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FUTURE Annual Report FY 21-22 July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022 UnitedWaySLO.org • (805) 541-1234 • info@unitedwayslo.org
FOCUS TO THE
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from Board Chair ............................................3 Letter from CEO....................................................4 - 5 About UWSLOC.........................................................6 Our Programs ...................................................... 7 - 9 Thank you to our Donors.....................................10-13 Our Team.................................................................14 Above: Stuff the Bus Volunteers Right: Our California Stimulus Tax Workshop
Dear Neighbor, SLO County has been my home for decades, and I’m proud to serve on the board of an organization that listens to the voices in our community and responds to the needs of our residents.
In the last 3 years we’ve started tracking the real cost of living in our county, and we’ve discovered that 1/3 of our neighbors earn less than it takes to meet the cost of living here. And 90% of those folks are working at least one job. United Way of San Luis Obispo County serves a critical need in helping folks who are in crisis by providing customized referrals from our 211 call center, which contains an amazing collection of services, so people find the help they need.
I’m even more excited about the work we do to prevent people from reaching the point of crisis in the first place. From our early reading programs to our financial literacy classes for kids, teenagers and families, to our free tax help which results in tax refunds that flow back into our community to strengthen our local economy, we are helping folks get off to a great start.
With the change of the year, we take this opportunity to thank Rick London for his many years of dedicated service to our United Way! Rick has been a real asset to our community and will continue as a great neighbor in SLO County! I’m pleased to introduce Douglas Yeiser as our Interim CEO. During this interim period in 2023 we’re already bringing exciting growth to some of our premier programs and we’ll take this transition opportunity to evaluate and strengthen United Way San Luis Obispo County to meet the demands of the future.
I invite you to join with us to make a stronger community that improves the quality of life for us all!
With appreciation,
Jeff Hamm Board Chair
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LETTER FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
Dear United Way Friends,
This will be my last annual report letter to you. During my 23 years with United Way, my understanding of our work has evolved from experiences and our efforts to have an impact on the lives of all San Luis Obispo County residents. To that end, I respectfully leave you with a heartfelt message that I believe is foundational to overcoming the challenges of our interdependent futures:
We all need to be leading by example, as alluded to, once upon a time by Arnold H. Glasow in his memorable saying: “Parents can tell but never teach, unless they practice what they preach.” In a nutshell, “walking the talk.”
Our society seems rather fractured with many of us only too ready to convene around the most sensational issues which tend to be driven by spin rather than by honesty. A spin that rarely seems to bring us all together. In the end, how we support ourselves while supporting each other may just be at the crux of the matter.
23 years ago, it was United Way’s “The Ogre Story” that sold me on the need for going upstream, if we were to get to the bottom of the root causes plaguing our society. Perhaps you have also come across the Four Agreements or the Four-Way Test? Most of us have heard about the Ten Commandments. There are many precepts to selffacilitate personal guidance towards becoming a more perfect union.
I believe that we still need a “unifying calling” that symbolizes what we all can aspire towards. A framework that has a chance for enhancing our prospects for becoming a more perfect union, be it as an individual, a household, a neighborhood, an institution, a state or even a country. We need a memorable precept that has a chance for everyone to overcome our ever-emerging social dilemmas.
To me, (CPR)2 is a secular ideal that addresses United Way’s aspirations based on principles that can nurture living by the Golden Rule; a rule that can be found at the heart of most Spiritual ideals.
4 LETTER FROM OUR RETIRED CEO
Simply put (CPR)2 is the combination of (Compassion, Prevention, & Responsibility) reinforced by (Character, Proficiency, & Resiliency). In other words, it’s a formula for reminding us that we need to be living more Compassionately, thinking more Preventively, and acting more Responsibly. That the content of our Character is foundational. That our Proficiency in the basics of health, education and financial stability is essential. And that our Resiliency is key to sustainability.
Our United Way logo stands for the ideals of Humanity, Hope, and Support. It is my sincere belief: That without Compassion and Character, we may lose our humanity. That without Prevention and Proficiency, we may lose our hope. And that without Responsibility and Resiliency, we may lose our support for ourselves and for each other.
All six factors comprising the (CPR)2 formula are necessary in order to thrive. It is essential to realize that each individual factor is interdependent on all of the other factors working together.
Even when the day comes when systemic behaviors like structural racism are transformed by a true reverence for “inalienable rights,” there will still be the need for all of us to embrace the aspiration for becoming (CPR)2 .
When winning at any cost overshadows truth, then spinning can overshadow honesty with suspicion overshadowing trust, and thereby returning us back to the days when the once pristine and proverbial Jungle overshadowed our evolving Humankind-ness.
To me, this is the essence of our social dilemma, and that (CPR)2 is a practical approach and a memorable antidote to helping us heal our way towards a more perfect union.
With that, my gratitude abounds to all of our staff, donors, board and committee members, volunteers, sponsors, my United Way Colleagues and to the efforts of all of the other Nonprofits serving San Luis Obispo County.
Blessings and Best Wishes,
Rick London
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ABOUT UNITED WAY SLO
Our Mission
To foster structural change by addressing root causes in order to safeguard the future of our community.
Our Vision
A strong, healthy, compassionate community that gives youth the foundation to thrive and succeed.
Our Impact
United Way of SLO County has been an active member of our community since 1958. We focus our efforts on four impact areas: Education, Health, Financial Stability, and Community Strengthening. Through our work, we strive to improve the standard of living for each person in SLO County.
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OUR PROGRAMS
Education
Stuff the Bus is an annual countywide community engagement effort to collect school supplies for students in need. In July and August of 2021 we held our 2nd virtual Stuff the Bus School Supply Campaign due to COVID-19. We raised over $10,000 in school supplies.
Youth Board is developing future philanthropic leaders. This group of high school students from across SLO County, meets twice a month to learn about philanthropy, increase volunteerism, and award grants to youth focused programs. 36 students from various high schools awarded three $1,000 grants. Two Future in Bloom Halpin Leadership Scholarships were awarded to 2 Youth Board leaders totaling $1,500.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides a new, ageappropriate book each month to children under the age of 5, increasing literacy and encouraging a love of reading at an early age. There were 226 children enrolled and 2,768 books mailed to homes.
Health
Compassionate Communication is a strategy for parents and teachers, as well as anyone who is interested, to help increase social emotional literacy through workshops in partnership with two local school districts. 18 participants receiving over 12 hours of instruction each.
No-Cost PPE for Non-Profits: UWSLOC and Northern Santa Barbara County United Way partnered to distribute over $20,000 in masks, gloves, and sanitizer to local nonprofits.
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OUR PROGRAMS (cont.)
Financial Stability
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance: 410 VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Federal and State returns were filed virtually by an IRS Certified Volunteer Tax Preparer with federal refunds totaling $260,146 and state refunds totaling $37,615.
MyFreeTaxes.org: 302 state and federal tax returns were self-filed by taxpayers using myfreetaxes.org with an average refund of $2,161.
Money Talks: 645 High School students participated in our Money Talks for Teens financial literacy program for over 2,863 hours of instruction.
Sammy Rabbit teaches financial literacy to young students with songs, activities, and more!
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Community Strengthening
211 SLO County is connecting our community to critical health and human resources. The free and confidential service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialing 211 or visiting 211slo.org. 4,263 calls received, 64 texts received, 5,076 unique IP visits to online public records, viewing over 18,000 resources.
VolunteerSLO.org helps the community give back by connecting them with opportunities to give, advocate and volunteer. 371 active agencies and over 5,000 active volunteers use VolunteerSLO.org to make a difference.
KYXZ 107.9 Excellent Radio fosters cultural literacy, strengthening and educating our community. KYXZ 107.9 LP FM is currently Live Streaming online with access 365 days per year, 24 hours per day, and are producing and broadcasting community affairs PSAs for 6 cities and 7 community service organizations, has 11 regular weekly shows, 15 regular volunteers and has a listener base of over 110,000 people.
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THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
United Way of San Luis Obispo County operates thanks our generous donors. Your contributions are a direct investment into our community, and we are truly grateful for your support of our work. Thank you, from your friends at United Way.
Our Income Sources
United Way of San Luis Obispo County has a long tradition of adhering to high standards of accountability and transparency. Our financials are reviewed by a volunteer committee.
Click Here to view our full financial statements, including our form 990 and annual audit.
Visionary
Bert & Candee Forbes
William Frost
Christina Bird-Holenda
Partner
Bob & Debby Alberti
Rich & Hilde Minkel
Advocate
Stuart & Arlene Atkins
David & Sandra Buck-Moyer
Jose Martinez Slvarez
Michael Hicks
Junalyn Buchholtz
Daniel J Waldorf
Jennifer & Carrie Cusack
Judith Colglazier
Andy & Jeanne Greensfelder
Joseph Mercardante
Benedict J. Erchul
Marcus A Holt
Patricia Avery Caldwell
William Safarjan
Jeff & Joannie Hamm
Supporter
Ian Parkinson
Laurent & Azita Bernad
Penny Borenstein
Timothy Onello
Gerald Clare
Josh Krebs
Jessica L Bailey
Diane K Clogston
Marianne Goedinghaus Davis
R P Fain
John C Larson
Virginia R. Walter
Rick London
Jeff & Ashlee Brown
Jane Johansen
Marian McGuire
Virginia Hanigan
Steve A. Arkowitz
Heather & James MacFarlane
Bob & Laurie Neumann
Janet Amanzio
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Delia Ruiz
Carlos Martinez
David C Beard
Sandra L Gonzalez
E L Keeling
Emma Kleeman
Shayne Sandeman
Edward Stettler
Michele & David Good
Barbara Edginton
Carl & Robin Dudley
William Newman
Paul Gimer
Leslie McKinley
Dona Connell
Isabel Kirsch
Mia Lew
J D Armstrong
D M Berber-Jimenez
Cynthia Brady
J M Cullins
A Y De Guzman
Donna L Mc Gowan
Debra E. Richardson
Lisa R. Tackett
R V Westphal
W K Winkler
Bruce & Cherie Gibson
Jens Bogesvang
Jeremy Carney
Dana & Grant Trexler
April Hoey
Linda Wleklinski
Molly Brown
David Cordero
Andrea Montes
Paul Kelley
Bryan Tran
Debra & Herbert Holt
Larry & Margie Weintraub
Wade & Jennifer O’Hagan
MaryAnn & Willian Statler
James Ream
Ralph Goff
Rudy Bachmann
Marissa Bych
Patrick Behr
James Greenfiels
Friend
Christopher & Tracey
Neary
S P Dowlan
A K Hamrick
Greg D. Klingenberg
T L Robinson
Julie M. Stewart
Andrew J Thulin
Lisa A Wallravin
Margaret Crockett
Gregory Deluca
Matthew Moore
Judy Gaskell
Richard Lent
Melissa Lile
Steven McMasters
Vicki Cyr
Gabriel Ramos
Gregg McWhorter
Kyle Ray
Kirsten Augsburger
Michael W. Blackford
S R Cullors
B A Forzetting
Mark C Hornbeck
Herschel Keel
R S Lavack
Teresa M. Macias
Christopher A Menchen
Kristina A. Olmos
Susan Pido
F Rueda
K. D. Vigil
Patricia Michniuk
Shelby Junghandel
Esmeralda Barragan
Brandan Leypon
Pam & Mike Lee
Diane McKeague
Alexis & Okie Okumura
Mike Patrick
Rena Duhl
Carrie Miller
Stephanie C Allen
M Almaguer
Cathy L. Ashe
Heather Biscoe
J P Bolger
Jere Michael Clements
Aaron Collins
Carlos Del Real
D Patricia Duty
J Frappier
Andrew S. Gonzalez
J M Gonzalez
B C Harris
Lori A Hicks
LD M Maples
Vanessa A Moore
Lillie M. Morrell
A A Nelson
Margaret Perry
B K Rider
Christine Robards
Heidi Crawford Ruiz
L T Schlemer
M N Stanton
M M. Steed
Patrick Voegele
Mark Ward
Angela M West
Tania & Matt Arnold
Angela Schmiechen
Janet Gould
Louisa V. Troemel
Christopher Alm
Marc Lea
Kimberly Phillips
Dawn Wilt
Leonardo Rodriguez
Mary Law
Jean Simpson
Tracye Fragoso
Stacy Evans
Shawn Shurick
Jeremy Hathaway
Emi Ruffoni
Jacquelyn Dietrick
William Montijo
Kevin Walsh
Meghan Tolley Burger
Crystal Qualls
Terry Afana
Cindy Ochoa
John Maki
Sharla Bishop
Thomas & Melinda Kirkland
Tami Douglas-Schatz
Bret Bowers
Martin Settevendemie
Desire Harris
Garrett Pond
Phyllis Hickey
Jesus Rocha
Breana Lujano
Diego Luna
Matthew Fagundes
Marian & Randy Anderson
Susan Knowles
John & Diana Barnhart
Janna & Bob Nichols
Larry & Sharon Chanda
Lucia Cleveland
Donna Sullivan
John Graves
Karen Blum
Joye Carter
Richard Krejsa
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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE DONORS AND WORKPLACE
Corporate Donors
Visionary
KSBY
United Ways of California
ITW- Global Tire Repair
County of San Luis Obispo
American General Media
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s
Office
Benefactor
United Way Worldwide
R. J. Weyhrich Charitable Trust
City of Pismo Beach
Partner
La Chance Charitable Fund
Sharkey Foundation
City of San Luis Obispo
Advocate
Digital West Networks
BTC HEG, INC
Balance Tratment SLO, INC
New Times
Kon Tiki Inn
Promega BioSciences
Costco #741
Ametek
Union Bank Foundation
PCL Construction, Inc.
UPS
Wacker Wealth Partners
Covelop Inc
Supporter
Sunset Honda
Caterpillar Inc.,
Specialty Construction, Inc.
San Luis Obispo Deputy Sheriff’s
Association
Cullen - Hirsch Family Legacy Fund
The Modafferi Charitable Fund
Zurn
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
US Bank - PwC (PriceWaterhouseCollins)
AT&T
Alfano Motors
RRM Design Group
Coast BMW - Nissan Coasthills CU
Wallace Group
1st Capital Bank
Coast Social Media
Ivernia Inc - DBA Mcdonalds
Friend
Susan Polk Insurance
Dimes Media Central Coast
Renaissance Charitable Foundation, Inc.
The Kiwanis Club of San Luis Obispo
Creekside Community
Perry Ford
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GIVING CAMPAIGNS
Workplace Giving Campaigns
ITW- Global Tire Repair
UPS
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Costco
Target
City of San Luis Obispo
Promega BioSciences
Zurn
FedEx Express
PCL Construction, Inc.
Pacific Coast Center
Caterpillar Inc.,
AT&T
San Luis Coastal Unified School
District
Pacific Western Bank
Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
Balance Treatment Center
US Bank
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center
Superior Courts of California
Automobile Club of So. California
Susan Polk Insurance
City of Paso de Robles
Fluor Corp.
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Verdin Marketing Ink Co.
ExxonMobil Santa Ynez Unit
Paso Robles Joint Unified School
Dist
Walmart
RRM Design Group
MindBody, Inc.
Cuesta College
JC Penney
Lucia Mar Unified School District
Delta Airlines
Housing Authority of SLO
Spotify
T Mobil
Workday
Pet Smart Inc.
Eli Lilly Sales Force
San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce
Rockwell
Duke Energy Corporation
CNG
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OUR TEAM
CEO - Douglas Yeiser
COO - Linda Wingert
Director of Equity and Resource Development -
Dr. Leola Dublin-Macmillan
Database Management Specialist - Riley Smith
Finance and Accounting Specialist - Mohini Smith
Financial Stability Program CoordinatorMaria McGlothlin
OUR BOARD
Officers:
Chair - Jeff Hamm, Retired - SLO County Health Agency
Treasurer/VC of Finance - Michael Hicks, Hicks Pension Services
Secretary - Jeff Brown, Wells Fargo Bank
VC of Community Impact - Trish Avery Caldwell, Retired - SLO
County Dept. of Social Services
VC of Marketing - Cliff Stepp, SteppUp Consulting
Director at Large - Natasha Mercurio, Richardson Properties
Directors:
Jennifer Cusack, Balance Treatment Center
Emily Pan, Youth Board President
STAY IN TOUCH
Visit - unitedwayslo.org
Like - facebook.com/unitedwayslo
Follow - instagram.com/unitedwayslocounty
Email - info@unitedwayslo.org
Call - 805.541.1234
Mail - PO Box 14309, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
