Spring 2012 Vol. 8, No. 2

COMMUNITY, UNITED WAY RESPOND TODEVASTATINgTORNADOES

Education incomE HEaltH

UW VOLUNTEER CONNECTION, WCPO-TV LAUNCH VOLUNTEAM 9

To encourage everyone in the region to Live United, Volunteam 9 – a WCPO-United Way Volunteer Connection partnership – kicked off earlier in April. It highlights the variety of volunteer needs in the community and connects interested potential volunteers with opportunities that match their interests.

“We want everyone to know that volunteering is easy, important to do and accessible to everyone,” says Kathy Buckley, director, United Way Volunteer Connection. “It is one of the ways that people can Live United.”

In coming months, Volunteam 9 will focus on one theme per month, addressing significant issues in the tri-state and encouraging people to

take action through phone banks, airing live on 9 News every second Wednesday. During the inaugural phone bank on April 11, there were 77 connections made with callers seeking volunteer opportunities.

“United Way is thrilled to partner with Channel 9 in this special initiative to connect more people to opportunities to help others and impact community issues,” says Rob Reifsnyder, United Way president. “Volunteer Connection is the perfect organization to partner with Channel 9.”

“More than 500 volunteer opportunities appear on our web page every day,” Buckley adds. “It is so easy to immediately sign up with an agency that needs volunteers through www.uwgc.org/volunteam9.”

Nonprofit organizations needing volunteers can also visit the page to sign up to be included by completing a short registration form.

Communities in United Way’s service region directly affected by the tornadoes include Moscow, Bethel and Felicity/Franklin Township in Clermont County, Piner in Kenton County and Crittenden in Grant County.

• Imagineacommunitywithnostreetsigns,whereaschoolisrelyingonitsyoungstudentstoreportlossesanddamages.

• Considerthatmanyfamiliesintemporaryhousing,farfromtheirhomeneighborhoods,needfundsforgastotransporttheirkidstheextradistancestotheirschoolsortogettowork.

• Thinkabouthowyouwouldpreparemealsforyourfamilyifyouwerelivinginamotelforweeks–orlonger.

These are just a few of the kinds of hurdles and needs that came on the heels of the March 2 tornadoes in our region. As an immediate response, United Way of Greater Cincinnati's Board of Directors approved a $100,000 first grant for long-term recovery efforts.

“The devastation of the tornadoes has been humbling,” says United Way president Rob Reifsnyder. “In just a few moments, thousands of lives were changed forever. We are

See Karen's story, page 2, and read about the New Century Award winners, pages 4-5. They all LIVE UNITED!

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COMMUNITY MATTErS

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working with others to bring additional resources to the table as needs related to rebuilding are assessed.”

In addition to the initial grant, United Way convened and continues to work with several other potential grantors to establish a pooled response fund and to evaluate, in partnership with the Long Term Recovery Committees (LTRCs) in Ohio and Kentucky, how those funds will be dispersed.

United Way 211 has been actively engaged since the tornadoes touched down, immediately monitoring the scope and magnitude of damage throughout the region. UW 211 was communicated via local media as one of the ways to get and give help in response, and, to date, has handled more than 800 disaster-related calls from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

United Way Volunteer Connection team members partnered with the Clermont Emergency Management Agency in the immediate aftermath of the tornado, coordinating volunteer and donation management. They screened more than 400 volunteers, trained Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) staff on operation of a volunteer hotline, and coordinated a group of 200 Lowe's volunteers to assist with debris removal. They continue recruiting and placing volunteers for the rebuilding efforts.

In Northern Kentucky, United Way has forged strong relationships with the local churches that are serving as relief sites, coordinating volunteer efforts and engaging in fundraising.

Volunteer Connection staff are serving on a volunteer management subcommittee. And The Brickman Group provided volunteers and materials for a tree planting and stump-grinding project for Piner homeowners.

“The region’s first responder, the American Red Cross, was on the ground helping people with food, shelter and counseling as soon as the tornadoes hit,” Reifsnyder adds. “The American Red Cross and United Way are fundraising partners in the annual United Way campaign. When any disaster hits, there's an immediate need to help and the Red Cross is able to meet those needs in part because of $5.2 million in United Way funding.”

To find ways you can help, visit http://www.uwgc.org/tornadoMarch2012.

United Way 211 Helps Leadership Giver Navigate the Landscape, Find Help for Family Member

“I was always a Leadership Giver. I gave because it was the right thing to do. I knew it was important, but now I really get it.”

Karen Bruner Upright, a systems manager at The Procter & Gamble Company, says a call to United Way 211 opened her eyes to the importance of United Way's work.

She and her husband recently found themselves housing a family member who had lost his job and his home. He was in need of stabilizing medication he had not been able to get for several months.

“My husband and I did not know how to get help,” she says. “I called my mom, a social worker who lives in Florida, and she said I should call 211. This started the ball rolling. We had no clue how to navigate this landscape of mental health and related services.”

That one call led to a short-term solution with an emergency medication voucher from St. Vincent de Paul, then intake, assessment and emergency care from Central Clinic*. From there, she says, a longer-term, more permanent solution came in the form of psychiatric care, housing assistance and help getting entitlements from Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services*.

“Just one call, and all that magic happened," she says. “I'm not sure how the referral happened between Central Clinic and GCBH, but this was ‘seamless’ to us.”

Through GCBH, she adds, additional help came from computer classes and social activities at Recovery Center of Hamilton County, which helps people overcome the last hurdles to reaching recovery and full integration into the community.

“It's been a tough year, but I can't even imagine it without the help of United Way,” she says. “This is a well-oiled machine.”*United Way Agency Partner

HOW I LIVE UNITED HOW ARE YOU LIVINg UNITED IN 2012?

Karen Bruner Upright – caller to United Way 211, Leadership Giver, advocate, and volunteer. She tells people she knows that, if they or a family member are in need of finding help, they should never feel embarrassed to call United Way 211 and ask the experts.

“I felt so strongly about United Way’s help this year that, not only did I donate to my annual campaign, but I volunteered with your EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) initiative. I prepared taxes at the Madisonville Community Center this year.”

She further advocates by sharing her 211 story and engaging with United Way on Facebook. She recently answered a virtual question, How are you going to Live United in 2012, by saying she would:GIVE – Support my favorite causesADVOCATE – I will use my voice and raise awareness for the issues that matterVOLUNTEER – I will invest my time to advance the common good

UNITED WAY - CINCINNATI ENQUIRER WISH LIST RAISES NEARL$135,000 FOR PEOPLE IN NEED – THE MOST SINCE 2007

• Aretiredcouplenolongerfeara fire in their home, thanks to repairs to their stove and fuse box. And they are also now free from periodic power outages.

• An8-year-oldgirl,deafsinceinfancy, received internet service and flashing smoke detectors.

These are just a couple of results of in-kind and cash donations to the 26th annual Wish List program, a joint effort of United Way of Greater Cincinnati and The Enquirer.

The paper publishes about a dozen stories of need each December. Once featured wishes are granted, donations are distributed to participating local social service agencies to assist others in need.

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On Saturday, March 10, about 170 people attended the second annual free United Way Financial Fitness Day at Cintas Center, Xavier University. On-site resources included free tax preparation, access to free credit reports, screenings for public benefits, financial document shredding, and booths with information on housing, credit, tax issues, and financial planning. On-site document shredding was provided by Cintas. “This was a one-stop shop for folks working to get their financial matters in order,” says Lucy Crane, community impact director, United Way of Greater Cincinnati. “People were able to begin to get the answers and tools they need to help them grow their assets and work toward financial stability.” Sponsors included Cincinnati Central Credit Union, Fifth Third Bank, Huntington Bank, PNC Bank, and U.S. Bank. Full list of local partners at www.uwgc.org/FFD2012.

FrEE TAX PrEP HELPS LOW- AND MODErATE-INCOME WOrKErS AVOID TAX PrEP FEES, GET THEIr MONEY BACK FAST

Hardworking local families got a leg up on tax season by taking advantage of free in-person tax prep at locations throughout the region, including Lincoln Heights Elementary School, a new EITC site this year. Besides free preparation and e-filing, filers received help determining eligibility for and claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The Internal Revenue Service estimates that only four of five eligible taxpayers claim and get their EITC. That's as much as $5,751 into the pockets of a family with three or more children. It is the largest federal program benefiting low-earning workers. United Way teams up with regional sponsors, including AARP, Hamilton County, the IRS, Ohio Benefit Bank, and others to develop and staff sites, train volunteer preparers, and promote the effort. A full list of partners is available at www.makeworkpay.com

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Almost 1,500 people in Greater Cincinnati have received employment counseling, financial coaching or assistance accessing public benefits since the opening of four area Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs) in June 2011.

Centers focus on improving the financial bottom line for low- to moderate-income families by helping people boost earnings, reduce expenses and make appropriate financial decisions. Implemented by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky (LISC) in partnership with United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC), they are funded by a three-year, $1.5 million grant from the Social Innovation Fund.

Most participants received more than one service, such as gaining employment

and then working with a financial coach to learn to make better financial choices.

The area FOCs are located at Brighton Center in Newport, Ky.; Cincinnati Works in downtown Cincinnati; Urban League of Greater Cincinnati in Avondale; and the Price Hill Financial Opportunity Center at Price Hill Will. LISC’s ongoing partners for the FOCs include UWGC, Citibank, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, PNC Bank, SC Ministry Foundation, JP Morgan Chase Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, and The Thomas J. Emery Memorial. First Financial Bancorp awarded a $200,000 grant to the Price Hill center for facility renovation.

The centers are based on a model developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Evidence shows that, by

accessing these multiple services together, participants are more likely to find and retain jobs, grow their net income and improve their credit scores, all while learning how to develop effective budgets, access appropriate mortgage and other financial products, and take advantage of benefits such as Child Care and Earned Income Tax Credits.

CENTERS MOVINg AREA PEOPLE TOWARD ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE

UNITED WAY, PARTNERS JOIN FORCES FOR FINANCIAL FITNESS DAY 2012

Paul Hill takes part in a Financial Opportunity Center landscaping training program at Urban League of Greater Cincinnati.

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UNITED WAY TO HONOR EXCEPTIONAL VOLUNTEERS

United Way of Greater Cincinnati will honor 12 extraordinary volunteers at the May 15 Leaders & Legends Luncheon. The volunteers are being saluted for their countless hours of dedication helping United Way, the community and United Way agency and community partners.

“This is a celebration of the passion and commitment that local leaders and everyday legends have for their community and those who live in it,” says Valarie Sheppard, United Way board chair. “These individuals help create a better quality of life for everyone. They truly LIVE UNITED.”

“We are thrilled to be able to recognize those who willingly give of their time, talent and expertise to make our community a better place for everyone through their efforts in the areas of Education, Income and Health,” says Rob Reifsnyder, United Way president.

The New Century Awards will salute several individuals whose caring and compassion improve people’s lives and foster the spirit of voluntarism.

For reservations, call 513-762-7173.

VictoriaBuyniskiGluckman, community volunteer and founder and retired CEO of United Medical Resources, Inc.(UMR), has served on numerous area nonprofit boards, including the Strive Partnership, and United Way Success By 6®, which she chaired for six years. She helps ensure that early childhood is well-integrated in the cradle to career education continuum and has been a consistent voice in making the case for kindergarten readiness. Through her philanthropic and hands-on support, she has enhanced the quality of life for our community's youngest children and, in turn, helped to improve the quality of our future workforce.

The Geier Family award For UniTed way leadership

MiltonSchwartz, retired director of Big Ticket Selling Services, Macy's, and community volunteer, has been a dedicated United Way volunteer for 30 years, serving in both Community Impact and Resource Development capacities. He is currently on the Program Monitoring Committee, reviewing program investments, and served on United Way committees that helped identify critical community needs to guide United Way strategies. His service supports United Way's efforts to mobilize the caring power of the community through investments in direct services and lasting change efforts that measurably improve people’s lives.

rUTh w. and roberT i. wesTheimer award For ConTinUoUs leadership

Dr.JamesC.Votruba, president, Northern Kentucky University, has shown a special dedication to United Way of Greater Cincinnati, indicated by his service as a member of its Board of Directors and through his leadership of United Way's Research Council. As Research Council chair, Dr. Votruba has been responsible for three editions of United Way's regional indicators report, The State of the Community. The report and its associated online data portal have become the "go-to" data resources for United Way, community and agency partners, foundations, government, and other civic organizations.

impaCT leadership awardMichaelZ.Grabel, senior, Walnut Hills High School, is a volunteer with United Way Youth Engaged in Service (YES). He makes it a point to serve diverse organizations to help students open their horizons to their communities and the social issues around them. As a Youth Ambassador for the national Tourette Syndrome Association, he joins youth from all over the country in educating peers and encouraging understanding, tolerance and the prevention of bullying. He demonstrates how youth with courage can turn challenges into opportunity.

yoUTh leadership award

DonaldB.Bush, partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has chaired United Way of Greater Cincinnati's Tocqueville Society (for donors of $10,000 or more annually) for two years. During that time, nearly 300 new members joined this nationally-recognized Society. His strategic thinking has led to the development of the Tocqueville Advisory Council, a group thinking long-term about scope and growth. Constantly challenging the status quo, he was the force behind two recent engagement efforts – Tocqueville Riders cycling event and Beyond the Check to help new and veteran members connect with each other.

neil h. mCelroy award For UniTed way resoUrCe developmenT leadership AlfonsoCornejo, president and a

founding member, Hispanic Chamber Cincinnati USA, has been building collaboratives to promote diversity and inclusion during his 22 years in Cincinnati. This includes founding the group that organizes the Cincy-Cinco Festival celebrating Cinco de Mayo and which has generated more than $170,000 over the past seven years for support of area Hispanic causes. He also facilitated publication of Cincinnati: A City of Immigrants, a history curriculum distributed in local schools and churches, and adapted into a play produced by ArtsWave.

Joseph a. hall award For promoTinG diversiTy

LEADErSHIP Honorees

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TonyaMatthews, vice president of museums, Cincinnati Museum Center, has been an active member of United Way's Youth Achieve Success in School & Life Impact Council for the last three years, helping others achieve their potential.

improvinG oUr CommUniTyRobertP.Shaffer, executive vice president and director of audit, Fifth Third Bank, took an already successful employee campaign to a new level of success in 2011, both in new dollars raised and in the number of committed donors.

developinG resoUrCes

developinG resoUrCesJamieCecil, vice president, Sibcy Cline Insurance Services, is a donor, volunteer and advocate for United Way. She been instrumental in raising nearly $100,000 in both 2010 and 2011 as chair of the Sibcy Cline United Way employee campaign.

CherylThomas, engineering section head, The Procter & Gamble Company, is a United Way of Greater Cincinnati's Women Investing in the Next Generation (WINGs) member and chair of its Advocacy Committee. Under her leadership, the committee is growing and energized.

sTrenGTheninG oUr reGion

CommUniCaTinG oUr messaGeMikeHolmes is a senior in Starfire U, a four-year program for teens and adults with disabilities. As a speaker for Starfire, he shares the United Way message. He has helped others understand what is it like to live with a disability and demonstrated how much he and others have to offer as we work together to improve our community.

BrendaM.Kloos, partner, Frost Brown Todd, LLC, has been a member of the Accountability and Services Cabinet and Building Committee since 2003, chairing the committee over the last six years. She led the five-year process that resulted in the total renovation of the Regional Center Building.

improvinG oUr aCCoUnTabiliTy and eFFeCTiveness

COMMUNITY SErVICE honorees

COMPANIES COME TOgETHER, SHARE THE LOAD, HAVE FUN FOR YOUTHThanks to more than 70 volunteers from Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgeons, Inc.; Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.; Formica Corporation; Jones Lang LaSalle; Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL; Pomeroy, and WCPO TV - Channel 9 who came out to Live United at Camp Joy on Saturday, March 31! Volunteers collectively contributed 207 hours, for a total value of $5,021 in donated time and materials, beautifying the environment and helping ensure safety of the campers. United Way is working to prepare children for a successful future. Pictured (from left): Mike McGinty, Camp Joy; United Way president Rob Reifsnyder, Amy Thomas, Camp Joy, and Camp Joy board member and entertainer Drew Lachey; Mona Morrow, WCPO-TV, and Gina Szweda, Ethicon Endo-Surgery.

MIDDLETOWN UNITED WAY CELEbRATES VOLUNTEERSUnited Way of Greater Cincinnati – Middletown Area held its annual report meeting April 20 and recognized local volunteers and organizations for their work to improve people’s lives throughout 2011. (Clockwise, from top right): Honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award: Reverend Gregory Tyus , pastor, United Missionary Baptist Church, and member, UWGC - Middletown Action Council, standing, with his wife, Linda Tyus. Rev. Tyus was recognized for his dedication to United Way's work and to the community. Also pictured are his sister, Dee Tyus, seated, along with his father, Jesse C. Tyus. Dwight Smith Heart of the Community honorees AJ Huff, coordinator, school-community relations, Madison Local School District (right), who served as the Employee Campaign Chair for the district's United Way campaign, with Broc Bidlack, director of personnel, Monroe Local Schools, who worked with Huff to initiate a student coin war. Terry Scherrer greets the audience at his first annual report meeting as director, United Way of Greater Cincinnati - Middletown Area. Jacquelyn Phillips, health commissioner, City of Middletown, and Middletown United Way Action Council chair, and Dr. Will Andrew, 2011Middletown United Way Campaign co-chair. 5

LEAVE A LEgACYLegacy Leaders Recognizes those persons who have made a planned gift in their will, estate plan, current gift, or by some other means, to the United Way Foundation or to The Greater Cincinnati Human Services Endowment Fund. (Endowment gifts are above and beyond annual giving.)

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDCincinnati, OhioPermit No. 2008

United Way of greater Cincinnati2400 reading road, Cincinnati, OH 45202-1478

Vice President, Marketing: Carol N. AquinoEditor: Patti CruseContributors: Taleen Cassidy, Lucy Crane, Jill Cooper, Debra Gordon, Monique Patterson, Felicity Initiative for Neighborhood Excellence (FINE),GE Aviation, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, LISCLayout: Becky Mengel Freund Inquiries: 513-762-7143 or patti.cruse@uwgc.org

Visit United Way’s Web site at www.uwgc.org

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new leGaCy leadersDougHallTheKnightandDayFamilyFoundationGaryE.McCullough

donaTion:RichardDayResearch

These United Way supporters have demonstrated their passionate commitment to advancing the common good – forever! On behalf of the lives that they have touched, we thank them.

Florida Friends and Family Event More than 80 friends of United Way of Greater Cincinnati and The Greater Cincinnati Foundation gathered recently at the Royal Poinciana Club in Naples, Florida. The event, hosted by Linda and Jeff Wyler, celebrated and thanked those who have helped make our work successful.

From left:Margaret Lafley, Barbara Weyand,Sherie Marek, and Jill McGruder.

Leadership Givers, Families Give BackMore than 120 members of United Way Roebling and Cincinnatus societies and their families prepared toolkits from household items for first-time moms who participate in home visitation programs of Every Child Succeeds, a United Way strategic initiative.

in honor oFDickandMaryLuAftby Mr. and Mrs. Robert StarghillDevinBrainby Mr. and Mrs. P. Reid LemastersJeffBrownby Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Head, Jr.DonaldB.Bushby Ms. Raye N. AllenBernieCalonge'sRetirementby Mr. Gary L. Strasselby Mr. and Mrs. David T. WallaceChrisSteunby Ms. Eleonora FuscoAlanWedgeworthby Recruiting & Career Services Network, LLC

in memory oF:PatriciaCinquinaby Ms. Raye N. Allen

Are you interested in making meaningful local impact for generations to come? Ask about an affordable and convenient product called United Way Life™.

For more information on planned giving, please visit www.uwgc.org/plannedgiving or contact Mary Ann Remke, director, Planned Giving, at 513-762-7112 or maryann.remke@uwgc.org.