United Way of Saginaw County 2012 Annual Report

Leadership

Give

Advocate

VolunteerCollaboration

Partnership

LIVE UNITED Education

Financial Stability

Health

Inspire

Dedication

Hope

Team W

ork

CHANGECommunityCreating

of Saginaw County

Our Mission: To increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another

Our Vision: A safe nurturing community where all families can thrive

United Way of Saginaw County Staff: Cherrie J. Benchley, President/CEO Marsha Cooley, Vice President Tracy Aldrich, Director of Finance & Administration Kelly Johnson, Director of Marketing Steven Lamb, Labor Liaison Kimberly German, Administrative Assistant - Campaign Susan Sanford, Payment Specialist Joanie Covert, Homeless Prevention Specialist Joshua Hales, AmeriCorps Program Director Henrietta Watson, Community Impact Assistant Melissa Durow, Housing Specialist Jeremy Reinert, HMIS Systems Administrator Tabitha Spencer, AmeriCorps Community Resource Navigator

"The Dow Chemical Company has been committed to United Way for more than 75 years. It is a commitment that runs deep because we understand the true value and impact the United Way and its partner agencies have on the quality of life in our communities. It was a great personal honor for me this year to be able to play a role as the 2012 Campaign Chair. Our theme for 2012 was to "Be the CHANGE" and everyone I came in contact with certainly lived up to that challenge. A huge thanks to our campaign cabinet and United Way staff, but more importantly to all the donors who continue to recognize the true impact United Way has on the health and well-being of our community. To me, there is no greater collaboration and I am so proud to support United Way of Saginaw County." - Jeff Martin, 2012 Campaign Chair

"I've always been familiar with United Way but had no idea how much United Way impacts and supports the community, way beyond the annual fundraising campaign. Through volunteering I have received a broader perspecitve of the great work this organization does." - Darryl Thomas, Campaign Volunteer

2012 Campaign Cabinet: Jeff Martin, Campaign Chair Craig Goslin, Campaign Vice Chair Julie Burdis, Construction Terrie Chronowski, CPAs Ann Curran, Construction Jim Gohr, Manufacturing M-Z Leslie Orozco, Health Services Teresa Pruden, School Corporations Darryl Thomas, Architects/Engineers Teresa Santana, Financial Steve Schlicht, Manufacturing A-L Keith Wenzel, Insurance Cheryl Zinz, CPAs

* Outgoing Board Member

Sheilda Braddock LaMarr Woodley Foundation

David Butts Independent Financial Advisor

*Florinda Causie Community Volunteer

Rev. Hurley Coleman Greater Coleman Temple Church

Tom Conklin Catholic Family Service (Agency Representative)

Jim Cross Dow Corning Corporation

Jennie Culberson Local 699 Retiree

Martin Gembrowski The Dow Chemical Company

George Heilbronn Carpenters Local 706

Dr. Carlton Jenkins Saginaw Public Schools James Jesselaitis Nexteer Automotive/UAW Local 699

Kenneth Kujawa Century 21 Signature Realty

Betty L. Nagel Community Volunteer

Jamie Nisidis Braun Kendrick P.L.C.

Eve Perry Steelworkers Local 9899

Teresa Pruden Saginaw Intermediate School District

Dereon Pruitt Nexteer Automotive

Gina Rendon-Wiederhold UAW Local 668/GM Powertrain

Terry Robinson Hemlock Semiconductor

Teresa Santana Wanigas Credit Union

David Small IBEW Local 557

Melissa Spranger Chemical Bank

Dr. Richard Syrek Saginaw Intermediate School District

Anthony Taylor CMU College of Medicine

James VanTiflin Citizens Bank

Patricia Washburn Community Volunteer

Board Chair Ricardo Resio Merrill Technologies Group First Vice Chair Dave Youngstrom Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants Second Vice Chair Herb Spence Spence Brothers Immediate Past Board Chair Thomas Begin Consumers Energy Secretary Carrie Travis Covenant HealthCare

Treasurer Brian Dixon Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants 2012 Campaign Chair Jeff Martin The Dow Chemical Company SCF Liaison *Dr. Mamie Thorns Saginaw Valley State University UW Liaison Keith Wenzel Chemical Bank Allocations Process Chair Larry Sims Brookstone LHS, LLC

Bylaws Chair Bridget Hollingsworth HealthPlus of Michigan Nominations Chair Steve Schlicht UAW Retiree - Local 467

Bryan Gilleland Frankenmuth Insurance

Joseph Kiss II Bank of America

Barbara Russell Community Volunteer Joyce Seals Community Volunteer

2012 Board of Directors - Executive Committee:

2012 Board of Directors - Members at Large:

We are proud to LIVE UNITED because this is our community: our neighbors, our families and our future!

Thank you to all who LIVE UNITED by GIVING through Corporate Gifts, Special Events or Employee Workplace Campaigns

1st State BankAAA Michigan InsuranceAbbe Insurance Center Inc.Abbott Laboratories Ace-Saginaw Paving CompanyAIG/AGF American International Group AKT Peerless Environmental ServicesAllen & Marie Nickless MemorialAllied Tool & Machine Company Ally American Express FoundationAmigo Mobility International, Inc.Andersen CorporationAndrews Hooper & Pavlik P.L.C.Ascension Health AT&T Auto Owners InsuranceB & P Process Equipment Bank of AmericaBarth Foundation Bavarian Inn of FrankenmuthBernier Cast Metals, Inc.Best BuyBig John Steak & OnionBlue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan BP Foundation, Inc. Braun Kendrick P.L.C.Bridgeport-Spaulding School DistrictBronner's CHRISTmas WonderlandBrown & Brown of Central Michigan, Inc. Build your Career with ConstructionCAN Council Great Lakes Bay RegionCaravan Facilities Management LLC Carrollton School DistrictCatholic Diocese of SaginawCatholic Family ServiceCatholic WeeklyCentennial Technologies

Charter CommunicationsChemical BankChild & Family ServicesCitizens BankCitizens Bank Wealth ManagementCity of Saginaw Employees CMU College of Medicine Cobon Systems Inc.Cole Veterinary Hospital Comerica BankConsumers EnergyCovenant HealthCareDale Carnegie Training of Mid & Northern Michigan Davenport UniversityDeloitteDelphi Corporation Delta College Delta Door Sales, Inc.Diesel Truck SalesDornbos Printing ImpressionsDoug Wirt Stone Products LLCDow Corning CorporationDraper Auto GroupDuclos Insurance Agency, Inc.Duperon CorporationEaton Corporation Fabiano Brothers, Inc.Family First Credit UnionFedEx Express FedEx GroundFifth Third BankFirestone Complete Auto CareFirst Area Credit UnionFirst Ward Community CenterFirstbank Flagstar BankFood Bank of Eastern MichiganFord Retirees Frankenmuth Credit Union

Frankenmuth InsuranceFrankenmuth School DistrictFreeland Community School DistrictGarber Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Garber Management GroupGardey Financial Advisors LLCGardner, Provenzano, Thomas & Luplow, P.C.General Machine Service Inc.General MotorsGenerations Family Federal Credit Union Genesee Packaging IncorporatedGirl Scouts Heart of Michigan GlaxoSmithKlineGM Powertrain GM RetireesGoodrich Quality Theaters, IncGordon Food ServiceGreat Lakes Bay Regional Convention & Visitors BureauGreat Lakes LoonsHarvey Randall Wickes FoundationHealth Delivery, Inc.HealthPlus of MichiganHealthSource SaginawHemlock School District Hemlock Semiconductor GroupHewlett PackardHidden Harvest HPRB CompanyHumphreys, Campbell, Dust & Humphreys, P.C. HymmcoIBEW Local 557IBM Isabella Bank and Trust JCPenney Company, Inc. John Hancock FinancialJohn M. Jacobs Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Johnson Controls

JP Morgan Chase BankKellogg's Corporate Citizenship FundKing Communications Kohl's Kroger KUKA Assembly & Test Corp. Kurek Tool, Inc.Lowe's Home ImprovementMacDonald Broadcasting CompanyMacy'sMarshall E. Campbell CompanyMartin Chevrolet SalesMast, Foulds & Co., P.C.McNally Nimergood Co.Meadowbrook Incorporated Means Industries, Inc.Meijer #213/Birch RunMeijer #42 /Gratiot Rd.Meijer #43/Tittabawassee Rd.MerckMerrill School DistrictMessiah Missionary Baptist ChurchMGIC Michigan Association of United WaysMichigan BloodMichigan Molecular Institute Michigan Property Consultants LLCMichigan Sugar CompanyMid-Michigan Children's Museum MLive Media Group MorleyMoulthrop Clift, Inc. Murray Painting Co.National PatternNationwide Insurance FoundationNeighborhood HouseNexteer Automotive Panda Promotional Products PfizerPhoenix Family Physicians PCPNC BankPNC FoundationPublic Libraries of Saginaw Pumford Construction Qualified Staffing ServicesQuality UpholsteryRaymond James

READ AssociationRegion VII Area Agency on Aging RehmannResidential Appraisal Services Restoration Community OutreachRohde Brothers ExcavatingRollin M. Gerstacker FoundationRose Pest Solutions RyderSaginaw Bay UnderwritersSaginaw Charter TownshipSaginaw ClubSaginaw Community FoundationSaginaw County Chamber of CommerceSaginaw County Community Mental Health AuthoritySaginaw County EmployeesSaginaw FutureSaginaw Intermediate School DistrictSaginaw Medical Federal Credit UnionSaginaw Pattern & Machine, Inc.Saginaw Public School District Saginaw Spirit Hockey ClubSaginaw Township Community SchoolsSaginaw Valley State UniversitySalvation Army Sam's Club #6663Savoy Bar & GrillSC Johnson RetireesSecurity Credit UnionSeverance Tool Industries, Inc. Signature BankSpartan Stores Special Needs Vision ClinicSpence Brothers Spicer Group SSP Associates, Inc.St. Charles School DistrictSt. Mary's of MichiganStandard Electric CompanyStan's Hardware Inc.Star of the West Milling CompanySTARSState Employees Charitable CampaignState Farm Companies FoundationStevens Worldwide Van Lines Sullivan's WestSVRC Industries, Inc.

Swan Valley School DistrictTarget #347 TBF GraphicsTeam One Credit UnionThe Dow Chemical CompanyThe F.P. Horak Company The Links, Incorporated - Tri-City ChapterThe Mayan AgencyThe Willows Salon and Day Spa The Wirt-Rivette GroupTri-Star Trust BankTRW Automotive UAW Local 455UAW Local 467UAW Local 467 Retirees UAW Local 699 UAW Sub Regional OfficeUnderground RailroadUnited Financial Credit UnionUnited Parcel ServiceUnited Steelworkers Local Union 12075United Way of Saginaw CountyValley Electrical Contractors, Inc.Valley Lutheran High SchoolVisiting Nurse AssociationWalmart #2644Walmart #5097Wanigas Credit UnionWaste Management Water and Woods Field Service Council, Boy Scouts of America Weiss EquipmentWest Side Decorating Center, Inc. Wickson-Link Memorial Foundation Wigen Tincknell Meyer & AssociatesWildfire Credit UnionWilliam A. Kibbe & AssociatesWilson Realty, Inc. Wm. F. Nelson Electric Inc.WNEM TV 5Wobig Construction Co., Inc. Wolohan Family FoundationWright-K Technology, Inc.Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business ConsultantsYeo Family Foundation YMCA Youth Protection Council

Thomas J. Hetherman Campaign AwardsThe Hetherman Awards recognize three companies and their employees

for excellence in the United Way annual community fundraising campaign. The awards are a tribute to the late Thomas J. Hetherman,

a former United Way of Saginaw County President/CEO who served our community from 1957 to 1981.

Small Firm Companies - Under 100 employees

Medium Firm Companies - Between 101 and 300 employeesLarge Firm Companies - More than 300 Employees

SUPPORTING THE HUMAN ELEMENT - The Dow Chemical Company

The Dow Chemical Company combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. Dow interacts closely with local communities both collectively as a company and individually as members of the community. One of the many ways that they do this is through their support of United Way. By donating money or spending time volunteering, Dow employees showcase the spirit of the Human Element in their local communities. Nationally and locally, Dow has been working with United Way to make a difference in the communities where their employees live and work for more than 75 years.

During the 2012 campaign, United Way of Saginaw County received an outstanding amount of additional support from The Dow Chemical Company. “This year we were fortunate to have Jeff Martin, community

relations leader from The Dow Chemical Company as our campaign chair,” said Cherrie Benchley, United Way president/CEO. “Jeff’s enthusiasm, creativity and dedication to our community really helped get people excited for our annual campaign and his can-do, positive attitude helped open many doors for us,” added Benchley.

In addition to providing our community with a Campaign Chair, Dow also put out a special challenge for our community leaders. This challenge encouraged new leaders to

step up and pledge at a leadership level, and current leaders to increase their leadership giving. Once United Way of Saginaw County received $25,000 in challenge pledges, The Dow Chemical Company would match that $25,000 in addition to their corporate gift and employee contributions. “The Dow New Leaders Challenge was instrumental in bringing in new donations that we typically would not have received otherwise,” said Benchley.

“If everyone gives just a little, our combined efforts can yield astounding results for many people in need of United Way agencies’ services,” said Cathy Mapes, steering team leader of the Great Lakes Bay Region campaign at Dow. “By working with United Way and with each other, we’re able to have a bigger impact on our communities than any one of us could have alone,” added Mapes. Past “large firm” recipients include: Frankenmuth Insurance - Nexteer Automotive - Covenant HealthCare - Qualified Staffing Services

LOYAL SUPPORTERS - KUKA Assembly and Test Corp.

KUKA Assembly and Test Corp. is the leader in the engineering and manufacturing of Test and Assembly Systems for engines, transmissions, axles, suspension, steering and other automotive components. “We support United Way because we are dedicated people committed to operating our business in a responsible manner, utilizing local resources when possible,” said Mark Kloha, human resource manager. “Part of that responsibility is to provide support to local agencies, such as United Way,” added Kloha.

KUKA traditionally runs their giving campaign in late November and ends prior to Thanksgiving. They provide their staff with local United Way materials and resources. A kick-off email is sent to all employees and posted on informational boards for those who do not have email access. Each year KUKA shares the United Way campaign video on their company’s Intranet website for employees to view. To help encourage employee campaign support, as well as kick-off their campaign, KUKA has provided a Sloppy Joe luncheon for employees, donating all proceeds to United Way.

“Each year there are certain companies that you can always count on for their loyal support, KUKA is one of those companies,” said Steve Schlicht, United Way campaign volunteer. “Their employees always go above and beyond to help their community through United Way. It is so wonderful to have their longtime commitment and support,” added Schlicht.

Past “medium firm” recipients include: Yeo & Yeo CPAs & Business Consultants - SVRC Industries, Inc. - Spence Brothers - Team One Credit Union

IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH MOBILITY - Amigo Mobility International, Inc. Amigo Mobility International, Inc. manufactures a complete line of innovative mobility products that are designed to bring comfort, freedom and satisfaction to their customers. “The success of Amigo Mobility stems from a commitment to a set of core values – one of those core values is caring about our communities,” said Amigo HR Director, Lori Lunger. “Our associates truly care about helping others, whether they are our customers or those in need in our community,” added Lunger.

Amigo has adopted United Way as an organization they continually support and each year they fundraise in different ways, setting new contribution goals. For the past three years, they have held a company-wide meeting where they invited a key speaker from a United Way supported organization to speak about how beneficial United Way’s services are. Hearing directly from the organizations that are supported by United Way has motivated their team to increase their contributions, both individually and as a company.

“Each year Amigo’s campaign continues to amaze me,” said United Way Marketing Director, Kelly Johnson. “Their employees are always eager to share their personal success stories whether it’s on behalf of a service received or an experience they’ve had while volunteering. Not only does this encourage others to get involved, it shows what great passion their employees have for creating change,” added Johnson.

Past “small firm” recipients include: Rehmann - Wanigas Credit Union - HealthPlus of Michigan - Centennial Technologies

Harry S. Lund Outstanding Volunteer Award

The Harry S. Lund Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes a volunteer who has served United Way of Saginaw County in various capacities over many years. Each year, a committee of past award recipients meets to discuss the potential recipient of the prestigious Lund Award. When discussing the different ways that United Way leads the community, one person seemed to be involved with a wide variety of activities, especially on a leadership level. This year, we are proud to present the Lund Award to Thomas Begin.

“I am thrilled that Tom was chosen as the 2012 Lund Award recipient,” said Barbara Russell, past Lund Award recipient. “Tom’s dedication to United Way of Saginaw County is outstanding. He has held multiple leadership positions, was instrumental in bringing 2-1-1 to our area and is a great advocate for early childhood programming through his work with the Great Start Collaborative,” added Russell.

Throughout his 15 years with United Way, Begin has served on the board of directors, as Campaign Chair (1999), Leadership Circle Chair (2002) and as Chairman of the Board of Directors (2010 - 2012). He has also volunteered on numerous committees including strategic planning, allocations process and assisting with the Consumers Energy campaigns. Begin currently serves as 2-1-1 Board President which has helped Saginaw County, as well as 12 other counties within Northeast Michigan to join 2-1-1 in 2012.

“It has always been a passion of mine to ‘give back’ to the community where I have lived for so many years,” said Begin. “United Way is an influential organization that has helped me have a positive impact on my community. I have always been impressed with this organization and the way it creates community impact. It has been an honor for me to be involved in United Way in so many capacities over the years,” added Begin.

Past Lund Award recipients include: Barbara A. Russell - Dr. Craig Douglas - Dave Youngstrom - Gary Shepherd - Randy Raymond

It is a huge responsibility and a tremendous honor to be in a

position to make a difference of this magnitude in our community."

- Thomas Begin

Lloyd J. Yeo Community Involvement Award

The Lloyd J. Yeo Community Involvement Award recognizes a business that exemplifies the United Way best practices of corporate citizenship. This year, the award proudly goes to Covenant HealthCare. As the largest employer in Saginaw County, Covenant HealthCare strives to serve people within the region to help improve their overall quality of life. The leadership and employees at Covenant HealthCare continuously go above and beyond to do extraordinary things for their community.

Covenant’s mission, vision and values spell out why they support United Way as well as the community. “Who we are, what we do, and our WE CARE values align with the mission of United Way – to address important health and human service issues in the community”, said Carrie Travis and Becca Sovansky, members of Covenant’s United Way Campaign Committee.

Covenant takes an active leadership role in the community contributing through gifts of time, talent and treasure. In addition to the fundraising component, Covenant continuously strives to increase the awareness of United Way, the partner agencies and the value they bring to our local community. Each year the campaign team creates “champions” of the campaign and spokespeople for the cause. These champions

explain what United Way does, what the partner agencies do, how the money is allocated and where it is directed locally. Departments are then encouraged to be creative and to have fun with their own fundraisers which have included bake sales, jean days, car washes, etc. These fun internal competitions have not only helped Covenant raise substantial amounts for the community, but also created employee campaign buy-in.

Many of their leaders play an active role in the community volunteering on local nonprofit boards, school boards and athletic associations, to name a few. Their employees rally behind a variety of events to make them successful in the community.

“Covenant HealthCare is one of those companies who will continuously go above and beyond to help us set the pace of the campaign,” said United Way President/CEO, Cherrie Benchley. “The dedication of their internal champions and the support that our community receives from the Covenant employees is truly inspirational. Our community is very fortunate to have their support,” added Benchley.

Past Lloyd J. Yeo Community Involvement Award recipients include: Spence Brothers - Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. - Citizens Bank - Wildfire Credit Union - Yeo & Yeo

2013 LIVE UNITED Awards

Volunteers show how they LIVE UNITED every day throughout Saginaw County. The 2013 LIVE UNITED

Award recipients are selfless individuals who join hands and open their hearts; they lend their muscle and find their voice. Not only do they give 110%, they think of WE before ME and when they

reach out a hand to one, they influence the condition of all.

Volunteer

GIVE

Advocate

Joe Madison, 2013 LIVE UNITED Community Award

Since moving to Saginaw 19 years ago, our 2013 LIVE UNITED Community Award recipient, Joe Madison, has been LIVING UNITED and making a positive change across our community in many different ways. Madison is married to Kristan M. Outwater (pictured) and has three children, Betsy, Peter and John. Upon moving to the community, Madison has been a stay-at-home dad and community volunteer. As you can see from his long range of involvement, he loves the opportunity to engage young people in service to their community.

Currently Madison serves on the Board of Directors of the Saginaw Community Foundation and as the advisor to F.O.R.C.E., the youth board of the Foundation. He is one of the coordinators of United Way’s annual Youth Service Day events, serves on the Board of Trustees for the Bridge Center for Racial Harmony, the Saginaw Township Community Schools Foundation and is a volunteer Campaign Chair for the Saginaw Promise Zone Authority. He reads with elementary students through READ Association’s Lunch at Longfellow program, is a tennis instructor with the Urban Tennis Foundation and helped plan and implement the Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Program at SVSU. When not involved in a community project, you will find him working out at the YMCA, riding the rail trail, hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing or skating in the Shiawassee Wildlife Refuge or singing with the Saginaw Choral Society.

When asked why he felt it was important to LIVE UNITED, Madison said “There is no shortage of work that needs to be done to improve our community. That work only gets accomplished when we see ourselves ‘LIVING UNITED’ as part of one community, and willing to do our part to make things better for someone else.”

Recently Madison announced that he would be leaving Saginaw County so that he and his wife could embark on their next journey. “It was definitely sad to hear the news that Joe was going to be leaving our community,” said Marsha Cooley, United Way vice president. “Joe has been such a strong supporter/advocate through his involvement with many different organizations. He is a great role model for youth and adults alike. Our community has become a better place thanks to Joe’s leadership and dedication,” added Cooley.

It is obvious that Madison's involvement in the community has reached far and wide, making him more than worthy of this award. “It is my real honor and privilege to have been welcomed into this community and presented with so many opportunities to serve alongside such wonderful and committed people,” said Madison. “It has been my joy to support this community’s work and dreams for a better Saginaw. In the process, my life has been enriched immeasurably,” he added.

UAW Local 699 Community Service Committee, 2013 LIVE UNITED Labor Award

Our community is very fortunate to have so many passionate groups committed to making a difference and creating a positive impact in Saginaw County. The UAW Local 699 Community Service Committee is one of those outstanding groups that truly know what it means to LIVE UNITED. Whether they are hosting a community event, volunteering their time to help others or advocating about community resources, the UAW Local 699 Community Service Committee is focused on giving back to help others in any way possible.

The Community Service Committee is made up of five members chosen to represent their local and respective plants: Chad Arndt, Jim Jesselaitis, Jeremy Ward, China Fleming and Connie Mora. “Anytime their union members or community members need anything, this group of individuals is the first to step up and lend a helping hand, no matter how small or large the project is,” said Steven Lamb, United Way labor liaison.

The group’s involvement in the community reaches far and wide. Partnering with United Way and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan they were able to assist local families with close to 200 boxes of food at their annual food giveaway. Each year the group partners with United Way to host a school supply drive for local after school programs. This past year they were able to collect enough supplies for more than 100 backpacks as well as expand the reach of the project. By partnering with Nexteer Automotive, the group was able to start an additional school supply drive for the Buena Vista School District. Annually the group holds an Easter egg hunt for their members’ children, which includes a special appearance by the Easter bunny and pictures of the bunny with each child. Last year the group embarked on their newest program, Adopt-A-Highway. Three times each year, the members volunteer to walk their adopted section of M46 and work to keep their state and community clean.

Even though the group is active year round, two projects stand out as group favorites. “Whether it is delivering or constructing the ramps, our group looks forward to helping each year with the Project Independence ramp builds,” said Chad Arndt. “Christmas time always brings a special opportunity for our committee and our local to give back,” added Arndt. During the holiday season the group hosts their ‘Pins for People’ Bowl-A- Thon. Proceeds from the event help adopt families in need through the

United Way Holiday Wish List program. This past year, with the help of local business and members of UAW Local 699, the group was able to adopt 13 families.

“LIVING UNITED speaks to the pride and honor we have for being union members. To us LIVING UNITED is about working together, helping together and treating everyone as an equal. It’s about affecting peoples’ lives in a positive way, however we can,” said Arndt.

*Pictured left to right: Chad Arndt, Connie Mora, Jim Jesselaitis, China Fleming and Jeremy Ward

2012 Community Impact Programs and Accomplishments United Way facilitates community partnerships, administers grants and implements

programs designed to create CHANGE in our community.

AmeriCorps - Saginaw Substance Abuse Prevention PartnershipCompleting its second year, the Saginaw Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership program is the only AmeriCorps program in the nation that focuses on preventing the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs through both education and environmental strategies. Currently 20 AmeriCorps members are serving the community at United Way and four of our partnering agencies: Boy Scouts of America, CAN Council, Youth Protection Council and YMCA. In 2012, the AmeriCorps program reached more than 9,000 Saginaw youth with programs and events proven to reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.In addition to the community members served, this program also allows the partner agencies to leverage dollars and share resources, as AmeriCorps members become the “human network” between organizations to foster collaboration and shared outcomes. Agencies have no direct cost to have members become Substance Abuse Prevention Assistants, enhancing and expanding their current exemplary programming. “This collaboration assists Boy Scouts in many ways, helping us to provide substance abuse prevention services in more locations to many youth and adults. We have seen a positive impact in both the students and schools we serve,” said Lavel Jackson, scoutreach executive at

Water and Woods Field Service Council, Boy Scouts of America. AmeriCorps members receive amazing and unique experiences while serving alongside the partner agencies; all while learning valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, professionalism and interpersonal communication. Rachel Wenzlick, a returning AmeriCorps member, said, “AmeriCorps allows you to serve in a capacity I never thought possible. This program not only shapes and changes your community, but also you as a person.”

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) ProgramThe VITA program has been assisting Saginaw County residents who cannot afford to have their taxes prepared for them for 15 years through United Way of Saginaw County. In 2012, the VITA program experienced a year of growth as two VITA sites were added. New sites at Freeland High School and Rauchholz Memorial Library, located in Hemlock, allowed us to expand the reach of the program. We are very proud to note that Freeland High School was only the second high school program in the state. Both sites were very well received by the entire community. This program would not be possible without the dedication of our VITA volunteers or the support received from the many businesses and individuals that offer space, equipment, time, supplies, grant funding and much more.

60VITA Volunteers

4,300 Volunteer Hours

2,928Taxpayers

5,475 Returns Prepared

$3.4Million

Returned to Saginaw County

IRS

Youth Service DaysTwice each year, our community comes together to organize youth service day events to help teach high school students about the importance of leadership, teamwork and leaving a positive impact on their community. The events are organized by United Way, the Saginaw Community Foundation and several other community leaders. High school students from all over Saginaw County are invited to attend. Once students arrive at the YMCA they are mixed into groups with students from other schools, given an introduction about the purpose of the day and then are bused out to various work locations in the community. Volunteers work with community leaders as the spend their time planting, painting, cleaning up brush, landscaping, assisting with minor repairs and aiding in whatever way they can.“My favorite part was meeting new people and being a part of something that impacted my community.” – Saginaw High StudentTo keep things exciting and help meet the needs of the community, each event has a different theme and focus. In May, the Spring Into Service Day event was held at the Children’s Zoo and in October, students volunteered at the homes of senior citizens for the Make a Difference Day event. This past year also marked a milestone for our group as we celebrated 10 years of giving back in Saginaw County.

10 YEARSOF GIVING BACK

21 Events 135 Sites

Spring Into Service

Make A Difference

DayElementary schools, public parks & play spaces

Homes of veterans, senior

citizens & senior citizen centers

2,900+ Volunteers

10,000+ Hours of service

Holiday Wish ListEach year the Holiday Wish List program helps families in our community have a brighter holiday season. In 2012, more than 258 individuals, groups and families got in the holiday spirit to help others in need. Their generous donations totaled more than $67,000 and provided food, clothing and entertainment to 472 families and individuals in our community.The families that are helped through this program are always so very thankful as some have to choose between paying a bill and providing gifts or a special dinner for their children. One of the applicants in 2012 was a single father raising three children, ages 7, 6 and 2. He applied hoping the Holiday Wish List program would provide his family with the things he simply could not afford and so his children would have gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning. After being adopted by one of our generous community donors, he wrote the following

thank you note: “On behalf of me and my family, we would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the gifts that we received today. Without it, I don’t think that I would have been able to give my children much of a Christmas this year.” The father even called the donor on Christmas morning to tell them how appreciative he and his children were. The donor reported back to United Way the following, “it was such a surprise to hear from him and so nice to know how grateful his family was. Knowing that we made a difference really brightened our day as well.”

Project IndependenceSeven years ago, United Way of Saginaw County set out to help fill an unmet need in the community by providing mobility assistance. Working together with our community partners Project Independence was created. Through this program mobility ramps are assembled each year during a one-day blitz build."It is a great feeling to be able to help people in need in our community – I enjoy meeting new people and working with the group on this project," said Angel Gomez, Project Independence volunteer.In 2012, more than 150 volunteers came together to provide 10 free mobility ramps to community members. In total, more than 70 mobility ramps have been built in Saginaw County. This program would not be possible without the support from union volunteers and Nexteer engineers who provide free labor and graciously help to

construct and install mobility ramps. “What this program does for the families in need each year is amazing. One story that sticks out specifically from 2012 is Frank Walton’s story. He was incapable of leaving his home for more than a year. As soon as we told him that the ramp was built and he could use it, he was more than ready to help himself out of this home. He kept saying how thankful he was just to be able to cruise up and down the sidewalk on his Amigo.” - Steven Lamb, Project Independence Coordinator

Project HOME (Household Occupancy Maintained Efficiently)Low-income Saginaw County residents who are currently renting their homes can contact Project HOME for emergency assistance with utility shut-offs and evictions. Individuals who are either homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless may qualify for Project HOME assistance with first month’s rent and security deposit as they transition into permanent housing. Partnering with the City of Saginaw and Youth Protection Council, the goal of this program is to provide short-term emergency assistance to prevent homelessness and quickly re-house individuals who have become homeless. Project HOME provides case management for customers by teaching budgeting and life skills that will allow them to remain self-sufficient.

Families receiving Project HOME assistance in 2012

60+ 50+ 30+Utility

DisconnectionsRental

ArrearagesPermanent Housing

Over the past three years, 94.5% of the clients served through Project HOME have

remained stably housed

*The state average is 93.5%

Imagination LibraryStarting school ready to learn is crucial to a child’s success. Early childhood education helps set children on the road to a successful school experience. The Imagination Library program provides children, ages birth to five, with one free, age appropriate book each month until their fifth birthday. This income neutral program offers Saginaw County children the opportunity to discover the world of books from an early age. Currently, more than 1,200 children are enrolled and in the past

26 months, more than 27,800 books have been delivered to children in Saginaw County. “It is always an exciting day for my three year old daughter, Victoria, when she receives her new book in the mail each month. She has us open it and read it to her immediately. Afterwards, we re-read her favorite parts. Her Imagination Library book is always something she looks forward to each month.” - Melissa Durow, Parent

Best Practices Nonprofit InstituteSince 2007, community leaders have been able to attend the Best Practices Nonprofit Institute with the goal of gaining knowledge about administrative excellence that will help their organization reach its full potential. Facilitated through Saginaw Valley State University and supported by the H.R. Wickes Foundation, the program connects students with instructors who have experience in the field as well as the classroom. Participants receive tools, techniques and industry information to help them overcome the challenges in the nonprofit world today. The course offers an informative blend of theory, group activities and case studies. In 2012, the program was expanded so that nonprofit leaders now have the choice of completing the full program or enrolling in just one of the classes as their schedule allows. “A very valuable course for new or experienced leaders. Very experienced instructors who are talented in making the information applicable to your organization – I highly recommend this course.” - Kim Morley, Michigan Health Information Alliance, Inc./program graduate

Best Practices Nonprofit InstituteGrant WritingPublic Policy

AdvocacyVolunteer Management

Social Media/Marketing

Information Technology

Financial Management

Strategic AlliancesGovernance

Eval

uatio

nPl

anni

ng

Volunteer START (Students Towards A Responsible Tomorrow)Volunteer START grants help teach high school students the significance of volunteerism and giving back to their community. Each school year, the students can apply for grants designed to leave a positive impact on Saginaw County. The only grant requirement is that the students must collaborate with a nonprofit organization to create a project that benefits the community. During the 2011/12 school year, 9 student groups created and implemented 10 meaningful community service projects, allowing more than 1,630 students to get involved. In total, the students were able to apply for $13,500 in grant money from the H.R. Wickes Foundation to help fund their projects.One of the programs implemented in 2012 was the KIDS ROCK (Kreating your Individuality Determines your Success Reaching Out to Challenge our Kids) program at Buena Vista High School. Project Leader, Jeannine Belton said, “We firmly believe that our project helped students become better leaders within their school and local community. In addition, we believe our students participating in the project developed a greater awareness on the importance of safety, conflict management and volunteering in their community.”

2-1-1In 2012 Saginaw County officially became part of the 2-1-1 Northeast Michigan network, which connects community members with available resources. By dialing 2-1-1 residents can now receive free, confidential information and referral services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, the 2-1-1 service assists 9-1-1 by taking the burden of nonemergency calls from their operators. This past year, more than 9,500 Saginaw County residents were connected with everything from child care to utility assistance with the help of the Northeast Michigan call center.

Mate

rial G

oods

0

10%

20%

30%

Utilitie

s

Housin

g/She

lter

Food

Inform

ation

Health

Care

Transp

ortati

on

Mental

Heal

th/

Addict

ions

Legal/S

afety

Incom

e Sup

port

Requested Services as % of Contacts in Saginaw County

United Way of Saginaw County 100 S. Jefferson Ave., 3rd Fl.

Saginaw, MI 48607Phone: (989) 755-0505 Fax: (989) 755-2158

Website: www.UnitedWaySaginaw.orgTo Volunteer: www.GOvolunteerNOW.org

When you support United Way, you do more than just improve the lives

of others, you create CHANGE in our community.

Thank you for your continued support!

of Saginaw County