2017 United Way of Cass-Clay Annual Report to the Community

2017

UNITED WAY OF CASS-CLAY ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS Hunger. Homelessness. Poverty. Mental Health.

Your local United Way of Cass-Clay is changing the way we address these issues - we tackle the source, not just the symptoms - and we need your help to solve them for good.

No one organization can solve complex community problems. The only way we can create real, lasting change is by innovating the way people, organizations, and systems work together.

That’s the power of United Way the Force for Good that is around us every day.

Join us. Change your community for good.

WHO WE ARE Our Leadership Volunteer Leadership - Denise Kolpack Volunteer Leadership - Paul Richard Top 50 Most Generous Workplaces Board of Trustees Our Team Corporate Partners & Sponsors Financial Highlights

OUR INVESTORS

OUR INVESTMENTS 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

BOLD Goals Housing First & Housing Navigation Childcare Scholarships Education That Works Workforce Development Case Manager Student Mental Health: Student Wellness Facilitator Community Investment Committee BOLD Goals - Results & Statistics A Day in the Life: A Perspective on Poverty Imagination Library School Supply Drive Day of Caring 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program

12 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 28 30 32 34 36

Women UNITED Tocqueville Society Investors Campaign Volunteer Leadership Corporate Community Events LIVE UNITED Leader of the Year LIVE UNITED Award Winners Emerging Leaders Billboard Partnerships LIVE UNITED T-Shirt Day UNITED Acts of Kindness Day

38 40 42 43 44 45 46 48 50 51

KRISTI HUBER I love this community. Working in both for-profit and non-profit throughout my career, I have seen the power and impact of philanthropy in a community. The generous and innovative spirit of this community is at the heart of what makes it an extraordinary place to grow up, do business, raise a family, build a life, and even move back to.

In 2017, United Way of Cass-Clay and our collaborative partners focused on changing the way we address challenging issues like homelessness, hunger, poverty, and mental health. This year we were intentional in bringing the right partners together to tackle the source and root cause - not just the symptoms. We looked at innovative ways to remove the key barriers for individuals and families, and we are thrilled with the progress that was made and the results we measured together.

This year we asked the community to “Be a Force for Good.” “For good” means that we not only want to make a positive impact, but we want to solve issues like homelessness, permanently.

Our community responded with an extraordinary dedication and effort, and together we exceeded our $5.9 million goal and reached a new level of $6 million raised.

We invite you to join United Way of Cass-Clay by engaging and investing in our bold strategy and goals. Together, we can bridge the gaps to unlock the potential of families and individuals, which will positively impact not just their own lives but our local businesses, our local workforce and ultimately all of our lives as a collective community.

Kristi Huber President United Way of Cass-Clay

4 | WHO WE ARE

Rarely do you have the opportunity to be part of an organization that has so much community support, passion and benevolence at its core. For those reasons, it was a privilege to serve as Board Chair over the past year to witness the unwavering energy and commitment by the United Way team, board of directors, volunteers, community partners, and hundreds of area businesses and leaders!

Because of that dedication, I’m proud to share that I’ve discovered our local United Way has become one of the most progressive, strategic United Ways in our country. I am able to confirm our United Way’s unique standing after attending the International United Way leadership conference in Orlando, Florida, last year, talking to many other United Way staff and board members and also networking with regional United Ways.

We can be very proud of our local United Way’s results and strategic Bold Goals, having transitioned us from a community chest to a model of granting resources for defined outcomes and results. You have helped build the new approach to ensure our United Way remains relevant, impactful, and part of the fabric of our progressive community and partner organizations.

Thank you for all you do for our community and for sharing your treasure, time and talents with United Way over the past year!

Denise Kolpack Sr. Vice President, Brand & Marketing Communications Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota 2017 United Way of Cass-Clay Board of Trustees Chair

DENISE KOLPACK WHO WE ARE | 5

PAUL RICHARD 2017 was a great year, rather a BOLD year! As a volunteer, it was an honor to lift up United Way of Cass-Clay’s four BOLD Community Goals that change our community. It has been an honor to collaborate with people and volunteers that are enthusiastic about caring for others and making a difference.

There were so many ways for individuals and businesses to make an investment in United Way this year through sponsorships, giving toward new efforts such as United Way’s Workforce Development Case Manager and Housing Navigators focused on Housing First, and the Emerging Leaders program for young leaders in our community.

As a professional in the field of health care, I see firsthand the value of United Way’s critical role in uniting our efforts to work toward specific goals and measuring the return on our investment as a community. United Way’s work and efforts impact the future for all of us.

It is a great achievement to say that we exceeded our 2017 goal of $5.9 million and raised $6 million to invest in our community. Great achievements like this prepare us for the future, and I am eager to see more results as we go forward in making a difference in people’s lives throughout Cass and Clay counties.

It was an honor to serve as your volunteer campaign chair this year. Go and BE BOLD! Paul Richard Sanford Health 2017 Volunteer Campaign Chair

6 | WHO WE ARE

TOP 50

LIVE UNITED

GENEROUS

UNITED WAY OF CASS-CLAY

MOST

Top 50 Most Generous Workplaces

1 Scheels Corporation 2 Sanford Health 3 John Deere Electronic Solutions 4 Border States Electric 5 Hornbacher's 6 American Crystal Sugar Company 7 Eide Bailly LLP 8 Bell Bank 9 Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota 10 Discovery Benefits 11 Butler Machinery Company 12 Microsoft 13 U.S. Bank 14 Sammons Financial Group 15 North Dakota State University 16 Cornerstone Bank 17 The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead

18 Doosan Bobcat Inc. 19 Dawson Insurance 20 Wells Fargo 21 Caterpillar Reman Drivetrain 22 Fargo Public Schools 23 Titan Machinery Inc. 24 Roers 25 AgCountry Farm Credit Services 26 Alerus Financial 27 Warner and Company Insurance 28 Swanson Health Products 29 Nodak Insurance Company 30 Cognizant 31 General Equipment & Supplies 32 Concordia College 33 Bremer Bank 34 Cardinal IG

WORKPLACES

2018

35 Essentia Health 36 Trail King Industries 37 Vogel Law Firm 38 Sundog 39 Dakota Supply Group 40 Moore Engineering 41 CoreLink Administrative Solutions 42 Wanzek Construction, Inc. 43 Integrity Windows and Doors 44 West Acres Development 45 Xcel Energy 46 Mortenson Construction 47 Hatch Realty 48 WEX Health, Inc 49 BlackRidgeBANK 50 Midco

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.

WHO WE ARE | 7

Board of Trustees

8 | WHO WE ARE

Denise Kolpack Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota CHAIR

Susan Jarvis Sanford Health CHAIR ELECT

Matt Leiseth Hornbacher’s Foods VICE CHAIR

Dr. Anne Blackhurst Minnestota State University Moorhead

Lisa Borgen American Crystal Sugar

Chris Lerum WEX Health

Danielle Paulus Roers

Jay Lies Wells Fargo TREASURER

Paul Richard Sanford Health CAMPAIGN CHAIR

John Biwer Discovery Benefits

Daniel Dougherty Camille Grade John Deere Myriad Mobile Electronic Solutions

Mary Jo Hotzler Forum Communications Co.

Sheriff Paul Laney Cass County Government

Kim Pladson TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics

Joel Vettel Fargo Park District

Joanna Slominski Mortenson Construction

Kristi Huber President

Travis Christopher Resource Development Director

Summer Hanson Finance & Administration Director

Kristina Hein Marketing & Brand Management Director

Thomas Hill Community Impact Director

Tiffany McShane Community Engagement Director

Our Team “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.�

- Margaret Mead

Orlane Benson Community Engagement Experience Manager

Chantel Carlson Community Engagement Program Manager

Kelley Dickhudt Executive Support Specialist

Christie Gleason Resource Development Manager

Megan Jenson Community Impact Manager

Amie Northagen Communication Specialist

JoAnn Ohma Accounting & Technology Specialist

WHO WE ARE | 9

LIVE UNITED PARTNERS

PRESENTING SPONSORS

EMERGING LEADERS CATERING SPONSOR

EXCLUSIVE EVENT PRODUCTION SPONSOR

CORPORATE & EVENT SPONSORS AgCountry Farm Credit Services, BlackRidgeBANK, Consolidated Communications, Corwin Automotive Group, Eventide, General Equipment & Supplies, Gray Plant Mooty, McGough, Midco, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Network Center, Inc, Office Sign Company, Park Co. Realtors, Roers, Sagency, Saving Smiles Dentistry, Sundog, Wanzek Construction, Wells Fargo, WEX Health, Inc., Xcel Energy

10 | WHO WE ARE

BOLD COMMUNITY GOALS

1

Financial Highlights COMMUNITY SUPPORT

REDUCE HUNGER &

HOMELESSNESS

Sponsorship & Investment Income Special Events

2 TO SUCCEED BE INDEPENDENT

4

Fund Development Management

8% 7%

PREPARE CHILDREN

3 HELP PEOPLE

COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS 5%

25% 25%

60% 60%

10% 85%

Corporate Giving

LIFT PEOPLE

Individual Giving

United Way Initiatives & Community Partners

OUT OF POVERTY

Finance Committee Volunteers Celebrating A Community Milestone Thanks to our investors, we exceeded the 2017 goal of $5.9 million and raised $6 million to invest in our community. We are proud to be part of a community that is an incredible place to live, work, and be a Force For Good.

Chris Lee, Butler Machinery Company Jay Lies, Wells Fargo Emmett Worth, Gate City Bank Amber Merhiy, KPH Inc. Kevin Jordre, First International Bank & Trust, N. A. Dan Armbrust, Dawson Insurance A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company Michelle Schumacher, Microsoft Wendy Simek, O’Day Management Inc. Rebecca Walen, Bell Bank

WHO WE ARE | 11

Prepare Children to Succeed After fleeing from her country, suffering third-degree burns, seeing her dad drafted as a soldier and losing her mother, Irma was a 9-year-old foster child in Fargo looking forward to the first day of school after receiving a backpack and supplies from the United Way of Cass-Clay School Supply Drive - the very first year it was coordinated here in our community.

“

Having the things you need for your first day of school sets the tone for how things will go in the future – it has helped me belong.

Because of that sense of belonging, I was able to excel in my life, get a college degree from NDSU and now have a full-time job, but it is thanks to people that give to United Way and helped me as a child.

“

- Irma Ciber 1998 School Supply Drive Recipient

Community Partners Collaborating to Achieve Our Bold Goals American Red Cross, Dakotas Region | Emergency Services Program Churches United for the Homeless | Emergency Shelter & Services FM Coalition for Homeless Persons | Coordinated Assessment Referral & Evaluation (CARES) FM Dorothy Day House of Hospitality, Inc. | Emergency Shelter & Services, Food Pantry Fraser, Ltd. | Stepping Stones Resource Center Great Plains Food Bank | Childhood Hunger Initiative, Food Recovery & Distribution Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity | Family Support Program Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. | Transitional Housing New Life Center | Emergency Shelter & Services Presentation Partners in Housing | Financial Assistance, Housing First Housing Navigation Program Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead Area | Rebuilding Together Rural Enrichment & Counseling Headquarters (REACH) | Food Pantry Salvation Army | Hot Meals Program Youthworks | Street Outreach Program YWCA Cass-Clay | Emergency Shelter & Services, Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing

2 TO SUCCEED

PREPARE CHILDREN

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

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

Boy Scouts of America, Northern Lights Council | 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 & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. | Head Start Summer School Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota | Youth Court

Moorhead Area Public Schools | Jump Start North Dakota Autism Center, Inc. | AuSome Kids Day Program North Dakota State University TRiO Programs | Upward Bound Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals, Inc. | The Incredible Years Program South East Education Cooperative (SEEC) | North Dakota Reading Corps The Village Family Service Center | Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, Truancy Intervention Program (TIP) TNT Kid’s Fitness & Gymnastics | Special Needs Program

OUR INVESTMENTS | 13

Community Partners Collaborating to Achieve Our Bold Goals

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 | Living at Home Program

Catholic Charities North Dakota | Guardianship Program Community of Care | One Stop Service Center FirstLink | 2-1-1 Information & Crisis Services Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization (HERO) | Affordable Healthcare Supplies Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. | Rainbow Bridge Safe Exchange Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota | Kids Legal Aid Work (Kids LAW) Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota | Caregiver Support & Respite Program, Guardianship Services Program Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota | Senior Companion Program Northern Cass Public School District | Student Behavioral Health Services Rape & Abuse Crisis Center | Crisis Intervention, Therapeutic Intervention 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 Service Center | Counseling Services Vocational Training Center | Center-Based Employment Program West Fargo Public Schools | Student Wellness Facilitator Youthworks | Brief Family Counseling

Fargo Cass Public Health | Nurse Family Partnership Program Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. | Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Sites

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

14 | OUR INVESTMENTS

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

“

Amy kept encouraging me and helped me problem-solve the issues I had in my life. I didn’t believe there were good people in the world, but I guess I was proved wrong.

“ -

- Eric, Moorhead Welding Program Participant Pictured here with fiancee Leslie & daughter Aria

Lift People Out Of Poverty Workforce development is a key to lifting people out of poverty. Because of United Way donors, Eric had the support to complete a welding course so he could secure a good-paying job and build a better life for himself and his family who live right here in Moorhead.

OUR INVESTMENTS | 15

Housing First & Housing Navigation 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.

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.

“

Once you lose everything, you lose hope. I don’t think people realize the impact housing can have. Just a year and a half ago I was drinking and sleeping under bridges. And now, I got a promotion, a raise at work and got my son back. Devon is the most wonderful, beautiful, smartest baby in the world. This is the big goal and the big picture of what everyone is striving for – to help people enough so they can get on their feet, get out of the rut, fix their lives and make it on their own.

“

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.

- Dewayne, Fargo Housing Navigation Client

16 | OUR INVESTMENTS

In 2017, 20 active Housing Navigation Program Participants were able to attain housing with 80% stably housed for at least 6 months. In addition, these program participants reduced the usage of costly community services such as detox admissions, ambulance transports, jail time, emergency room visits, and emergency shelter stays.

COST REDUCTION

SAVINGS ARE AN ESTIMATED

$261,705 THIS SAVINGS AMOUNT REPRESENTS ONE YEAR OF HOUSING FOR

20 INDIVIDUALS

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.

APPROXIMATELY

75 SCHOLARSHIPS ARE GIVEN TO LOW-INCOME WORKING FAMILIES & CHILDREN EACH MONTH

THESE SCHOLARSHIPS ALLOW CHILDREN TO ACCESS HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

“

Thanks to United Way, we were able to help a married mother of two whose husband was not working due to mental illness and was struggling to pay for childcare. When we told her that we could help her two young boys remain in childcare, she burst into tears of gratitude and shared that the help was life-changing for her family.

“

18 | OUR INVESTMENTS

- Lorrie Thoemke, YMCA Cass-Clay Vice President of Early and School Age Learning Centers YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties

Education That Works 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.

“

“

You’re Hired! is a project that allows students to use STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) along with 21st-century skills to solve real, present-day problems. Students will work as a team that simulates a company to find creative solutions to relevant problems and present their results and proposals to a boardroom often involving community volunteers and United Way volunteers.

Education That Works is about reflecting the real world in the classroom. We want students to have authentic experiences with solving real-world problems that they are going to experience if they are going to lead in the future.

- Dr. David Flowers, West Fargo Public Schools Superintendent

OUR INVESTMENTS | 19

Workforce Development Case Manager When it comes to lifting people out of poverty, research has proven that educational attainment and poverty are strongly correlated. In order to address the needs of low-income individuals to attain self-sustaining employment, United Way has collaborated with Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership and Minnesota State Community and Technical College (MState).

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS - 1 This approach grows the workforce by providing training, education and support to low-income families to meet the skills gap.

2 Addresses the three key components of a two-generation model: education, economic support, and social capital. 3 The workforce development case manager assists low-income individuals with the skills and support necessary to obtain and maintain living wage employment in the highest demand career areas in our region, including welding, health care, and certified production technicians. 4 Supports individuals and households who are ready and able to develop their skills to meet the demand by the health care and manufacturing industries.

Today, thanks to United Way, the workforce development case manager will continue to provide support to clients in these MState Training Programs: welding, certified production technician (CPT) & certified nursing assistant (CNA).

“

While excellent training programs exist in our community, a person living at the poverty level may not be able to access them because of specific barriers that stand in the way of themselves and their family. The goal of this collaborative two-generation model is to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty by moving the family toward economic security while simultaneously addressing the identified need for a skilled labor force.

“

- Thomas Hill Community Impact Director, United Way of Cass-Clay

20 | OUR OUR INVESTMENTS INVESTMENTS

Amy Feland, Workforce Development Case Manager Thomas Hill, Community Impact Director, United Way of Cass-Clay

Collaborative Workforce Development Initiative When faced with a long-term, critical workforce shortage, a unified community effort is the best strategy. Since 2015, United Way of Cass-Clay has partnered with four local organizations to collaboratively tackle our workforce challenge.

Amy Feland, Workforce Development Case Manager & Welding Program Participants

“

When you can see an individual go from nearly being homeless to now working in a career and coming home every day to an apartment with his family under one roof, you can see the good that can come from this work.

I believe in them until they believe in themselves.

“

- Amy Feland Workforce Development Case Manager

Together, UNITED, we are investing in a strategy to: - CULTIVATE: Strengthen the pipeline of local talent to support regional employers - ATTRACT: Enhance and coordinate efforts to bring new talent to the region - BUILD: Develop a framework for financial self-sufficiency and upward mobility for workers in basic-skill jobs - INNOVATE: Encourage the development of innovative solutions to address the region’s workforce-related challenges United Way of Cass-Clay focuses the BUILD strategy by: - Providing childcare scholarships to working families - Creating and supporting a new workforce development case manager - Investing in multiple initiatives to prepare children to succeed in school and the future workforce and lift people out of poverty through supportive training and workforce development opportunities

Student Mental Health: Student Wellness Facilitator

The professionals provide support and provide parents/guardians with the information needed to support their child’s mental well being and to navigate the medical and insurance system. By providing services in the schools, the barrier of transportation is eliminated for students to access additional services.

97 STUDENTS IN THE FIRST 4 MONTHS

22 | OUR INVESTMENTS

RECEIVED MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT WHILE AT SCHOOL

“

We are so thankful for United Way. We know that bringing mental health services onsite to our schools will be instrumental in connecting students to the services they need and benefit the community by increasing access to and awareness of behavioral health services and resources. Today, we know more about mental health, and therefore we have an obligation to do more than we have ever done.

“

Team members Kristi Huber & Thomas Hill with Dr. Cory Steiner, Northern Cass Public School Superintendent & Katie Itterman, Burgum Family Foundation

In response to the growing behavioral and mental health needs of students in local districts, United Way has partnered with both West Fargo Public Schools and the Northern Cass School District to increase access and remove barriers for students needing services. Locally, according to the North Dakota Youth Behavior survey: Nearly 1 in 10 kids in North Dakota has attempted suicide, and only one-third feel comfortable talking to an adult about how they feel. By partnering with the school districts, Burgum Family Foundation and local nonprofit service providers like The Village Family Services and Imagine Thriving, additional services are provided to students and families to connect students who require support outside of the scope of the school counselors’ role to mental healthcare professionals.

- Dr. Cory Steiner, Northern Cass Public School Superintendent

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 76 volunteers participated in 2017.

Community Investment Committee

Chris Lerum WEX Health

Kimberly Busch TMI Hospitality Inc.

Nicole Ellis Concordia Language Villages

“ April Olson-Mata Goldmark Property Management

Mike Prekel Holiday Inn

Josh Malnourie Noridian Mutual Insurance

Thomas Loegering Wanzek Construction

As the Chair of the Community Investment Committee, I see the thoughtful approach that United Way has taken to invest in areas that 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. Our commitment to you – our investors – is that we are objective in our decisions and keep our focus on being good stewards of your invested dollars.

“

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.

- Chris Lerum, Community Investment Committee Chair

OUR INVESTMENTS | 23

24 | OUR INVESTMENTS

HOMELESSNESS

1

REDUCE HUNGER &

2 TO SUCCEED

PREPARE CHILDREN

BOLD COMMUNITY GOALS

COMMUNITY ISSUES The Research

419 BEDS

591 ARE

HOMELESS

IN OUR COMMUNITY EACH NIGHT

ARE AVAILABLE IN EMERGENCY SHELTERS TRANSITIONAL

&

HOUSING PROGRAMS

1 IN 3

CHILDREN

IN CASS & CLAY

COUNTIES QUALIFIES FOR

FREE OR REDUCED

LUNCH PROGRAM

THAT’S ABOUT 10,500 LOCAL CHILDREN

PARENT EDUCATION: PARENTS ARE A

CHILD’S FIRST

TEACHER POSITIVE PARENT-CHILD

RELATIONSHIPS PROVIDE A BETTER OPPORTUNITY FOR CHILDREN TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL

WHICH LEAVES APPROXIMATELY

172 PEOPLE

WITHOUT ACCESS TO SHELTER OR HOUSING

MENTORSHIP:

STUDENTS WHO

AT LEAST A+ HAVE ONE TEACHER

OR ADULT

TO TALK TO IN

THEIR SCHOOL ARE MORE LIKELY TO HAVE

HIGHER GRADES

COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS The Action

COMMUNITY RESULTS The Impact

295

Developed and invested in Housing First and provided Housing Navigators to remove barriers to access and maintain housing for individuals facing homelessness

77% Collaborated with nonprofits and schools to implement summer feeding programs and school food pantries to increase access to food for hungry students

Matched 3,121 students with caring mentors and expanded quality school-based mentoring programs to elementary students

RECEIVED SUPPORTIVE SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE TO ATTAIN STABLE HOUSING

OF INDIVIDUALS

WHO HAVE ATTAINED

STABLE HOUSING

HAVE MAINTAINED

STABLE HOUSING FOR AT LEAST

6

MONTHS

Expanded evidence-based parent education services to parents in West Fargo

INDIVIDUALS STRUGGLING WITH HOMELESSNESS

66%

OF PARENTS REPORT SEEING

2,312

CHILDREN RECEIVED FOOD

ON THE WEEKENDS OR

DURING SUMMER WHEN SCHOOL WAS NOT IN SESSION

THEIR RELATIONSHIP

WITH THEIR CHILD

IMPROVEMENTS IN

THE CHILD’S

85%

THE STRESSES THE

OF CHILDREN SPENT TIME WITH A

POSITIVE ROLE MODEL

BEHAVIOR CHILD IS PLACING ON

THE FAMILY

3

BE INDEPENDENT

HELP PEOPLE

OUT OF POVERTY

4 26 | OUR INVESTMENTS

1STUDENTS IN 4

PERSONS LIVING BELOW

STRUGGLES

WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN NORTH DAKOTA

THE POVERTY LEVEL WERE NEARLY 2 1/2 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO HAVE DEPRESSION THAN THOSE

AT OR ABOVE THE POVERTY LEVEL

IN NORTH DAKOTA

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE 65 YEARS AND OLDER

THE NUMBER OF

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

WHO HAVE

IS EXPECTED TO

ATTEMPTED

DOUBLE

SUICIDE

X2

BETWEEN 2000 & 2030

HAS DOUBLED IN THE PAST DECADE

LIFT PEOPLE

BOLD COMMUNITY GOALS

COMMUNITY ISSUES The Research

76% OF CHILDREN

1IN9

PEOPLE LIVES IN POVERTY

IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT’S 26,000 PEOPLE

1IN7

IN NORTH DAKOTA & MINNESOTA

HAVE ALL PARENTS IN THE LABOR FORCE POVERTY IS DEFINED AS A FAMILY OF 4

LIVING ON LESS THAN

$24,600/YEAR

CHILDREN IN OUR COMMUNITY

BY 2020 WE WILL NEED AN ADDITIONAL

THAT’S 2,400 CHILDREN

IN OUR COMMUNITY

LIVES IN POVERTY

30,000 WORKERS

COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS The Action

Expanded school-based behavioral health supports in West Fargo and Northern Cass school districts to remove barriers for students to access mental health services

COMMUNITY RESULTS The Impact

97 STUDENTS IN

THE FIRST 4 MONTHS RECEIVED MENTAL HEALTH

SUPPORT

WHILE AT SCHOOL

934 SENIORS

Provided comprehensive wraparound services to seniors in rural areas so they can stay independent and in their own homes

RECEIVED SERVICES TO HELP

KEEP THEM INDEPENDENT

OR DELAY THE NEED FOR ASSISTED LIVING

Invested in a two-generational Workforce Case Manager to provide low-income individuals with the skills and supportive services necessary to obtain and maintain living wage employment in the highest demand career areas

CNA WELDING CPT

9CHILDREN OUTWHO OFRECEIVED 10 SCHOLARSHIPS ARE

DEVELOPMENTALLY

ON TRACK IN THE AREAS OF

Invested in childcare scholarships that provide opportunities for children of low-income working families to access quality early childhood education

LITERACY AND SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS

100% OF INDIVIDUALS WHO EARNED CERTIFICATIONS IN

THEIR JOB TRAINING PROGRAM

OBTAINED LIVING WAGE EMPLOYMENT AFTER THE PROGRAM

AN AVERAGE OF

75 CHILDCARE SCHOLARSHIPS

ARE PROVIDED MONTHLY TO

LOW-INCOME WORKING FAMILIES

A Day in the Life: A Perspective on Poverty Events Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families in our community. But unless you’ve experienced poverty, it’s difficult to truly understand.

United Way’s “A Day in the Life: Perspective on Poverty” is an interactive event that bridges that gap from misconception to understanding.

During the simulation, volunteers role-play a month in poverty and experience low-income families’ lives and the challenges and barriers they face. United Way of Cass-Clay hosted seven events for the community to attend.

434

INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED

OVER 90

ORGANIZATIONS &

COMPANIES PARTICIPATED

28 | OUR INVESTMENTS

“

“

A systems approach like the one United Way is taking is our best chance of impacting the lives of people in our community. That and that we have to do more to help kids as they are severely impacted by poverty.

- Jolene Garty North Dakota South East Education Cooperative (SEEC)

“

Today I participated in “A Day in the Life: A Perspective on Poverty.” I lived a month as a 19-year-old high school dropout and single mother of a 1-year-old with a live-in boyfriend. I thought making ends meet would be a simple exercise in good planning. One tiny transportation mishap later and the realities of the difficult situation started compounding.

All my planning was for naught as I struggle with complexities such as not being able to pay rent until my boyfriend got home with cash or constantly running out of bus passes. Managing time and errands efficiently proved to be impossible. I ended the month in a far worse situation than I began, and we were amongst the luckiest of families in the simulation.

“

- Karri Mitchell, Microsoft & A Day in the Life Participant

United Way Board Member Mary Jo Hotzler and her “family” during a 2017 “A Day in the Life: A Perspective on Poverty” Event

98

VOLUNTEERS INVOLVED

OUR INVESTMENTS | 29

107,041 IN 2017 BOOKS DISTRIBUTED

Imagination Library United Way partners with Dolly Parton Foundation to provide children ages birth through 5 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! 2017 marks the 14th 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.

30 | OUR INVESTMENTS

8,920

LOCAL CHILDREN RECEIVED MONTHLY

BOOKS

“

We make reading a part of each day, and with receiving a new book every month from United Way’s Imagination Library program, we have been able to introduce a variety of topics and ideas into our son’s life. I have no doubt that being a part of the program has helped grow our son’s love for reading.

- Briann Sandholm Moorhead, Imagination Library Parent

“

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 2017, 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.

65

SCHOOLS IN CASS & CLAY COUNTIES IMPACTED

5,800

BACKPACKS DISTRIBUTED

MORE THAN 500

VOLUNTEERS

47% OF STUDENTS THAT RECEIVED SUPPLIES

ARE MIDDLE SCHOOL

OR OLDER 32 | OUR INVESTMENTS

Wiggles & Giggles Lemonade Stand for United Way School Supply Drive For the fifth year in a row, children from a local childcare center worked together to run a lemonade stand to raise money to buy school supplies for the United Way School Supply Drive.

“

This is the first year I have not been able to afford to get my daughter what she needed for school, and that is an absolute heartbreaking reality. It’s been hard enough finding a job, but to struggle to provide for my kids is even worse. My daughter and I made a promise to volunteer next year and even donate any supplies we can.

“

- Mother of School Supply Drive Recipient

$5,000

RAISED BY THE LEMONADE STAND

THOUSANDS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES DONATED

OUR INVESTMENTS | 33

“

“

I want to thank the United Way for having your Day of Caring. I greatly appreciate all the help so much. The services of the volunteer workers was especially appreciated as I have been very weak and more limited in what I can do. Thanks to the very kind and pleasant group of volunteers for their great assistance. I am blessed by having the great people be of assistance. Thank you!

- Day of Caring Senior

“

DAY OF CARING 2017 marked the 26th Annual Day of Caring Volunteer Event. Over 1,700 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

1,700 VOLUNTEERS

34 | OUR INVESTMENTS

ASSISTED

“

As a first-time volunteer for Day of Caring I am proud to be a part of a community oriented company willing to let us volunteer to help-out those that need it the most. My parents are older and are blessed to have my siblings settled in the same community to help out with all the daily tasks and chores. Today I got to see it from another perspective and know that I will be first in line to volunteer again next year. Thank you for the great opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

- Day of Caring Volunteer

A group of 23 United Way Emerging Leaders traveled to rural Cass County to help senior citizens in their homes in and around Arthur and Hunter, ND.

“

35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program 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.

36 | OUR INVESTMENTS

Since 2009, 315 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. In 2018 United Way will celebrate 10 years of developing female leadership through this program.

2017 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program Participants

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 Literacy Event.

This year, children and families enjoyed a day of storytelling, activities focused on literacy, and the opportunity to meet PBS kids character Ready Jet Go! Participants in the 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program led the volunteer efforts for the event this year and provided 65 volunteers to help children pick out books to promote literacy, tell stories and paint faces.

2017 35 Under 35 Volunteer Leadership Christen Anderson, Dynamic Communities Inc./ Christen Joy Homes Katie Bjornson, Sanford Health Amanda Carlson, State Farm Insurance Jay Bartley Agency Amber DeKrey, Doosan Bobcat Inc. Katie Ehlis, Katie Ehlis L&D Jess Engel Tvedten, Atos Heidi Knutson, Western State Bank Kelly Krenzel, Hospice of the Red River Valley

April Olson Mata, Goldmark Property Management Chelsea Monda, Sundog Jill Piela, Doosan Bobcat Inc. Briana Scearcy, Stoneridge Software Ann Schneider, TMI Hospitality, Inc. Kylie Seaberg, Microsoft

2017 35 Under 35 Participants Beth Althoff, Doosan Bobcat Lindsay Arbach, Lindsay Kaye Photography Sara Bakken, Flom Property Group - Keller Williams Roers Realty Mandie Begin, Wanzek Construction Kelly Charbonneau, Sanford Health Renee Charon, Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota Nicole Collins, Bergstrom Eye and Laser Clinic Michelle Draxten, Fargo Cass Public Health Ashley Bosh, Network Center Inc. Tamar Elias, US Bank Katie Goehring Karn, Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness Center Ashton Hansen, Morgan 20/20 Search, Inc. Liz Johnson, Eide Bailly LLP Jesika Jorgenson, Discovery Benefits Heidi King, Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Moorhead Jenna Kirschmann, Eventide Elisha Beck, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Susan Lensch, John Deere Electronic Solutions Karri Mitchell, Microsoft Katie Morisch, Clinical Supplies Management Natalie Murch, First State Bank of North Dakota Yulia Murzaeva, Widmer Roel Sarah Nikle, Edward Jones Kalie Olson, Integreon Danna Rademacher, Fargo Park District Kaarin Remmich, E.W. Wylie Irina Sagert, Titan Machinery Inc. Kelsey Smith, Western State Bank Casey Steele, Square One Rental Kitchen & Love in the Oven Bakery Lisa Svaleson Herman, Turf Tamers LLC Rachel Thurs, Great North Insurance Leah Trontvet, YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties Katherine Tulibaski, North Dakota State University Janice Tweet, Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota Jamie Wepking, Minnesota State University Moorhead

United Way Women UNITED MISSION Create a powerful network of women who strengthen our community through investment of leadership, fundraising, & community service.

“

I have been able to experience first-hand how critical the services are that United Way provides. Stories like mine are possible because of the collaborative work United Way is doing- without these supports, early interventions, and community participation, there would be so many more kids that would have really bleak outcomes. I am fortunate to have the life I have today, but it is because of organizations like United Way.

“

- Ashley Rhodes-Courter, former foster child, author, advocate & 2017 Women UNITED Luncheon keynote speaker

38 | OUR INVESTORS

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 UNITED.

2017 Women UNITED Leadership Team Danielle Paulus, Roers CHAIR Tamara Anderson, Dale Carnegie of ND and MN Courtney Buskirk, SAP Concur Kimberly Busch, TMI Hospitality Inc. Jakelle Hoffmann, ELCA Eastern ND Synod Kristin Dehmer, Moorhead Area Public Schools Amber Ferrie, Eide Bailly LLP Bobbiann Froemke, Sundog Jodi Heilman, Coach My Brand Mary Jo Hotzler, Forum Communications Company Jenna Johnson, Family Wellness Dawn Lahlum, Park Co. Realtors Jenny Olson, Microsoft Naomi Schempp, Great Northern Insurance Services Sherri Schmidt, Scheels Jill Staffne, Scheels

6th Annual May Day Baskets of Books To celebrate May Day, Women UNITED Leadership Team members in partnership with the Imagination Library program visited local childcare centers and distributed over 1,000 books.

They gave books to each child and spent time reading their favorite books to children.

Women UNITED Leadership Team on May Day Baskets of Books

12th Annual Women UNITED Golf Scramble Each summer, women gather for a friendly round of golf to benefit United Way’s work in early childhood education. This year nearly 200 women golfed in the scramble and raised over $33,000 to invest in the success of local kids. The event also included a costume contest and hundreds of donated supplies for the School Supply Drive to help students in need.

Costume Contest at the 12th Annual Women UNITED Golf Scramble

16th Annual Women UNITED Luncheon The Women UNITED Luncheon & Silent Auction hosted over 800 women and raised more than $70,000 to invest back into the community. Keynote speaker Ashley Rhodes-Courter, a young women who grew up in foster care, spoke about the importance of investing early in a child’s life.

When strong women, and the rest of our community, unite, we can give local kids the very best start in school and in life.

Women UNITED Leadership Team at the Women UNITED Luncheon

OUR INVESTORS | 39

Father & daughter Bob & Julie Alin United Way Tocqueville Investors

Lauris Molbert, United Way Tocqueville Investor, helps a young volunteer during a volunteer event to reduce hunger in our community.

“

As a caring society, we need to remove the barriers that exist for people in need to be successful.

United Way is focused on lifting people out of poverty & preparing children to be successful & independent.

When we give to United Way, we know our gift is maximized across four bold community goals that impact all of us as members of this community.

“

-Paul & Mary Jo Richard United Way Tocqueville Investors

“

“

TOCQUEVILLE SOCIETY

We are proud to be a part of the Tocqueville Investor Network & continue to increase our investment in one of the most impactful, efficient & results-driven nonprofits in our community.

-Tom & Georgia Dawson United Way Tocqueville 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 and 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 events 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.

United Way Tocqueville Investors Eric & Amber Merhiy & their son volunteered to package food to reduce hunger in our community.

OUR INVESTORS | 41

Campaign Volunteer Leadership Over 40 volunteers worked with United Way as part of the Campaign Cabinet in 2017. This group of volunteers helped lead us throughout 2017 to help meet our campaign goals to ensure that we can invest in helping people in need in our community.

Paul Richard 2017 Campaign Chair Sanford Health

Erik Hatch 2018 Campaign Chair Hatch Realty

Danielle & Ken Paulus 2019 Campaign Co-Chairs Roers & Appareo Systems

2017 Campaign Cabinet Volunteers Cody Aldinger, TMI Hospitality, Inc. Dave Anderson, Sanford Health Mary Bommersbach Holden, Sammons Financial Group Ashley Bosh, Network Center, INC Kriss Burns, PRO Resources Susie Carlson, Eide Bailly LLP Janna Curry, West Acres Development Kristin Dehmer, Moorhead Area Public Schools Erik Diederich, Industrial Builders Inc. Sara Frith, General Equipment & Supplies Christie Gleason, YMCA of Cass-Clay Counties Jayne Gust, Sanford Health Alex Hagedorn, First International Bank Dale Hetland, Starion Financial

42 | OUR INVESTORS

Charley Johnson, Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau Connor Johnson, Hatch Realty Shelly Kegley, Bell State Bank Janelle Klinke, Eventide Senior Living Communities Heather Konschak, West Fargo Schools Tim Lystad, John Deere Electronic Solutions Amanda McKinnon, MSPIRE Tracy Meckler, The Chamber Dani Miller, KW Inspire Realty John Nelson, Ben Franklin Middle School Nancy Nelson, Consolidated Communications Rob Neuteboom, Rasmussen College Patrick Novak, Border States Electric Rammie Olson, Bank of the West

Jeremy Ostrowski, Border States Electric Jamey Pesek, Principal Financial Group Eric Piela, CoSchedule Kim Pladson, TNT Kid’s Fitness Beth Richels, Sundog Jim Schaefbauer, Capital Credit Union Angie Scoville, Western State Bank Paul Tebben, U.S. Bank Mona Tedford, Bremer Bank Jeff Thomas, Cornerstone Bank Rachel Thurs, Great North Insurance Greg Wald, Moore Engineering Steve Walker, Gate City Bank JoVal Wettlaufer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota Mary Zoss, Microsoft

Corporate Community Events

“

Not only is it wonderful to be able to open up our doors and give back to support a great organization like United Way, this event also gives our employees and staff a chance to volunteer their time to make an impact in our community.

8th Annual Roers/Keller Williams Chili Feed for United Way The Annual Roers/Keller Williams Chili Feed is one of the best lunches to be at in town, and all proceeds go to United Way. Over 50 chili recipes - including all of the fixings, corn bread adn dessert - are served to a packed house. This year over $44,600 was raised at the 8th Annual Event.

“

-Matt Leiseth, Hornbacher’s President

Integrity Windows & Doors 5K Run 2017 was the inaugural year of the Integrity Windows & Doors 5K Run for United Way. Employees, family and friends participated in the 5K run and kids 1/2 Mile Fun Run to benefit the work of United Way. It was a morning filled with energy, enthusiasm, and good company!

10th Annual Hornbacher’s Gobble It Up for United Way $5 Lunch Hatch Cash For the second year, Erik Hatch of Hatch Realty donated $500 of “Hatch Cash” to United Way each time the NDSU Bison scored a touchdown during home football games at the FARGODOME. Thank you to Erik and family for joining out team out on the field to present a check for $14,500!

Each summer, Hornbacher’s partners with United Way to serve a delicious $5 lunch. This year marked the 10th annual event, which raised over $29,000 for United Way! Nearly 150 volunteers at seven Hornbacher’s locations served lunches and encouraged people to support their community!

OUR INVESTORS | 43

2017 LIVE UNITED Leader of the Year Award 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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota started with a threepronged focus: to volunteer, to give and to share our support for United Way with enthusiasm. Their Annual 5K for United Way engaged more than 200 runners and raised over $3,400, they increased individual donors over last year, and they had over 250 employees help 69 seniors on United Way’s Annual Day of Caring. Thank you for believing in investing in our community and being a Force for Good!

250 Blue Cross Blue Shield Employees Volunteer for United Way’s Day of Caring Event

2017 LIVE UNITED Award Winners Outstanding Employee Engagement Award American Crystal Sugar Company (500+ employees) Cognizant (100-500 employees) Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. (fewer than 100 employees)

Integrity Windows & Doors, Best NEW United Way Campaign Award

Outstanding Campaign Cabinet Volunteer

Choice Financial, Community Engagement Award

Erik Diederich, Industrial Builders, Inc.

Best NEW United Way Campaign Integrity Windows & Doors (500+ employees) BNG Team (fewer than 500 employees)

Most Innovative & Creative Campaign Cornerstone Bank

Community Engagement Award Choice Financial Group

Emerging Leader Catalyst of the Year Alissa Maier, Discovery Benefits

Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership, Inc. Outstanding Employee Engagement Award

OUR INVESTORS | 45

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 volunteers at the School Supply Drive, Day of Caring, and Housing Navigation as well as hear from leaders in the community on a variety of topics.

In 2017 nearly 475 young people joined Emerging Leaders and participated and contributed nearly $255,000 toward United Way’s Bold Goals. More than 126 companies were engaged in supporting their employees to participating in Emerging Leaders events and become an Emerging Leader.

United Way held 12 events to connect, build skills and volunteer for the community.

475 LEADERS

EMERGING

HOURS VOLUNTEERED

“

“

1,900

I decided to join Emerging Leaders because it was a great way to connect with my community and also meet like-minded individuals and work with them to grow professionally, personally, and also give back to the community.

- Bret Kinzler, Alerus Financial United Way Emerging Leader

$45,914 VALUE OF

VOLUNTEER HOURS

126 BUSINESSES

REPRESENTED

OUR INVESTORS | 47

2017 Billboard Partnerships All LIVE UNITED Partner Sponsors receive the opportunity to be featured on a United Way billboard.

United Way also offers a unique corporate sponsorship opportunity for any company to sponsor a United Way billboard and participate in this co-branding experience.

48 | OUR INVESTORS

LIVE UNITED

Member FDIC

BETTER TOGETHER

OUR INVESTORS | 49

5th Annual 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 5th Annual LIVE UNITED T-Shirt Day. Thank you for participating. You don’t just wear the shirt - you live it!

2nd Annual UNITED Acts of Kindness Day 2017 was the second year we encouraged people to not only wear the shirt but LIVE IT. On the 5th Annual LIVE UNITED T-Shirt Day, we asked people 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, co-workers and strangers.

Some businesses donated gift cards for employees to pay it forward.