News Release
United Way Fox Cities
February 28, 2012 Contact: Nanci Micke
VP of Marketing & Communications
920-954-7215
United Way Fox Cities hosts Report to the Community
United Way Fox Cities hosted their annual report to the Community on February 28 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel. Mary Klein, a member of the United Way Providing Basic Needs and Self-Sufficiency Impact Area presented the keynote report on the progress of The Connector. The initiative, done in partnership with Valley Transit, provides transportation for second and third shift workers.
The Connector Service works in this way:
· During Valley Transit operating hours, if the client needs to get to an area that is outside of the service area The Connector service links people to the fixed route bus service at identified key transfer points.
· If service is needed during early mornings and late evenings when Valley Transit is not operating, then The Connector is responsible for the rider’s trip. The expanded geographic areas and operating hours are provided through a contracted service.
Since the launch of The Connector in 2007 over 55,000 rides have been provided to more than 1,400 individuals. The average number of rides provided each year is over 15,000. 88% of the rides have been employment-related. Other primary reasons people use these services are for education and medical needs.
Wes Urch Volunteer Service Award
This year United Way Fox Cities renamed the Volunteer Service Award to honor Wes Urch. In 1967, the Neenah Menasha Community Chest, the predecessor to United Way, hired their first executive director, Wesley Urch. Wes was the face of United Way in Neenah and Menasha for the next twenty years. 1987 he retired from the payroll, but remained an active volunteer with many different community organizations. Wes Urch passed away last year, and United Way is honoring his work by naming the organization’s most prestigious award in his name. Two recipients were honored:
Dave Gitter
United Way Fox Cities came into existence in 1993, but Dave Gitter’s service extends back to years working with the United Way of Appleton/Heart of the Valley. He was a member of United Way Fox Cities board of directors from 1995 – 2000. He is a charter member of the endowment committee and continues to assist in this area. In 2010, the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and United Way began an initiative to understand the impact of foreclosures on our community. Dave has been a leader in exploring “homeownership solutions” to foreclosure. For over 20 years Dave has volunteered for United Way and other nonprofits in this community.
John Polansky
John Polansky has been a volunteer for United Way for 15 years. John is a member of the Strengthening Families Impact Area, and serves on numerous subcommittees and task forces. John has also been active with the efforts of the community campaign and the Fox Cities Diaper Bank.
Outgoing Board Chair, Tim Short reviewed highlights of 2011:
· The Fox Cities Diaper Bank was developed in response to the need in our community to help families who cannot afford diapers.
· United Way’s PATH for Students, a school-based mental health counseling program was expanded from the pilot program in the Menasha Joint School District to Kaukauna, Little Chute, Kimberly and Appleton West, Wilson Middle School and Lincoln Elementary School.
Further expansion is tentatively scheduled for the fall of 2012 for the Freedom, Hortonville, Neenah, Seymour, and Shiocton school districts along with the other Appleton schools. As of December 2011, over 230 students have been served by United Way’s PATH for Students.
· The bi-annual Investment process involved over 100 volunteers who learned about key issues, identified unmet needs, made funding decisions and evaluated results. The work of these volunteers directs the investment in a network of more than 100 programs throughout the community that deliver direct services every day.
· The 2011 LIFE Study was released in October. United Way again partnered with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce and the Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership in sponsoring the report. For the first time, the Fox Cities joined forces with Brown and Southern Winnebago Counties, and each community conducted simultaneous LIFE Studies that provided data for the Fox River Region Report. United Way will use the 2011 LIFE Study as a key instrument in determining community needs and making investment decisions.
· The United Way Youth Board was honored with the Youth Philanthropy Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. The Youth Board is also an integral part of Teen Symposium, a leadership program attended by 250 ninth graders from 15 schools.
· The United Way Emerging Leaders program provides opportunities to make a difference through philanthropic giving and volunteering. In 2011 this group of rising leaders, which is now over 500 strong, has been active in serving meals at the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley, offering CEO talks, and hosting the Valentine Family Festival.
· United Way was successful in raising $7 million in the community campaign led by Dan Neufelder, Affinity Health System and Dr. Susan A. May, Fox Valley Technical College.
Board Members
New board members for United Way include:
· Mary Jo Buchberger, retired, Integrity Mutual Insurance Company
· Shannon Full, Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce & Industry
· Melanie Miller, Bemis
· Viseth Moua, Miller Electric Mfg.
· Laura Meronk, Godfrey & Kahn
Special Appointment:
· Mark Westphal, president of the Fox Valley Area Labor Council
Second three year term:
· Tim Bergstrom, Bergstrom Corp
· Randy Mahoney, Wipfli
· Tim Plass, Neenah Paper, United States Steelworkers Local 2-16
· Julie Wulterkens, U.S. Venture
The slate of officers to be elected at the March board meeting is:
· Chair – Jim Totzke, Miller Electric Mfg. Co
· Vice Chair – Kent Willetts, Appleton Papers
· Treasurer – Randy Mahoney, Wipfli
End
United Way Fox Cities advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change.
4