2016 United Way of Cass-Clay Report to the Community

2016 ANNUAL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

United Way of Cass-Clay

WHO WE ARE Our Leadership Top 50 Most Generous Workplaces of 2016 Volunteer Leadership Board of Trustees Our Team Corporate Partners & Sponsors Financial Highlights Community Investments

4-5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12-13

OUR INVESTMENTS Bold Goals Childcare Scholarships Housing Navigation Project Education That Works & Workforce Development Initiative Community Investment Results and Statistics Imagination Library School Supply Drive Day of Caring 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program

14-16 17 19 21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31

OUR INVESTORS Women’s Leadership Council Tocqueville Society Investors and Volunteers Campaign Volunteer Leadership LIVE UNITED Leader of the Year Corporate Community Events LIVE UNITED Awards Emerging Leaders Billboard Partnerships LIVE UNITED T-Shirt Day United Acts of Kindness

32-33 34-35 36 37 38 39 40-41 42-43 44-45 46-47

AS PART OF THIS GREAT COMMUNITY, WE COLLECTIVELY SHARE A RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR SOCIETY, AND THE FUTURE OF CHILDREN LIKE LAUREN...

This past summer, our United Way team met Lauren. She was nine years old and living at a homeless shelter with her dad, John, who had recently lost his job. John told us he was worried that the first day of school was coming up soon and he didn’t want his daughter to go to her first day of 4th grade without a new backpack and supplies like all of the kids in her class.

Thanks to people like you who give to United Way, we were able to tell John about our School Supply Drive. But, it still made me think about Lauren’s future. Will she have a place to come home to each day after school? Graduate from high school? Have opportunities to seek out a career? Will she have a family of her own that is successful? With your support, there is hope for Lauren to succeed.

When we exercise our compassion for our neighbors, coworkers, and students like Lauren, we build a foundation for prosperity and inspire others to stand up and make a difference for the community where we work, live and do business. One of the reasons individuals and businesses choose United Way as a strategic partner is because their personal values and corporate philanthropic goals directly align with our 4 Bold Community Impact Goals, and we are stronger together.

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and investors like you, our United Way achieved our goal of raising $5.7 million to invest toward our 4 Bold Community Impact Goals. You may ask-how does my individual contribution make a difference?

By giving together, UNITED, we can accomplish more than we could ever achieve alone.

United Way brings people and community resources together to address the most pressing issues we face as a community.

We all win when children enter kindergarten ready for school success, when a student completes high school with a plan for work and life, and when people have enough income to support their families. These results ripple throughout our community and help us all, by making our communities stronger and our businesses better-positioned for success.

Thank you for investing in United Way. Your generosity has impacted the lives of individuals, families and children forever.

Kristi Huber United Way of Cass-Clay President

4

OUR LEADERSHIP

THIS HAS BEEN THE BEST ROLE I COULD IMAGINE TO HELP CONTRIBUTE TO MY COMMUNITY AND MAKE OUR COMMUNITY BETTER...

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Chair of the United Way Board of Trustees and Community Investment Committee this year. When I moved to Fargo from Blaine, Minnesota, in 1991, I thought that it would be a quick stop on our family’s journey, but I loved this community so much, that I never left.

This community is great because of the people that work to make it better each day. The team at United Way is talented, knowledgeable and high-energy, which has made serving in this role fun and meaningful.

We are fortunate as a community to have the kind of leadership that exists in our local non profit organizations-these leaders are impressive and so dedicated to their work. I have enjoyed meeting and connecting with the nonprofit leaders that put so much effort in to serve people in need and measure the results of their work.

Chris Lerum United Way of Cass-Clay 2016 Board of Trustees Chair 2016 Community Investment Committee Chair

I have been able to see the thoughtful approach that United Way has taken to invest in areas that will have the biggest impact in our community. It is smart, strategic, and we’re seeing the results of those investments now, which is exciting for all of us.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to say thank you to the people who invest in United Way. Our commitment to you – our investors – is that we are thoughtful and objective in our decisions, always keeping our focus on being good stewards of your invested dollars. Thank you for believing in United Way’s work!

5 BOLD COMMUNITY

GOALS 1

REDUCE HUNGER &

HOMELESSNESS

2 TO SUCCEED

PREPARE CHILDREN

3 HELP PEOPLE

BE INDEPENDENT

4 LIFT PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY

5 RAISE & INVEST $29 MILLION

BY 2020 4

5

TOP 50 MOST GENEROUS WORKPLACES

2016 TOP

50 MOST

More than 650 businesses partner with United Way every year. These businesses serve as a role model for corporate social responsibility which in turn creates a culture of caring among their employees.

Additionally, they are leading the way by empowering and encouraging their employees to get involved, volunteer and give back to the community we all call home - and it’s having a positive impact on the lives of thousands of men, women and children.

6

GENEROUS WORKPLACE

United Way of Cass-Clay

LIVE UNITED

1 Scheels Corporation 2 Sanford Health 3 John Deere Electronic Solutions 4 Eide Bailly LLP 5 Border States Electric 6 Bell Bank 7 Hornbacher’s 8 Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota 9 American Crystal Sugar Company 10 Butler Machinery Company 11 Discovery Benefits 12 U.S. Bank 13 Microsoft 14 North Dakota State University 15 Sammons Financial Group 16 TMI Hospitality, Inc. 17 Titan Machinery Inc. 18 Fargo Public Schools 19 Wells Fargo 20 Doosan Bobcat Inc. 21 Gate City Bank 22 Roers 23 The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead 24 Dawson Insurance 25 Caterpillar Reman Drivetrain

26 Cornerstone Bank 27 Alerus Financial 28 Swanson Health Products 29 AgCountry Farm Credit Services 30 Spectrum Aeromed 31 Warner and Company Insurance 32 Essentia Health 33 Bank of the West 34 Concordia College 35 Cardinal IG 36 Dakota Supply Group 37 CoreLink Administrative Solutions 38 UPS 39 Xcel Energy 40 General Equipment & Supplies 41 Vogel Law Firm 42 Nodak Insurance Company 43 Case New Holland Fargo Plant 44 Trail King Industries, Inc. 45 Moore Engineering 46 Mortenson Construction 47 BlackRidgeBANK 48 Bremer Bank 49 West Acres Development 50 Cass County

From seeing kids at a child care center raise money to help other kids have school supplies, to working with business leaders to improve workforce development, or watching a senior citizen smile at a Day of Caring volunteer, to feeling the energy of our dedicated Campaign volunteers, it is easy for me to see how United Way impacts all of us.

2016 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

It has been an honor to collaborate with people and volunteers that are truly enthusiastic about caring for other people in their community and dig deep to reach goals that change a lot of lives in this community. I am so proud to serve with the people and volunteers that do the work to better our community.

What I appreciate about our local United Way is they are part of a bigger network of change-makers across the state, nation and world. While all the dollars we raise stay local, United Way’s work unites Xcel Energy as a company and impacts more than 70 United Ways across our eight state territory and is highlighted time and again by our employees as one of the most fun and most meaningful parts of working for Xcel Energy.

As an active volunteer for The Chamber, Economic Development Corporation, and State of North Dakota, I see first-hand the value of United Way’s critical role in uniting our efforts to reach specific goals. When we work together, there is a synergy and greater impact that we could not achieve working on our own.

With your help, we achieved our goal of raising $5.7 million which has a major impact on the societal needs of our two county area and touches the lives of people who need and deserve our assistance.

United Way amplifies your voice and make your dollar go further. I am grateful for the experience to see this work first hand. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the community and thank you for investing in United Way. Mark Nisbet 2016 Campaign Chair North Dakota Principal Manager Xcel Energy

7 7

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

8

Chris Lerum WEX Health CHAIR

Denise Kolpack Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota CHAIR ELECT

Susan Jarvis Sanford Health VICE CHAIR

Rock Messerschmidt Bell Bank TREASURER

John Biwer Discovery Benefits

Dr. Anne Blackhurst Minnesota State University Moorhead

Lisa Borgen American Crystal Sugar Company

Daniel Dougherty Camille Grade Myriad Mobile John Deere Electronic Solutions

Mary Jo Hotzler Forum Communications Co.

Sheriff Paul D. Laney Cass County

Matt Leiseth Hornbacher’s

Danielle Paulus Roers

Erin Prochnow YWCA of Cass-Clay

Joel Vettel Fargo Park District

Mark Nisbet Xcel Energy 2016 CAMPAIGN CHAIR

Joanna Slominski Mortenson Construction

UNITED WAY TEAM

Kristi Huber President

Chantel Carlson Community Engagement Manager

Travis Christopher Resource Development Director

Kelley Dickhudt Executive Support Specialist

Summer Hanson Finance & Administration Director

Kristina Hein Marketing & Brand Management Director

Thomas Hill Community Impact Director

Tiffany McShane Community Engagement Director

Brittany Edmondson Accounting & Technology Specialist

Megan Jenson Community Impact Manager

Kelly Rotar Communications Project Manager

Taya Spelhaug Resource Development Manager

9

CORPORATE PARTNERS & SPONSORS

PREMIERE SPONSORS—LIVE UNITED PARTNERS

PRESENTING SPONSORS

EXCLUSIVE EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR

CORPORATE & EVENT SPONSORS American Crystal Sugar Company, Bobcat Doosan Inc., Chef’s Table, Choice Financial, Cornerstone Bank, Corwin Automotive Group, Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co., PLLP, Great North Insurace Services, Green Street Promotions, Matt’s Automotive Service Center, Midco, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Network Center Inc, Park Co. Realtors, Roers, Ramada Plaza & Suites, Sterling Grace Properties at Keller Williams Inspire Realty, Wex Health, Xcel Energy

10

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

GRANTS, SPONSORSHIPS & INVESTMENT INCOME SPECIAL EVENTS

7% 7%

59%

INDIVIDUAL GIVING

Thanks to our investors, we met the 2016 goal of raising $5.7 million to invest in our community.

Our investments support our work in the 4 Bold Community Goals.

CORPORATE GIVING

27%

1 COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS

FUND DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

FINANCE COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS

CHAIR: Rock Messerschmidt, Bell Bank Dan Armbrust, Dawson Insurance Lisa Borgen, American Crystal Sugar Company Kevin Jordre, Bremer Bank Amber Merhiy, KPH, Inc. Michelle Schumacher, Microsoft Wendy Simek, O’Day Management Becky Walen, Bell Bank Emmett Worth, Gate City Bank

REDUCE HUNGER &

HOMELESSNESS

2 TO SUCCEED

PREPARE CHILDREN

9% 4%

87%

INVESTMENT STRATEGY, COMMUNITY PARTNERS & INITIATIVES

3 HELP PEOPLE

BE INDEPENDENT

4

LIFT PEOPLE

OUT OF POVERTY

11

COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS

The individuals on the Community Investment Committee provide the volunteer leadership needed to make crucial decisions as to how and where dollars are invested locally, and ensure investments align with our FOUR BOLD COMMUNITY GOALS. Each year, the volunteers on the Community Investment Committee lead a team of Community Investment Review Panel volunteers to carefully review applications and visit the locations of the Community Partners applying for United Way funding to help propose investment decisions to the United Way Board of Trustees. Any United Way investor is invited to volunteer to serve on a review panel and 86 volunteers participated in 2016.

12

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS

Chris Lerum, CHAIR WEX Health

Kimberly Busch TMI Hospitality Inc.

Nicole Ellis TMI Hospitality Inc.

Thomas Loegering April Olson-Mata Mike Prekel Josh Malnourie Goldmark Property Holiday Inn Wanzek Noridian Mutual Management Insurance Company Construction

“The FM Coalition for Homeless Persons considers United Way of Cass-Clay to be our number one partner in achieving an end to homelessness and hunger in the region. The Coalition and United Way working together have the influence and expertise to move our partners and adopt change in policies and practices that will have real, positive impact.

Together we can achieve our goals through the combination of evidence, resources and relationships.�

-Laurie Baker F/M Coalition Executive Director United Way Community Partner

2016 Community Partner Breakfast

When

KEN was

homeless, he was able to stay in a shelter that was there for him thanks to people like you. Now he is in his own apartment, but pays it forward by coming back to the shelter to volunteer to serve meals nearly every day of the week.

1313

COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS COMMUNITY PARTNERS COLLABORATING TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL

1 • • • •

REDUCE HUNGER &

HOMELESSNESS

Access to food for people who are hungry Homeless outreach efforts Shelter for people who are homeless Interventions that decrease homelessness

American Red Cross, Dakotas Region | Emergency Services Program Churches United for the Homeless | Emergency Shelter & Services F/M Coalition for Homeless Persons | Coordinated Assessment Referral & Evaluation (CARES) Fargo Moorhead Dorothy Day House of Hospitality | Emergency Shelter & Services, Food Pantry Fraser, Ltd. | Stepping Stones Resource Center

Great Plains Food Bank | Childhood Hunger Initiative, Food Recovery Program Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity | Family Support Program Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership | Transitional Housing New Life Center | Emergency Shelter & Services Presentation Partners in Housing | Housing Assistance Vouchers, Housing First Housing Navigation Program Rebuilding Together | Rebuilding Together FM Rural Enrichment & Counseling Headquarters | Food Pantry Salvation Army | Hot Meals Program Youthworks | Street Outreach Program

YWCA Cass-Clay | Emergency Shelter & Services, Transitional & Permanent Supportive Housing

COMMUNITY PARTNERS COLLABORATING TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL

2 TO SUCCEED

PREPARE CHILDREN

• • • •

14

School readiness programs Early intervention screenings for children Quality out of school time programming Quality parent education efforts

Boy Scouts of America, NLC | Comprehensive Youth Development Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley | Club Programming CHARISM | Check & Connect | Youth Development Program Children’s Consultation Network | Early Screening Fargo Public Schools Fargo Adult Learning Center | Even Start Family Literacy Program Girl Scouts-Dakota Horizons | Youth Enrichment Program Lakes and Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. | Headstart Summer school Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota | Youthcourt

Moorhead Area Public Schools | Jump Start

North Dakota State University TRiO Programs | Upward Bound Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals, Inc. | Incredible Years Program South East Education Cooperative (SEEC) | North Dakota Reading Corps

The Village Family Services | Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, Truancy Intervention Program (TIP)

With your support,

ANGELINA

proudly gradated from Fargo South thanks to a tutor named Shaylee, who helped her believe in herself and her dreams.

15

COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS COMMUNITY PARTNERS COLLABORATING TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL

3

HELP PEOPLE

BE INDEPENDENT

• Services for victims of violence & abuse • Access to behavioral health & counseling services • Assistance to senior citizens • Quality of life for vulnerable individuals

Barnesville Area Helpers | Block Nurse Program Catholic Charities of North Dakota | Guardianship Program Community of Care | One Stop Service Center

FirstLink | 2-1-1 Information & Crisis Services

HERO | Affordable Healthcare Supplies Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership | Rainbow Bridge Safe Exchange Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota | Kids Legal Aid Program Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota | Caregiver Support & Respite Program, Guardianship Services Program Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota | Senior Companion Program

North Dakota Autism Center | AuSome Kids Day Program Rape & Abuse Crisis Center | Counseling Services & Legal Advocacy Red River Children’s Advocacy Center | Forensic Interviews Red River Human Services Foundation | Activity Center Sexual Abuse Treatment Program | Sexual Abuse Treatment Program South Central Adult Services | Prescription Assistance Program

The Village Family Services | Counseling TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics Academy | Special Needs Program Vocational Training Center | Center-Based Employment Program Youthworks | Brief Family Counseling

COMMUNITY PARTNERS COLLABORATING TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL

4

LIFT PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY

• Access to quality childcare for working families • Support to first time low income parents • Quality parent education programs • Workforce Development programs 16

Fargo Cass Public Health | Nurse Family Partnership Program

Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership | Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Sites Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota | Childcare Aware SouthEastern ND Community Action Agency | Childcare Center, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Sites The Village Family Services | Nokomis Childcare Centers Workforce Development Partnership YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties | Childcare Scholarship Program YWCA Cass-Clay | A Child’s World Childcare Center

CHILDCARE SCHOLARSHIPS There is a growing body of nationally recognized research pointing to the long term benefits and return on investment from providing high-quality early childhood education to low income children. The benefits not only improve kindergarten readiness levels, but improve third grade reading levels, high school graduation rates and dramatically increase the lifetime earning potential for students who benefit from quality early childhood experiences.

United Way is working to remove barriers for low-income families to access quality childcare. The result? More kids are receiving a higher quality of childcare. In turn, they’re better prepared for school and better prepared for life.

286

LOW INCOME CHILDREN

WERE ABLE TO ACCESS HIGH QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION BECAUSE OF CHILDCARE SCHOLARSHIPS

A local dad helps his daughter with an activity at the Share a Story Family literacy event at Rheault Farm.

17

ERICA & JENNA

When you give, you invest in who had nutritious food to eat this summer when school lunches weren’t available to them.

18

Emerging Leader volunteers worked with Presentation Partners in Housing this fall to help remodel a home for a family in need benefiting from the Housing First Initiative.

HOUSING NAVIGATION PROJECT As the issue of homelessness continues to grow, United Way knows that innovative solutions are needed to help local people in need be housed more rapidly, and for longer periods of time.

With the help and expertise of an experienced leadership team, United Way co-designed and launched this new project focused on collaboration and stopping the cycle of homelessness.

The United Way Housing Navigation Project is a community based solution-focused strategy that assists individuals with complex and frequently occurring issues that prevent them from accessing and maintaining stable housing.

The goal of this investment is to create a new culture of service delivery and enhance collaboration and partnerships among homeless service providers.

With this new approach, our partners will create a link between existing resources and case management, thus closing gaps and removing barriers in order to achieve housing stability for our most vulnerable homeless population-men, women and children who are chronically homeless.

United Way is proud to partner with Presentation Partners in Housing to implement this innovative strategy and we look forward to sharing the impact this work will have on local people experiencing homelessness.

19

KARA

When you invest in United Way, you help a nurse and mother of three, who dedicates her life to advising young moms in poverty on how to provide the best future for their children.

20

EDUCATION THAT WORKS & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE O

OO

LS

FA R G

EDUCATION THAT WORKS

LIC S C H

B PU

Developing 21st Century skills in order to succeed in tomorrow’s economy is critical for students to have and are the skills employers expect. These 4 skills are: COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION, CRITICAL THINKING and CREATIVITY. One of the goals of Education that Works is to communicate with teachers, students, parents and the business community about these 21st century skills.

Education that Works is the result of United Way collaborating with public school leaders and the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation working together to shape tomorrow’s workforce.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Full of energy and ideas, more than 150 volunteers from every sector came together as part of a community-wide collaboration of the Regional Workforce Partnership & Collaboration.

A study focused on four action areas to help ease the region’s workforce shortage was done, and according to the report, in 2015 the Fargo Moorhead region had more than 6,700 job openings. Within the next five years, the region is projected to have more than 30,000 openings. To address these workforce barriers, a five-year strategic plan was put in place with the four goals: CULTIVATE, ATTRACT, BUILD, and INNOVATE.

21

BOLD COMMUNITY IMPACT GOALS

UNITED WE

22

REDUCE HUNGER &

591+

5,590

MEN, WOMEN

& CHILDREN IN

CHILDREN GO HUNGRY

ARE HOMELESS

COUNTIES

24%

ARE UNDER THE AGE OF

18

OUR COMMUNITY

IN CASS & CLAY

HOMELESSNESS

AND...

EACH NIGHT

(THAT’S 141 KIDS)

UNITED WE

PREPARE

CHILDREN

TO SUCCEED

3

UNITED WE

READ

PROFICIENTLY BY

3RD GRADE ARE

KIDS WHO

4X

MORE LIKELY TO

GRADUATE

1,846

LOCAL REPORTS

INDEPENDENT

ONE HALF

LIFT PEOPLE

OUT OF POVERTY

14

OF ALL CHRONIC MENTAL ILLNESS BEGINS BY THE AGE OF

POVERTY IS DEFINED AS A FAMILY OF 4 LIVING ON LESS THAN

$24,600/YEAR 2,221 LOCAL CHILDREN UNDER 5 ARE LIVING IN POVERTY

3X TO CUT SCHOOL

& USE DRUGS

1 IN 10 CHILDREN

HELP

UNITED WE

DON’T ATTEND

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS MORE LIKELY ARE

FROM HIGH SCHOOL

OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT WERE ASSESSED THROUGH SOCIAL SERVICES LAST YEAR

PEOPLE BE

4

STUDENTS WHO CAN

90%

OF A CHILD’S BRAIN IS DEVELOPED BEFORE THEIR

5TH BIRTHDAY

IN NORTH DAKOTA & MINNESOTA

HAVE EXPERIENCED

3 OR MORE

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

SUCH AS VIOLENCE, HUNGER

OR HOMELESSNESS

75% OF FAMILIES IN ND & MN ARE

TWO PARENT

WORKING FAMILIES

AND IN NEED OF CHILDCARE

75,950

MEALS

WERE SERVED TO MEN, WOMEN AND

IN NEED

3,129

OF TEACHERS

STUDENTS

INDIVIDUALS

READY TO LEARN

WERE GIVEN BACKPACKS OF FOOD

AND FAMILIES

TO PREVENT HUNGER

SPENT THE NIGHT IN A LOCAL HOMELESS

ACCESSED STABLE

HOUSING

& PARTICIPATE ON MONDAY MORNING

WHEN SCHOOL LUNCHES

SHELTER

528 PEOPLENG

REPORTED THEIR STUDENTS WERE

WERE NOT AVAILABLE

270 PEOPLENG

MAINTAINED STABLE HOUSING

FOR 6 MONTHS

AFTER RECEIVING FOOD ON FRIDAY

81% OF KINDERGARTNERS WHO PARTICPATED IN HIGH QUALITY PRE-K EDUCATION IN MOORHEAD WERE SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND ACADEMICALLY ON TRACK

TO SUCCEED IN KINDERGARTEN

83%

7,281 STUDENTS WERE IN A SAFE & ENGAGING PLACE DURING AFTERSCHOOL HOURS PROVIDING MENTORSHIP, TUTORING, PHYSCIAL ACTIVITY & LEADERSHIP

11,761

TO PROFICIENCY

SAFE & STABLE IN THEIR OWN HOMES BECAUSE OF IN-HOME HEALTH & GUARDIANSHIP SERVICES

176 FIRST TIME LOW-INCOME MOMS WERE PAIRED WITH A TRAINED NURSE TO PROVIDE WEEKLY IN HOME SUPPORT

WERE PAIRED WITH POSITIVE MENTORS

FORENSIC INTERVIEW TO PROSECUTE THE OFFENDER & BEGIN THE HEALING PROCESS

COUNSELING WERE PROVIDED

SENIORS WERE ABLE TO REMAIN

1,907 YOUTH

402 CHILDREN WHO EXPERIENCED ASSAULT PARTICIPATED IN A

HOURS OF

491

OF LOCAL K-3 STUDENTS IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN READING PUTTING THEM ON TRACK

2,091

LOCAL ADULTS

RECEIVED COUNSELING

SERVICES AFTER

EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC OR SEXUAL VIOLENCE

283

SAFETY

VICTIMS PLAN

WITH A LEGAL ADVOCATE

TO...

• HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY • PROVIDE RESPONSIBLE CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN • BECOME MORE ECONOMICALLY SELF-SUFFICIENT

SINCE 2000-THERE HAS BEEN A

56% REDUCTION IN MATERNAL DRINKING 23% REDUCTION IN SMOKING 67% REDUCTION IN INSTANCES OF VIOLENCE

87%

COMPLETED A

OF LOCAL PARENTS REPORTED THEIR CHILD’S

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL HEALTH

IMPROVED AFTER PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAMS

286

LOW INCOME CHILDREN & FAMILIES

FAMILIES WERE ABLE TO ACCESS

COMMUNITY NEEDS & RESULTS

CHILDREN

82%

2,226

HIGH QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

BECAUSE OF CHILDCARE SCHOLARSHIPS THESE CHILDREN CONSISTENTLY EXCEED DEVELOPMENTAL GROWTH EXPECTATIONS FROM FALL TO SPRING

23

IMAGINATION LIBRARY United Way partners with the Dollywood Foundation to provide children ages birth through five with a free book in the mail each month and to spark a love for reading. Our partnership provides children in Cass and Clay counties the possibility to build a home library of 60 books before they enter kindergarten! 2016 marked United Way’s 13th year with the program.

As parents are a child’s first teacher, Imagination Library gives them a fun and easy way to get involved with their child’s early education. Studies show that 97% of parents surveyed reported that the program has encouraged them to read more to and with their children.

9,068

LOCAL CHILDREN RECEIVED BOOKS

EACH MONTH

108,816 BOOKS DISTRIBUTED

24

Women’s Leadership Council member, Amber Ferrie, helps a child pick out a book to take home during the annual May Day Baskets of Books event

IMAGINATION LIBRARY Women’s Leadership Council member, Sherri Schmidt, reads to children during the annual May Day Baskets of Books event

25

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE Our School Supply Drive provides students in need with a new backpack and grade-appropriate school supplies so they can start school in the fall confident, ready to learn and prepared to succeed. In 2016, we partnered with hundreds of businesses and individuals and engaged more than 500 volunteers to pack and distribute backpacks filled with thousands of school supplies that were given to children in 65 local schools. This is one of our most popular events and volunteers look forward to it every year.

BACKPACKS DISTRIBUTED BY GRADE 1,494 Grades K-2 1,504 Grades 3-5 1,405 Grades 6-8 1,451 Grades 9-12

5,854 STUDENTS EQUIPPED

65

LOCAL SCHOOLS IMPACTED

500+

VOLUNTEERS 26

A volunteer from Mortenson Construction helps two students select backpacks during the School Supply Drive at the FARGODOME

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

YOUTH LIVING UNITED AWARD WIGGLES & GIGGLES DAYCARE

For the fourth year, children from a local daycare had a lemonade stand and used the proceeds to buy school supplies. This year, they raised over $3,200 and filled 14 carts.

CHAIR: Pat Kotta Penny Crowder, Dawson Insurance Sarah Fredricks, West Fargo Public Schools Barb Grabar, Fraser, Ltd. Marti Jensen, General Equipment & Supplies Brook Spaulding, Park Christian School Kevin Spaulding, Summit Group Software Brad Storm, West Fargo Public Schools

27

DAY OF CARING

2016 marked the 25th Annual Day of Caring.

Over 1,600 individuals volunteered their time to assist 470 senior citizens in their homes.

Local seniors requested help with basic housework, from prepping for winter by raking and mowing to dusting inside. They enjoyed an afternoon of companionship as well as help from the caring United Way volunteers.

470

LOCAL SENIORS ASSISTED

1,600

VOLUNTEERS

28

Western State Bank Day of Caring Volunteer Team

DAY OF CARING Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Day of Caring Volunteer Team

29

35 UNDER 35 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 2016 PARTICIPANTS

MISSION: Mobilize the caring power of women, energize and inspire women to make a difference and deepen leadership opportunities in the Cass-Clay community for young women.

Since 2009, 280 women have participated in the program. The women meet monthly to focus on issues pertinent to young leaders such as goal-setting, communication, personal growth, board leadership, public speaking, conflict management, and other leadership topics.

Participants in the program represent various industries throughout our community. Each year, volunteers aspire to select a group of dynamic and diverse women to experience the leadership program.

30

Shireen Alemadi, Minnesota State University Moorhead Christen Anderson, Dynamic Communities Inc. / Christen Joy Homes Sharon Andrews, First International Bank & Trust Megan Beck, CoSchedule / Girl Develop It Fargo Ashley Berkenpas, Presentation Partners in Housing Abby Boggs-Johnson, Discovery Benefits Laura Bryson, Freedom Community Credit Union Shannon David Misialek, North Dakota State University Aimee DeSherlia, Rasmussen College Katie Ehlis, Katie Ehlis Learning & Development Trish Enger, HUB International Insurance Brooke Erstad, Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness Center Cheri Haarstick, Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co., PLLP Angela Hagen, QBE NAU Lisa Klabunde, Dakota Medical Foundation Bethany Kleven, Bell Bank Erin Koeppe, Concordia College Erin Kuehl, Sanford Health

Jeanine Larson, Heritage Homes & Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties Rachael Lawson Ashley Martodam, Self-Employed, LuLaRoe Retailer Kelsey McFarlane, TMI Hospitality Jenny Miner, CoreLink Administrative Solutions Kali Mork, Fargo-Moorhead Athletic Commission powered by the FMCVB Bonnie Oelschlager, Hospice of the Red River Valley Katherine Orth, Family HealthCare Alycia Peter, Rasmussen College Kimberly Peterson, Lillestol Research LLC Jill Piela, Doosan Bobcat, Inc. Stephanie Schroeder, Discovery Benefits Kylie Seaberg, Microsoft Natalie Silva, Magnum Electric Elise Siverson, Eide Bailly LLP Amber Vogel, Alerus Nicole Welle, viaONEHOPE

35 UNDER 35 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP PROGRAM LIVE UNITED 35 UNDER 35 CATALYST OF THE YEAR KELLY KRENZEL In 2016, Kelly Krenzel, a 35 Under 35 Alumn, started Hope Blooms as a passion project with the main goal of simply inspiring hope, delivering happiness and emotional healing to people in our community. Her selfless dedication to the happiness of others, specifically those who may not have anyone else to lift their spirits, is precisely what this community needs more of.

Hope Blooms repurposes donated flowers by rearranging them into beautiful bedside bouquets and delivering them to community members in need, all with one message: YOU MATTER.

SHARE A STORY FAMILY LITERACY EVENT

United Way partners with the Fargo Park District and Prairie Public Broadcasting to host the annual Share A Story Family Literacy Event.

This year, children and families enjoyed a day of storytelling, activities focused on literacy, and the opportunity to meet PBS Kids characters Peg + Cat. Participants in the the 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program lead the volunteer efforts for the event and this year provided 66 volunteers to help children pick out books to promote literacy, tell stories, paint faces, and prepare food to ensure a fun day.

35 UNDER 35 VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP Courtney Barstad, MODE/ Mama Mia Inc. Kimberly Busch, TMI Hospitality Amanda Carlson, State Farm Insurance Amber DeKrey, Doosan Bobcat, Inc. Jennifer Dietz, U.S. Bank Jess Engel, Atos Kristi Engelstad, F-M Ambulance Service Katie Hutton, Eide Bailly LLP Kelly Krenzel, Hospice of the Red River Valley Nikki Kressin, First International Bank & Trust Chelsea Monda, Sundog April Olson-Mata, GOLDMARK Property Management Ann Schneider, TMI Hospitality Carrie Snyder, Eide Bailly LLP

31

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

2016 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

MISSION: Create a powerful network of women who strengthen our community through investments of: • Leadership • Fundraising • Community Service Women who give an annual gift of $600 or more or a combined gift of $1,200 with a spouse or partner are members of Women’s Leadership.

Women’s Leadership Member, Lisa Artz, reads to children during May Day Basks of Books

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL CELEBRATES 15 YEARS It is humbling to know that 15 years ago in 2001, there were some amazing leaders who decided to start the United Way Women’s Leadership Council. During that year, 4 brave, trailblazing women decided to start a movement to involve more women in the work of United Way. They had a vision.

These four women leaders, who had this vision are Mavis Bennett, June Hayer, Tammy Miller and Karen Offutt.

That first year had quite the impact on this community and on women as leaders in philanthropy. After that first year, Women’s Leadership Council: • Generated more than $70,000 in new pledges to United Way • Attracted 76 new United Way givers

CHAIR: Danielle Paulus, Roers Tamara Anderson, Dale Carnegie Training Lisa Artz, Choice Financial Group Jakelle Cornell, ELCA Eastern ND Synod Amber Ferrie, Eide Bailly LLP Shara Fischer, GoodBulb Bobbiann Froemke, Sundog Jodi Heilman, Coach My Brand Mary Jo Hotzler, Forum Communications Co. Jenna Johnson, Family Wellness Dawn Lahlum, Park Co. Realtors Dr. Melissa McCulley, McCulley Optix Gallery Jenny Olson, Microsoft Dr. Stephanie Roers Beiswanger, Summit Chiropractic Sherri Schmidt, Scheels Jill Staffne, Scheels

Women’s Leadership Luncheon Chair, Danielle Paulus, and United Way President, Kristi Huber, honor founding Women’s Leadership Council members June Hayer and Mavis Bennett at the Women’s Leadership Luncheon

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MAY DAY BASKETS OF BOOKS

To celebrate May Day, Women’s Leadership Council members brought baskets of books to our partnership with the Imagination Library program.

They visited local childcare centers, gave books to each child and spent time reading their favorite books to the children.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP GOLF SCRAMBLE

Each summer, women gather for a friendly round of golf to benefit United Way’s work in early childhood education. This year 192 women golfed in the scramble which included a costume contest and hundreds of donated supplies for the School Supply Drive to help students in need.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

The Women’s Leadership Luncheon and Silent Auction hosted 800 women - the largest crowd in its history. Keynote speaker Laura Schroff spoke of an invisible thread that ties us all together.

“An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. Imagine a society full of invisible threads and acts of kindness that ripple outward through years and generations. We are all connected through the work of United Way.”

33

United Way means a lot more to our family than a traditional charitable contribution...

We consider our gift an investment for our family because of the positive impact it has on the community, the organizations we work for, and our own children’s future. With so many great charitable causes in the community that need support, it can be overwhelming to know where to invest. We rely on United Way’s due diligence and focus to best allocate our investment knowing it will have a tremendous impact.

- Patrick and Erica Chaffee, United Way Tocqueville Investors

34

TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY

Sandra and Jim Roers speaking at the Tocqueville Investor Fall Social

TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY INVESTORS

United Way recognizes Tocqueville Society Members for their vision to build a brighter and stronger future for our community. Their leadership creates measurable change in Cass & Clay Counties by helping children achieve success in school and in life, putting families on the path to financial stability and improving the health of all.

Our generous and distinguished members reflect extraordinary concern, foresight and dedication to creating opportunities for a better local Cass-Clay community through an annual contribution of $10,000 or more to United Way. Each year, United Way invites current and potential Tocqueville members to a fall event to network, socialize, and learn more about how their gifts to United Way make a significant impact on the lives of people that live and work in our community. United Way of Cass-Clay’s Tocqueville Society has had an active local membership for over 10 years.

VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

CHAIR: Tammy Miller, Border States Electric Erica Chaffee, Petro Serve USA Patrick Chaffee, Bell Bank Thomas Dawson, Dawson Insurance Brian Hayer, Warner and Company Michelle Killoran, Scheels Nick Killoran, Great North Insurance Services

35

CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP 2016 CHAIR: Mark Nisbet, Xcel Energy 2017 CHAIR: Paul Richard, Sanford Health 2018 CHAIR: Erik Hatch, Hatch Realty

2016 CAMPAIGN CABINET VOLUNTEERS Over 40 volunteers worked with United Way as part of the Campaign Cabinet in 2016. This group of volunteers helped lead us throughout 2016 to help meet our campaign goals to ensure that we can invest in helping people in need in our community.

Michelle Blakeman, TMI Hospitality, Inc. Mary Bommersbach, Sammons Financial Group Kriss Burns,Volt Workforce Solutions Susie Carlson, Eide Bailly LLP Kristin Dehmer, Moorhead Area Public Schools Valerie Fiske, Park Co. Realtors Sara Frith, General Equipment & Supplies Kristin Gille, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Christie Gleason, YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties Jayne Gust, Sanford Health Ashley Hahn, Sundog Kayce Halley, Eide Bailly LLP Kyle Haugland, BlackRidgeBANK Dale Hetland, Starion Financial Caileen Heuertz, Alerus Financial Charley Johnson, Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau Shelly Kegley, Bell Bank Janelle Klinke, Eventide Senior Living Communities Heather Konschak, West Fargo Public Schools Matt Marshall, City of West Fargo Amanda McKinnon, MSPIRE

OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN CABINET VOLUNTEER STEVE WALKER 36

Tracy Meckler, FMWF Chamber John Nelson, Fargo Public Schools Thomas Nelson, Border States Electric Patrick Novak, Border States Electric Rammie Olson, Bank of the West Jamey Pesek, Principal Financial Group Eric Piela, CoSchedule Kim Pladson, TNT Kids Fitness & Gymnastics Academy Beth Richels, Sundog Melissa Rydell, Roers Jim Schaefbauer, Capital Credit Union Angela Scoville, Western State Bank Joanna Slominski, Mortenson Construction Paul Tebben, U.S. Bank Mona Tedford, Bremer Bank Jeff Thomas, Cornerstone Bank Rachel Thurs, Great North Insurance Services Steven Walker, Gate City Bank Gary Weinberger, John Deere Electronic Solutions Mary Zoss, Microsoft

LIVE UNITED LEADER OF THE YEAR

LIVE UNITED LEADER OF THE YEAR BORDER STATES ELECTRIC

As the top award given by United Way, this recognizes an organization with outstanding commitment to United Way and an excellent workplace campaign.

The recipient of this award is an exclusive leader that engages their employees to invest to make our community a great place to live, work and succeed.

This year, the LIVE UNITED Leader of the Year was given to Border States Electric for their fun and engaging “We The People LIVE UNITED” campaign.

They held creative events such as a sumo wrestling contest, a silent auction and more. They had an entire department dedicated to the success of their campaign.

37

CORPORATE COMMUNITY EVENTS HORNBACHER’S GOBBLE IT UP FOR UNITED WAY $5 LUNCH

Each summer, Hornbacher’s partners with United Way to serve a delicious $5 lunch. This year marked the 9th annual event which raised over $27,000 for United Way! Nearly 150 volunteers at seven Hornbacher’s locations served lunches and encouraged people to support our community!

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT HORNBACHER’S

ROERS CHILI FEED FOR UNITED WAY

The Annual Roers Chili Feed is one of the best lunches to be at in town, and all proceeds go to United Way. Over 50 chili recipes are served to a packed house including all of the fixings, corn bread and dessert. This year over $41,500 was raised at the 7th Annual Event.

SUNDOG BLOCK PARTY

The first ever Sundog Block Party took place in September. For $5, people were invited to enjoy a burger or brat, chips and drink. Tickets were also available to purchase for raffle prizes, including an Apple watch, Mall of America package and more. All proceeds for this event went to United Way.

38

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SUNDOG

LIVE UNITED AWARDS

Awards winners from the Great North Insurance Team are interviewed by our own Jimmy Fallon (Eric Piela) during the LIVE UNITED Awards and Campaign Results Event

2016 LIVE UNITED AWARDS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Sundog

OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT Great North Insurance Services BNSF Railway Hornbacher’s

LIVE UNITED LEADER OF THE YEAR Border States Electric LIVE UNITED 35 UNDER 35 WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP CATALYST OF THE YEAR Kelly Krenzel, Hope Blooms

The 2016 LIVE UNITED Awards & Campaign Results Event brought some Fallon love to Fargo. United Way volunteer Eric Peila, acting as Jimmy Fallon and our very own Travis Christopher, acting as Steve Higgins announced the winners to a crowd of over 400 at the Hilton Garden Inn. 2016 Campaign Chair Mark Nisbet of Xcel Energy was able to make the exciting announcement that we not only met, but exceeded the campaign goal of $5.7 Million - because of YOU! You are the game changers...you are making this community a better place and we can’t thank you enough!

LIVE UNITED EMERGING LEADER CATALYST OF THE YEAR Lucas Moran, John Deere Electronic Solutions

OUTSTANDING CAMPAIGN CABINET VOLUNTEER Steve Walker - Gate City Bank BEST NEW UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN Myriad Mobile MOST INNOVATIVE & CREATIVE CAMPAIGN Flint Group YOUTH LIVING UNITED AWARD Wiggles & Giggles Daycare OH SNAP! BEST PHOTO AWARD Hatch Realty HUB International

Travis Christopher announcing awards at the LIVE UNITED Awards and Campaign Results Event

39

EMERGING LEADERS

United Way of Cass-Clay is cultivating young leaders to advance our community. Emerging Leaders are a network of community-minded professionals under the age of 40 who invest at least $300 annually in United Way and want to connect with others and volunteer.

The three pillars of the group are CONNECT, BUILD SKILLS, & VOLUNTEER. Emerging Leaders have had opportunities to volunteer at the School Supply Drive, Day of Caring, Housing Navigation as well as hear from leaders in the community on a variety of topics While participating in an Emerging Leader Volunteer Opportunity, Lucas Moran was inspired to do more. He took the initiative to recruit his John Deere Electronic Solutions (JDES) teammates to volunteer. Because these volunteers had a specific skillset, they were able to make a significant impact.

LIVE UNITED EMERGING LEADER CATALYST OF THE YEAR LUCAS MORAN 40

By connecting the “right� people to the needs, the JDES crew was able to help speed up the process of moving a family into their new home and out of homelessness.

EMERGING LEADERS

Emerging Leader volunteer Eric Piela reads to local childcare centers as part of a reading event in December.

41

BILLBOARD PARTNERSHIPS United Way offers a unique corporate sponsorship opportunity to participate in a co-branding experience.

In 2016, 12 billboards featured local businesses with their employees, volunteers, families and products demonstrating how they LIVE UNITED.

TOGETHER WE INVEST

INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY

IN EDUCATION

INVEST

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

INVEST

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Member FDIC

INVEST IN YOUR

COMMUNITY

INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY 42

BILLBOARD PARTNERSHIPS

INVEST

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY

INVEST

IN YOUR COMMUNITY

INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY

PROUD TO INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY

Gate City Bank is a Member of the FDIC

43

LIVE UNITED T-SHIRT DAY

It’s more than a shirt – it is making a commitment to partner with United Way to help those in need and bring about social change in our community.

More than 1,000 LIVE UNITED shirts were sold and over 50 businesses and organizations joined in our 4th Annual LIVE UNITED T-Shirt Day. Thank you for participating. You don’t just wear the shirt, you live it.

The team at CCRI showing their LIVE UNITED spirit on LIVE UNITED Tshirt Day

44

The team at Xcel Energy showing their LIVE UNITED pride on LIVE UNITED Tshirt Day

LIVE UNITED T-SHIRT DAY

The team from Mortenson Construction gathers in the new lobby at the Sanford Health Hospital on LIVE UNITED Tshirt Day

45

UNITED ACTS OF KINDNESS

This year, we asked that people don’t just WEAR the shirt but LIVE IT. As part of the 4th Annual LIVE UNITED T-Shirt Day, people were asked to do a UNITED ACT OF KINDNESS for one other person.

Individuals and organizations took part in the event. Some paid for coffee for the car behind them while others wrote notes of encouragement to friends, coworkers and strangers. Some businesses donated gift cards for their employees to pay it forward.

The Choice Financial team delivered hot cider to their clients for their United Act of Kindness

46

Kindergarteners from a local Elementary school delivered Thanksgiving cards to their friends at the Vocational Teaching Center for their UNITED Act of Kindness

47

UnitedWayCassClay.org unitedway@unitedwaycassclay.org 219 7th Street South Fargo, ND 58103 #LIVEUNITEDFM