Living United, Issue 02 by UWGC

May 2018

ROLL CALL

Meet our innovative new partners

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Legacy of Leadership

Our longtime president says goodbye

Family Affair

An inside look at our new approach to helping families in poverty

Heimans at the Helm

The dynamic duo leading this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campaign

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT In this latest issue of Living United, you’ll read about some changes at United Way. One of them is our major shift to more directly help children and families in our region who are in poverty. You’ll learn about our Family-Centered Learning initiative, which brings nearly 100 partners together to rethink the way we assist families who are struggling. We’re one of the only organizations in the country doing work like this. I’m proud of it and hope you’ll enjoy learning more. The other change is bittersweet for me. After 43 years of service, I will retire as president in May. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your support and generous commitment to our work over the years. After nearly two decades as president of United Way of Greater Cincinnati, I’m still truly inspired every time our community steps up to help others. Thank you for believing in our collective mission, because together, we’re able to unite communities and change lives. With your support, United Way is making a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals. I look forward to supporting United Way’s work for a long time to come even though I won’t be in the building every day. Thank you for Living United! Cordially,

MEET THE HEIMANS

IN THIS ISSUE

A dynamic duo joins this year’s fundraising campaign About Gary

Meet the Heimans

Family-Centered Learning

Roll Call

Rob Reifsnyder Retires

Giving Back is Easy

Investing in the Future

Tomorrow’s Leaders

Gary Heiman is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Textile Co., Inc. He became president of STC in 1988 and CEO in 1994. Heiman served as President and/or Chairman of the Board of Trustees of numerous organizations including the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati, the Jewish Community Center and The Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati. He is a former trustee of the University of Cincinnati and board member of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Heiman currently serves as a board member of Cintrifuse, and a member of the Cincinnati Business Committee and The Commercial Club. About Kim Kim Morris Heiman is Managing Director at Standard Textile Co., Inc. and President of SK Textile, a textile fabricator for the hospitality industry. She has worked in the textile industry for over 30 years.

Robert C. Reifsnyder President

Together they run a thriving global business right here in Cincinnati. This year, Gary and Kim Heiman, Cincinnati’s dynamic husband and wife duo, are teaming up to lead United Way’s annual community campaign as the 2018 volunteer co-chairs.

ABOUT UNITED WAY United Way of Greater Cincinnati is addressing poverty head-on. Our work is focused on helping children, families, and individuals in poverty or struggling to meet basic needs. We bring people and organizations together across our 10-county, 3-state region through leadership, innovation, and investments. Together, with 90,000 supporters and 140 partner agencies, we’re creating a community where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.

CONNECT WITH US

@UnitedWayofGreaterCincinnati

@UnitedWayGC

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Living United is a publication from United Way of Greater Cincinnati, 2400 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45212. It is mailed to supporters of United Way. Prefer paperless, but want to keep in touch? Sign up for the digital edition at UWGC.org/newsletter. If you have questions about the material in this publication, contact the Marketing Department at 513-762-7100 or email live.united@uwgc.org

Their leadership will be instrumental as we continue to invest in programs and services directly helping families in poverty.

She is currently on the Board of Trustees for the University of Cincinnati and chairs an initiative of the Jewish Federations of North America. Her past community involvement includes Hadassah Foundation where she served as Treasurer, Rockwern Academy board, work with Bridges for a Just Community, Hebrew Union College, The American Jewish Committee, Israel Bonds and the Junior Achievement Globe Program. She is also a past President of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. About Standard Textile Co., Inc. Standard Textile Co., Inc. (STC), is the world’s largest, vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of healthcare, hospitality, interiors, consumer textiles and apparel. Today, STC has 24 manufacturing facilities in 12 countries, customers in over 90 countries, and annual revenues approaching $800 million.

“United Way’s partnership with corporate Cincinnati demonstrates that with a little heart and the right leadership, every business has the ability to show employees that making a difference is not only easy but rewarding as well. Together we can build a better future for those around us right here at home.” – Gary & Kim Heiman, 2018 United Way community campaign co-chairs 1

FAMILY AFFAIR

Putting families at the center of our work

In March, more than 300 people came together at the Cintas Center for United Way’s Family-Centered Learning Launch — a day of learning with our partners as we work together to create long-term solutions and system changes across the region for families in poverty. The charge is clear: We must produce and scale services that help the whole family, not just one or two members. We have to engage families in the decision-making process and meet them where they are. We must break the cycle of racial disparities. And we must offer this help in stronger, faster, more collaborative ways. Now we put the ideas into practice. Together, we take the next step to tackle our shared goal of helping families move out of poverty for good.

“This is a new era of learning that will change the way we help families.” – Rob Reifsnyder, president, United Way of Greater Cincinnati

Up close Our partners shared ideas such as:

•• Invite families to be on boards so their voices are heard

•• Think of the work as “partnering” with families rather than “serving” families

•• Value collaboration and seek content

“This family-centered approach is perfect ... and we’re just looking forward to having the additional support from United Way and having more partners who are on board with the work that we’ve been doing.” – Tyran Stallings, D.A.D. Initiative, one of United Way’s new partner organizations

experts at other organizations for areas where you may lack

UNITING COMMUNITIES AND ENTREPRENEURS Poverty has an inordinately high impact on the black community. United Way has placed a high value on diversity and inclusion in our effort to reinvent the way our community helps families move out of poverty. For example, one way we’re doing this is with our partners. 8 of our 11 new partner organizations are directed by black leaders. Some of those include:

“I think that this new mission and vision, the way that United Way is moving forward, better reflects a United Cincinnati.”

MORTAR Building communities through entrepreneurship

- Allen Woods, co-founder, MORTAR Cincinnati

“It’s really important for organizations like United Way to invest in bold ideas. With United Way investing in MORTAR through what we’re doing, we’re able to help people who want to seek other paths, the nontraditional methods of taking care of their families. What we’re trying to do is introduce entrepreneurship into the cycle of poverty, so that we can break the cycle. We’re working to build a legacy of entrepreneurship and generational wealth.” – Allen Woods, co-founder, MORTAR Rosemary’s Babies Providing resources to pregnant teens, teen parents, and parents of teens who are pregnant or have children “Teen pregnancy prevention has always been a focus in our community, and yes – the numbers are going down – but there hasn’t been a direct focus on teen parenting, and what that looks like, especially with a generational approach. Having partnerships like United Way and other agencies that are already making a difference in the community, we will be better equipped to serve these families, and break the cycle of both generational pregnancy and generational poverty.” - Rosemary Oglesby-Henry, founder and CEO, Rosemary’s Babies D.A.D. Initiative Engaging young people with mentors and programs that creative positive experiences “We don’t believe in reinventing the wheel. There are people who are content experts, and what we’re looking to do is to integrate some better philosophies or some different philosophies and share what it is that we do that may be a little more innovative and different, as we’re a newer organization and maybe a younger organization, so we have a lot of different ways of thinking that may not be as traditional as some of the storied organizations.” - Tyran Stalling, executive director, Directing Adolescent Development (D.A.D.) Initiative

United Way’s 11 new partners • Center for Employment Opportunities • CWFF Child Development Center • Family Independence Initiative • Healthy Homes Block by Block • MORTAR • Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission • One Community One Family, Inc. • Rosemary’s Babies Co. • Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses • The DAD Initiative, Inc. • UMADAOP of Cincinnati, Inc.

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

NEW WAY TO SEE WEEKLY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES United Way’s longtime president, Rob Reifsnyder will retire in May after 17 years at the helm. Under Reifsnyder’s leadership, United Way convened top leaders and area nonprofits to build community solutions around key regional issues, including the importance of investing in kindergarten readiness and reducing regional poverty. “It has been an honor to serve the Greater Cincinnati community for nearly two decades as the President of United Way of Greater Cincinnati,” said Reifsnyder. “This is an incredibly giving community, extremely engaged in finding new ways to help people improve their lives. While much work remains to be done, I am excited about the future of Greater Cincinnati and our United Way.” A graduate of Princeton University, Reifsnyder’s 42-year career has been dedicated to service at several United Ways throughout the United States. Prior to joining United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Reifsnyder served as President of Metro United Way in Louisville for 14 years – where he led the organization to become the fourth fastest growing United Way.

What’s Next United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Board of Directors is overseeing a national search. BeecherHill, an Ohio headquartered executive search firm, will conduct the search and will commence a comprehensive and inclusive stakeholder engagement process to inform the profile of United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s next President.

When we unite people with volunteer opportunities, we can change lives. If you are ready to join us as we work to address poverty in our region, there are a variety of ways for people of all ages and skill levels to help. Just check our Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn pages every Thursday morning for a new opportunity. Each Thursday, our social media accounts will feature #VolunteersUnited, which will include a different volunteer opportunity from United Way or one of our agency partners – 52 opportunities in total. If you would like to learn about additional opportunities, be sure to check our volunteer portal at CincyHelps.org. We are always adding new content, and you can even sign up to be notified when there are opportunities that match your interests.

Five simple reasons to volunteer! •• •• •• •• ••

Help address a cause you’re passionate about Develop new skills Meet new people Connect with your community Expand your horizons

Well wishes

“Rob Reifsnyder is one of the most outstanding United Way leaders of his generation. He’s committed to our community impact mission, and knows how to connect with donors, volunteers, and all stakeholders, which is what’s necessary to scale the impact. Our worldwide network will miss Rob’s day-to-day leadership and voice.” – Brian Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide.

“Rob has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his tenure. I’ve been proud to witness his dedication, compassion, and strategic mindset in developing key initiatives to move our community forward to help those who need it most. Finding the right leader to carry forward Rob’s foundation will be critical for the future of our region.”

OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE You may remember seeing this radiant and hopeful face during our 2017 campaign season. Her name is Monique Gilliam, and she has quite the story of triumph over tragedy, using United Way’s partner Bethany House to help turn her life around. Monique now works as the Director of Community Strategy for Councilwoman Tamaya Dennard’s office. We are incredibly proud of Monique. This is what it looks like to have an opportunity to thrive.

– Julia Poston, Board Chair, United Way of Greater Cincinnati & Office Managing Partner, EY 6

PLANTING SEEDS FOR THE FUTURE

UNITED WAY BOLD: A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE

It’s often said the seeds of today are the blooms of tomorrow. A planned gift to the United Way of Greater Cincinnati Foundation in an investment in a bright future. It provides United Way the long-term financial stability and flexibility to continue to build a stronger, healthier community for years to come. We can help you create a customized planned giving strategy that will ensure your passion and generosity truly last forever. It’s not just giving for today or tomorrow — it’s giving for the future.

Roddell McCullough is the Director for Community Development with First Financial Bank, and a graduate of United Way BOLD: Board Orientation & Leadership Development program.

Gifts to the Foundation can be made in honor or in memory of someone, and can be given in a variety of ways. The impact is clear. Recent endowments helped support a variety of causes such as housing and care for children with behavioral problems and providing food, clothing and shelter to people in need. Over the past year, the Foundation has distributed more than $4,000,000 for the important work in our community.

“I found the class to be a tremendous opportunity to equip me for taking the leap into nonprofit board participation,” McCullough said. “The information and tools provided via the class - speakers, mock board meeting, and interaction with nonprofit executive directors at the agency fair - was all tremendously valuable in setting expectations.” Fast forward to graduation and beyond, it is clear United Way’s BOLD program impacted his career in more ways than one. “I have gone on to become the Board Chair of Powell Crosley YMCA, and now a member of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Association Board,” he said. “Because of my passion for nonprofit board participation, I was approached by our CEO and Chief Banking Officer to take a new role as the Director of Community Development for First Financial Bank. For anyone looking for a life-changing experience, consider applying for a future BOLD session, and begin writing your BOLD story.”

Your support can be given in a variety of ways. •• Outright gift of cash or appreciated stock •• Designate United Way as the beneficiary of a retirement account, current life insurance policy or new policy

•• Make a bequest by designating United Way in your will

•• Create a split gift such as a charitable

gift annuity, charitable remainder trust or charitable lead trust

Lisa O’Brien, United Way Foundation Board Chair We sat down with Foundation Board Chair, Lisa O’Brien, to learn why she believes in the work of the Foundation and what she would say to encourage others to get involved as well. When and How did you get involved with United Way? I’ve been giving to United Way since back in the early 1990s. First in Denver, then Morgantown, West Virginia. I moved to Cincinnati in 2000. I think things really ramped up when I was asked to work with several other fabulous women to create what is now the WINGs giving society (Women Investing In The Next Generation.) I’ve been involved on one, or more, committees ever since.

What would you say to someone considering the generous act of becoming a donor and supporting United Way’s work?

Why should the community support our Foundation and make a gift that will last a lifetime?

There are so many! When I look at all of the things I love, they all have one thing in common. They all took tenacity, people in our community taking ownership to make this a better place, and not giving up when the going got hard. So what one thing do I love? The tenacious spirit of this community!

Because the Foundation is like the piggy bank for our community. United Way annual campaign dollars are the regular budget dollars used to meet the critical needs of our community. But just like

saving money at home, (for emergencies, for your dream home/ vacation/college, or for your retirement) you also need to think about and plan for those situations in our community. Emergencies such as the recession or the opioid epidemic or something ‘big’ like Preschool Promise, or just to make sure United Way can keep doing what it is doing for a long time. I challenge everyone who believes in United Way’s impact on our community to think about adding to the piggy bank!

Just Do It! If you are thinking about supporting United Way’s work, then I promise whatever it is you saw that drew you in to even consider it, will be proven to you many times over once you dig in and really see the impact of the work United Way has on the people in our community. Give what you can, whenever you can, and any way you can. It makes a difference … to a child, to a friend you’ve not yet met, to a neighbor, to the place you call home. What’s your favorite thing about Cincinnati? One thing?

BOLD Fall Schedule Spring sessions are already underway, but United Way’s is offering two fall sessions this year. Attendance for all sessions is required.

FALL I BOLD

FALL II BOLD

Registration Fees & Deadlines:

Early Bird Registration: $550 program fee Deadline is Friday, June 8, 2018

Early Bird Registration: $550 program fee. Deadline is Friday, August 3, 2018.

General Registration: $650 program fee Deadline is Friday, June 22, 2018

General Registration: $650 program fee. Deadline is Friday, August 17, 2018.

Learn more at UWGC.org/BOLD

OUR ASK This is where we need your help. Here’s how to get involved.

ENGAGE ATTEND ENCOURAGE LEARN CALL CONNECT

Engage in United Way’s annual campaign by giving your time, talent or financial support to help those in need. Visit UWGC.org/give Attend one of our unique volunteer opportunities to make a difference in the community. Visit CincyHelps.org Encourage friends, family and colleagues to learn about United Way’s work and how we’re changing lives. Visit UWGC.org/news Learn about the advantages of becoming a United Way Leader in Giving. Visit UWGC.org/leaders Call United Way 2-1-1 to get or give help 24/7. Visit UWGC.org/211 Connect with us on social media. Be part of the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram - #LiveUnited

100 YEARS STRONG: A LOOK BACK This vintage poster from 1972 is one of many in United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s archives from past campaigns. It was selected for its colorful, retro design. See more throwbacks like this in upcoming issues of “Living United.” United Way’s rich history of leadership and helping the community dates back more than 100 years.

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