuff The Bus school supply driveScholastic Book Donation

ADVOCATEUnited Way Community Needs Assessment ReleaseHaiti Lives On InitiativeLearning Mi Way

VOLUNTEERJunior Ambassador ProgramYouth For United Way

SPECIAL EVENTSCelebration of Womanhood ConferenceCelebration Gala - Honoring those who LIVE UNITED!Golf Classic

NEXT STEPS-Meeting the challenge for 2013-14

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OUR FOCUS: FAMILY STRENGTHENINGUnited Way of Greater Union County’s goal is to improve lives and change conditions in our community bystrengthening families; strong families are the foundation of a strong community.

OUR MISSIONThe mission of United Way of Greater Union County is to ensure the health and human service needs of the communityare identified and addressed in ways that create a better quality of life for the residents of Greater Union County.

COMMUNITIES WE SERVEBerkeley Heights • Clark • Cranford • Elizabeth • Fanwood • Garwood • Hillside • Kenilworth • Linden • Mountainside • New Providence • North Plainfield

• Plainfield • Rahway • Roselle • Roselle Park • Scotch Plains • Springfield • South Plainfield • Summit • Union • Westfield • Winfield Park •

Good health improves a child’s oppor-tunity to learn, increases an adult’sproductivity at work and enhances thequality of life.

FACT: It is estimated that 22.4% of UnionCounty’s population is either unin-sured or underinsured.³

United Way of Greater Union County’sfunded programs provides training tofirst time mothers teaching themparenting skills, the importance ofpre-natal check-ups as well as providingmentorship to help raise a healthy child.United Way invests in programs thatprovide some of our most vulnerableresidents with the support they need toachieve or maintain good health.

3) NJ-CCP County Report Summary of Union County,http://www.uniontownship.com/web/UnionReport.pdf

Adequate income to pay for today’snecessities and save for the future,provides a family with financial stabilityand independence.

FACT: It is estimated that, in UnionCounty, two adults with a preschool childneeds to make over $55,000 to beconsidered self-sufficient. If they havetwo preschool children, they need tomake over $69,000.²

United Way of Greater Union County’sfunded programs help people build thejob skills and knowledge necessary forthem to attain financial independenceand stability. We are committed to helpingclose the economic gap by creating acommunity where everyone has theopportunity to find safe and affordablehousing; the skills and training neededto succeed in a decent paying job; andthe means to be self-sufficient.

2) Legal Services of New Jersey, The Real Cost of Livingin 2008, http://www.lsnj.org

Education is the foundation of a good life,setting an individual on a path of per-sonal fulfillment and economic security.

FACT: 32% of the children in UnionCounty, ages 3-5, are not enrolled innursery school, preschool or kinder-garten.¹

United Way of Greater Union County’sefforts in education focus on children frombirth to age 18. UWGUC works to ensurethat children in our community beginschool, ready to learn. We supportefforts to help students experienceacademic success so they can graduatefrom high school on time and continue tosucceed as young adults.

1) Association for Children of New Jersey, Kids Count2010, http://www.acnj.org

INCOME HEALTHHEALTHINCOMEEDUCATION

“Family Strengthening” ensures that everyone in Greater Union County has the necessaryopportunities, relationships and networks to support the success of their family. We focus onFamily Strengthening by advancing Education, Income and Health throughout one’s journey fromBirth to Adulthood.

EDUCATION

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SUPPORTING THE JOURNEY FROM BIRTH TO ADULTHOODAll children need Family, Community Connection, Resources and Support across life domains to succeed.

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UNION COUNTYFAMILY STRENGTHENING

NET WORK

The Union County Family StrengtheningNetwork (UCFSN) is a unique public–private partnership between UnitedWay of Greater Union County, busi-nesses, government, schools, faith-based and non-profit organizations,and foundations. The Union CountyFamily Strengthening Network (UCFSN)partners work to break down barriersfor families, and create opportunitiesto ensure that every child succeedsevery step of the way from birth toadulthood.

Jefferson Park Ministries (Elizabeth)Communities in Cooperation (Linden, Rahway)Prevention Links (Roselle) Proceed, Inc. (Elizabeth, Union) Elizabeth Presbyterian Center (Elizabeth) Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless (Elizabeth) Homefirst (Plainfield) Plainfield Board of Education-Family Success Center (Plainfield) The Connection for Women and Families (Summit) Urban League of Union County (Elizabeth)YMCA-EUC (Hillside)The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern NJ

ANCHOR PARTNERSAn anchor partner has deep roots in its community. An anchorpartner is a multi-service organization providing critical servicesassociated with supporting families and children along thecontinuum of care from birth to adulthood.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE PARTNERSUnited Way of Greater Union County partners with non-profits and government agencies throughout the countyto help deliver the human services our community needs. Over 55 organizations have joined our CommunityResource Network, each filling a vital role connecting individuals and families of Union County, North Plainfieldand South Plainfield to the support they need.

Community Resource Network members work to support families and individuals by building a continuum of care– providing critical services ranging from pre-natal health classes to strengthening the life skills of the familiesin our community. The Network helps the people in our community build a stronger support system, assists themthrough crises and works with them to create long-term stability and self-sufficiency for their families.

• ARC of Union County • Atlantic Health/Overlook Hospital

Family Service• Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County• Brand New Day • Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services • CASA of Union County • Catholic Charities • Central Jersey Legal Services • Community Access Unlimited • Community Service Association of

New Providence• Contact We Care • Cranford Family Care Association• Department of Children and Families:

Division of Child Protection andPermanency-Union County Office

• Families and Communities Together • Family Promise• Family Support Organization of

Union County

• Good Grief, Inc • Groundwork Elizabeth • Holy Redeemer Home Care • Jewish Community Center of Central NJ • Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey

• King's Daughter Day School • Lifetime Support, Inc,• Literacy Volunteers of Union County • Neighborhood Health Services Corp.• Neighborhood House Association • New Jersey Parents Caucus • Occupational Center of Union County • Plainfield Area YMCA–Plainfield• Planned Parenthood of Greater Northern NJ

• Rahway Community Action Organization • Rahway Day Care Center• Resolve Community Counseling Center • Resolve Ministries, Inc.

• Roselle Collaborative for Youth and Families

• Roselle Day Care Center • Sage Eldercare, Inc. • Salvation Army • Second Street Youth Center • UC Div. of Social Services • Union County College• Union County Department ofHuman Services

• United Family and Children’s Society • UPC Behavioral Healthcare • Westfield Area Y • YM & YWHA of Union County • YMCA Central Jersey • Youth and Family Counseling Services • YWCA of Central Jersey • YWCA of Eastern Union County

COMPUTER CLASSES

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE

PARENTING SERVICES

FAMILY STRENGTHENINGNETWORK PROVIDED

SERVICES

FOOD ASSISTANCE

GRIEF COUNSELING

CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE

PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE

ESL CLASSES

FAMILY ENRICHMENT SERVICES

COUNSELING SERVICES

EMERGENCY FOOD / CLOTHING / SHELTER ASSISTANCE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

EARLY CHILDHOOD & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

HEALTH / WELLNESS SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

CLOTHING ASSISTANCE

SHELTER / HOUSING

PRE & POST NATAL CARE SERVICES

MEDICAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES

The Connection for Women and Families

Last year, a family of three moved from Costa Rica to Summit, NJ and enrolled their son, Jacob, into a Summit ElementarySchool. Jacob began the first grade and received special services for his learning disabilities. However, within months,Jacob’s mother suddenly left and went back to Costa Rica leaving Jacob and his father. Unfortunately, Jacob beganexhibiting difficulties and emotional stress due to the sudden departure of his mother. Problems were exacerbated by lackof after-school care and lack of access to homework assistance, causing Jacob to have difficulties with his schoolwork.

The Connection immediately provided Jacob with a scholarship to its after-school enrichment program conveniently locatedat Jacob’s school, which he now attends five days a week. The sudden absence of Jacob’s mother took a toll on himemotionally, but a Connection staff member, who is also a certified teacher, took special interest in Jacob and worked withhim closely, to adjust to the changes. The teacher helped Jacob with his homework and encouraged him to become moreinvolved with his peers and make new friends. As a result, Jacob has adjusted quite well, loves the after-school program,and is excelling in school. Gratefully, his father was able to retain his job and continue supporting them both.

The Connection for Women and Families provides after-school enrichment and homework assistance for over 135 children,of working parents, from four Summit schools. They provide a variety of programs for over 5,000 women, men, and children.The Connection has a variety of programs including aquatics, comprehensive fitness for adults, performing arts, specialneeds classes for all ages, and Red Cross classes. In addition, the Scholarship Fund assures that everyone can participatein the programs and services regardless of economic circumstance.

Overlook Hospital’s Project Independence

Established to help families in New Jersey work through outpatient therapy and mental health issues,Family Service at Overlook Hospital and Project Independence serves over 1,041 people annually. Thereare many stories of patients overcoming serious disease and physical trauma to achieve triumph andsuccess in reintegrating into their lives.

Ten-year-old Luis, diagnosed with fluid on the brain, had to undergo surgery. He struggled throughseveral months of intense therapy and a very difficult recovery. Overlook Hospital connected his mother,Margaret, with a caseworker through its Project Independence, and helped her make the decision tohome-school Luis until he was well enough to re-enter school. Margaret received counseling and trainingon how to care for her son’s medical needs at home. Both Luis and his mother are now doing well andLuis has since returned to elementary school.

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UNION COUNTYFAMILY STRENGTHENING

NET WORKSUCCESS STORIES

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YWCA of Union County

Mary, who is Spanish-speaking, went to the shelter with her two teenaged children, a boy and a girl, in an attempt toflee her abusive husband. They had been married for 13 years, during which the abuse escalated from verbal topushing and shoving.

Eventually, the violence became more intense and he threatened the lives of Mary and her two children (the daughterwas from a previous relationship, the son was his). She was referred to the Emergency Shelter when her husband waspulled over in a traffic stop with the entire family in the car. He had been traveling at an extremely high rate of speedin an attempt to kill Mary, the children and himself.

While living at the shelter Mary was able to acquire legal services through the Legal Representation Program. Sheobtained a final restraining order and her husband was removed from their home. She was assisted by staff inobtaining TANF, Medicaid and food stamps. She received counseling from the residential counselor and the childrenreceived counseling from the children’s counselor.

Mary stayed in the shelter for 3 weeks and once her husband was removed from the home, she was able to safely return.Her daughter, age 16, had to leave her job suddenly when they entered the shelter. With the assistance of an advo-cate, her absence was explained and she was able to return to her job.

As with all clients, Mary and her children created a safety plan with the assistance a shelter advocate. Now, with thesupport of her family, Mary is currently seeking employment. Before returning home, she and her children wroteletters of thanks to the shelter staff.

Cranford Family Care

In August of 2013, Cranford Family Care received a telephone call from a resident who is a single mom to asix-year-old. She was worried because she had received a Civil Action Summons for eviction, for non-pay-ment of two months rent, caused by the unfortunate loss of two jobs, one immediately after the other. Sheand her daughter were living very basic and she was really afraid of what the future held.

She came for an intake interview and to fill out an application for rental assistance. After speaking with theagency director, she was encouraged to try to get her life back on track. The board agreed to pay the twomonths rent to resolve her eviction, in addition to two shut-offs for gas and electricity. She was also givenfood and school supplies for her daughter.

Encouraged by this help and having someone to talk to, to get out her frustrations and fears, she gained theconfidence to go back out in the job market and successfully gained employment.

She has since enrolled in a local college for a few night courses to complete her studies and obtain her degree.Due to the assistance and personal interaction, she was able to put her life back together and becomeself-sufficient.

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FINANCIALS

2,777,153 (4,459)

- 2,772,693

1,142,963 84,084

789,186 126,019 434,307

2,576,559

5,349,252

514,722 1,634,207

480,300 1,142,963

981,386 4,753,579

425,623 223,320 648,943 132,736

5,535,258

2,996,532

(186,005)

59,921

(126,085)

2,870,447

12.13%

3,021,269 276,374 500,000

3,797,643

1,764,230 130,605 515,211 249,923

69,546 2,729,515

6,527,158

590,841 1,485,787

685,637 1,764,230

945,459 5,471,954

457,903 238,859 696,762 147,842

6,316,558

2,666,108

210,600

119,824

330,424

2,996,532

10.67%

Campaign Contributions:Regular Campaign ContributionsPrior YearNon-recurring Campaign ContributionsTotal Campaign & Other Contributions

Other revenue:Government GrantsSpecial Events, grossIncoming DesignationsOther revenueOther Grants

Total other revenue

Total revenue

ExpensesProgram services:Distributions to agencies in GUCDonor designated contributionOther GrantsGovernment grantsDirect program services

Total Program Expenses

Supporting services:General and AdministrationFund-raising

Total supporting servicesEstimated uncollectible contributions

Total expenses

Net Assets at Beginning of Year

Changes in Net Assets before Non-operating

Non-operating

Changes in Net Assets after Non-operating

Net Assets at End of Year

Operating Expense Ratio

UnauditedAugust 31, 2013

AuditedAugust 31, 2012

HOWYOU C

ANLIVEUNITED

LEND YOUR MUSCLE. FIND YOUR VOICE.

You can make change happen with your voice. Whether you are speaking out to improvethe conditions of the community, reaching out to local or state government orwearing your LIVE UNITED t-shirt to show your support. You can help inspire hope andcreate opportunities for a better tomorrow. Be visible. Be loud.

GIVE AN HOUR. GIVE A DAY.

We all have special talents. Things we can do to help. When we reach out a hand toone, we influence the condition of all. As a volunteer, you make a direct, hands-oncontribution to the community. Contact United Way of Greater Union County at 908-353-7171 for more information on volunteer projects.

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JOIN HANDS. OPEN YOUR HEART.

You can give at the office, through your employer’s workplace campaign, respond toour direct mail solicitation or go online to www.uwguc.org/give, or participate in ourmobile giving campaign by texting “UWGUC” to 50555 to donate $10.00 to United Wayof Greater Union County.

This year was truly a remarkable experienceserving as Campaign Chairman and helpingmeet the so many difficult challenges we faced.I am extremely grateful for having had theopportunity to work with so many dedicatedpeople who not only contributed but alsovolunteered their time to such a worthy cause.

As a Board member and donor, I have seenthe benefits of our approach to strengtheningfamilies and building stronger communities.

Contributing to United Way of Greater UnionCounty is one of the best ways for businessowners, residents, and corporate employeesto invest in the community where we live and

work. In addition to engaging in donor campaigns, United Way also mobilizes a teamof campaign volunteers who continually strive to raise the funds needed by many ofthe organizations who are part of the health and human services partnership.

Having had the distinct honor of leading as Campaign Chair, I appreciate thededication and commitment of every member of the Campaign Cabinet. As a team, weare very proud to report that over 150 companies participated in workplacecampaigns and we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the employee CampaignCoordinators who made their campaigns highly successful.

Most notably, during the time when Hurricane Sandy put excessive strain on everyone’stime and efforts, our supporters truly rose to the occasion and contributions swelledas the outpouring of generosity canvassed our community.

I would like to extend a personal thank you to the thousands of donors, companies,private foundations, volunteers, and community partners as well as governmententities who committed to helping improve the conditions in Union County, North Plainfieldand South Plainfield.

It has truly been an amazing experience, one I will never forget.

Sincerely,

Paul Dango

IBM Global Client DirectorUnited Way Campaign Chair

THE 2012-2013 CAMPAIGN

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A message from the 2012-2013 Campaign Chair

Together we secured $5.7 MillionWorking together we can make a difference!

United Way partners with donors (investors), companies, local businesses, organiza-tions, private foundations, governmental entities and residents of Union County,North Plainfield and South Plainfield who are dedicated to making our families andcommunities stronger.

Donating to United Way is a solid return on your investment that benefits people youknow, focuses on issues you care about, achieves problem solving results and makesa difference in the community.

Thank you for helping us change lives and build stronger communities through yourgenerosity to United Way of Greater Union County.

JOIN HANDS. OPEN YOUR HEART.Every investment in your United Way goes tohelp people right here in the Union County NorthPlainfield and South Plainfield communities.This means that your money makes a localimpact for friends, colleagues and neighborsin need of assistance.

It takes all of us working together to build thekind of community for which we all hope. Ittakes your gift to United Way’s CommunityImpact Fund to make that happen.

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2012-2013 Business Support

Top 20 Organizations

1st SERVE • Abbott Laboratories Accenture • Acupowder International, LLC • ADP • Advance Auto Parts • AGL Resources / Elizabethtown Gas •Alcatel-Lucent • Allstate Insurance Co. • American Aluminum Company • American Express • Ameriprise Financial • Ameritrade National •Andersen Corporation • Anderson Publishing Ltd. • Aramark • ARC of Union County, Inc. • Ard Appraisal Company • Arkady • Assurant, Inc. •AT&T • Aventis • Avon Products Foundation • Baker Endowment • Bank of America • Bank of America • Bank of NY Mellon • Best Buy Company,Inc. • Best Buy Stores • BJ and M Auto Inc. • Bloomingdale • Books Direct, Inc. • Borough of Roselle • Borough of South Plainfield • BristolMyers Squibb Products • Burling Charitable Fund • C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. • C.A.S.A • C.R. BARD Inc. • C3IT LLC • Ceridian • Chubb & Son •Communities in Cooperation Inc. • Cigna P&C Companies • Citigroup • City of Linden • Colgate-Palmolive • Comcast NBC Universal • Committeeto Elect William Gallman • Community Access Unlimited • Community Coordinated Child Care • ConEd • Cooper Alloy Corporation • Costco •Cranford Board of Education • Day Care Center of The First • Deloitte & Touche • DuPont • EATON • Elberon Development Company • Election Fund ofCarlos L. Torres • Election Fund of J. Christian Bollwage • Election Fund of Joseph Cryan • Eli Lilly • Elizabeth City • Elizabeth Fire Officers •

Elizabeth PBA Local #4 • Elizabethport Presbyterian Center, Inc. • Enterprise Rent-A-Car • Equifax • Ernst & Young LLP • Estate ofEdmund R. Drosdick • Exxon Mobil • Exxon Research & Engineering • FedEx Corporation • FedEx Ground • First United Methodist Church of ScotchPlains• FirstEnergy • Freeport-McMoRan Cooper & Gold • Fulton Bank • G4S Technology, LLC. • Gannett Fleming • GE CPARS • Gellert Global Group• Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey • GlaxoSmithKline (Emp) • Glenney Trust • Glimcher Realty Trust • Hanover Insurance • Hertz Corporation • HilltopCommunity Bank • Holy Redeemer Health System • Honeywell International Incorporated • HSBC - No. Amer. Household International • IBM •

Infineum USA L.P. • ING Financial Advisers, LLC • J. P. Morgan Chase & Co. • J.C. Kellogg Foundation • Jacobson & Company Inc. • JewishCommunity Center of Central NJ • Johnson & Johnson • Joseph L. Snyder Trust • Kean University • KEEFE Commissary Network, L.L.C. • KelloggCompany • Kerry Ingredients & Flavours • Keystone Community Residence • Leal Trust • Liberty Mutual • Liberty Transportation &Storage Co. • Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper • Linde North America Inc. • Literacy Volunteers of Union County • L’Oreal USA •

M & M Construction Company, Inc. • Macy’s • Marshalls • McKinsey & Company, Inc. • MEDCO HEALTH • Merck & Co., Inc. • Microsoft • Morgan StanleyDean Witter • N.J. American Water Company • Nationwide Insurance • Neighborhood House Association • New England Motor Freight, Inc. •

New York Life Insurance Company • Novartis • Nustar • OMG Electronic Chemicals, Inc. • Paychex • Payless Shoes • Pepsi-Cola • Pfizer • Phillips66 • Picnic Corporation • Plainfield Board of Education • Plainfield Endowment Fund • Plainfield Foundation • PNC Bank • Pond Trust •

Presbytery of Elizabeth • Prevention Links • PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP • PROCEED, Inc. • ProQuest/Bowker • Provident Bank • PrudentialFinancial Corp • PSEG • Raymond James & Associates, Inc. • Residence Inn by Marriott • Resolve Community Counseling Center, Inc • Ring PowerCorporation • Roselle Savings Bank • SAGE Eldercare • Shell Oil Company Foundation • Siemen’s Medical Solutions • Solar CompoundsCorporation • South Plainfield Board of Education • Sovereign Bank • State Farm Insurance • State of New Jersey Department of Children andFamilies • State of New Jersey • Stop & Shop Supermarkets, Inc. • Stryker Instruments• Summit Area Public Foundation • Target • TD Bank •

Tempil-ITW • The MGive Foundation • The Nicholson Foundation • The Principal Financial Group • The T.F. Trust • The Wilf Family Foundation •

TIAA CREF • Travelers Group Inc. • Trinitas Hospital • Tyco Telecommunications • UCPC Behavioral Health Care, Inc. • Union County CollegeFoundation • Union County Dept. of Human Services • Union County Employees • Union County Savings Bank • UnitedHealth Group • Unum •

UPS • Urban League of Union County • USAA - Staff Counsel Office • Vanguard Medical Group, PA • Vention Medical • Verizon-New Jersey • Victor M.Richel Family Foundation • Wal-Mart • Waring Trust • Wednesday Morning Club • Wells Fargo • Westfield YMCA • Williams Gas Pipeline Transco.• Workforce Advantage • WPI Communications • Xcel Energy Foundation • Xerox • YMCA of Eastern Union County • Zurich North America National Prc.

State of New Jersey, Department of Children and Families

Linde North America Inc.Merck & Co., Inc.C. R. Bard, Inc.

McKinsey & Company, Inc.The Wilf Family Foundation

Our sincerest Thank-You the companies that provided financial or in-kind support to United Way of Greater Union County!

UPSAT&T

NustarAlcatel-Lucent

Wells FargoJohnson & Johnson

Union County Department of Human Services

J.C. Kellogg FoundationInfineum USA L.P.

Macy'sPrudential Financial Corp

AGL Resources/ Elizabethtown GasEnterprise Rent-A-Car

FedEx

List current as of September 1, we regret any errors or omissions.

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UNITED WAYLEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETYUnited Way’s Leadership Giving Society was created to recognize members of our community who demonstrate anexceptional commitment to helping others.

These influential leaders provide inspiration and motivation for others to take pride in caring for our community. Theyunderstand that like any investment, the benefits extend far into the future. The people helped through their generousgifts, in turn, affect our communities in the years to come.

La Société Nationale $100,000 or more

Wilf Family Foundation (Million Dollar RoundTable)

J.C. Kellogg Foundation

Ordre de Consul$15,000 - $24,999

Michael P. StaubLinde North America Inc.

Plainfield Foundation

Membre de la Société$10,000 - $14,999

Raymond and Robin BeierPricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Alice and Glenn D. EngelBank of America

James and Kathleen Meyer

Timothy M. RingC. R. Bard, Inc.

Ordre de Liberté$25,000 - $49,999

Steve and Kathleen TheriotDeloitte & Touche

William and Angela FredaDeloitte & Touche

Gold Leaders$5,000 - $7,499

Curtiss BrownC. R. Bard, Inc.

Donald Doran

2012-2013 Tocqueville Society

2012-2013 Leadership

Silver Leaders$2,500 - $4,999

Atul M. AthalyeLinde North America Inc.

Marian BozakLinde North America Inc.

David M. Brennan

Mary Rose BrownNuStar Energy L.P.

Andrea CasperC. R. Bard, Inc.

David J. CiavarellaC. R. Bard, Inc.

Scott CoatesDeloitte & Touche

F.C. Coddington

Nelson and Carolyn Dittmar

Jennifer GoodbodyLinde North America Inc.

James W. Horne, Jr.United Way of Greater Union County

Bronwen K. KellyC. R. Bard, Inc.

Sean KeoughLinde North America Inc.

Charles A. KraussC. R. Bard, Inc.

R. Krish KrishnamurthyLinde North America Inc.

Larry Lockhart

Eric J. MartinsLinde North America Inc.

James MaultsbyBank of America

Patrick F. MurphyLinde North America Inc.

Robert G. NettlesLinde North America Inc.

Mark A. ParkinDeloitte & Touche

Gregory J. SzpunarMerck & Co., Inc.

Ian S. VaughanNuStar Energy L.P.

Christine VenerusoElizabeth City

Mark M. WalaskaC. R. Bard, Inc.

Robbin G. WoodsLinde North America Inc.

Alison and Michael YablonowitzErnst & Young LLP

Robert L. ZoccaJohnson & Johnson

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Bronze Leaders$1,000 - $2,499Sharon M. Alterio

C. R. Bard, Inc.

Debbie-Ann AndersonUnited Way of Greater

Union County

David AndrewsMerck & Co., Inc.

Bert ArmenyInfineum USA L.P.

Christopher D. Armstrong

Jeffrey M. ArmusLinde North America Inc.

Dave AwerUPS

Beat BarblanProQuest/Bowker

Bruce M. Baron

Ellen BarrabeeMerck & Co., Inc.

Stephen M. Bayse Linde North America Inc.

Michael J. BeckmanLinde North America Inc.

Steven M. BertoneLinde North America Inc.

Stanley P. BorowiecLinde North America Inc.

Lakeith BradfordComcast Cablevision of NJ

Robert & Valeri Brewster

Charles M. BrooksLinde North America Inc.

Eileen M. BrownLinde North America Inc.

Robert C. BrownLinde North America Inc.

John J. BrullLinde North America Inc.

Thomas J. Calianese

Alan Campell

Gary CandiesUPS

Virginia K. CarhartExxon Mobil

Stephanie G. Carmel

Mark H. CarowC. R. Bard, Inc.

Raymond E. CarrLinde North America Inc.

John M. CarrollMerck & Co., Inc.

Kerry CogenInfineum USA L.P.

Elaine Cook

Greg A. DadikaC. R. Bard, Inc.

Cajetan DeFeoC. R. Bard, Inc.

David DeibertEnterprise Rent-A-Car

Douglas DeverLinde North America Inc.

William Donovan

Steven F. EckhardtLinde North America Inc.

Joan EvansInfineum USA L.P.

Ray FantuzziKeystone Community Residence

Steven J. FinleyLinde North America Inc.

Mary Grace FinnWells Fargo

Gary S. FiorinoLinde North America Inc.

Daniel E. FisherLinde North America Inc.

Dr. Barbara Gaba

Peter M. GaviganLinde North America Inc.

Joseph GersheyWells Fargo

Anthony F. GorkaLinde North America Inc.

David GreenzangAssurant, Inc.

Daniel GregoireC. R. Bard, Inc.

Robert B. GriscomLinde North America Inc.

James & Sarah Harrington

Robert Hasbrouck

Robert HausermanInfineum USA L.P.

Valarie O. HawkinsAT&T

Bruce HensingerLinde North America Inc.

Brenda M. HensleyLinde North America Inc.

Mary Lou & Chip Hogan

Jean HollowayC. R. Bard, Inc.

Jonathan P. HoyLinde North America Inc.

Chad E. HunterLinde North America Inc.

John M. KapuraLinde North America Inc.

Thomas F. Kennedy

David M. Kristol

Shane W. KrskaMerck & Co., Inc.

Patti LabooUPS

Earl D. LawsonLinde North America Inc.

Susan B. Levy

Ken H. LewLinde North America Inc.

Alison LittleJohnson & Johnson

Scott T. LowryC. R. Bard, Inc.

Frank LupisellaC. R. Bard, Inc.

Lynn MacDonald C. R. Bard, Inc.

Brian L. MacleanAGL Resources/ Elizabethtown Gas

Shirley A. Mangin

Barbara A. MarzanoJohnson & Johnson

Anthony J. Masherelli

Francis J. Maxwell

Thomas E. McCraryLinde North America Inc.

Terrence McDonaldUPS

Murali MenonMerck & Co., Inc.

Travis MillaciEnterprise Rent A Car-Neptune

Maureen MugandaJohnson & Johnson

Lawrence J. NaldiMerck & Co., Inc.

David NuzumMcKinsey & Company, Inc.

Catherine F. O'NealInfineum USA L.P.

John OcchipintiLinde North America Inc.

Sean PasticComcast Cablevision of NJ

Charles PayneLinde North America Inc.

Kristi R. Payne BenitezC. R. Bard, Inc.

Jack E. PedersonLinde North America Inc.

Stephen M. PennLinde North America Inc.

Patrick F. PerroneLinde North America Inc.

Gary N. PetersonLinde North America Inc.

Kevin N. PhoenixC. R. Bard, Inc.

Dennis Poller

Joseph H. PortoLinde North America Inc.

Alex L. PrimasLinde North America Inc.

William E. PursleyLinde North America Inc.

Michael RaikosNuStar Energy L.P.

Anthony RedmanUPS

Henry P. Riordan

Wayne RobertsonInfineum USA L.P.

Patrick RocheC. R. Bard, Inc.

Timothy J. RoesslerNuStar Energy L.P.

Eric SchlesingerMcKinsey & Company, Inc.

Gin SchulzC. R. Bard, Inc.

Margaret A. ShannonLinde North America Inc.

Carol B. ShichmanMerck & Co., Inc.

David E. SmedleyLinde North America Inc.

Paul SpellissyInfineum USA L.P.

Robert W. StauderLinde North America Inc.

Paul A. StockmanLinde North America Inc.

Joseph P. SullivanLinde North America Inc.

Hollister Sykes

Satish S. TamhankarLinde North America Inc.

Florence S. ThauvinInfineum USA L.P.

Brenda L. TregellasC. R. Bard, Inc.

Ruth TumbokonJohnson & Johnson

Mark VanarendonkMerck & Co., Inc.

Michelle L. VargoLinde North America Inc.

Claudio VilasJohnson & Johnson

Patricia A. VuocoloC. R. Bard, Inc.

John M. WalcottJohnson & Johnson

Kevin S. WardLinde North America Inc.

John H. WeilandC. R. Bard, Inc.

Lisa WhipkeyDeloitte & Touche

Craig WhittemoreNuStar Energy L.P.

Christopher ZiemianNuStar Energy L.P.

Snezana ZlatarBank of America

List current as ofSeptember 1, weregret any errors oromissions.

Last year we endured one of the worst super storms ofour time and with it came the knowledge that naturaldisasters can affect all of us despite our different lifecircumstances. So many families were placed in avulnerable position and struggled with the shock oflosing their homes. Whole neighborhoods weredisplaced and with that knowledge came the awfultruth that our vulnerabilities are real and can affectanyone at any given time.

In immediate response to the needs of those hardesthit by the storm, United Way of Greater Union Countylaunched the Hurricane Sandy Community Relief Fundin early November 2012. The awareness and fundraisingcampaign raised over $377,000 with the support ofcorporate partners such as NuStar Foundation, GreeheyFamily Foundation, Linde North America, Inc. as wellas numerous individual donors. With the generoussupport of our corporate donors, we were able to providespecial consideration to those communities hardest hit.

To ensure the funds were used for relief efforts, weinvited organizations to submit requests for supportto cover gaps not covered by service organizations,

government programs or insurance. The relief fundswere designated for items such as, but not limited to,food, household sanitizing supplies, diapers, infantformula, school supplies, and winter clothes. Fundswere also used for emergency relief such asrental/mortgage payments, utility payments,transportation passes, prescriptions, medical supplies,and/or legal assistance.

Funds targeted the worst hit communities includingparts of Elizabeth and Plainfield as well as all ofLinden and Rahway.

Subsequently, we met with Mayors to conduct long-termplanning which resulted in the establishment of theUnion County Long-Term Recovery Group (UCLTR Group).

The mission of the UCLTR Group is to monitor andmeet the continuing needs of Super Storm Victims.UWGUC serves as the UCLTR Group’s fiduciary agent.In September 2013, the Group commissioned WorldReview who will conduct surveys and collect dataregarding the needs of Sandy victims still working toregain losses as a result of the storm.

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In preparation to the start of the school year,United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC),“Stuffed the Bus” and delivered over 500backpacks filled with school supplies to students from pre-k through 12.

As part of our mission to strengthen families,we invited our corporate partners, and theiremployees, to submit donations of schoolsupplies, to contribute to the successful academicachievement of children throughout UnionCounty, North Plainfield, and South Plainfield.

A very special partner, Villani Bus Company,provided door-to-door service by donating theuse of a school bus for an entire day. The bus,equipped with a driver and a full tank of gas,transported UWGUC staff and volunteers to eachrecipient organization to distribute the “Ready-to-Learn” backpacks.

There was great joy and excitement exhibited,as the bus arrived at each distribution location.Children were selected from United Way partnerorganizations serving low-income families, to

ensure they received the necessary tools tosuccessfully start the school year.

2013 Corporate Partners and Contributors:

Recipient Organizations

United Way Distributes 10,000 books donated by Scholastic, Inc.

LEND YOUR MUSCLE. FIND YOUR VOICEAdvocacy is a fundamental part of United Wayof Greater Union County’s work and is essentialto help us achieve our mission and goals. Weengage in several advocacy initiatives and,most notably, work with stakeholders whocan influence the conditions of communities.

Recognizing there are decisions-makers whowe must engage and partner with in providing,education, income, health and humanservices to our communities, we attemptto influence budget decisions made by ourpublic servants, and act on behalf of thoseserved by many critical programs necessaryto create stronger communities.

In the Fall of 2012, United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC), concluded itsUnion County Needs Assessment Study as part of an on-going effort to monitorcommunity conditions and identify emerging or chronic health and human service needs.

Our strategy is to utilize the Community Needs Assessment report and “spread theword” of its findings, to help build a consensus among key government officials,network partners, advocates, and citizens who have the resources to help us. Webelieve, by engaging key stakeholders in productive dialogue, we will be able toinfluence public policy and implement a realistic plan of action.

Community Needs AssessmentCollective Impact Modeling to Target “Communities of Concern”

One of the primary roles of United Way of Greater Union County is to monitor theconditions of our communities, determine emerging social needs and to addressthose needs with as much impact as possible using limited resources. It is criticallyimportant for us to identify issues that emerge as a result of families living in poverty.

Utilizing a Collective Impact model, we recognize large-scale social change requiresbroad cross-sector coordination, not isolated intervention of individual organizations.Collective Impact Initiatives are long-term commitments, by a group of importantactors from different sectors, to a common agenda for solving a specific socialproblem. Their actions are supported by a shared measurement system, mutuallyreinforcing activities, and ongoing communication, and are staffed by anindependent backbone organization.

Identifying Communities of ConcernIn partnership with Rutgers School of Social Work and funded by the NicholsonFoundation, in the fall of 2012, UWGUC, concluded its Union County NeedsAssessment Study. The study is part of UWGUC’s on-going effort to monitorcommunity conditions and identify emerging or chronic health and human service needs.

The study’s results are based on an analysis from a variety of national, state, andlocal data and input from community-based focus groups. The study provided uswith a wealth of information to address a number of community issues, threerecurring themes resonate as areas of critical concern to strengthening families:

• The lack of access to affordable quality care and education, for children andyouth, lead to educational disparities in our community.

• High rates of unemployment and stagnant income, coupled with the highcost of living, are a burden to families, especially, the most vulnerable, at-risk, and working poor.

• Disparities in access to health services in our community due to either high costof care, lack of insurance, or lack of available services, negatively impact theoverall health and well being of families, children and youth.

Armed with data and a clear understanding of the problem causing stressfactors within Greater Union County, UWGUC has identified “Communities ofConcern.” A total of ten (10) communities, served by UWGUC, have beenidentified and are characterized by poor school performance, high povertyrates, and less access to health care services: all issues that weaken families.

1. Collective Impact By John Kania & Mark Kramer, Stanford Social Innovation Review, Winter 2011.18

Serving as Advocates to Address the Needs of Our Community

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There are two communities with extremely entrenched challenges:Elizabeth and Plainfield. By entrenched we mean social issues havenot improved and the data suggests they will deepen and becomeharder to overcome. An additional seven (7) communities have beenidentified as having emerging needs and must be addressedbefore they become communities with entrenched challenges.These communities include Hillside, Linden, Union, North Plainfield,Rahway, Roselle, and Roselle Park. Finally, although small andnot an entire town, there is one census block located in Summit,which has emerging needs.

These communities are where UWGUC must strategically target itsefforts and serve as premiere advocates for those most in need.

Special ConsiderationUnion County has a fairly large Latin American population composedof many countries; according to the data presented in the 2012community needs assessment study on the county’s population. The

study also revealed that 30% of residents are born abroad and 42%speak a language other than English. According to the data, internationalmigration netted Union County 7,597 new residents in the past twoyears, while domestic migration represented about a 6,627-person netloss. Many immigrants are coming from Central and South America,specifically El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia, as well as a growingPuerto Rican population.

The Community Needs Assessment provides evidence that Union Countyis a popular location for immigrants because of its high per capita incomeand its employment opportunities at nearby ports and manufacturingfacilities. It is also a choice spot among Latino immigrants becauseof the availability of housing and transportation.

United Way will focus on monitoring racial and ethnic disparities, inorder to provide competent services and continue creative outreach todiverse populations. And to strengthen those families and communitiesmost in need.

Highly Anticipated Community Needs Assessment Debuts in Spring 2013Experts Discuss the Data and Make Policy Recommendations

Continuing our work as community advocates, in the spring of 2013,Union Way of Greater Union County revealed its list of 10 ‘Communitiesof Concern’ using data that demonstrates the conditions and needs offamilies living in poverty in Union County.

UWGUC convened a panel of experts and held policy discussionsregarding its Communities Needs Assessment Study. The debut of thestudy was held at Kean University’s Stem Building Auditorium in Union,NJ. The panelists, who are distinguished leaders in their fields,provided commentary on the major stress factors that cause ‘Communitiesof Concern’ and made policy recommendations for UWGUC to use in helpingto strengthen families and communities.

Our strength as a United Way is educating our stakeholders and conveningthose who must participate in solving issues within our communities. Asa direct result of the study, debut, and panel discussion, we have begunto conduct “Community Conversations.”

Thus far, we have met with ten anchor organizations within the“Communities of Concern.” Anchor organizations are direct serviceorganizations that have a unique and thorough understanding of theircommunities, families and residents. The Anchor Organizations historicallyand consistently provide programs and services that meet the needs oftheir communities.

Considered United Way partners, we have discussed the problems andspecifically identified the programs and services that would have themost impact in strengthening families.

In conclusion, our goals for 2013-2014 are to lead the impact in meetingchallenges of these communities and work toward creating a CollectiveImpact Group. This group will be those who can participate in meetingthe challenges of “Communities of Concern.”

Left-to-Right: (P) Antonio Lopez - Dept. Administrator, Div. of Family andCommunity Partnerships, (P) Kelli Puryear - Asst. Dir., Dept. of Children and Families,(P) Anna Belin-Pyles - Supt. of Schools, Plainfield Public School Dist., PlainfieldBoard of Education, (P) Michelle DeKlyen, Ph.D.- Associate Research ScholarPrinceton Univ., Woodrow Wilson School of Public and Int’l Affairs, Bendheim-Thoman,Center for Research on Child Well-being, Office of Population Research, James W.Horne, Jr. - President/CEO, United Way of Greater Union County, (P) Renee Wilson-Simmons, DrPH - Dir., National Center for Children in Poverty Mailman School ofPublic Health Columbia Univ., (P) William M. Rodgers III, Ph.D. - Professor, JohnJ. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planningand Public Policy, (P) Junius Scott - Child Welfare Regional Program Manager,Regional Program Div., Children's Bureau/ACYF/ACF - Region II, U.S. Dept. of Healthand Human Services, (Moderator) Debbie-Ann Anderson - Senior Vice President/ COO, United Way of Greater Union County, Karen Dinsmore - Asst. Dir., UnionCounty Dept. of Human Services, Cherron Rountree - Deputy Dir., Dept. of Parks& Community Renewal, County of Union

(P) indicates Panelist, (M) indicates Moderator

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In late May of 2013, United Way of Greater Union County and NJ for Haiti launched afundraising campaign to provide 800 million gallons of free, clean water to Haiti for thenext 25 years, through the Haiti Lives On initiative.

The plan is to distribute four solar powered water purification systems to some of themost densely populated areas in the country, including Carrefour, the epicenter of the7.0 earthquake that ravaged the small country over three- years ago.

Each water-purification system, the Solar Mobil MaxPure, has the capacity to produce 30,000 gallons of fresh water each day at a cost of less thanone penny per gallon. The mobile self-powered system does not require a connection to an electric grid or anykind of fossil fuel. The unit also provides power to run lights, computers and other electronic equipment. TheSolar Mobil MaxPure requires very little maintenance, can last up to 25 years, and purifies water from varioussources including wells, lakes, and the ocean.

The Haiti Lives On movement and supporters hope to eradicate health problems due to the lack of clean water. Bymeeting this basic need, cholera and other sicknesses derived from poor water quality would be eliminated andsubsequently the quality of life will significantly improve for thousands of Haitians.

The Learning Mi Way program utilizes professional artists from Yearning to Learn (a non-profitarts education organization) to bring arts experiences to Union County childcare centers.

Programs are provided on a weekly basis during the school year for children ages 3-5years old. During their residencies, artists provide education through music, movement,

dramatic storytelling, visual and performing arts to students, teachers and parents.

The workshops are designed to immerse students into an artistic environment thatpromotes higher-order thinking, cooperative learning, and problem-solving skills.

Exercising these skills through the arts help students gain creativity.

In addition, the instructors also gain invaluable skills such as learning to engage studentsaccording to each child’s learning style. Teachers also learn practical strategies for connectingto each student as well as capacity building skills to continue teaching using this Multiple IntelligenceArt form.

United Way of Greater Union County contracts with Yearning to Learn to design and implement theprogram to incorporate music, movement, visual and performing arts.

Learning Mi Way uses various modes of expression and includes the value of creative learning throughstorytelling and dramatic movement, vocalization in association with stories, poetry, and call andresponse. These exercises are proven methods of improving self-esteem and self-expression. The exercisesencourage creativity in the way children learn to read, learn their colors, and learn letter recognitionand sound recognition. The ultimate goal of the program is to better prepare children for success in

academics.

This program is key to United Way of Greater Union County’s mission to act as a catalyst and change agentto address the root causes of social problems and support the needs of families. This project is designed to better prepare children’s pre-literacyskills and is a preventative approach to avoid academic failure.

Photo Credit: DHS S&T

LEARNING MI WAY

GIVE AN HOUR. GIVE A DAYChange won’t happen without you. Volunteersare a very important component in how UnitedWay meets the needs of our community andin our mission to improve lives by mobilizingand uniting the caring power of our community.

Volunteering is your opportunity to contribute your time and to create lasting, positive change.

Junior Ambassadors OrganizeCelebration of Womanhood Conference

Beginning late fall, United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) selects a group of thirty(30) girls, in the at-risk age range of 13 to 17, to participate in a series of “Junior Am-bassador”(JA) leadership training workshops. During the workshop sessions, the JA’s are guidedas they research and design a core curriculum pertaining to the empowerment of young girls.This curriculum culminates into the planning and implementation of the Celebration ofWomanhood Conference (COWC), now in it’s fifth year of being facilitated by UWGUC.

On May 11th 2013, over 300 girls attended the Celebration of Womanhood Conference,which featured distinguished presenters such as television talk show host, Wendy Williams;actress, Kim Coles; beauty business guru, Jane Carter and Fox 5 news personality, InesRosales, just to name a few.

UWGUC and program funder, New Jersey Governor’s Juvenile Justice and DelinquencyPrevention committee (administered by the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission), were verypleased with the results! The JA’s planned and executed a highly successful conferenceand acquired team building and leadership skills while providing insight into theempowerment needs of themselves and their peers.

News 12 NJ Anchor, Della Crews, provided extensive coverage of the conference and laterinterviewed three (3) of the JA’s, on her show, Spotlight NJ. The JA’s shared their thoughtson what it meant to participate in the workshops and plan the conference. They alsoexpressed the impact the conference presenters and all those involved, have made ontheir lives. The segment aired several times over the course of summer months. The girlsenthusiasm was overwhelmingly positive.

This program provides training to girls from Atlantic, Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester,Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union Counties.

Following a yearly holiday tradition since 1991, "Youthfor United Way" collected and delivered canned food,new toys, personal care items, and winter clothing to3 Union County United Way-supported homeless shelters.The items were delivered to Madison House, the YMCAshelter for women and children; Project Protect,YWCA;and the Plainfield YMCA.

Linden High School "Youth for United Way" membersgather for group photo.

In 1991, United Way of Greater Union Countyformed a partnership with Linden High Schoolto form Youth for United Way, whose mission,through service-learning, offered students aunique opportunity to involve themselves withcommunity service projects. Twenty-two yearslater, the students, freshmen through seniorgrade levels, have actively kept the missionof the program going strong.

The dedication and consistency of the volunteerefforts from Youth for United Way students,set the foundation for beginning their nationallyrecognized, Learn and Serve America program,that acknowledged them as a New JerseyService Learning Leader School and nationalrecognition by the White House and Congressin 2000.

Esther Paden, Linden teacher and ProgramCoordinator of Linden Youth for United Way,has continued to rally the participants inorganizing several drives this year, whichincluded collecting gifts, clothing, and foodfor homeless women and children during theholiday season.

In true “LIVE UNITED” form, the studentsdistributed these gifts to three countyhomeless shelters for women and childrenwho were victims of domestic violence.

Linden “Youth For United Way,” LIVE UNITED!

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SPECIAL EVENT

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Conference Presenters and special guests

Wendy Williams with some of the Junior Ambassadors

Conference Speakers: Actress, Kim Coles; News Reporter,Ines Rosales; Talk Show host, Wendy Williams

Actress, Kim Coles presents her pro-gram, G.I.F.T.S (Gratitude, Intention,Forgiveness, Triumphs, Self Love)

Wendy speaks candidly with the girlsabout navigating life’s challenges

The Connie Strand Award for Program Excellence presented to UnitedWay of Greater Union County’s, President/ CEO, James W. Horne Jr, (Cen-ter L) and Debbie-Ann Anderson Senior VP / COO (Center R)

On Saturday, May 11, 2013, United Way of Greater UnionCounty (UWGUC) hosted the 4th annual “Celebration of

Womanhood” conference at Kean University.

UWGUC was the recipient of a grant funded by The New JerseyGovernor’s Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Com-mittee, administered by the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commissionand was also presented with the Connie Strand Award for ProgramExcellence, for successful facilitation of the conference.

More than 300 girls in the at-risk age range of 13-17 from Atlantic,Camden, Cumberland, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex,Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Union Counties attended the event.

Renowned celebrity and television talk show host, Wendy Williams,served as keynote speaker. “It was a great experience for me to be aspeaker at this conference. There were so many impressive speakerslike judges and businesswomen. We were speaking to girls on thebrink, you know the ones who can go either way, and I was glad to bea part of the day with the girls!”

Also in attendance as a special guest speaker was actress Kim Coles.Ms. Coles spoke about her views and personal perspectives on lifeby sharing candid stories of her own journey as a young woman. “Inmy personal quest, I found there indeed was more inside me I wantedto share. I realized I could be using my personal GIFTS more fully.”

The workshop presenters also told their stories of setting life’s goals andovercoming adversities, and gave advice on how to succeed in life.

The advice offered from both the keynote speakers and workshoppresenters served as an opportunity to help the young women learn

more about themselves and help maximize their life choices.

The remainder of the day consisted of a variety of workshops coveringtopics designed to empower young women and provide them withthe resources needed to make responsible decisions. Conference topicsincluded: healthy lifestyles, relationships, goals and visions, positivebody image and self-esteem, etiquette and professionalism just toname a few.

Prior to the conference, 30 girls were selected as Junior Ambassadorsand met monthly for a series of structured workshops over a period of 6months. The Junior Ambassadors received leadership training andwere charged with the task of developing the curriculum and agendafor the one-day conference.

This year, three of the 30 original Junior Ambassadors who helpedplan and coordinate the conference were invited to appear and par-ticipate in an interview on Spotlight New Jersey, a News 12 televisionshow hosted by news anchor, Della Crews. During the interview, theyeach spoke about their personal growth as leaders since joining the program, and were particularly enthusiastic about Wendy Williams’comments and the opportunity they were afforded to meet her.

UWGUC received a great deal of positive media coverage and wasinvited to attend The Wendy Williams Show as a part of her live audience!

To view media coverage of the event please visit our Youtube pageat: www.youtube.com/user/UWGUC1/videos

A sincere Thank you to our Celebration of Womanhood Sponsors:Comcast-NBC Universal, AGL Resources/Elizabethtown Gas, Ernst& Young, County of Union, NJ

NuStar Energy L.P.Community Champion Award

Linde North America, Inc.Community Champion Award

Honoring those who have done exemplary work in the Health andHuman Services community was thefocus of our annual Celebration Gala.This event took place on Thursday,June 6, 2013, at the ShackamaxonCountry Club, Scotch Plains, NJ.

We honored the leadership, support,and contributions of our partners, whowere all determined to make progressin improving the conditions of thosewho are most effected by poverty,limited access to health care, affordablehousing and lack of decent educationalopportunities.

Not only was the event a show of supportfor the honorees and their work, but itis also an opportunity to bring together our diverse group of corpo-rate partners, municipalities, non-profitorganizations and contributors, aswell as many community memberswho benefit from UWGUC work andsupport. The Gala encourages commu-nity leaders to celebrate the successesof the prior years’ campaign and tohighlight extraordinary individualsand corporations for their ingenuityand commitment to United Way’s cam-paigns and invoking its philosophy of“Live United.”

The 2013 Honorees’ include a num-ber of established philanthropists,accomplished public servants as wellas companies that exhibited extraor-dinary commitment to helping UnionCounty through workplace campaignparticipation.

A special Thank-You to our Celebration!sponsors.CR Bard Inc., Enterprise Rent-A-Car,NuStar Energy L.P., Dupont, ElizabethtownGas, IBM Corporation

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The Greehey Family FoundationCommunity Champion Award

Kean FamilyGovernor Tom Kean

& Senator Tom Kean Jr.Champion for the Common Good Award

Freeholder Bette Jane KowalskiDell Raudelunas

Spirit of Caring Award

Assemblywoman Annette QuijanoLegislative Champion Award

Mayor Chris BollwageGovernance and Civic

Leadership Award

UPSCorporate Award of Excellence

Walter“Woody Erhardt, United Way of Greater Union CountyBoard chair presents award to Senator Tom Kean Jr,.

James W. Horne Jr., United Way of Greater Union County, Presidentand CEO presents award to Assemblywoman Annette Quijano

James W. Horne Jr., United Way of Greater Union County,President & CEO, presents award to NuStar Energy L.P.

James W. Horne Jr., United Way of Greater Union County,President & CEO, presents award to Linde North America, Inc.

James W. Horne Jr., United Way of Greater Union County, Pres-ident and CEO presents award to Mayor Chris Bollwage

Walter“Woody Erhardt, United Way of Greater Union CountyBoard chair and Frank Raudelunas presents award to FreeholderBette Jane Kowalski.

SPECIAL EVENT

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2013 GOLF CLASSICUNITED WAY OF GREATER UNION COUNTY’S

United Way of Greater Union County (UWGUC) held its Annual GolfClassic on August 5, 2013 at he premier golf courses of Canoe BrookCountry Club in Summit, NJ

Canoe Brook has played host to the U.S. Open Sectional Qualifiers,the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship, the New Jersey StateAmateur Golf Championship, the American Junior Golf Tournament,and the British Open International Final Qualifying America.It was a perfect day for golf as over 80 supporters and sponsorswalked the greens, golfed, and enjoyed an entire day in a beautifulcountry club setting, benefitting United Way of Greater Union County’sFamily Strengthening Initiative.

Stephen Baker, a former NFL New York Giants team member who isknown as “the Touchdown Maker,” was the day's special celebrityguest. He made the event particularly memorable by graciouslyposing with attendees for individual photographs. Mr. Baker alsodonated an autographed football to the silent auction. Many attendeescommented on how much they enjoyed Mr. Baker’s friendly demeanorand the events activities including the delicious buffet lunch, dinner,and cocktail hour, as well as the silent auction.

Over 64 golfers attended the classic and raised over 45,000 in fundsthrough sponsorships, player packages and the silent auction.

A sincere thank-you to our Golf Classic Sponsors: Benefactor Sponsor: C. R. Bard Inc., Beverage Sponsor: Total Lubricants, USAFore Sponsors: Infineum USA L.P., Linde North America, Inc., LJL Financial, PSEGGreen Sponsors: AGL Resources/ Elizabethtown Gas,Comcast NBC Universal,Paul Dango, UWGUC Board of Trustees, TD Bank, Par Sponsors: DuPont,Enterprise Rent-A-Car, NuStar Energy L.P., Village Super Market, Inc., YMCA ofEastern Union County

Golfers from C.R.Bard Inc. warm up before shot-gun start

Scenic view of Canoe Brook South Course

United Way of Greater Union County’s, President / CEO, James W. Horne, Jr. and spe-cial guest, former NY Giant, Stephen Baker, “The Touchdown Maker,” enjoy the day atCanoe Brook Country Club

Former NY Giant, Stephen Baker, “The Touchdown Maker” and United Way of GreaterUnion County’s, Board Member /Campaign Chair, Paul Dango

Many enjoyed the custom cigar rollingby Ciboney Cigars of Elizabeth NJ

A small snapshot of the robust auction item selection on display

RAISES 45,000 IN FUNDS TO HELP STRENGTHEN FAMILIES

SPECIAL EVENT

NEXT STEPS:Meeting the Challenge for 2013-14

Year in ReviewUnited Way of Greater Union County focused on several areas, including;• Debut of the Community Needs Assessment• Strengthening agency relationships and community relationships• Identifying emerging issues within Communities of Concern• Strengthening Families• Issuing Emergency Response Funds

UWGUC has found alternative ways to build relationships with our partner agencies, such as sharing community andprogram data, identifying a successful “Cradle to Career Success” model, and providing linkages between agencies.These linkages allow for increase referrals for services through the Union County Community Resource Network whileusing less funding.

What’s Next? Community ConversationsTo date, we have held “Community Conversations” with ten anchor partners to discuss problems identified in “Communitiesof Concern” and begin to formulate strategies for providing services.

United Way of Greater Union County will continue to convene policy makers, direct service providers, state and localgovernments, corporate leadership, community advocates, and other stakeholders who will be helpful indesigning policies and programs that address the needs of families and communities alike.

Our goals for 2013-2014 are to lead the Collective Impact Initiative through several key strategies, including;• Increase collaboration and networking among specific direct service providers who serve families in need• Strengthen our partnerships with member agencies and enhance their capacity to serve families in need• Developing positive engaging relationships with nontraditional partners• Strengthen communities by addressing critical community issues

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Text UWGUC to 50555to donate $10.00

to United Way of Greater

Union County’sSpecial Response Fund

Text UWGUC to 50555to donate $10.00

to United Way of Greater

Union County’sSpecial Response Fund

Proceeds raised will go towards helping Union Countyfamilies in need of emergency assistance for food,clothing and shelter.

On any given day 2-1-1 offers access to:• Resources for Basic Human Needs: food banks, clothing, shelters, rent assistance, affordable housing, utility assistance

• Physical and Mental Health Resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, healthinsurance programs, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children's health insurance programs

• Employment Support: unemployment benefits, financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs

• Support for Older Americans and Persons with Disabilities: home health care, adult day care, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation and homemaker services

• Support for Children, Youth and Families: Quality childcare, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services

• Volunteer opportunities and donations

United Way’s free telephone and web referral service connects residents to the resources they need. This service is confidentialand available 24 hours-a-day / 7 days a week, in more than 150 languages. 2-1-1’s comprehensive database details resourcessuch as state and federal programs; energy assistance programs sponsored by energy providers; non-profit organizations thathave made it their mission to help fulfill an unmet need; and local community resources. Dial 2-1-1 from any phoneor visit the website at www.nj211.org

*$10.00 donation to United Way of Greater Union County. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from

your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP

to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy

Proceeds raised will go towards helping Union Countyfamilies in need of emergency assistance for food,clothing and shelter.

NEED HELP....DIAL 2-1-1

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Thank you for your interest.

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Please mail to: United Way of Greater Union County • 33 West Grand Street • Elizabeth, NJ 07202

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33 West Grand StreetElizabeth, NJ 07202w w w . u w g u c . o r gPh. 908-353-7171