Lakes Region United Way Annual Report 2009 by Lakes Region United Way

An nual R eport 2 0 0 9

The Mission of the Lakes Region United Way is to advance the common good through thoughtful and sustainable social investment. Our vision is a Lakes Region where we nurture our young, engage our adolescents, support our families, respect our elders and work together to build a better life for all.

An nual R eport 2 0 0 9

The Mission of the Lakes Region United Way is to advance the common good through thoughtful and sustainable social investment. Our vision is a Lakes

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 (p) 603.524.6864 (f) 603.524.6219 www.LRUW.org LRUW@LRUW.org

Region where we nurture our young, engage our adolescents, support our

ANNUAL REPORT 2009 families, respect our elders and work together to build a better life for all.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 (p) 603.524.6864 (f) 603.524.6219 www.LRUW.org LRUW@LRUW.org

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Year in Review, 2009-2010 by John Malm, Chair

This past year was in many ways the best year in our 50+ year history!

Special thanks and appreciation to Jack Terrill, Alan Robichaud, Kevin Conway, Judi Taggart, the Board and the many volunteers who have contributed so much time, effort and passion to our shared goal to ADVANCE THE COMMON GOOD.

As I attempt to write this commentary, I am challenged by the volume of accomplishments worth recognition. There is so much that I would like to share but with limited space I can only focus on a few of the many bright spots. First there was the negotiation and eventual merger with the Belknap County Citizens Council which brought us Alan Robichaud as our new Community Development Director. I want to thank the County Commissioners as "As I attempt to write well as Andre Paquette and the board of the Citizens Council for their vision, dedication and commitment to this commentary, our communities and ask them to continue their good work with us in the many years to come. I am challenged

by the volume of accomplishments worth recognition."

This past year we called for change as our request for a proposal on our Income Initiative focus asked for a collaborative plan to address financial independence and stability of Lakes Region residents. Change is challenging; yet our community caregivers came together. They formed

Lakes Region United Way Community Plan

Strategies

Priority Issues

Focus Areas

Advancing the Common Good by focusing on:

Education

Children & Youth Achieve Their Potential

• Early Learning

Income

Health

Financial Stability & Independence

Healthy Communities

• Resource Development

• Adequate Income

• Youth Development

• Community Engagement

• Affordable Service

• Advocacy

• Adult Development

Community & Volunteer Engagement Public Policy Agency Partnerships

Information & Referral

Community Investment System Re-Engineering

Funding Collaborations

Issue Awareness Vision Councils

Outreach

Diversified Revenue Streams Inclusion

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Lakes Region United Way Board of Directors, 2009-2010 Front row: John Malm, Meredith Village Savings Bank; Julie Sackett, Community Action Program, BelknapMerrimack Counties; Maryann McCormack, Community volunteer; Tammy Emery, Lakes Region Community Services; Linda Normandin, Taylor Community; Carrie Roberge, The J. Jill Group. Back row: Jack Terrill, Lakes Region United Way; Chris Maroun, Miracle Farms Landscape Contractors; Scott Aronson, Cook, Little, Rosenblatt & Manson, PLLC; Mark Primeau, Laconia Savings Bank; Randy Eifert, Cross Insurance; Dr. Mark Edelstein, Lakes Region Community College; Dr. Phil McCormack, Inter-Lakes School District. Not Pictured: Andy Patterson, LRGHealthcare; and Curt Uehlein, Wall Street Institute.

the Financial Stability Partnership, gathered economic data and learned from and about each other's services. We realize that this was not an easy task to get started and applaud those who took the time and showed the effort to look for new ways to share resources and to establish a means to work better together. For the second year, a phenomenal group of volunteers led by Karen Wilson and Susan Dagoumas, again provided FREE tax return assistance for those in need. There are details and statistics of their accomplishments within this report that I will not repeat here, but let me be the first to thank you all for your support of our commitment to the many hard working individuals and families in need of these services. We all know about how bad the economy is affecting our communities, Belknap County having double digit unemployment, yet despite this fact the Lakes Region United Way set a new record in total revenue raised. Special thanks to the fundraising campaign team led by Judi Taggart and especially to Marti Ilg, Kathy Kay-Pfenning, Caesar Meledandri, Kim Sperry, Lyn O'Callaghan, Karon Thibault and Jeni Williams for their personal contributions and leadership. In closing, I want to take the time to recognize a few board members who have stood out to me this past year. Maryann McCormack has led the Community Investment Advisory Team and has in so many ways challenged us all with her exceptional organizational and project skills; and Carrie Roberge, as Treasurer for the board, has gone above and beyond her expected duties to make sure that our organization remains financially sound and has lead the team through another solid audit process. 95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

A Message from the President by Jack Terrill

We continue our work to advance the common good for all in the Lakes Region. We do this by concentrating on 3 focus areas: Education, Income and Healthy Communities. I encourage you to read on and learn about thegreat things that are happening in our community. We remain heavily invested in early learning, and our partnership with the Family Resource Center blends early learning with parental and family supports. Our commitment to Financial Stability for families has yielded a coalition of providers seeking more effective ways of managing families from dependence to independence. The efforts to reenergize volunteering in the Lakes Region have been bolstered by a partnership with Volunteer NH and the beginning of a volunteer coalition here in the Lakes Region.

An extensive review of the mechanics of how we are investing back into the community led us to the conclusion that our processes needed to be brought more in line with the goals we hope to achieve. We needed to better align our diligence work to the logic models of our partners in relation to the overall goals of each focus area. And we needed to put greater emphasis on how our community partners interact with each other within a focus area. By adjusting our due diligence process to accommodate this change in thought process, we believe we will encourage the kind of activity that will ensure a healthy and sustainable social services network in the Lakes Region. We expect many challenges for the 2010-11 fiscal year. The economic environment remains challenging, and the community will be asked to support many initiatives beyond the United Way. But we are buoyed by the strength of our board and staff, the commitment of our wonderful volunteers, the strategy of our community investing and the generous support of the residents of the Lakes Region. Lakes Region United Way Staff (l-r) Jack Terrill, President; Judi Taggart, Campaign Director; Kevin Conway, Operations Manager; Alan Robichaud (seated), Community Development Director.

We believe we are part of something very special going on in the Lakes Region, and we look forward to the years ahead. Thank you for all of your support!

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Community Investment Advisory Team by Maryann McCormack

The Lakes Region United Way (LRUW) Community Investment Advisory Team

(CIAT) is a group of volunteers whose primary focus is due diligence and Logic Model development. Due diligence is a process through which we research an organization's overall health to ensure we are investing in necessary and sustainable social services that will provide maximum return on donor dollars. Components of this process guarantee there is mission and outcome alignment to the LRUW. Organizations who apply for LRUW funding are subject to due diligence each grant cycle. Our process includes an on-site visit with evaluation of business operations, program sustainability, community impact, financial analysis and logic model review. Included in our review is conversation particular to that program's specialty as well as board of director strength. A recommendation for funding is then submitted to the LRUW Board of Directors. Once a grant cycle is completed, the team debriefs for process improvement. Using other documented best practices as a guide, we look to streamline our process and ensure we focus on what matters. We are evolving from a strictly audit based process to developing ongoing relationships with our partners. This means proof that our partners are delivering as promised still matters and also that evaluation is about improvement. We need to ask ourselves, "What did we learn and what can we do better?" What is a Logic Model? Some may call it a "road map" of the program, typically a one page picture explaining the program and what it is to accomplish. Logic models are also known as e.g. "theory of change", "model of change" or "outcome map". Some of the benefits of using logic models are they provide a common language, focus on outcomes, promote communication and support continuous improvement. We are working with our community partners to further develop logic models with outcomes and indicators. Our desired future state is to improve our ability to report our progress on Advancing the Common Good in our community. This can be achieved with volunteer support and through collaborative efforts with our partners.

CIAT Team Members (l-r) Warren Sommers, Heather Benoit, Maryann McCormack and Linda Normandin. Not pictured are Tammy Emery, Kerri Lowe, Kelli McGill, Julie Sackett and Robin West.

The WOW for me… on-site visits to the organizations we support. I began volunteering for the CIAT in January 2008 and considering all I've learned about the work of the LRUW and our community needs, I find it difficult to express in words the power a visit to any of our partners holds. To observe in person the devotion of the individuals caring for members of our community coupled with "this is where the money goes" drove home for me the vital need of not only supporting the LRUW but supporting those who are in need…children, teens, seniors and families. Maryann McCormack and her husband David are life-long residents of the Plymouth, NH area, and she serves on the Lakes Region United Way Board of Directors and chairs the Community Advisory Investment Team. Maryann recently left the corporate world after a successful career focusing on service quality and process design in the health insurance industry. She now puts her many skills to great use as a community volunteer, when not otherwise enjoying the great outdoors.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

ur EDUCATION INITIATIVE is ultimately designed to maximize the number of children at risk who successfully navigate from childhood to adulthood as contributing members of our community. We know that entering the school age years ready to learn makes the likelihood of a high school diploma much greater. In order to meet our mission goals, we envision creating an atmosphere where all children have the hope, and the tools, to reach their full potential. Fundamentally, we believe dollars invested wisely in the development of our children will deliver the greatest return to the community.

Our priority issues to achieve the mission of our Education Initiative are:

• Early learning • Adult learning • Youth Development

Lakes Region United Way Community Plan Focus Area: Education

Strategies

Components of issue

Priority Issues

EDUCATION

Fundamentally, we believe dollars invested wisely in the development of our children will deliver the greatest return to the community.

Early Learning

• Physical Well Being, Health &

• Academic Preparation and

• • • •

• • • • •

Motor Skills Social & Emotional Development Approaches to Learning Cognition & General Knowledge Communications, Language and Literacy

Career Planning Parental Involvement

Motivations

• Academic Support • Supplemental Learning

Opportunities

• Leadership Skills

Grandparent & Extended Family Outreach Recognize Youth Success

Youth Development • Student Ability & Characteristics • Student Attitudes, Expectations &

Achievement Career Development Workplace Readiness Life Skills Attainment Parenting Skills Leadership Skills

Year Round Learning Opportunities Identify Gaps in Services

Adult Development

Business Community Engagement Mentoring

Parental Education

Internships

Quality Early Learning Opportunities

Leadership Development Family Resource Center

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Together, Making a Difference for a Child

three year old boy who had been "kicked out" of three other childcare centers was brought to our center a few years ago. He did not communicate verbally, he experienced motor planning issues, and he was not potty trained. When frustrated by his inability to communicate he would hit, kick, spit and destroy things.

Today the boy is a bright, caring, five year old, well liked by his peers, who will enter kindergarten without a special education code.

Early Learning Bearcamp Valley School & Children's Center Born Learning in the Lakes Region Community Health & Hospice Pediatric Care Management Program Family Resource Center of Central NH Inter-Lakes Day Care Center Lakes Region Child Care Services Ossipee Crossings Child Care Center UpStream Parenting Programs Whole Village Child Care Center

Out-of-School Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region Kingswood Youth Center Pemi Youth Center Youth Services Bureau Upswing Program

Together, we paved the way for this child's future as a student ready to learn upon entering school. We also preserved a family and saved the school district the money it costs to maintain a coded child.

EDUCATION

We immediately called a meeting of his parents, our childcare staff, his school district, and people from the Preschool Technical Assistance Network. Together, we planned and implemented our course of action. The boy responded well to the additional services and treatment and over a fairly short period of time his need for services decreased due to his great progress.

Partners and Programs

Higher levels of education produce lower incarceration rates. 95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Early Childhood Development by Marti Ilg

Our responsibility as adults is to protect and nurture children so they can grow up to be, as Benjamin Franklin put it, healthy, wealthy and wise. What happens to children matters not only to them as individuals and their immediate family, but to the neighborhoods they live in, the schools they attend, and the community they will eventually work and live in.

EDUCATION

Child Development •

Early childhood education ensures that kids will be ready and able to succeed when they begin school.

•

Brain research shows that the early years are critical years, and early childhood education can positively impact a child's physical, emotional and cognitive development.

•

Studies have shown that every dollar spent on early education programs saves seven dollars on crime, school absenteeism, and other expenses later.

Building Social Capital We are starting to see that childcare centers are becoming our new community centers, places where the ties among parents, children, and community are strengthened. Early childhood education is an investment in the social fabric.

Parental Labor Force and Economic Impact of Child Care • Quality childcare improves employee productivity because parents who aren't worried about their kids are more focused on their work. • Early childhood education helps prepare and educate the employees of tomorrow. • Businesses who invest in early childhood "give back" to the community. • Childcare is part of the infrastructure that makes the local economy sound for business, just like roads, public transportation, and housing. • Providing quality affordable childcare is simply an issue of making the world a better place. Marti Ilg is Executive Director of the Lakes Region Child Care Services. Lakes Region Child Care is dedicated to providing high quality child care which is affordable for families who live or work in the greater Laconia area.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Born Learning in the Lakes Region by Shannon Robinson-Beland

Enhancing Early Learning & School Readiness

It is an exciting time for early learning and school readiness in our community. From formal programs, initiatives, and partnerships to less formal activities and friendships, there is a lot of energy being directed at enhancing and enriching the lives of families with young children. The Born Learning initiative is the basis for our early learning efforts. Born Learning is a national campaign built on three cornerstones: awareness, education, and action. It includes nationwide advertising, research-based education materials and other support for making long-term change around early learning.

Here in the Lakes Region, we're working with local doctors and childcare providers to get information on child development into the hands of families. We are partnering with local businesses to display useful information and fun activities for parents and caregivers. We are offering parenting classes for parents of young children both in the community and through local employers. We are hosting fun, family-centered events that promote early learning and provide opportunities to connect with other parents of young children. We are creating interdisciplinary teams of early childhood educators and professionals to look at ways to improve and measure school readiness. We are working with a broad segment of the community because all of us understand how important it is to build up young children in order to build up our community.

EDUCATION

In 2007 Lakes Region United Way and Lakes Region Community Services partnered to launch Born Learning in our community in order to connect with parents, grandparents, and informal caregivers to give them easy, fun ideas to support early learning for young children. In 2010 the initiative is going strong and taking new directions.

When one considers that today's children will be tomorrow's leaders, parents, and workforce, one can't help but recognize how important this work is.

The impact will be felt for generations to come. Shannon Robinson-Beland is the Community Support Coordinator at the Family Resource Center of Central New Hampshire, operated by Lakes Region Community Services. Shannon has recently reentered the workforce after taking several years off to raise her young children and pursue her masters in social work. She is really enjoying the opportunity to support families in our community with fun and educational ways to enhance their children's early learning.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Growing Up At Whole Village by Joyce Palmer

he Whole Village Family Resource Center in Plymouth. WVCC offers a family centered program serving children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Our daily capacity is 33 children in 5 different classrooms. One of the unique programming components is our ongoing partnership with The Bridge House, the area's family shelter located on the Whole Village Campus.

EDUCATION

"Alexis comes home each day with stories of her activities and is always anxious to return the following day." Alexis entered in the WVCC in October 2007 at the age of 8 months old. Her biological father was living at The Bridge House. It was clear from the beginning that he was totally unprepared to take care of an infant. Alexis often arrived at childcare without basic supplies: diapers, wipes, food, extra clothing, etc. WVCC supplemented her diet, supplied needed clothing and saw to her basic hygiene (bathing and laundry). We provided her with lots of love and care and developmentally appropriate activities: space to crawl, climb, and toys. Equally important, Alexis received the structure and stability she needed to trust adults and interact with other children. Without this intervention, her development could have been severely compromised. Alexis stayed until mid-November when her father left the shelter. Her father abandoned Alexis in late December, and the Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) became responsible for her care. On December 28, 2007, Alexis was placed in permanent foster care in Plymouth; proximity to Whole Village played a prominent role in this decision.

Alexis, February 2008

In January 2008 at the age of 11 months old, her foster parents re-enrolled Alexis in the childcare program. She started in the Infant Room, advanced through the

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Toddler and Early Pre-School Rooms, and is now a 3 year old in the Pre-School Room. In the words of her foster dad: "Alexis comes home each day with stories of her activities and is always anxious to return the following day. Through the years, my wife and I, and Alexis, have grown fond of the childcare workers and are always amazed at the wonderful job they do. Minus the occasional bumps and bruises while at play, Alexis has learned so much every day at childcare, and this is all due to the time and care that the workers at WVCC spend with the children. Alexis has developed a bond with everyone at school and is always ready to meet new people and learn new things. In the past three years, WVCC has nurtured Alexis and has provided her with all her educational and developmental needs. Once we have adopted Alexis, we will continue to keep her enrolled in Whole Village, as we feel that all of her educational needs will be met." Because Whole Village is here to help, Alexis' life has stabilized and normalized. These days her biggest concern is "When can we go outside and play?"

EDUCATION

Alexis, May 2010

Joyce Palmer is the Executive Director of the Whole Village Family Resource Center in Plymouth. The Whole Village Family Resource Center is a collaborative of health and human service agencies, a partnership of people and programs aimed at enhancing the lives of families and children.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Family Resource Center of Central New Hampshire by Karen Welford

The Family Resource Center of Central New Hampshire is a welcoming community-based dynamic place, located at 635 Main Street, Laconia, available and accessible to all families. The supports and programs of the Family Resource Center are designed to meet the needs of the families within Belknap County. Individuals may access services not only in times of need, but as a regular part of day-to-day life.

EDUCATION

The Family Resource Center, operated by Lakes Region Community Services, offers family-oriented programs, resources, activities and classes to promote family strengths, social supports and optimal child development and learning. Through a partnership with Lakes Region United Way, public awareness and public engagement initiatives have provided support to accomplish the goals of the Family Resource Center – stronger families and stronger communities.

Through a partnership with Lakes Region United Way, public awareness and public engagement initiatives have provided support to accomplish the goals of the Family Resource Center – stronger families and stronger communities. The Family Resource Center of Central New Hampshire provides support to families: • Step Ahead home visiting program • Parent Education and Support • Information and Referral Services to community supports • Playgroups for Children • Early Childhood Initiatives • Child Care Resource and Referral • Early Intervention • Family-to-Family Connections Karen Welford is Director of Family Support at Lakes Region Community Services. She is also Director of the Family Resource Center in downtown Laconia.

The Family Resource Center offers familyoriented programs, resources, activities and classes to strengthen families and promote positive parenting.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

The UpStream Initiative by Tammy Emery

UpStream, an initiative of the Lakes Region United Way, has provided free parenting classes for over 20 years throughout Belknap County with the understanding that parents are their children's best teachers! The ability to offer classes for parents and caregivers is a wonderful opportunity to share evidence based curriculum and practices. Results show that parents participating in these programs report higher levels of confidence in their parenting ability, increased understanding of children's development, and increased understanding and use of positive discipline strategies.

As we move forward, our goal remains to provide parents with access to research based information and resources to benefit all families in our community. In 2010, UpStream folded in with the Lakes Region Children and Family Coalition to continue parenting education opportunities on a broader scale. This truly has been a community wide effort helping to achieve common goals while advancing the common good. Tammy Emery is a Step Ahead Family Support Specialist at Lakes Region Community Services, an advocate for children and childhood education, a member of the Lakes Region United Way Board of Directors, and a tireless community volunteer.

EDUCATION

Key community partners have invested significant resources to enable continuation of parenting classes. In particular, UNH Cooperative Extension has consistently filled a leadership role to convene collaborative planning sessions and conduct training. We are grateful to all individuals and community groups that have shared their expertise and resources to help achieve common goals while advancing the common good.

Key Partners in the UpStream Initiative Laconia Adult Education, Lakes Region Community Services Family Resource Center of Central NH, UNH Cooperative Extension, LRGHealthcare, Parent Information & Resource Center, Greater Lakes Child Advocacy Center, Laconia Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Families Advocating for Substance Treatment Education & Recovery (FASTER) program, Attorney Janice McLaughlin, educator Jay Apicelli, and New Beginnings: Without Violence and Abuse.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Pemi Youth Center Makes A Difference by Jessica Dutille

The Pemi Youth Center (PYC) is a not-for-profit organization serving as

EDUCATION

a well supervised after school destination for local youth ages 10-17, at no cost. It is our mission to provide a safe and welcoming place where youth may gather outside of school and gain a sense of community, belonging and self-esteem. After school programming includes academic assistance, mentoring, art and recreational activities, support groups, alcohol and drug prevention, nutritional guidance, service learning opportunities and much more. Most importantly however, PYC offers youth the opportunity to feel loved. We inspire them to shed perceptions, past mistakes and negative labels that society has given them, and to become everything that they dream of being. Each day youth participants from all over the Plymouth area come in between 2:30 and 3pm, with overloaded back packs, hungry bellies, and chatter. This is the time that PYC comes to life each weekday afternoon and it is one of my favorite times of the day. I absolutely love to be a part of the excitement, in hearing of the day's events and engaging in all our many after school activities. However, sometimes I force myself to sit back and take the moment to watch as so many incredible things unfold. The many Plymouth State University work study students and volunteers never cease to amaze me. Their

"It is our mission to provide a safe and welcoming place where youth may gather outside of school and gain a sense of community, belonging and self-esteem." unique ability to interact with our youth participants and to gain their trust is something that I never grow tired of watching. The bonds that are formed between these incredible college role models and our young people is truly something special. It is difficult to put into words the magnitude of what happens within the PYC walls. For the past five years, I have had the privilege to act as Executive Director and be a part of so many wonderful young lives. I am honored to work with our youth and I am filled with pride as I watch them learn, grow and succeed. Jessica Dutille is the Executive Director of the Pemi Youth Center in Plymouth. She graduated from Plymouth State University in 2003 with her B.S. in Marketing and then in 2004 with her MBA. She now teaches part-time at PSU. Jessica co-founded the Faith, Hope And Love Foundation in 2006 and is extremely passionate about her work with youth.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region by Dave Parker

The Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region reached over 438 youth during the 2009-10 school year and 135 youth who participated in our 2009 summer programs. Currently teens are busy learning about career opportunities, running their own business, visiting nursing homes, and being mentors to the younger kids at the club. Truly the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region is a community comprised not only of children needing guidance in a fun and safe environment but also a community of caring younger adults who are learning to be leaders and doers in our society.

I spoke to a mother whose child attends our Kid's Club and she said as a single parent, "I couldn't work without the Boys & Girls Club. My daughter gets to be with friends, homework is completed, and she is a happier child just being there. Just knowing she is safe after school is so important and having a place like the Boys & Girls Club in these tough times is a blessing." From youth to young adult, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region is a "positive place" where dreams come true!

EDUCATION

The facts don't lie – the club is growing by 20% every month and so it must be serving the needs of those youth in our community who need us most. One day I asked a child what does the club mean to you, and this 14 year old said, "It helps me with my problems. I can ask any staff person and they will spend time with me cause they will make it right. I just couldn't survive if I didn't have the club to come to every day."

Dave Parker is the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Lakes Region.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Our INCOME INITIATIVE is designed to increase the number of financially stable families in the Lakes Region. We know that to achieve this mission we must recognize that there are two roads to success, and they are equally important. One road focuses on cost containment and budget protection, while the other road focuses on building assets. Our vision is that by moving families away from financial risk and towards financial independance we have a better chance of keeping those families viable and strong. It is our core belief that the health of a community is directly impacted by the strength of the families within that community.

Partners and Programs Affordable Health Care Health First Family Care Center Plymouth Regional Clinic Tamworth Community Nurse Association

Affordable Housing Bridge House Homeless Shelter Carey House Homeless Shelter Laconia Area Community Land Trust

Affordable Counseling Child & Family Services of NH Financial Stability Partnership

INCOME

Our priority issues to acheive our Income Initiative mission include:

•

Asset development

•

Affordable services

New Beginnings: Without Violence and Abuse

Access to Public Benefits FamilyWize Discount RX Card Program Salvation Army Friendly Kitchen Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Lakes Region United Way Community Plan

Priority Issues

Focus Area: Income

Asset Development

Debt Reduction & Credit Repair Workforce Development Accessing Public Benefits Outreach to overlooked populations • Appreciable investments

• • • • •

• • • •

Components of issue Strategies

Affordable Services

Economic Development Adult Education 211 Outreach Advocacy for funding

Housing Coalition

Vocational Skills Development

Communication Regional Planning

Counseling Shelter Permanently affordable housing Childcare Primary Healthcare

Education Social Service Agencies

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Discount Prescription Cards Earned Income Tax Credit Engaging the Business Community Transportation Coalition

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

A Visit to a Homeless Shelter

ne day while visiting a homeless shelter to look at some renovations that had taken place, I glanced down and noticed a small boy standing next to me. He wasn't much taller than my knee, and he looked up at me silently with the largest brown eyes you had ever seen. I said hello, and though he didn't answer me, you could tell by his smile that he was happy to have me around. As I walked throughout the upstairs, this little boy followed me about, staying close to my leg and silently watching me go about my business. After the tour was completed, I looked down at him and said goodbye, and he waved his hand as only a small child can do.

In all likelihood, I will never know what became of my little friend. In many ways, that is the nature of our lives. But I do know this: We owe it to that boy, ourselves and other children like him, to do the best we can to build a community where everyone has the chance to realize their fullest potential.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

INCOME

As I walked outside, I thought about that young boy. Through no fault of his own he was living in a homeless shelter. And I wondered what might become of this child.

The Beginnings of Success by Patrick Wood Many years ago, the Lakes Region United Way realized that there were many different organizations that were providing much needed support to people but, because they did not have a large financial need or a large enough staff, they did not feel they could go through the application and review process to receive LRUW support.

INCOME

The LRUW established a "New and Special Projects Committee" to provide limited funds on a one-time basis without requiring the normal lengthy application and review In 2010, LACLT was process.

named business of the decade by Business NH magazine. This same year, the Lakes Region United Way exceeded $500,000 in total investment in the Land Trust. This is a partnership that has benefitted the Lakes Region community tremendously over the years.

As a member of that committee, I recall being asked to meet with Linda Harvey, the Executive Director of a new Community Land Trust, who was asking for funds to help the organization get off the ground in Laconia. Being a real estate lawyer and quite familiar with Habitat for Humanity and other affordable housing efforts, I was skeptically curious about this type of venture. I was prepared to ask the "tough" questions, as I was not excited about the LRUW making a financial commitment to something that was so new and perhaps unlikely to succeed.

After a brief history of the Community Land Trust concept and its efforts in the FranklinTilton area, Linda told us about the families who will be given a chance to have safe and affordable homes, and the commitments those families are required to make to support the trust with their time and effort, and the commitment of the land trust to give back to the community more than it receives. Then Linda got to the heart of her story. "The homeless are all around us," she said, "but we do not see them because they are too proud to bring attention to themselves. These are the folks - right here in our own back yard - who will be the first to receive the benefits of the land trust; these are the folks whose futures depend on the belief and trust of others like the LRUW to give them a chance; these are the very folks who need that 'New and Special' opportunity." Linda Harvey had a goal and a mission back then. The LRUW is honored to have helped Linda achieve that goal and mission and proud to have helped the Laconia Area Community Land Trust become a great success in providing safe and affordable homes to those who otherwise could not afford them. Patrick Wood is the owner of Patrick Wood Law Office, PLLC. Pat and Jane Wood have been long-time Leadership Circle supporters of the Lakes Region United Way. Pat served on the Lakes Region United Way Board of Directors from 1989—2002, serving as President from 1996—1998.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

LRUW President Jack Terrill, LACLT Executive Director Linda Harvey, and Bob Curtis from Lacona Savings Bank celebrate LRUW's support of the construction of affordable housing.

INCOME 95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Financial Stability Partnership by Nancy McCurry

Car repair, medical emergency, loss of childcare subsidy, reduced hours at work, loss of job . . . the number of individuals and families who are just one small financial crisis away from the threat of serious financial trouble is increasing. What was once living paycheck to paycheck has now become the challenge of learning how to live with less and manage what you do have in order to provide for your family's basic needs.

INCOME

The Lakes Region United Way has brought together organizations funded under its Income Initiative to create a path to financial independence and stability for Belknap County residents most susceptible to poverty, or living at or near the poverty level. Financial problems that have typically impacted low and very low income families are now affecting families at increasingly higher income levels. Not only is this creating increased demand for services, but it is bringing many first timers into the complicated maze of benefits and services. The Lakes Region United Way has brought together organizations funded under its Income Initiative to create a path to financial independence and stability for Belknap County residents most susceptible to poverty, or living at or near the poverty level. The Financial Stability Partnership will work together to keep individuals and families stable or moving forward with their financial independence, rather than falling back. This will be accomplished one family at a time through prevention, intervention, and education. Organizations participating in the Financial Stability Partnership are Child and Family Services, Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Health First, Laconia Area Community Land Trust, Lakes Region Child Care Services, New Beginnings, The Carey House, and The Salvation Army.

Nancy McCurry of LACLT leads a tour of volunteers at a new housing project in Laconia.

We hope you will join the United Way and the Financial Stability Partnership in our efforts to encourage and increase family financial independence, stability, and wealth building.

Nancy McCurry is the Resource Development Director and Deputy Director of the Laconia Area Community Land Trust. The LACLT assists low and moderate income families achieve economic self-sufficiency through the development of permanently affordable housing opportunities and associated support programs. The multiple-award winning organization was named 2010 Business of the Decade by Business NH Magazine.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card Program by Judi Taggart, Campaign Director New Hampshire residents have saved over $1.1 million on prescription drugs through April 2010…and that amount is increasing every day. Together, we have reduced the cost of medicine by an average of 30% in New Hampshire. 40% of people in the United States in the last two years have either skipped filling a prescription or reduced doses because the medicine was too expensive. To address this, FamilyWize has come together with more than 900 United Way agencies in all 50 states to organize and coordinate community-wide distribution of these free prescription drug discount cards. 95% of the pharmacies nationwide have agreed to provide lower pricing to everyone who brings in a FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card.

•

Average Discount = 30% or more - $20 per prescription.

•

Covers all prescription drugs.

•

Covers everyone with no prescription coverage.

•

Covers all medicine not covered by other insurance or benefit plans.

•

No age, income or residency restrictions. Anyone can use it.

•

No cost to the United Way or people using the cards.

•

Medicine cost saving is provided by the pharmacies.

•

Card can be downloaded from www.LRUW.org.

Cards are available from the Lakes Region United Way and are distributed throughout our community.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

INCOME

•

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program by Torey Kortz, Site Coordinator

Volunteers did more than taxes...

LRUW VITA Tax Statistics ... 255 tax returns filed. Average refund: $1,997

INCOME

44% eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Total EIC dollars into the community: $161,503 Total refund dollars into the community: $467,399 Avg. yearly income of our taxpayers: $18,153 456 Volunteer hours

Yes, the volunteers provided free tax services to the people in the Lakes Region area, but they did more than taxes. They made an overall impact in the community and a direct impact in the lives of 255 individuals and families. The economy is tough right now and the Lakes Region has its share of unemployment, home foreclosures, and hard times. We saw so many taxpayers with unemployment compensation statements and high numbers of folks who had to withdraw all of the money in their retirement savings accounts just to survive. Many were embarrassed over the modest income they earned in 2009. The volunteers took the time to explain, not only tax credits and tax benefits, but most importantly, they consistently and patiently listened to the stories of difficult times and assured the taxpayers they were not alone; that many other hard-working people in the community also fell on hard times. The VITA volunteers spent many hours learning about tax laws, tax forms, and how to use the tax prep software. They did quality tax screening and tax preparation, as evidenced by the very low rejected return rate at the Laconia Tax Site. The caring, patient, non-judgmental service provided could not be learned from a book or in a classroom, it comes from within...

The Many Faces of Taxpayers With the help of the Lakes Region Family Center generously sharing their space for this program, and volunteer and promotional support from some great partners such as Laconia Savings Bank and Meredith Village Savings Bank, we set up for our 2nd year of free tax services in Laconia. But, who comes to a free tax site? A 26 yr old young man receiving disability payments for a developmental disability. Working part-time in 2009, he received all of his withholdings back as a refund.

48 newly arrived refugees filed their very first US Income Tax Return at the LRUW VITA Site. A single, semi-retired substitute teacher who purchased her first home in 2009. With the firsttime homebuyer's credit, her refund was larger than her entire yearly earnings. 22

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

"Some of these stories of hard times are absolutely heart-breaking. I can see how important that tax refund is to many folks." -VITA volunteer A senior citizen, recently widowed, who was overwhelmed by the idea of filing taxes without her husband and turned to us for help and guidance. A single mom who transitioned off public assistance with her first job in 2009. She had no idea and was delighted that the Earned Income Tax Credit increased her refund by over $3,000. She planned to use this "windfall" for some needed car repairs. A married couple who worked for the same company...and both got laid off in October 2009. They cashed in their retirement savings to supplement their unemployment compensation. A newly arrived refugee from Bhutan who found full-time work and was supporting his elderly mother who could not work. At 32 years old, this was his first time filing a tax return.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

INCOME

...and many others who returned to us from last season; who found they needed help with new tax situations, or who just didn't want to pay someone for tax filing services.

Our priority issues to achieve the mission of our Healthy Communities Initiative include:

• Community Engagement • Resource Development • Advocacy

Lakes Region United Way Community Plan

Components of issue

Priority Issues

Focus Area: Healthy Communities

Strategies

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

ur HEALTHY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE is designed to stimulate success in our Education and Income Initiatives through civic engagement and the adoption of common goals for all those who live and work in the Lakes Region. We know that any initial success we may have in advancing the common good requires citizen involvement, and we know that sustained success must first have citizen ownership. We envision a community where residents are respected and listened to, and where all barriers that prevent citizen participation are removed. Fundamentally, we believe that in order to bring about the desired changes we seek in our society, society must be intimately involved in the process to produce change.

Community Engagement

• Community Based Processes • Development of Social Capital • Dissemination of Information

Issue Engagement

• • • • • •

Volunteerism Donor engagement Public/Private partnerships Grant Development Partner Development Coalition Development

Community e-Networks

Identify Gaps in Services

Domestic Violence Task Force

Community Forums Community Needs Assessment

Resource Development • • • • • • •

Healthy Alternative Activities Chronic Disease Prevention Child Abuse/ Neglect Prevention Balanced Nutrition Transportation Environmental Health Social Policy Efforts

Volunteer Action Centers

Recognize Youth Success Due Diligence

Coordination of Resources Provider Coalitions

Advocacy

Public Policy Advocacy Community Report Card

Multi Media Communications

Asset Mapping

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

A Healthy Community Restored

"There's

Taking back their park with the help of local organizations and law enforcement, local leaders emerged to organize a park clean up and approached City Hall to plead their case. The result was a commitment for routine maintenance and an annual budget of $25,000 for equipment restoration and replacement to ensure safety and security of the children and other neighbors. Soon neighbors came together for regular cookouts, organized activities using neighborhood volunteers, and renewed relationships among local agencies to share resources for the common good. Higher levels of education produce greater community engagement.

Partners and Programs Community Connections

Community Engagement

• Friends Foster Grandparents Program

2-1-1 NH Information & Referral Hotline

Community Action Program - Belknap Merrimack Counties

Community Forums

• Meals on Wheels • Rural & Senior Transportation • Senior Centers

Living United in the Lakes Region TV show

• Senior Companion

The UpStreamer e-Newsletter

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

no telling what might happen if we just put our minds [and resources] together." Those were the thoughts that sparked the residents of a local neighborhood to take back their park from vandals, vagrants and drug dealers. For years this park was left to ruin. Broken beer bottles, dilapidated equipment and vermin had overrun what was once a safe playground for young children, a quiet resting place for elders and a friendly gathering place for neighbors.

Lakes Region Public Access

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Building A Healthy Community by Alan Robichaud

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

In January of 2010, the Lakes Region United Way extended its reach in the Healthy Communities arena. While we continue our community engagement efforts through investing in the 2-1-1 information and referral network, LRPA-TV's Living United in the Lakes Region, and the UpStreamer e-newsletter, we will further our work in volunteerism and citizen participation with targeted initiatives that promote healthy children, strong families and supportive communities. Key to our success will be getting individuals and organizations involved in efforts that make our communities safe and healthy places for all to live. We will invite citizens, young and old, to participate in discussions and community activities that direct our efforts. We will work with our non-profit, for-profit and government associates to design and deliver quality services and we will help to create an environment in which we all work toward shared community aspirations.

The United Way convened its first Healthy Communities Steering Committee, a group of citizens and organizations, to begin the process of setting future goals for our Lakes Region community. We expect to involve numerous individuals, associations and institutions in this planning process, making it truly a whole community initiative driven by the desires of the community. The Lakes Region United Way invites all our citizens to get behind these initiatives. There will be room at the table for everyone who wishes to participate!

The Lakes Region United Way offices located in Laconia, NH.

Alan Robichaud is the Community Development Director at Lakes Region United Way.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Day of Caring by Pam Paquette

Hmmm……..Day of Caring….what else could it be called? Well, from my experiences of being involved with Day of Caring for the past 15 or so years, let me list the following:

But most of all— DAY OF UNITY! For the first five or so years that I was involved with Day of Caring, which was through my generous employer, I learned a lot about my community - the agencies that support our area, the services they provide and how important it is to volunteer for them. For the past ten or so years, I have been fortunate enough to still be involved with Lakes Region United Way Day of Caring, with the leadership role of Co-Chairperson. In this position, I have also learned about my community and surrounding communities, but in a much more intimate way. I have learned about the impact that each of these agencies and non-profits have in our communities - from child care to safe, affordable housing, to giving our seniors, who worked hard all their lives, nutritious meals and places to socialize. Soup to nuts - and everything in between. Throughout these years, I have had the opportunity to meet hundreds of people - volunteers and caregivers alike. Probably my favorite part of the Day of Caring is at the end of the day when the volunteers get together to share their experiences. I am always amazed by the sense of pride and citizenship that comes in knowing that they are helping to build a stronger community. A lot of the volunteers are first-timers - and their eyes are opened wide as they learn about the agency they have worked at for the day. A lot of the volunteers are repeat volunteers - they just keep coming back for more. The biggest thing about Day of Caring is that EVERYONE involved is a huge winner. The caregivers reap the reward of getting some big tasks completed that they would otherwise not get done and the volunteers see what their impact is on their community. It is truly a DAY OF UNITY. LIVING UNITED. That's what we do. And I'm very proud to be a part of it. Pam Paquette works at Public Service of New Hampshire in Tilton. Pam is an active community advocate and volunteer, and has Co-Chaired the annual Day of Caring for fourteen of the last fifteen years.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Day of Hope • Day of Service • Day of Teamwork Day of Change • Day of Action • Day of Accomplishment

The Importance of Volunteering by Phil McCormack

It is almost analogous to two ships passing in the night.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

We know people want to volunteer, and we certainly know there are plenty of volunteer activities in our communities. But how do we connect the people with the opportunities, and why is this important?

Volunteering is a win-win situation. The recipient of a volunteer service is almost always grateful of the service provided. Most usually they are in a better place because of it. The volunteer who brings a certain level of expertise or service to the situation feels a sense of selfsatisfaction and On March 19, 2010 the accomplishment Lakes Region United knowing that they Way took a step closer have been able A group of happy volunteers to implementing a to help another enjoying Day of Caring. person or group of Volunteer Action Center people. Volunteerism provides the opportunity for in the Lakes Region. the volunteers to share their special areas of skill Partnering with the Lakes or interest, to remain active, and to establish new Region Community relationships with others. The act of volunteering does not have to be grandiose—simple acts such as visiting a neighbor who has taken ill or reading to a group of primary aged children during library hour can have an important impact on both the individuals and the community. Volunteerism is also, in my opinion, vital to the welfare of the community. Serving on local governing boards (town, school, county); participating in environmental activities—roadside clean up, beautification projects or conservation initiatives; or working along side neighbors in community building projects all serve to impact the quality of life in your community. Everyone can bring some value to a situation. I encourage you to take the time to look around you to find a way in which you can volunteer your time, energy and expertise to help others. You can make a difference to someone, and to us all! Dr. Phil McCormack is Superintendent of Schools for School Administrative Unit #2, which includes the Inter-Lakes and Ashland School Districts. Dr. McCormack is a long-time educator with 37 years in public education. He has an interest in community service, and serves on several local boards, including that of the Lakes Region United Way.

College who graciously extended the use of its computer lab, the Lakes Region United Way hosted 18 representatives of 11 local nonprofit agencies during a morning of training on how to post, track and coordinate volunteers for their agencies.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer or to offer a volunteer opportunity, please contact Alan Robichaud at 524-6864, ext. 100 or e-mail him at alan@lruw. org. Become a volunteer today!

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

2-1-1 NH

Imagine you are out of money, your rent is due, and you and your family risk becoming homeless if you can't find some help. Where do you turn? Or, your elderly mother is in the hospital after a fall, and you know she'll never be able to stay home alone again. Where can you quickly learn about your options?

No longer. New Hampshire citizens now have an easy-to-remember number to call to access all the health and human services available to them. Callers anywhere in the state need only dial 2-1-1 to be connected, at no charge, to a trained Information and Referral Specialist who can provide them with the information they need to get help. In addition to benefiting individuals on this very personal level, the system's efficiency is expected to save considerable tax dollars, and the valuable data it collects will help the state's health and human service organizations more effectively focus their missions and resources. And as the nation makes considerable investments in public safety and disaster relief infrastructure, the 2-11 system offers a possible platform for building emergency response and communication capabilities to respond to natural disasters or terrorist attacks. "Nicole", 42, called 211 in September. She had undergone surgery, had her wages reduced during the time she was recovering, and was now unable to pay the full amount of her monthly rent for the apartment she shares with her young son. They were facing eviction. Nicole had applied for help at a local agency but was not eligible for assistance. The Information & Referral Specialist contacted a non-profit organization that sometimes helps with temporary financial aid. Nicole received the assistance she needed and is now back on track. Nicole responded to a Customer Service Survey, sharing "211 treated me with the utmost courtesy and professionalism, and followed through to help me resolve my problem. Receiving assistance like this without losing one's dignity means a lot and shows me that there are people out there who can 'go the extra mile' and think outside of the box."

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

In the past, New Hampshire citizens in need of information and essential services like these and a myriad of others faced a dilemma: They had to know where to call to learn where to call. Whether confronted with an everyday question or a full-blown crisis, people were forced to sort through a bewildering array of nonprofit and government agency options and helplines in their search for help.

The 2-1-1 NH Partnership members include the United Ways of New Hampshire, Public Service of New Hampshire, the State of New Hampshire, Citizens Bank Foundation, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Exeter Hospital, the Endowment for Health, and Major General Joseph K. Simeone (retired). 95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

How a Volunteer Turned Monday into Friday by Jack Terrill, President

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

For the last eight years of my career, I have been dependent upon volunteers to ensure our

organizational work gets done. Now when you think about that, at least on the surface, it sounds a little scary. After all, a volunteer is exactly that, someone who does not get paid to show up, and their commitment to any group is backed only by their strength of word and character. Of course, I have seen some amazing people accomplish highly impressive things in their role as a volunteer. In fact, at times the only thing holding these folks back has been me getting in the way. But I learn as I go, and along the way I have been inspired countless times by the selfless citizens we call volunteers. And we count our lucky stars everyday for the people who have worked so hard on behalf of the Lakes Region United Way. And in particular, we are very thankful for our volunteer who turned Monday into Friday…Susan Nadeau. Susan volunteers at our office every Monday, for about 3 hours. She was originally engaged as a volunteer by the previous Executive Director, so she has been working here since before I came on board, and was also here before Judi, Alan or Kevin were on staff… so we all consider Susan to be the senior person. Like clockwork we hear Susan's steps coming down the stairs after receiv-ing a ride from the Lakes Region Community Services support staff, and like clockwork we go through our morning greetings. Once Susan is satisfied we are all present or accounted for, and once we have dealt with the issue of any possible upcoming holi-day and what celebration we might have for that holiday, she heads down the hall to make her beloved cup of coffee. Following a few more witty observations, and a reminder that she wants a computer for her birthday, she receives her weekly assignment from Kevin. Susan does a lot of different things for us, and despite her challenges, she puts more than her share of heart into every task. More often than not, if you have received one of our thank you postcards in the mail, Ms. Nadeau was the one who put the label on it and ran it through the post-age machine. There is often organizing work to do which Susan assists with, and there are always forms to be counted and stacked, which she happily tackles while keeping half an eye on a Disney movie or two. Occasionally I will ask her to do a task that doesn't quite meet her standards of acceptability, at which point she will tell me how much she misses my predecessor, Bruce. For those three hours Susan stays busy and important work is accomplished while enabling the staff to stay focused on other tasks. I say three hours, but this does not give proper credit to her lunch, which is an elaborate affair with really good food 95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

"And in particular, we are very thankful for our volunteer who turned Monday into Friday…Susan Nadeau." that she brings from home. She often compares her lunch to what I might be having, and she usually has me outclassed.

Susan is a special volunteer for us, and there are many, many volunteers out in the community who are making a huge difference for their adopted causes. While there are differences between volunteers, abilities, and levels of commitment, I think it is safe to say that the collective body of volunteers for all organizations in the Lakes Region go well beyond functional to transformational. If there is any question, all we have to do is take a minute and think about what kind of a region we would be without our volunteers. So thank a volunteer today and remember that they can take Monday and make it feel like Friday. And thank them for all that they do to make our community a better place to live, work and play!

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

So Susan is driven here once a week and we get some things accomplished. But it goes much further than that. As a volunteer, she is not just functional, she is transformational. She brings us along for the ride that is Susan. With Susan, the sun is always out, the problems of the world are to be brushed off the shoulder and life is about just being here and being happy. I don't know much about her life, but I am sure she has had her share of triumph and tragedy. And while I don't know the details, I can tell you for sure that every Monday Susan takes me to school on how to deal with life. She is a ray of sunshine when she enters our office on Monday mornings. It is her outlook on life that makes her transformational, and it is her presence that makes our Mondays seem like Fridays.

Volunteer Extraordinaire Susan Nadeau with Jack Terrill. 95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

The Importance of Advocacy by Dr. Mark Edelstein

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

The Lakes Region United Way plays a critical role in promoting the

well-being of our community by advocating for its most vulnerable members. The elderly, the young, the ill, the homeless, and the disadvantaged often feel that they have no voice, but through the United Way their voices can be heard. The United Way supports the agencies that serve these individuals, helping to ensure the public understands how important and necessary those services are. The United Way motto "Live United" is much more than a clever play on words. It's an exhortation to all members of our community to live in a way that connects us to each other – to care, to give, to take responsibility for one another, to help those in need. Dr. Mark Edelstein is President of Lakes Region Community College in Laconia, and serves on the Lakes Region United Way Board of Directors. He is co-author of a textbook entitled "Inside Writing" and is also the author of "Academic Governance: The Art of Herding Cats", published in First Among Equals.

The UpStreamer e-Newsletter

Living United in the Lakes Region LIVING UNITED in the Lakes Region is the Lakes Region United Way show, designed to highlight the residents of the Lakes Region and how we work together to make it a better place for all to live.

The UpStreamer is a community electronic newsletter published weekly by the Lakes Region United Way. The newsletter serves as a connection to the community by highlighting all nonprofit, educational, fundraising and cultural events. Designed to heighten awareness of social services and events in the Lakes Region communities, the free weekly e-newsletter features several sections: community events, parenting and family educational opportunities, volunteer and non-profit job opportunities, a bulletin board for general announcements and a swap shop where non-profits can post their wish lists, human service providers can post items needed by their clients, and individuals can offer useful but gently used items for donation. Subscribe to The UpStreamer at www.LRUW.org.

Host Judi Taggart and guests explore the social world, and the good news within, here in the Lakes Region. The show is filmed and hosted by Lakes Region Public Access and broadcast in the Lakes Region on MetroCast Channel 25 every Mon. 7:30 pm, Tues. 3:30 am, Wed. 4:30 pm, 7 pm and 11:30 pm, Thurs., 8:30 am, and Fri., 4:30 am and 4:30 pm.

The The

The

Guests Ruth O'Hara from LRGHealthcare and Eva Thurston of Laconia Early Head Start discuss healthy pregnancy lifestyles and programs to assist infants and toddlers with host Judi Taggart on Living United in the Lakes Region.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

The Importance of Giving Back by K. Mark Primeau

Community Banking’s commitment to the communities where we serve, live and work has been an integral part of our history from the very beginning. This unwavering commitment is founded in the key principles that guide our corporate philosophy.

"In short, it means “investing back” in our communities with our time, talents and financial resources." What does this mean? In short, it means “investing back” in our communities with our time, talents and financial resources. Much like a business that must constantly invest in itself in order to grow and remain strong and competitive, so too must we continually invest in our communities to strengthen them and improve our quality of life. Community Banking embodies a strong legacy of community service and civic leadership through the countless hours invested by employees in volunteer support to organizations across the state and through financial support in the form of charitable contributions. The United Way shares our mission by advancing the common good through thoughtful and sustainable social investment. Without that lifeblood of sustained investment, our communities will not flourish, our problems will not be addressed, the quality of life we hope for will not be achieved and our lives will be less successful. Giving back. Investing back. Think about these words. And think of your vision for the Lakes Region and our many communities. However you decide to invest, whether it be your time, talent or treasure, you will be building a stronger community for yourself and your family, and a better life for all.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Giving back. We hear these words so often. And, if you’re like me, you think about what these words mean in the context of your family and your community. We know intuitively that much of our success in life, personally and professionally, is derived not only from our own talents, efforts and perseverance, but also from the network of families, neighbors, colleagues, and community institutions that surround us and support us throughout our lives. We are really a reflection of our communities.

K. Mark Primeau is President & CEO of Laconia Savings Bank, assuming the position in March of 2008, when he and his wife Susan relocated to Laconia from Boston. Mark is Vice Chair of the Lakes Region United Way Board of Directors, and is active in many community and philanthropic organizations. 95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Our Leadership Circle A Healthy Community is an engaged and giving community. We are blessed with a solid community of financial supporters at all levels of giving. The following community champions have demonstrated their commitment by investing at Leadership Levels.

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Tocqueville Society

Anonymous Joe and Pasena Maroun Family Foundation Lovett-Woodsum Family Charitable Foundation

Mount Shaw Team Gene & Joyce Bolton Penny Pitou & Milo Pike Charitable Fund Robert & Miriam Smith

Working together, there is no challenge, no climb, that cannot be overcome. Tocqueville Society

$10,000 & Above

Mount Shaw Team

$5,000 - $9,999

Mount Israel Team

$3,000 - $4,999

Weetamoo Mountain Team $2,500 - $2,999 Belknap Mountain Team

$2,000 - $2,499

Mount Israel Team

Tenney Mountain Team

$1,500 - $1,999

Tom & Karen Clairmont Greg & Joanne Dickinson Mark Palanchian Tom & Eleanor Volpe

Plymouth Mountain Team $1,000 - $1,499

Weetamoo Mountain Team Anonymous Tom & Gail Garfield Henry Lipman & Melissa Rowley Lipman David & Maryann McCormack John & Tashia Morgridge Andrew & Nicole Patterson Mark & Susan Primeau Curt & Jan Uehlein

Belknap Mountain Team Anonymous (2) Jeffrey & Marinella Crowell Randy & Julie Eifert Elizabeth Hackett Paul & Lynne Hebert John & Janice Lynch Marjorie Maher Charitable Foundation Paul & Linda Normandin

Tenney Mountain Team Anonymous (2) Matthew Crawford Glen Dillon Greg & DeDe Goddard Robert Goulet Charles Lavery Leif Martinson Phyllis Meinke Jack Terrill Beatrice Thibeault Peter Wood

Prospect Mountain Team

$750 - $999

Plymouth Mountain Team Anonymous (3) Keith & Joan Abbott Samuel Aldridge Howard & Shirley Bacon Gail Batstone Jennifer Boulanger Vincent Broderick Denise Caristi Phil & Ellen Chaput Bruce & Elizabeth Clow Jeaneen Coolbroth Bryon Cooper Dennis & Susan Denoncourt David & Sylvia Detscher Mark & Susan Edelstein Colleen Elliott Robert Esau Donald & Mary Ettelson Michael Freeman Dale & Betty Ann Frey Robert Gagne Kathryn Giovanni Michael Groenke Craig & Patricia Haines Robert Howe Joe & Grace LaPlante William Leahy Chris Lenentine John & Barbara Malm Timothy Martin

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Prospect Mountain Team Anonymous (3) Cindy Bodah Mark Cardosi Herbert Carpenter, IV Linda Clairmont Debra Davis Michael Digregorio Thomas Drouin William Drummey Woodbury Fogg W. John Funk & Deborah Chase Charles Gorhan Spafford Hutchinson David & Marilyn Lynch Barbara Maxham Tara Mudgett Ruth O`Hara Larry Poliquin Robert Sargeant Robert & Anne Shaw, Jr. Kenneth Sheridan John & Nancy Sherman Lawrence Smith Barbara Thomas

Red Hill Team Anonymous (16) Stephen Ahlin John Allen Bruce Anderson Carter & Kathleen Barger Cynthia Baron D. Scott Beane Randy Bedard Bill & Linda Beyer Mike Boisvert Lori Borrin Peter Brothers Richard Campbell James Carroll Eric Carter Brad Cartier Sherry Cesati Brian Chalmers Robert Champlin Gracie Cilley Barbara Clifford Richard Coggon Kim Collins Martha Copithorne Karen Cornell Debbie Cotton Tawnya Courtemanche David Cronin Duane Cross Robert Curtis Vicki Davis Richard DeSeve Patricia Devanney Dana Dickson John Donofrio Brian Donovan Michelle Driscoll Dubois Family Clark Dumont Roger Duval Edward Emond Shaun & Mary Farley Roberta Fenton Frederic Fernholz William Ferry Janice Fillion

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Rusty McLear Warren & Janet Mitchell Joy Mulcahy Michael Muzzey Paul & Beth Onthank Reuben Parker Wilfred Roy, III David Sinkler Chad & Heidi Squires Suzanne Stiles Richard & Ruth Stuart Sean & Gayle Sullivan Kenneth & Tamara Thomas Jennifer Truman John Ufford Charles & Barbara Waite Roger Walcott, Jr. Kathryn Waldron Peter & Carol Walkley Kent & Mary Alice Warner Patrick & Jane Wood Christian Zimmermann

Is your name missing or listed incorrectly? We work hard to make sure our Leadership Circle donors are listed accurately, but sometimes errors occur. If your name is missing or listed incorrectly, please accept our apologies and let us know. Contact Kevin Conway, Operations Manager at the contact information below. 95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Red Hill Team (continued)

A. K. Finlay Tracie Fitzpatrick Tina Foss Jean Fournier Paul Friend & Barbara Wood James Gentile Leo Goddu John Grobman Lori & Gary Groleau Roger Gutner Christine Harris Frederick & Virginia Hatch William Hay John Heaney Cindy Hemeon-Plessner Jason Hicks John & Inge Hilberg Cheryl Hounsell Bonnie Hunt Tina Huysmans Dean Ingram Jack Irwin Robert Karstedt Deborah Keith Denise Kenney Sue Knowles Kevin Krauss Vicki L`Heureux Judith LaFrance Gary Lamott Greg Landroche Samuel Laverack David Lee Anne Lehner Michael Lowrey Michael Maguire William & Cynthia Marcus Willard Martin, Jr. M. T. McCarthy Lynn & Dennis McFadden Raymond Meyer Matthew Mooney William Moore Angie Morner David & Mary Nagel Cory Nelson Pamela Noble Kathleen Otte Heather Page Susie Page Stephen Papavlo, Jr. Mirno Pasquali Shirley Perry George & Juliana Phillips

Carol Pierce Randy Pike Jeffrey Pochily Gayle Price Susan Richardson Carrie Roberge Sonya Roberts John Rogers Larry Routher Natalie Rudzinskyj Kenneth Rueffert Karin Salome Julie Schneckenburger Golda Schohan Robert & Joyce Selig Cydney Shapleigh-Johnson Bruce Shumway William & Avis Smart Charlie & Bette Stafford Douglas Stone Jannine Sutcliffe Butch & Judi Taggart Rishlene Tanner Robert Terrio Robert & Barbara Thompson Carol Trombly Charles & Kerry Tyler Danielle Wakefield Delitha Watts Margo Weeks Robert Weissman Ceu Wentael Jill White Alison Whynot Nancy Wiggin Brenda Williams Scott & Ellen Wolff Dave & Elena Worrall Donna Wyatt William & Barbara Zeckhausen

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Corporate Leadership Circle Combined Corporate and Employee Giving Mount Shaw Team

Over $25,000

$5,000 - 9,999

★ LRGHealthcare

★ Melcher & Prescott Insurance

★ Laconia Savings Bank

50/50 Raffle at Meadowbrook

★ Meredith Village Savings Bank

Cross Insurance

★ Pike Industries

Fair Point / Verizon

★ Belknap County

Freudenberg NOK

Sandwich Mountain Team

Gunstock Mountain Resort

$10,000 - $24,999

Innovative Paper Technologies/3M

★ Hannaford Supermarkets

Inns and Spa at Mill Falls

★ Laconia Clinic

Laconia School District

★ Sweetheart Auction

Liberty Mutual Group

★ United Parcel Service

Stafford Oil Company

★ Shaw's Supermarkets

The J. Jill Group

★ WLNH Children's Auction

Wellpoint/Anthem BCBS

★ Lincoln National ★ State of NH Employees ★ PSNH/Northeast Utilities ★ Citizens Bank ★ Taylor Community ★ Represents 1% or more of total campaign, listed in descending order by amount. All others are listed alphabetically.

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Mount Tecumseh Team

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES 38

Mount Israel Team

Plymouth Mountain Team

$3,000 - 4,999 AutoServ Dealerships Elan Publishing Company Florida Power & Light IBM Lakes Region Coca-Cola Lakes Region United Way National Grid / Keyspan Northway Bank Orthopedic Professional Association Pfizer Rist-Frost-Shumway Engineering Steele Hill Resorts TD Bank Wal-Mart

$1,000 - $1,499 AT&T Belknap County Economic Development Council Byse Agency, Inc. Dana S. Beane & Company Del R. Gilbert & Son Block Elektrisola GMI Asphalt Corp Granite State Credit Union Laconia Electric Supply Lakes Region Child Care Services Lakes Region Community Services Martin, Lord & Osman Nassau Broadcasting Patrick Wood Law Office Tyco Integrated Cable Systems Whole Village Family Resource Center Wilkinson Beane Simoneau Paquette Funeral Home

Weetamoo Mountain Team $2,500 - $2,999 Denoncourt, Waldron & Sullivan Federal Express

Belknap Mountain Team $2,000 - $2,499 Belknap Landscape Company City of Laconia Community Action Program Gilford School District Inter-Lakes School District Miracle Farms Landscape Contractors Shaker Regional School District

Prospect Mountain Team $750 - $999 Citizen Publishing Concord Hospital Elbit Systems of America First Student Laconia Housing Authority Malone Dirubbo & Company Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion Monro Muffler Brake & Service Velcro USA

Red Hill Team Tenney Mountain Team $1,500 - $1,999 BAE Systems Bank of America BJ`s Wholesale Club Fay`s Boat Yard Franklin Savings Bank Gilmanton School USA Federal Employees

$500 - $749 Boulia-Gorrell Lumber Company Cigna Eli Lilly and Company Enterprise Rent-A-Car Fresenius Medical Care Inter-Lakes Day Care Center Nationwide Insurance New Beginnings: Without Violence & Abuse Speare Memorial Hospital

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org

Financial Synopsis YE March 2010 and March 2009 (for more detail visit www.LRUW.org)

t of F ina ncia l P ositi onand March 2009 Financial Synopsis Statemen YE March 2010

(for more 2010detail visit www.LRUW.org) 2009

Assets Current

Statemen t of F ina ncia l P ositi on $982,199 $864,718

+14%

Property Assets and Equipment (net)

$231,532 2010

$184,178 2009

+26% Diff ere nce

$1,213,731 $982,199

$1,048,896 $864,718

+16% +14%

$231,532

$184,178

+26%

$1,048,896 2009

$514,947

+16% -1%

$132,676

+19%

Total Assets Current Property and Equipment (net) Liabi lit ies a nd N et Assets

ssets

urrent

Total Assets Current

Statemen t of Fina ncia l P ositi on

2010 $1,213,731 $510,053

Long-Term Liabi lit ies a nd N et Assets Net Assets

roperty and Equipment (net) Current

otal Assets

Diff ere nce

$157,224

$982,199 $546,454

$864,718 $401,273

$231,532 $510,053

Long-Term

$157,224

Net Assets $546,454 $1,213,731 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $1,213,731

Diff ere nce

+37%

+14%

$184,178 $514,947

-1%

+26%

$132,676

+19%

$1,048,896

$401,273 $1,048,896

+37% +16%

$1,048,896

+16%

iabi lit ies a nd N et Assets Total Liabilities and Net Assets

urrent

ong-Term

Net Assets

Net A llocabl e Fu nds (Less uncollectible pledges

$1,213,731

$510,053

$514,947 Statemen t of Activi ties

$157,224

$132,676

$930,283

$546,454

$931,853

-1% +19%

$401,273

Statemen t of Activi ties

+37%

and board restricted funds) Net A llocabl e Fu nds

$930,283

$931,853

C(Less ommunit y I nvestm ent uncollectible pledges

$701,156

$622,397

+13%

(All program investments andgrants, board restricted funds)

otal Liabilities and Net Assets

and designations) Communit y I nvestm ent

$1,213,731

$1,048,896

+16%

$701,156

$622,397

+13%

grants, investments S(All upporti ngprogram Exp enses and designations) (Administration and Fundraising)

$127,686

$133,819

-5%

Supporti ng Exp enses

$127,686

$133,819

-5%

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

e continue our work to advance the common good for all in the Lakes Region. Despite a difficult economy, our resource development efforts yielded total revenue of $947k, a 2% increase over the prior year. At the same time, we had a 57% increase in donor advised funds. Organizationally we saw a 16% increase in total assets and accomplished a 11% increase in community Synopsis YE March 2010 and March 2009 investment overFinancial the prior year, all while effectively managing detail visit www.LRUW.org) our expenses which yielded the total(for ofmore administration and fundraising expenses at 15% of total revenue.

Statemen of Activi Carrie Roberge is on and the Fundraising) Board of Directors of the tLakes Regionties United Way, serving as Treasurer since (Administration May 2008. She is a licensed CPA, and works as a Business Analyst Manager for J. Jill in Tilton, NH. Total Expe ndit ur es $828,842 $756,216 +10% Carrie is an active member and volunteer on various committees and events at school and church with Net A llocabl Fu nds $930,283 $931,853 her twoe daughters. Carrie has lived in the Lakes Region her entire life, and enjoys time with family and friends, skiing, kayaking and going to the ocean. Less uncollectible pledges Total Expe ndit ur es

nd board restricted funds)

$828,842

$756,216

+10%

95 Water St., Laconia NH 03246 • (p) 603.524.6864 • (f) 603.524.6219 • www.LRUW.org • LRUW@LRUW.org