Spring 2011 Community Impact Newsletter

communityimpact

Spring 2011

Orange County United Way’s Quarterly Newsletter

the need Edwards Lifesciences Connects with KidWorks in orange to Give Critical Lesson to Santa Ana Students county Take a step towards overcoming poverty by joining us for WALK UNITED at Angel Stadium on June 25th.

With your support, we can reach our goal of 5,000 walkers with each walker generously FUN-raising $250 or more.

Meeting this goal can provide:

135,000 sick people with the medicine they need

54,000

low or no-income families with food for a month

3,600

homeless families with a month of safe lodging www.walkunited.com

O

n February 21, 2011, 18 Santa Ana high school students received a critical afterschool lesson from employees at Edwards Lifesciences, an Orange County United Way (OCUW) Golden Key corporate partner and a sponsor of our Education Initiative, Destination Graduation.

During a tour of Edwards’ Irvine headquarters, the students, who are participating in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workshops at OCUW partner agency KidWorks, got an insider’s look into the research, development, and production process used to build Edwards’ life-saving medical devices. Through on-the-spot lessons about anatomy, biology, chemistry, and medical technology, the students were able to make an instant connection between their school work and the careers available in their local community.

More than 12 Edwards’ employees participated in this opportunity to demonstrate their “Life is Now”

motto for the future scientists speaking about the importance of finishing high school, attending college, and striving for excellence. Based in Santa Ana, KidWorks’ after school program provides tutoring for K-12 grade students. Its STEM program prepares 6th-12th graders for academic success and college entrance.

Winter Transitional Shelter Program Offers Pathway to Stable Housing, Self-Sufficiency

E

ach winter, the Orange County Armories provide emergency shelter for the growing homeless population. Those entering the Armories receive a nutritious meal, warm shower, safe place to sleep, clothes, and a wide variety of support services including financial and behavioral health and job/education counseling. Although the Armories are a safe option for many, it does not provide appropriate shelter for children and families. The need to offer families an alternative to the Armories led the Orange County Funders Roundtable to establish a program specifically for homeless families, the Orange County Homeless Family Winter Transitional

Shelter Program. The program is run by two Orange County United Way partner agencies, the Illumination Foundation and Mercy House. It is designed to relocate families from the Armories to local motels which offer them a safe environment and supportive services for up to six months. This past winter, the program helped a total of 125 families. Orange County United Way is proud to join the following funders in support of this much needed program: The Allergan Foundation, Children and Families Commission of Orange County, Pacific Life Foundation, and Sisters of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation.

Program Success Story:

Ngoclen was pregnant and caring for two older daughters when she came to Illumination Foundation (IF) from the Winter Armory.

Although she was working full-time, she found it difficult to maintain stable housing for her family. Ngoclen met regularly with her IF case manager who helped her apply for permanent housing through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program. After only four months in the shelter program, Ngoclen and her family obtained permanent housing. She is currently on maternity leave from her job, but plans to work full time again after the birth of her baby girl.

“I am relieved to have a stable place to call home with my daughters.” – Ngoclen

Issue No.2, Volume No. 1 Spring 2011

949.660.7600 | www.unitedwayoc.org

message from max & al

Spring is here and that means

we are gearing up for a number of Orange County United Way’s key events: Real Estate & Building Industry Mixer (May 5), Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast (May 10), and Walk United (June 25).

Living and Giving United means coming together to improve lives in our community. A great example of this in action is WALK UNITED, our Third Annual fundraiser with the Angels Baseball Foundation. WALK UNITED is a true community event – bringing together families, students, elected officials, our corporate partners and partner agencies, and many others – to overcome poverty in Orange County.

There are more than 200,000 people living below the poverty line in our county. On June 25th Max Gardner Interim President and CEO at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim, together we can improve that statistic. In order to achieve long-term change, we must set high expectations. This year, our goal is to register more than 5,000 walkers with each walker FUN-raising $250 or more. That would raise Al De Grassi more than $1 million for Chairman of the Board our neighbors in need. With your help, we can achieve this goal.

If you have already registered to be one of the 5,000 walkers, thank you. If not, please sign up and join us for this family-friendly event. Exercise, fun and games, and caring people coming together to advance the common good in our community; it doesn’t get any better than that.

As always, thanks for your support of Orange County United Way. Sincerely,

Max Gardner Interim President and CEO Orange County United Way

2 | SPRING 2011

Al De Grassi Chairman of the Board

corporate corner

A

s the 2010-11 Campaign progresses, we would like to thank our Workplace Campaign Partners for their efforts to improve lives in Orange County. We could not build self-sufficient lives without you! Here’s a snapshot of some of our recent campaigns:

Alcon increased their employee giving by 10% and added three Tocqueville donors, resulting in a $30,000+ increase in Tocqueville dollars raised. Now in their 18th year of Living & Giving United, Alcon offers year‑round employee engagement opportunities and hosts fundraisers to learn more about the needs of Orange County communities.

A third-year Workplace Campaign partner, Edwards’ employee giving has increased 102% since their first campaign. In addition to the campaign, Edwards’ employees demonstrate their concern for the community by holding fundraisers throughout the year, volunteering at local nonprofits, and sponsoring events.

Enterprise Rent-ACar’s (ERAC) robust campaign included a $0.50 : $1.00 corporate match program, Leadership giving outreach, and opportunity drawings. ERAC sponsored our 2010-11 Campaign Kick-Off event at the Muzeo Museum in Anaheim.

Our #1 retail supporter, Nordstrom donated more than $37,000 to Orange County United Way’s Community Impact Fund.

United Way has partnered with Pacific Life for more than 50 years. The 2010/2011 Pacific Life Workplace Campaign is the most successful on record with a total amount raised of $542,682 in Orange County (a 17% increase since 2008), of which $443,682 is directed to our Community Impact work (a 24% increase since 2008).

The Paul, Hastings Campaign increased more than $15K over the previous year’s campaign. The law firm kicked off its

“We’re All in This Together” campaign with a breakfast and an OCUW speaker. In addition to the launch event, they conducted a silent auction and made personal Leadership, Women Looking Forward, Tocqueville Society, and Bench & Bar outreach.

Now in their 29th year of Living & Giving United, Golden Key Partner UPS has surpassed the $1 Billion dollar mark in supporting communities across Orange County. The company that ‘loves logistics’ also loves volunteering, and has logged over 1 million volunteer hours.

Last year, Western Digital crossed the $1 million dollar mark in giving to communities through United Way, and will be kicking off their campaign this June! Their active volunteer group, Team WD, organizes regular food and toy drives, volunteer events, and blood donation banks.

OCUWEvents

05.05.11

12th Annual Real Estate & Building Industry Mixer Balboa Bay Club and Resort 1221 West Coast Highway Newport Beach www.realestate2011.kintera.org

05.10.11

8th Annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa 3050 Bristol Street Costa Mesa www.wpfbreakfast.kintera.org

06.25.11 WALK UNITED 2011 Angel Stadium 2200 Gene Autry Way Anaheim www.walkunited.com

949.660.7600 | www.unitedwayoc.org

agency success story Meet Maria*

A Healthy Start

M

“I have nothing but great things to say about the Child Abuse Prevention Center.

My whole family and I will forever be thankful to them for saving my life.”

aria suffered depression as a result of severe abuse she endured as a young child, dealing with the traumatic loss of her husband’s job, and her own challenges in finding professional stability, all while trying to properly parent and provide for her young children. She was referred to the In-Home Mental Health Program at the Child Abuse Prevention Center, a program funded by Orange County United Way. After working closely with her mental health caseworker, Maria surfaced from her depression and became a stronger, more stable parent to her children.

“Literally, I really feel that the Center was able to impact my life for the better by helping me find myself and believe Maria (left) and her caseworker, Megan Scanlan in the goodness of others. I hope that whoever reads these words understands and realizes that the work this program is doing can truly help people and continue to expand their programs, reaching out to people like me who need help.”

Child Abuse Prevention Center In-Home Mental Health Program *Name has been changed to protect confidentiality.

OCUW Women’s Leadership Council Hosts Largest-Ever United Way Women’s Summit

Ways to LIVE and GIVE UNITED in 2011

The Spring Cleaning Edition plant

flowers in the garden at a local senior center

give

your gently worn formal dresses away so a student can have a prom dress

donate

books and magazines to a local school or library

host

a “Spring Cleaning” block party and donate the proceeds to Orange County United Way

take

your boots, sweaters, and scarves to a local homeless shelter for next winter

recycle

your computer by donating it to a job training center

take

Photos (l to r): Women’s Summit Orange County, The “Happiest Place on Earth”: attendees take in an earful during the opening session.

Summit Co-Chairs Sue Parks and Artyn Gardner close the event.

M

ore than 300 women from across the country convened in Orange County March 2-4 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach to collaborate and celebrate the United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s 10-year movement to make a difference in communities across the country. Orange County United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, which includes the Women’s Philanthropy Fund (WPF) and Women Looking Forward (WLF), was selected to host this inspiring event for the first time because of the impact it’s making in Orange County. To date, the Orange County Council has raised more than $12.2 million for programs that help women and girls build self-sufficient lives.

Through the theme, “Strengthen Locally, Unite Nationally, Think Globally,” the event addressed a number of key issues including education, particularly the importance of early grade literacy, the growing power of women philanthropists despite the tough economic times, and the future of the Women’s Leadership Councils.

Since its 2001 launch, the United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s nearly 50,000 members nationwide have collectively raised more than $700 million dollars with a goal to reach the $1 billion dollar mark by 2012.

Summit sponsors: UPS, Macy’s, Wells Fargo, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, and The PIMCO Foundation.

949.660.7600 | www.unitedwayoc.org

a lunch break and deliver a meal to a homebound individual

gather

toys and games in good condition and donate them to a local children’s hospital

For more information about local organizations that can benefit from your “Spring Cleaning,” view our list of partner agencies at www.bit.ly/ocuwpartners.

Spring 2011 | 3

communityimpact recent events 1. Orange County United Way’s Destination Graduation Goes ‘Mobile’ and Global 1A. A key goal of Destination Graduation (DG) is to expose students to careers and align their interests with their skill sets. Through interactive career exploration exhibits or ‘mobile units’ created by DG partner Vital Link, students learn about the latest technologies and sciences in the sustainable energy, alternative fuels, and medical industries. On April 1, 2011, the 3-D exhibit made a stop at Huntington Beach High School, offering students a range of local career and college planning information and activities.

1B. On February 16, 2011, Orange County United Way hosted a DG program presentation and AVID classroom tour at Godinez Fundamental High School in Santa Ana. Bénédicte de Saint-Pierre, President and CEO of United Way Tocqueville France, took part in the tour to learn more about how to replicate the program for youth abroad. On the day of OCUW’s visit, the 11th graders learned how to develop a professional resume. AVID is an in-school elective class program for at-risk students who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard.

1a.

1B.

2.

3.

Photos: 1A. Students get hands on with DG mobile activity 1B. AVID student, Arleni

2. An Artful Evening On March 3, 2011, Women’s Leadership Summit attendees gathered at the Orange County Museum of Art for delicious food, dancing, and a toast to the power of women philanthropists. With support provided by Soiree Catering, The Wine Gallery of Corona del Mar, and Gallo Wine Company, the artful evening was an opportunity to celebrate women giving back to the community. The evening was sponsored locally by Wells Fargo, The PIMCO Foundation, and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Photos: Attendees enjoy the evening at the Orange County Museum of Art

3. Tax Prep 101: Santa Ana College Students, Parents Receive Tax Help, Refunds On February 23, 2011, Orange County United Way, Legal Aid Society of Orange County, Santa Ana College’s (SAC) Financial Aid Office, and Comunidad Latina Federal Credit Union joined forces to provide free income tax filing services, assistance with federal student aid filing, and access to low-cost banking services to more than 300 Santa Ana College students. This all-day event provided students and their parents with financial stability resources and services designed to further their pursuit of higher education. A total of $23,543 in federal refunds will be returned as a result of the taxes filed at SAC with $8,733 attributed to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

Photo: A SAC student shares plans for refund

4. United Way Worldwide President and CEO Visits Orange County On February 16, 2011, United Way Worldwide President and CEO, Brian Gallagher, visited Orange County United Way’s offices and also met with our Tocqueville Society to share information about the current trends in philanthropy. They include: shifts in donor perspectives, opportunities to help corporate partners meet their

4. social responsibility goals, and a breakdown of what motivates various donors to give including high-level donors (achieving impact), women (identifying with a cause, giving back to their community), and youth (identifying with a cause, valuing local and global impact).

Photo: (L to R) Co-Chair of Orange County United Way’s Legacy Circle and Real Estate Community Builders, Michael K. Hayde, Brian Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide, Max Gardner, Orange County United Way Interim President and CEO