Where there’s a need, there’s United Way.
2012 Report to the Community United Way of Allegheny County
Throughout 2012, you’ll find one thing at the heart of our work. People. Kids striving to succeed in school. Recently unemployed workers struggling to put food on the table. Aging seniors hoping to stay in their homes. People with disabilities who need help with everyday tasks. These are among the thousands of our neighbors in Allegheny County who are why we do what we do. And they’re why so many generous donors make gifts to United Way. 2012 was a remarkable year. n Funding only the most efficient, effective programs n Recruiting thousands of volunteers to work with children, seniors and families n Raising millions of dollars during troubling financial times n Making an impact in the lives of tens of thousands of our neighbors n Growing our community of committed volunteers, donors and advocates We’ve made great progress. And though we’ve still got work to do, it’s helpful to take a moment and reflect on all that we’ve done together. Please join us.
Cayla Zahoran/WHIRL Magazine
Inspiring philanthropy. Building partnerships. Dear Neighbor, Thank you. Amidst all our efforts in the community — working with children, seniors, struggling families, volunteers, corporations, donors, agencies — there’s perhaps nothing more important than those two words. Thank you. Because of the generosity of tens of thousands of people like you, we are making our community a better place to live and work. We give our time. We give our money. We give our hearts. We give our minds. We give our ideas. And because of all of you, today, we give our thanks. Thank you for an impactful 2012. And in advance, thank you for continuing the good work in 2013. Respectfully, Robert Nelkin President, United Way of Allegheny County
City of Champions Dear friend, I’m proud of our hometown. And I smile every time I hear Pittsburgh referred to as “The City of Champions.” Yes, I take great joy in being champions on the field. But even more important is that we are champions off the field. We help our neighbors. We support those in need. We rise to the occasion. And we come together to make our community great. To me, there’s nothing more important than giving back to the community. I thank all of you – as individuals, businesses, leaders – for demonstrating that Pittsburgh is a city filled with champions. Thank you for all we’ve done together. And in advance, thank you for your help meeting the challenges that lie ahead. Appreciatively, Art Rooney II President, United Way Board of Directors
Leading the Way is United Way’s Board of Directors Throughout 2012, the work of United Way was guided by outstanding leaders in our community. United Way is deeply grateful for their commitment, time, passion, energy, and professional experience.
J. Rich Alexander
Martin A. Fritz
PPG INDUSTRIES, INC.
EQT CORPORATION
Carolyn M. Branthoover, Esq.
Gretchen R. Haggerty
K&L GATES
Brooks Broadhurst
EAT’N PARK HOSPITALITY GROUP, INC.
Raymond W. Buehler, Jr.
Todd C. Moules
Peggy B. Harris
Morgan K. O’Brien
Gregory J. Hempfling
John J. Quaid
THREE RIVERS YOUTH, INC. CURTISS-WRIGHT FLOW CONTROL COMPANY
Esther L. Bush
Lynette A. Horrell
Christopher H. Chamberlain NOVUM PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH SERVICES
Randall S. Dearth
PRESIDENT & CEO CALGON CARBON CORPORATION
Robert A. DeMichiei UPMC
Robert C. Denove DELOITTE
Anuj Dhanda
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Raymond L. Huber EATON CORPORATION
Alex Johnson, Ph.D.
COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Laura Karet
GIANT EAGLE, INC.
Rebekah Byers Kcehowski JONES DAY, LLP
Robert A. Krizner KPMG LLP
PNC FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC.
Anne Lewis
Michael Dunleavy
Gerald F. MacCleary
IBEW LOCAL UNION NO. 5
Michele Fabrizi MARC USA
Karen Wolk Feinstein, Ph.D.
OXFORD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY BAYER MATERIALSCIENCE LLC
David J. Malone
GATEWAY FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
JEWISH HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION OF PITTSBURGH
David E. Massaro
John P. Friel
Robert W. McCutcheon
FORMER BOARD CHAIR
ALLEGHENY TECHNOLOGIES INCORPORATED
UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
SCHNEIDER DOWNS
URBAN LEAGUE OF GREATER PITTSBURGH
Mary Beth Moore
MASSARO PROPERTIES PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
FIRST NIAGARA FINANCIAL GROUP PEOPLES NATURAL GAS UNITED STATES STEEL CORPORATION
Rich Riazzi
DUQUESNE LIGHT
Deborah L. Rice HIGHMARK BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD
Catherine (“Casey”) Ryan REED SMITH, LLP
Arthur J. Rooney II
PITTSBURGH STEELERS SPORTS, INC.
Cynthia D. Shapira
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Elizabeth Terrell UPS
Thomas L. VanKirk HIGHMARK, INC.
John M. Wilds, Ph.D.
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
The Honorable Dwayne D. Woodruff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Most Reverend David A. Zubik
DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH
Triple the Impact.
3 Days of Caring. Decades ago, United Way of Allegheny County created an event to rally the community around the kick off of the annual fundraising campaign. A wild success, “Day of Caring” became a model nationwide. In 2012, the United Way team reinvigorated this idea with “3 Days of Caring” in September. As a result, 400 volunteers joined in the effort over three days themed around United Way’s critical work in the community. n 125 volunteers cheered on 400 kindergartners and contributed 65 backpacks and 800 school supplies n 25 readers read to 300 children and donated 50 books to area childcare centers n 100 women sorted 2,200 pounds of donated toiletries, 600 pounds of accessories, and $800+ of bus passes and gas cards n 200 healthy snacks were prepared for YMCA programs n 100 volunteers cleaned up three city trails, removing more than three tons of litter, spreading limestone and gravel, and clearing overgrowth n 80 seniors celebrated active living by burning 16,000 total calories Soul Line Dancing n Nearly 20,000 pounds of healthy food was sorted and packed for food bank recipients
Sometimes, home is the best medicine. For seniors, sometimes remaining independent in their own homes is the best way to remain happy and healthy. And since it costs an estimated two-and-a-half times less than living in a nursing home, it can be the most fiscally responsible option, too. Thanks to volunteers through United Way’s Open Your Heart to a Senior initiative, thousands of older neighbors are living safely at home. n In 2012, 2,221 seniors in Allegheny County relied on the genersosity of volunteers to help remain independent. n 439 volunteers helped with seniors’ grocery shopping, rides to doctor appointments, meals, chores, and companionship. n This is an increase from 1,764 seniors served in 2011 by 420 volunteers.
Mentors open doors for middle schoolers. Middle school can be a confusing time. Not still a kid, not yet a full-fledged teen, students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades are at a crossroads. The biggest mentoring project in our region’s history, mentors in eight Pittsburgh Public Schools are helping students stay in school and on track. In its third year, 412 mentors worked with students in middle grades during 2012, helping them better understand the career and educational opportunities ahead of them, and build skills to succeed in school and in life.
Good neighbors make great volunteers. For decades, Fred Rogers asked us, “Won’t you be my neighbor?” In his honor, United Way initiated the Fred Rogers Good Neighbor Day Awards, in conjunction with the Fred Rogers Company. In 2012, the second year of this effort, United Way recognized local organizations that support sustained, relationship-based volunteerism, including workplaces demonstrating excellence among employees and agencies committed to helping neighbors in need.
c inspire healthy Eating well. And getting plenty of exercise. Across our region, organizations are stepping up to help improve the health of our children. fitUnited Pittsburgh is an exciting new initiative that’s giving caring adults the knowledge and tools they need to support healthy eating and activities among children. These partners—corporations, faithbased organizations, youth-serving groups, health care providers and government agencies—are all committed to one common goal for our community: improving the health of our children.
It takes a community to habits in kids. n 100 partners signed on to fitUnited in its first 100 days n Jamie Dixon, Pitt Basketball Coach, is fitUnited’s Honorary Spokesman n Join the growing number of partners committed to better health for our region’s children at www.unwacfitunited.org
Advocating for what works for Pennsylvania Keeping children safe. Supporting seniors. Standing up for citizens with disabilities. Helping young adults struggling with addiction. Guiding families who need help making ends meet. Across Pennsylvania, hundreds of government-supported programs have proven to be both effective for Pennsylvanians in need and cost-effective for Pennsylvania taxpayers. The Campaign for What Works is a civic effort designed to advocate for proven publicly funded human and social service programs. A collaboration of United Way, The Pittsburgh Foundation and the Greater Pittsburgh NonProfit Partnership, the Campaign for What Works has built a statewide coalition of hundreds of partners for its effort. The Campaign for What Works: n Successfully fought to keep $22 million for proven child abuse and neglect prevention services that were on the county budget’s chopping block n Successfully fought to restore $84 million in Pennsylvania funding for vital services to people who were in, or qualified to be in, mental health hospitals Lean more or join the effort at whycutwhatworks.org. campaign for
Somewhere between normal and crisis, a woman could use a hand. Sometimes, the unthinkable happens. A sudden layoff. A tragic diagnosis. An unexpected divorce. A death in the family. For women in Allegheny County facing crisis, we’re creating a place to turn for help. United for Women is an initiative developed in 2012 by women, for women, to make the difference at critical points in a woman’s life and be a bridge to something better. Instead of facing a lifetime of crisis and poverty, they can be uplifted by local women who care. This effort builds on United Way’s strong tradition of helping women in crisis: n avoid eviction or foreclosure n recover from domestic violence n prevent utility termination n access resources to achieve long-term self-sufficiency United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council is raising money and seeks partners to join the initiative to support vulnerable women.
Congratulations, you’re 21. Now what? For some kids, turning 21 isn’t the beginning of something great. It’s quite the opposite. Here in Pennsylvania, that milestone means young people with disabilities face the end of support, the end of school and, in some cases, the end of care. 21 and Able is an initiative that is working to create a roadmap for youth with disabilities who are transitioning out of the education and supportive services system to work, live independently, and participate actively in their communities to the extent possible for each individual. Five pilot projects are underway, including developing skill-matching software to support employment opportunities, implementing a transition checklist, effecting systems change, expanding housing options and developing opportunities for young adults with more severe disabilities.
MAP A BETTER FUTURE FOR YOUNG ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES
Dial 2-1-1. Help starts here. For tens of thousands of Southwestern Pennsylvanians in need, a call to 2-1-1 connected them with the information and referrals they needed. In its first year of operation, PA 2-1-1 Southwest Resource Navigators fielded 31,694 calls, and directed callers to places in the community for help with housing, shelter, food pantries, temporary financial aid, tax preparation and assistance with utilities. In fact, 75% of callers to 2-1-1 are searching for help with basic needs like keeping utilities on, avoiding foreclosure or eviction, feeding their families, finding clothing, and other basics. In 2012, PA 2-1-1 Southwest also earned the endorsement of Governor Tom Corbett for developing a 2-1-1 Center for Excellence in Utility Assistance. PENNSYLVANIA
Southwest
Powered by United Way
Recruiting readers, tutors and mentors. Oh my. In its second year of a three-year campaign, Be 1 in a Million is part of a larger effort across the U.S to recruit a million volunteer tutors, mentors and early-grade readers in schools. By pairing children with caring adults, students are learning the importance of literacy. And volunteers across Allegheny County are seeing the impact of their efforts. To date, more than 2,000 individuals have volunteered. Led by U.S. Attorney David Hickton and other community leaders of the Youth Futures Commission, Be 1 is committed to raising 4,000 volunteers throughout Allegheny County.
VOLUNTEER
READERS, TUTORS & MENTORS
Tax volunteers ensure a greater return for Pittsburgh. For low-income working families, preparing taxes may not be top of mind. So, the Money in Your Pocket Coalition, a collaboration that includes United Way and local partners, provides free tax preparation for workers meeting wage requirements. In 2012, 147 volunteers provided more than 6,357 hours to help working families process nearly 6,400 returns. These families average $12,900 in annual income, with an average of three W-2s per family. As a result, these families saw an estimated $10.6 million in tax refunds, including more than $4.4 million in federal earned income tax credits that helped these workers provide for their families.
Lights. Camera. Impact. There are thousands of stories of how United Way has helped neighbors in our community. In an effort to share some of these stories, United Way Films tell the stories of real people in Allegheny County and their struggles and challenges, along with the help they’re getting in making life better. Visit United Way’s YouTube channel to check out the tales brought to life in 2012. n A blueprint for what a young man should be n Be a 6th Grade Mentor has helped me with my life n I found someone who understood what I was going through n Finding a way to work n Every dollar matters
Working together is the United Way. Nobody can do it alone. Which is why United Way has evolved its competitive funding process to one that supports collaboration. In 2012, 12 of the 14 grants awarded to help financially struggling families and individuals were actually multi-agency partnerships. n Allegheny Partners of Out-of-School Time is a collaboration of more than 600 youth-serving agencies and more than 1,700 programs working to improve both availability and quality of after-school time. n The Southwestern Pennsylvania Food Security Partnership is an effort of United Way and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, along with dozens of non-profit and for-profit organizations, dedicated to systematically increasing access to food among those who consistently miss meals.
People are the impact. United Way’s work in the community is only possible because of the care, thoughtfulness and generosity of many, many people in our community. n 61,245 people made gifts to United Way in 2012 n Those gifts totaled $33,313,663— a 3% increase of 2011 pledges n Through economically difficult recent times, United Way of Allegheny County has seen increases in donations, thanks to Pittsburghers’ generosity, where other United Ways have seen only moderate growth or losses.
Large gifts multiply the impact. United Way of Allegheny County boasts one of the most robust Tocqueville Societies in the world. Members give $10,000 or more and recent years have shown significant growth. n In 2010, United Way of Allegheny County received the Fleur de Lis Award from United Way Worldwide for record increase in Tocqueville Society membership n In the past two years, local membership has continued to climb, a 24% increase in total n In 2012, thanks to an active Tocqueville referral membership, 67 generous new donors joined the group
Pittsburgh’s businesses are best. At the core of United Way’s fundraising efforts are thousands of workplace campaigns across the region. With dedicated Employee Campaign Managers and committed corporate leaders and CEOs, the businesses of Allegheny County are critical in United Way’s efforts to improve our community. n Corporations continue to support United Way of Allegheny County with a 3% increase in corporate donations in 2012. n In Pittsburgh, corporate giving was up nearly 3%. This compares to corporate giving of -1% with United Ways nationwide.
Women make a world of difference. One of United Way’s largest areas of growth is among women donors. Here in Allegheny County, the Women’s Leadership Council is the 6th largest in the nation. More than 1,400 women attended the 2012 Women’s Leadership Breakfast. Membership among women giving $1,000 or more each year has more than doubled since 2006, as today’s WLC is 1,775 women strong. Pittsburgh continues to outperform the nation in leadership giving, or gifts of $1,000 or more. In 2012, United Way of Allegheny County saw an increase of 1.5% compared to a decrease of -2.1% nationally.
Excellent partners. Exemplary work. United Way’s work in the community is only possible with strong partnerships. In each of our impact areas, we work with local agencies that have demonstrated proven, measurable results. Gifts to United Way’s Impact Fund support critical work in these areas. Assisting struggling families Helping frail seniors live safely in their homes and helping people with disabilities be independent Preparing children and youth to succeed in school and life
Responsible financial stewardship is the United Way.
In 2012, United Way of Allegheny County received its second consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. This, the highest rating from Charity Navigator, means United Way “adheres to good governance and . . . consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way,” stated Ken Berger, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only 16% of the charities we rate have received at least 2-consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that United Way of Allegheny County outperforms most other charities in America. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates United Way of Allegheny County from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” United Way of Allegheny County continues to be a leader in good governance. In 2012, United Way’s overhead was 11.2%, a 42% reduction since 2002, and well below the national recommended standard of 35% cited by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (www.give.org). Financials Charity Navigator
2012 was a year of impact. 2013 is an opportunity for us to do more. United Way of Allegheny County is all about people. The struggling families, striving children and frail seniors we serve. The generous donors whose gifts we steward. The bold leaders in business who are committed to our community. The caring volunteers who give their time to our children, seniors and impoverished neighbors who truly need it. The dedicated providers and staff who work to help others every day. Thank you for all the incredible work we accomplished in 2012 together. We can’t wait to see everything that comes next.
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. Make an Impact.
Please join us or learn more at unitedwaypittsburgh.org.