2008_Annual_Report

2008 Annual Report

JOIN HANDS. OPEN YOUR HEART. LEND YOUR MUSCLE. FIND YOUR VOICE. GIVE 10%. GIVE 100%. GIVE 110%.

THINK OF WE BEFORE ME. REACH OUT A HAND TO ONE AND

INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL. GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

LIVE UNITED Valley United Way 3 Corporate Drive, Suite 501 Shelton, CT 06484 (203) 926-9478 www.valleyunitedway.org

Valley United Way

Members of the Corporation (Terms to expire in 2009)

Joseph Andreana Achille A. Apicella Karen Arnold* Judith W. Augusta Joyce Barcley Jason Bashura* William C. Bassett Susan Nofi-Bendici* Paul Blanco Dorcas Blue Edward Brickett Richard Bshara Jennifer Bull Violet Cable Adrienne Cabral Dotty Cacchillo Robert Casagrande Jamie Cohen Marilyn Cormack Virginia C. Costigan Allan J. Cribbins Joseph Crisco Daniel Debicella John DeGray Susan DeLeon* James DellaVolpe Edward DeMarseilles Gregory P. DeStefano Harry P. DiAdamo Joshua M. Dickinson Angelo E. Dirienzo Laura J. Donahue Julius I. Douglas Martha Dulla Eleanor M. Duplese Frederick J. Elmy Lynne S. Farrell Richard Feher* Alfred Felice Jr. Jo Lynn Flaherty Thomas A. Gabianelli Steven Gaidosz* Peter Galla* Thomas Gardella James E. Geissler Peter J. Ghione Dennis Gleason* Steve Glick* David J. Grant

David M. Grant Thomas Greene Howard Gura Kenneth Haddad* Karen Hoffman* Jamie Jones M. Elizabeth Kennard John P. Kiley Jr. Richard Knoll Constance Koch Robert J. Koskelowski Kenneth Kreiger Joseph Laucella* William C. Lesko Debbie Lewis Joseph LoPresti David Marchitto* Michael S. Marcinek Edward J. Marocco** Brian McCoy Linda McPhail Carol Merlone Edward W. Miller Jr. Lynn Miller William M. Miller William M. Miller Jr. Sue Millican Mary Ann Miskowicz Lisa Morrison Yuk Ping Ng Cheryl Nickerson H. Tom Nickse William C. Nimons Debbie Noack Robert Novak Fred Ortoli Frank Osak Joseph Pagliaro Jr. Judith A. Palmer Ruth Parkins William C. Partington Al Patuzzi* Mary L. Pepe Jason Perillo Lynne Perry Glynis Powanda William C. Powanda Calvin K. Price Melissa Pucci

William E. Purcell Patricia Reynolds* Arthur C. Rider David M. Rifkin Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers Richard Rosen Barbara Rosner* George Ryan James E. Ryan Katey E. Ryan Megan M. Ryan Shelly Saczynski Frances Savitsky** Kenneth V. Schwartz Sam Sciacca Elsie Scott John Scott* Brian Sexton Poonam Sharma* James E. Sheehy Janice Sheehy John Slovak Maria A. Smith Ramon Sous Karen Spargo Colleen Spooner* Anthony Staffieri Gregory J. Stamos Charles M. Stankye Jr. Diane Stroman Cheryl Tedesco* Dominick Thomas Larry Thomas Cynthia Troxler Robert C. VanEgghen Christopher Venice Ronald L. Villani Ann C. Walsh Thomas Welch Philip White Eric W. Wilkins Robin Willink Michael J. Wynne John J. Zaprzalka

Debbie Lewis

Dennis Gleason

Colleen Spooner

* 2008 Agency Representatives to the Corporation ** Deceased

David J. Grant

Ruth Parkins, Adrienne Cabral and Sue Millican

Chair/President’s Report proving the good corporate citizenship is an essential part of business life in the Valley. The Valley Council for Health & Human Services is just the latest to recognize that by naming the CVC as the winner of their “Program of the Year”.

LIVE UNITED also means that we ensure that the next generation is prepared to step into leadership roles in our community. If you have had the opportunity to see the students in our Youth Leadership Program and the High School Volunteer Council, you’ll know that our future is going to be in good hands.

Michael S. Marcinek Board Chair Managing Partner, Fletcher-Thompson, Inc.

LIVE UNITED – Last year we unveiled a new, upbeat slogan at the annual meeting and asked the Valley to join us in turning the slogan into reality and that’s exactly what happened – and is continuing to happen. At a time when our economy presents us all with serious challenges LIVE UNITED speaks to what makes the Valley such a special place gives us all hope and confidence in better days to come.

As you read through this year’s report, you will see how people worked in large and small ways to Advance the Common Good in the Valley.

LIVE UNITED begins with our Annual Community Campaign. As we go to press, it appears that the Annual Community Campaign will achieve its ambitious goals even as the economy has continued to worsen. Starting with an extraordinary campaign kickoff at BIC’s new headquarters in Shelton, our positive attitude and the realization of just how critical the campaign is has driven us to new heights. Even though we suffered many losses in campaign as you would expect in

Congratulations Mike Marcinek Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Gold Seal Award This award recognizes the region’s business and community leaders for outstanding community service through dedicated and effective leadership.

LIVE UNITED

Jack Walsh President & COO, Valley United Way

this economy, new partners and increased giving have already driven our results above a year ago, and when completed will reach near record breaking results. Building on our previous work, Dave Grant, his campaign team, an army of volunteers and thousands of generous and caring donors have done a remarkable job in raising the funds needed to support worthwhile programs all across the Valley. We would be remiss if we didn’t point out the tremendous incentive provided by challenge grants from the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and the Valley Community Foundation.

LIVE UNITED also means providing time and talent in addition to treasure, and in the Valley that falls under the banner of volunteering – and we are experts in that area! Perhaps the best example - but certainly not the only one - is provided by our Corporate Volunteer Council. Not a month goes by when they aren’t clothing children for school, feeding the hungry, building playgrounds or just generally

LIVE UNITED provides the opportunity to form partnerships to work together on common goals, and that is one of the greatest strengths of our United Way. Our most obvious partners are our donors and the agencies that are funded through their gifts. In the Valley, partnership goes well beyond dollars, and we are pleased to be an active participant and supporter of the Valley Council for Health & Human Services Organization which includes just about every health and human service nonprofit agency in the Valley. The efforts around early childhood coordinated through the Council’s Early Childhood Committee which was initially funded by the Graustein Memorial Fund has grown into a regional success story involving multiple partners seeking to ensure that all children arrive at school ready to learn and succeed.

As we come to the end of a very challenging year with even bigger challenges ahead, we are confident that by continuing to LIVE UNITED we will continue to meet the needs of the community. Just look through this report to see how much we can accomplish when we work together!

Congratulations Jack Walsh Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Platinum Award This award recognizes individuals for dedicated and outstanding community service. It is presented to Gold Seal recipients of at least ten years.

Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (VSAAC) 2009 Valley Community Champions Award This award is presented to Valley citizens who have taken action and effected change to help prevent substance abuse in the Valley community.

Lower Naugatuck Valley Bar Association Liberty Bell Award This award acknowledges outstanding community service and is presented to a citizen who displayes a sense of civic responsibility and contributes to good government in the community.

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GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. Lynn Miller Housatonic Lumber Company

Board of Directors Officers

Yuk Ping Ng Pitney Bowes

Michael S. Marcinek* Chair Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. Joseph Andreana* Vice-Chair CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc. William C. Nimons* Treasurer Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan

Cheryl Nickerson People’s United Bank Joseph Pagliaro Jr. Riverview & Edward F. Adzima Funeral Homes Ruth Parkins* Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.

Melissa Pucci* Secretary Yale Divinity School

William C. Partington Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan William Purcell Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce

Other Members

Richard Rosen* R.H. Rosen Group

Jennifer Bull Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C.

Dominick Thomas Cohen & Thomas

John DeGray The Kerite Company

Larry Thomas Ansonia Housing Authority

Alfred Felice Jr. The United Illuminating Company

Carol Anzidei Administrative Assistant carol.anzidei@valleyunitedway.org Patricia Tarasovic Volunteer Center Director patricia.tarasovic@valleyunitedway.org Nancy Roshka Accounting & Information Systems Coordinator nancy.roshka@valleyunitedway.org Laurel Vicidomino Director of Resource Development laurel.vicidomino@valleyunitedway.org

Janice Sheehy Webster Bank

Robert Casagrande Gexpro

Valley United Way Staff John J. Walsh President & COO jack.walsh@valleyunitedway.org

John Ready Marketing Communications Assistant jready@valleyunitedway.org

Robert VanEgghen PerkinElmer

Peter Galla* Naugatuck Savings Bank

Ronald Villani University of New Haven

David M. Grant* David M. Grant Caterers Joseph LoPresti Barnum Financial, An office of MetLife

Philip White Better Packages, Inc. * Executive Committee

Valley United Way staff

Valley United Way fall intern, Sara German, is no stranger to United Way. A graduate of Ansonia High School, she was a member of both the Youth Leadership program and the High School Volunteer Council. She is a recent graduate of Central CT State University with a Bachelor of Science in communications.

While at United Way, Sara was instrumental in producing our “Faces of United Way” videos.

Karen Crane was Valley United Way’s Loaned Executive for the 2008/2009 community campaign. She is an independent communication consultant and former Communications Director from Pitney Bowes Capitol Services. Karen worked with VUW staff to develop and execute a marketing strategy to drive campaign revenues. The Loaned Executive program is funded through a grant from Webster Bank.

Valley United Way offers a special thanks to our dedicated, star volunteer, Joyce Saltes.

Always in on the conversation, Joyce can warm a room with her smile. We greatly appreciate the time and energy she donates to our office.

2008-2009 Campaign Underwriters Each year, businesses help to underwrite the costs associated with the campaign.

We appreciate their support and want to thank the following:

Basement Systems, Inc. · Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C. · Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. · Fred Ortoli Photography · Gexpro · Housatonic Lumber Company · Inform Printing · Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. · The Kerite Company · Regional Water Authority · Riverview & Edward F. Adzima Funeral Homes · Venman & Co., LLC · The W.E. Bassett Company · Webster Bank

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LIVE UNITED

Fred Ortoli Receives Flynn Humanitarian Award Fred was a 2003 recipient of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Gold Seal Award, presented for outstanding service through dedicated and effective leadership.

Fred has donated his services to nearly every non-profit organization in the Valley.

He credits his commitment to volunteerism to his father, Frederick F. Ortoli, who was a very active leader with several Valley organizations and his mother Josephine Ortoli, who was a 2008 recipient of the Valley Women Making a Difference Award. Fred nominated his mother for the award and cites her organizing and working at American Red Cross Blood Drives for 55 years as well

as being an active volunteer at Holy Rosary Church.

In announcing the award, Flynn Committee Chair Bill Partington said, “Fred exemplifies all that is good about volunteer leaders in the Valley. He seems to be everywhere and know everyone. We only wish that we could clone his energy, enthusiasm and expertise so that the Valley could benefit from many more Fred Ortolis”.

The award will be presented at Valley United Way’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner in April.

Past Recipients Fred Ortoli’s photographs of the Valley are well known, as are his volunteer activities.

He’s the guy who makes everyone else look great in many different ways. Though many already recognize his photographic skills which have made him the Valley’s “Community Photographer,” Fred is also a person who has rolled up his sleeves and provided his leadership skills to many of the Valley’s nonprofit agencies.

He began his photography career at Cheesebrough Ponds where he was an in-house photographer for eighteen years, leaving in 1990. He had started Fred Ortoli Photography in 1969 then expanded that into his full time occupation.

When not behind the camera, Fred is very busy contributing his time and talents as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Birmingham Foundation and the Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. He is a member and former president of the Ansonia Rotary Club, a member of the Derby Historical Society and Valley United Way’s Corporate Volunteer Council. He is a former member of United Way’s Board of Directors and is presently a member of its Campaign Cabinet and Marketing Committees for the annual fundraising campaign.

He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus of Seymour and St. Augustine Church and a former member of the Oxford Economic Development Corporation.

LIVE UNITED

2008 — Jack Ribas 2007 — Diane Stroman 2006 — William C. Nimons 2005 — David M. Rifkin 2004 — Janice Sheehy 2003 — Kenneth E. Schaible 2002 — Joseph A. Pagliaro, Sr. 2001 — Norman Santa 2000 — William C. Bassett 1999 — William D. Coffey 1998 — William M. Miller 1997 — Julius I. Douglas 1996 — Mary L. Pepe 1995 — Madeleine Sobin 1994 — John F. Costigan 1993 — Raymond P. Lavietes 1992 — John W. Gatison, Jr. 1991 — Doris L. and G. Bush Clark 1990 — G. Jeffrey Reynolds 1989 — Bartholomew J. Hennessey 1988 — Rev. Francis M. McKenna 1987 — Edward Cowey 1986 — Frank Casalveri 1985 — George Berman 1984 — Helen T. Ragusa 1983 — Richard L. Schuster 1982 — Edmund P. Strang 1981 — Anna L. LoPresti 1980 — Joseph A. Doyle 1979 — Edward W. Miller 1978 — Franklin S. Harris 1977 — Margaret C. Belden 1976 — Audrey E. Heusser 1975 — Irene G. Smith 1974 — Edward J. Cotter, Jr. 1973 — Donald W. Mark 1972 — L. Raymond Darling 1971 — Alice Russ Cochran

Charles H. Flynn

The award is named for the late Mr. Flynn, who, at the time of his death, was editor of The Evening Sentinel, a daily newspaper that was the main source of community information in the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Mr. Flynn had also been one of the founders of the Valley United Fund.

He had been president of the Ansonia Community Chest. In 1968, he led that organization into a merger with the Derby-Shelton Community Chest and the Seymour United Fund which resulted in the formation of what is now known as the Valley United Way.

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Campaign Chair’s Message

David M. Grant

LIVE UNITED is more than a campaign slogan – it is the essence of our annual community campaign.

To me, Living United means joining together as a community to help one another – it’s as simple as that. As a life-long resident and small business owner in the Valley, I believe in doing my part to help strengthen the community where I live and work. That is why I support the Valley United Way – I know that my donation dollars will stay in the Valley to provide programs and services that help my neighbors, coworkers and customers. I feel strongly about doing what I can to advance the common good, so it has been a great honor and privilege for me to serve as Chairman of the 2008 – 2009 Community Campaign.

It’s no secret that times are tough – and getting tougher for some every day. As the economy continues to weaken, more members of our community are seeking assistance from local charities that receive support from our fundraising efforts.

That is why it is so important that those of us who can help, continue to do so generously. Fortunately, many Valley folks agree: as I write

this letter, I am happy to report that despite a challenging economic climate, we have had tremendous campaign support from the community.

challenge grants. These grants helped us raise nearly $200,000 in new and increased giving, which more than offset losses that occured during the campaign.

Valley newcomer BIC Corporation started off our 2008 – 2009 campaign season by hosting a spectacular kick-off event, followed by an extremely successful workplace campaign that raised more than $91,000 in employee and corporate pledges for the Valley. Energizer Personal Care, who is also new to our campaign but was involved with the United Way for many years in their previous location, had the second highest campaign results with over $63,000 in new pledges.

Other top contributors included long-time supporters Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P., Health Net of the Northeast and The W. E. Bassett Company. Over all, more than 50 businesses, municipalities, schools and nonprofit organizations ran workplace campaigns. In addition, several companies made generous corporate donations, including Sikorsky, GE International, The United Illuminating Company, Barnum Financial and The Kerite Company. We also received assistance from fourteen corporate sponsors who underwrote $1,000 each in campaign expenses, including Basement Systems, Fletcher-Thompson, Inc., and Webster Bank.

I would like to recognize the support we received from the twenty-five members of our Board of Directors, all of whom participated in our campaign and contributed pledges totaling $32,750 – a 12% increase in Board support from the previous year. I also want to extend a warm thanks to all the members of the 2008 – 2009 Campaign Cabinet, whose leadership and enthusiasm helped drive our results and to Jack Walsh, Laurel Vicidomino and the entire Valley United Way staff, whose tireless efforts made a huge impact on our campaign achievements.

We received additional help toward our campaign goals from The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and The Valley Community Foundation, who each awarded the Valley United Way with

Finally, I want to give special thanks to Mike Marcinek for doing such a good job “sowing the seeds” of our fundraising efforts during his previous three years as Chairman and making it easier for me to reap the rewards of a successful campaign. As I complete my term as Campaign Chairman and pass the baton to a new leader, I want to express my gratitude to everyone who participated in our 2008 – 2009 campaign. Thank you for LIVING UNITED.

David M. Grant

President, David M. Grant Caterers

Campaign Cabinet 2008-2009 Joseph Andreana CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc. John DeGray The Kerite Company David Grant David M. Grant Caterers Joseph LoPresti Barnum Financial Group, An office of MetLife Michael S. Marcinek Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. William Miller Miller Investment William Nimons Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan Fred Ortoli Fred Ortoli Photography Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. Riverview & Adzima Funeral Homes Melissa Pucci Yale Divinity School William Purcell Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce James Ryan Shelton Economic Development Corporation Janice Sheehy Webster Bank Valerie Smith Homewood Suites

by Hilton Diane Stroman TEAM, Inc. Charles Sullivan John J. Sullivan’s Ronald Villani University of New Haven

Above: Campaign Chair, Dave Grant, addresses kick-off attendees Right Top: Pat Tarasovic, Dave Grant and Ruth Parkins Live United!

Right Bottom: Dave checks campaign results.

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Robin Willink Shelton Public Schools

LIVE UNITED

Leadership Giving Tocqueville Society United Way of America established this prestigious society as a national leadership recognition program to recognize individual donors who contribute $10,000 or more to their local United Way. William C. & Judith Bassett Ernestine & Nicholas Luise Norman & Janet Santa Kenneth Schaible Ronald & Peggy Villani The Friend A. Russ Fund The Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation

Commodore’s Circle Annual gifts of $2,500-$4,999 Raymond & Janet Blanchette Lauren Casalveri Gary Cohen Paul Diehl Ellen Diverniero Julie Elkinton Sheila Fox Pennell Hamilton Mary Ann Lambert Bernard Lavin Michael S. Marcinek Richard L. Matthies Ned & Marianne Miller Anju Sikka Jack Walsh

Captain’s Circle** Annual gifts of $1,000-$2,499

Top Left: Ernestine Luise, Kenneth Schaible, William & Judith Bassett Top Right: Norman & Janet Santa Left: Ronald Villani

The Commodore Isaac Hull Society Valley United Way’s leadership-giving program, The Commodore Isaac Hull Society, recognizes those caring individuals who commit themselves to providing substantial support to our United Way. Members of the Hull Society are caring and sharing people who lead by example in the community by ensuring that needed human and social services continue to be made available to all citizens of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. Society members are dedicated to improving the quality of life in our Valley community. These caring and sharing people set the tone for opening doors of opportunity to the young; who nurture the spirit of volunteerism of which we are so justly proud, who maintain the human services that enable so many to live in the quiet dignity we all cherish. In short, these are the people who are in the forefront of the struggle to provide a better way of life to every age and generation.

2008-09 Commodore Isaac Hull Society Members: (This list is accurate as of 4/8/09)

Admiral’s Circle Annual gifts of $5,000-$9,999 Karla Austen Mary Coffey Edward J. Holm Gerald Wilkins

LIVE UNITED

Joseph & Patricia Andreana Darryl Arnette Paul Bailey William H. Bassett Bertha Belden Donna Berzolla Jennifer Bull Greg Cann Robert Casagrande Michael Castell Teresa Ceotto Leslie Cherwenuk Dolores Chew William Chiarelli Joanne Cinicola Edward Claire Thomas Clark Marilyn Cormack Virginia Costigan Allan and Anne Cribbins John Daniell Mildred M. Davey John DeGray Patricia Desautels Linda DiPalma Daniel Dittmar Frederick & Lisa Elmy Craig Finney Robert Fiscus Mary Flatley Elizabeth Franko Dennis Gleason David & Gail Grant Salvatore Graziano & Francesca Sergi Chikako Harada Sanford Herman Kathryn Johanessen Barry Johnson III David Kimball Ellen Kritemeyer Karen Lanigan Joseph LoPresti Dorothy Lucas Maryanne Mascolo Francis H. Michaud, Jr. William M. Miller, Jr.

Michele Montique Cheryl Nickerson William Nimons Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. Ruth Parkins Lynne Perry Walter Pirog William Purcell Hector Rosario Scott Rupff Paul Russo George & Bea Ryan Charles Sullivan Lynn Miller & Thomas Sutnik Patricia & Nicholas Tarasovic Dominick Thomas, Jr. Anthony Vallillo Carl Vensel Joseph & Laurel Vicidomino Philip White David R. Wiemer **This level has anonymous donors

The following companies have one or more leadership givers in the Commodore Isaac Hull Society: Aetna Barnum Financial, An office of MetLife Better Packages BIC Corporation Birmingham Group Health Services Blanchette Sporting Goods CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc. David M. Grant Caterers Derby Cellular Products Duchess Family Restaurants Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte, Sterczala, P.C. Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes Energizer Personal Care Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. Gexpro Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Health Net of the Northeast Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. John J. Sullivan’s JP Morgan Chase The Kerite Company Michaud & Accavallo Miller Investment Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan Ned Miller Associates, Inc. People’s United Bank Seymour Public Schools Shelton, City of Southern Connecticut Gas Company The United Illuminating Company The W.E. Bassett Company United Parcel Service Valley United Way Vishay Americas Visiting Nurse Association of South Central CT Webster Bank Wellpoint Foundation

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Campaign Awards Special Awards Campaign Growth Award City of Shelton

CEO Leadership Award John DeGray - The Kerite Company

2008-2009 Chairman’s Award Janice Sheehy Diane Stroman

2008-2009 CVC Corporate Citizen of the Year Pitney Bowes

Employee Giving Awards (Listing accurate as of 4/8/09)

Gold

(Listing accurate as of 4/8/09)

(Employee per capita giving of $125 or more)

Gold

BIC Corporation Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C. Energizer Personal Care Fletcher-Thompson, Inc.

BIC Corporation

Boys & Girls Club of the LNV

Charles Dickgiesser Company

Silver

David M. Grant Caterers

(Employee participation of 50%-74%)

Earthworks Excavating

BIC Corporation

Naugatuck Savings Bank

Derby Day Care Center

Naugatuck Savings Bank

New Alliance Bank Foundation

Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C.

Ned Miller Associates, Inc.

Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.

The United Illuminating Company

The W.E. Bassett Company

United Parcel Service - East New England

Bronze

Silver

Vishay Americas

2008-2009 Outstanding Campaign Team and Corporate Spirit Award

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce

Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.

Barnum Financial Group, An office of MetLife

Area Congregations Together

Catholic Charities

BIC Corporation Energizer Personal Care

Combined Corporate and Employee Giving of $10,000 or more (as of 4/8/09)

(Corporate per capita gifts of $75 or more per employee)

Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. Microsol, Inc.

Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.

Top Dollars Raised Campaigns

Corporate Giving Awards (Listing accurate as of 4/8/09)

2008-2009 Gold Corporate Giving Award

(Employee participation of 75% or more)

American Red Cross

Outstanding Campaign Award

Darlene Benham Adrienne Cabral Susan DeLeon Jeff Galdenzi Alan Grassia Sue Millican Lorraine Milone Michelle Wieler Samantha Woodward

Employee Participation Awards

Valley United Way

(Employee per capita giving of $75 - $124.99)

Aquarion Water Company

Birmingham Group Health Services

Bronze

New Alliance Bank Foundation The W.E. Bassett Company (Corporate per capita gifts of $40-$60 per employee)

Barnum Financial Group, An office of MetLife

United Parcel Service - East New England

(Employee participation of 10%-49%)

Energizer Personal Care

Coordinated Transportation Solutions, Inc.

Bronze

New Alliance Bank Foundation

Energizer Personal Care

(Employee per capita giving of $50 - $74.99)

TD Bank

Grassy Hill Lodge

Area Congregations Together

The W.E. Bassett Company

The Kerite Company Venman & Company, LLC

Birmingham Group Health Services Boys & Girls Club of the LNV Catholic Charities Derby Day Care Center

BIC Corporation

Parent Child Resource Center

City of Shelton

Vishay Americas

Energizer Personal Care Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. General Electric

Celebrating BIC’s campaign results.

Gexpro HealthNet of the Northeast Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. The Kerite Company People’s United Bank Shelton Public Schools Sikorsky Aircraft The United Illuminating Company

The phenomenal campaign team at Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.

Energizer Personal Care celebrates their campaign success.

United Parcel Service - East New England The W.E. Bassett Company Webster Bank General Electric’s campaign committee.

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LIVE UNITED

Allocations Report

Peter Galla Allocations Chair Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending, Naugatuck Savings Bank

The Allocations Committee is the committee where the needs of the community are matched with the resources made available through the Annual Community Campaign to achieve the greatest possible impact for the Valley. These are challenging times economically and that inevitably leads to a greater demand for services and for funding of those services. It is the task of the Allocations Committee to make sound judgments as to where Valley United Way’s dollars can make the greatest difference in the community. It does that by visiting with agencies funding programs to see them in action as well as by reviewing financial and program data.

In addition to the annual allocations process, the Allocations Committee is also responsible for conducting the annual Special Needs Grants process. This year, they have also taken the first steps in implementing a new Priority Issues Grant Program instituted by the Board of Directors. Members of the Allocations Committee are drawn from all walks of life and have a working knowledge of the community they serve. I want to thank each and every member of the committee for their dedication and fairness in making such important recommendations to our Board of Directors.

LIVE UNITED

Thanks to the support of the Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation, the allocations process is now entirely electronic. Following a successful pilot project for Special Needs Grants in late 2007, the full allocations process was completed on-line in May and June of 2008 and another round of Special Needs grants were allocated in February, 2009.

The “paperless” process is designed to streamline not only the requests for funding, but also the reporting of results to help us better understand what is being achieved with United Way funding.

The regular allocation process resulted in $579,900 in funds allocated to twentythree partner agencies and the Volunteer Center for the 2008 – 2009 allocations cycle. Those funds support much needed programming in the Valley in the areas of health, social services and youth programs. The rich diversity of services offered by our funded partners forms the basic building blocks for a successful social services system in the Valley.

The Allocations Committee also distributed an additional $50,240 in special needs grants in February of this year that will be paid during the course of 2009. Funds allocated under this program were earmarked by donors into a variety of special needs areas. The sixteen grants that were made ranged from $325 to $10,140 and were directed to special programs and needs not funded through the regular allocations process. Those programs are designed to provide support services for victims of domestic violence, care for the elderly, prevention and treatment of substance abuse, as well as provide basic needs among others. Sikorsky aircraft provided funding

to improve high school graduation rates in the area through an initiative called Project Graduation.

In addition, donors also directed funding to a wide variety of agencies through donor designated dollars that are sent directly to agencies as provided by the donor.

During the 2007-2008 fiscal year those designations, which amounted to approximately $64,000, went to over 75 different agencies and United Ways across the state and the country. Partner agencies also received more than $25,000 in addition to their regular allocations. The Allocations Committee does not review these designations, but directly honors the wish of the donors.

The Allocations Committee awarded the first grant under its new Priority Issues Program to the Valley Council for Health & Human Services to help it complete a community needs assessment.

The Board will use the Priority Issues Program to respond to new and emerging needs in the community not covered by the traditional allocations process.

During these difficult economic times, the work of the Allocations Committee is more challenging than ever.

However, our volunteers do an incredible job and their recommendations inevitably improve the quality of life in the Valley.

Jack Walsh receives a check from Jeff Bondar of Bank of America.

Allocations Committee 2008 -2009 Dorcas Blue The United Illuminating Company Richard Bshara City Hall, Ansonia Adrienne Cabral Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. William Carlson Inform Printing Robert Casagrande Gexpro Mark Daconto Basement Systems, Inc. Martha Dulla Grassy Hill Lodge Richard Feher Comcast Cable Communications, Inc. Alfred Felice The United Illuminating Company Peter Galla Naugatuck Savings Bank James Geissler Shelton Board of Education David J. Grant David M. Grant Caterers Patricia Halligan Ansonia Copper & Brass Kristyn Hanewicz Youth Leadership Robert Hilliard Sharon Joyce Webster Bank Lynn Kieley Newton Savings Bank Joseph LoPresti Barnum Financial, An office of MetLife Ronald Masiero REMY Consulting Group Melissa Pucci Yale Divinity School Patricia Reynolds Conti Associates Richard Rosen The RH Rosen Group Brian Sexton Bonnie Sinclair NEC Infrontia, Inc. Robert VanEgghen PerkinElmer Christopher Venice The Kerite Company Ronald Villani University of New Haven Thomas Welch Winnick, Vine, Welch & Teodosio Philip White Better Packages, Inc.

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Valley United Way Partner Agencies (FY ending 6/30/08)

Allocation

Designation

Special Allocation

American Red Cross-LNV Chapter

$82,000

$1,347

$948

Area Congregations Together/Spooner House

$16,000

$1,965

$1,500

$5,000

$322

Supporting People in Crisis

Family & Children’s Aid: Safe Homes Program Infoline – 2-1-1

$10,662

The Morris Foundation/Liberty Center

$23,000

$91

New Haven Legal Assistance

$8,000

$4

Rape Crisis Center of Milford

$18,000

$320

The Umbrella Program

$28,000

$1,950

Visiting Nurse Association of South Central CT

$18,000

$609

$9,000

$54

$100,000

$8,639

$54,000

$2,802

$4,350

$48

$12,000

$597

$2,000

$98

$27,000

$122

$4,000

$531

$2,500

$62,500

$577

$1,437

International Institute

$1,500

$18

Jewish Family Services

$5,800

$225

$35,000

$3,259

Preparing Youth for Success Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern CT Boys and Girls Club - Lower Naugatuck Valley Boy Scouts – Housatonic Council Derby Day Care Center Girl Scouts of Connecticut Julia Day Nursery & Kindergarten Recreation Camp SONCCA

$3,980

(Seymour-Oxford Nursery and Child Care Association, Inc.)

Strengthening Families Catholic Charities

LNV Parent Child Resource Center Meals on Wheels – TEAM, Inc. United Services Organization (USO) Valley YMCA

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$2,500

$8,000 $500

$6

$54,000

$2,098

$5,250

LIVE UNITED

Grant Funding for Special Projects the regional program has been funded for a second year in 2009 with the same partners.

These funds should have a significant impact on ensuring that all children in the Valley arrive in school prepared for success.

Youth Leader, Sarah Parkins, Lives United by volunteering her time and painting expertise during the CVC’s 1st Day of Action.

A perfect example of Living United is Valley United Way’s involvement with other funders and community providers in a variety of special projects related to grant funding. We recognize the need to partner with other funders to achieve maximum results and are pleased with the events of the past year.

We are especially grateful for the generous support we received from the Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation which has helped to support the Volunteer Center, the Youth Leadership Program and ongoing upgrades to our computer hardware and software.

Funding during the past year also allowed us to replace our copy machine which had long since exceeded its expected life span. It is only fitting that the Raymond P. Lavietes Conference Room at United Way continues to be a hub of nonprofit activity in the Valley.

This past year also marked a milestone in efforts to ensure that all children arrive at school prepared for success. Building on the success of the Valley Council’s Health & Human Services Early Childhood Committee and the three “Discovery” communities (Ansonia, Derby and Shelton), the Valley received a regional grant from William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund that included an additional matching challenge to the Valley towns. Valley United Way which has served as a funder and fiduciary agent for these efforts from the very beginning was the first to step up with a grant that was quickly matched by the Valley Community Foundation. City governments and boards of education in Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton as well as TEAM, Inc. joined in, assuring the Valley would receive total funding of $65,000 a year for the regional effort. We are pleased to report that

LIVE UNITED

High school graduation rates are a concern in the Valley as much as they are in the rest of the nation. We were pleased once again, to work with Sikorsky Aircraft and their employees who have given funding to provide a grant to our local partner - Valley Regional Adult Education - to promote high school graduation through Project Graduation.

Pat Tarasovic (left) and Laurel Vicidomino (right) celebrate with Valley United Way volunteer, Joyce Saltes, who was honored as Volunteer of the Year.

Pitney Bowes provided us with a number of special grants so as to assist our Youth Leadership Program and projects conducted by the Volunteer Center’s Corporate Volunteer Council, which are highlighted elsewhere in this report.

The Friend A. Russ Fund also continues to be a generous supporter of the campaign helping to sustain the full range of community programs supported by Valley United Way. Iroquois Gas employees Living United!

Partnerships are important to Valley United Way, and we appreciate the support of these funding partners on so many special projects for the community.

Valley children enjoy the Back to School Clothesfor-Kids program.

Summer fun on a SONCCA field trip.

Children learning to swim at the Valley YMCA.

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LIVE UNITED

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LIVE UNITED

Highlights of 2008 - 2009

Hula dancers display their talents at the Luau!

Smiling faces from the Boys & Girls Club.

Inez and Estelle D’Alessio enjoy the kickoff festivities at BIC.

Everyone received a new pillow at the CVC meeting hosted by Latex International!

Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. helps families for the holidays.

Prudential employees help Valley families during the holiday season.

2020 future Harvest House builders.

Youth Leadership program was presented with the “Volunteer Youth Group of the Year Award.”

2008 CVC members LIVE UNITED.

LIVE UNITED

Charlie Sullivan and Dave Grant are presented with the “Sharon Bryce Holly Community Hero Award,” by Sharon’s family.

Gexpro employees volunteer to ‘spruce up’ The Recreation Camp in Derby.

Friends of Valley United Way enjoy the Luau.

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Committees Corporate Volunteer Council

Michelle Fabozzi GE International

Mandi Marcino The McIntyre Group

Tara Barbieri CDW-G

Dawn Fama PerkinElmer

Kate Marks Marks of Design

Erica Bartelson Health Net of the Northeast

Marie Figueroa Sikorsky Aircraft Finance Team

Jennifer Martin Newtown Savings Bank

Kathy Belanger Market Data Retrieval

Dan Fitzgerald Basement Systems, Inc.

Steve Matiatos Hilton Garden Inn

Renee Bergen Cara Therapeutics

Sarah Gallo Pitney Bowes

Joan McBennett Pitney Bowes

Beth Berta PerkinElmer

Matthew Golia Enterprise-Rent-A-Car

Jasmine McIntyre Emhart Teknologies

Walter Binck Hamworthy Peabody Combustion

David Grant David M. Grant Caterers

Scott McKay Holiday Inn Express

Cheryl Biros Ned Miller Associates, Inc.

Nancie Gray Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce

Ned Miller Ned Miller Associates, Inc.

James Warner Warner Financial Group

Tyler Black Oxford

Youssef Boutros People’s United Bank

Jill Griffin CDW-G

Sue Millican Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.

Wendy Wentworth The Greenwich Workshop

Katie Greene Oxford

Bill Bubbico Pitney Bowes

Christopher Guard Citibank

Mary Ann Miskowicz Better Packages, Inc.

Eric Wilkins Warner Financial Group

Jenna Miller Oxford

Kristin Bures HSBC Bank USA

Sue Halapin Walmart/Shelton

Erin Mitchell PerkinElmer

Finance Committee

Polly Smith Oxford

Maureen Spencer-Butler GE International

Antonietta Hallet Prudential

Fred Ortoli Fred Ortoli Photography

Erika Byrd The Kerite Company

Sue Hitchcock Sikorsky Aircraft

Brad Palazzo Comcast Cable

Lisa Byrne PerkinElmer

Robert Hunt Webster Bank

Danielle Paolozzi People’s United Bank

Adrienne Cabral Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.

Linda Hvizdo Homewood Suites by Hilton

Ruth Parkins Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.

Dotty Cacchillo Walmart/Derby Joyce Cervone BIC Corporation Maureen Coffey Latex International

Lynn Kieley Newtown Savings Bank Connie Koch Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. Christine Konopka PerkinElmer

Linda Kwong BIC Corporation

Fred Rubino PerkinElmer

April Harpes-Langston PerkinElmer

Mary Ellen Samatulski TD Bank

Maria DeMaio Fletcher-Thompson, Inc.

Debbie Lewis Health Net of the Northeast

Rob Sanford Altair Global Relocation

Donna DiGianvittorio Regional Water Authority

Mark Lombardi Hilton Garden Inn

Frankie Sheldon Walmart/Shelton

Brian Donahue SSC, Inc.

Ann Lucas Altair Global Relocation

Allison Shortell Pitney Bowes

Kelly Doyle Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce

Seleste Lucas Naugatuck Savings Bank

Melissa Silva Recovery Planner

Charlotte Madar Professional Travel Planners

Richard Sinclair Arson Productions

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Amy Boccamazzo Ansonia Advisor Penny Efthymiou Ansonia Christle Gavin Ansonia Tyler Poquette Ansonia Jennifer Eckhart Derby Advisor Brian Nutcher Derby Advisor Angelo DiSorbo Derby Stephanie Gavilanez Derby Victoria Smey Derby

Karen Stanek Seymour Advisor Caroline Sweeney Seymour Advisor Jennifer Conroy Seymour Colleen Garman Seymour Lisa Papa Shelton Advisor Lorena Snell Shelton Advisor Madeline Arena Shelton Justin Zenchuk Shelton Patricia Tarasovic VUW HSVC Director Sara German Valley United Way Intern

Marketing Committee Joe Andreana CT Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc. Rob Casagrande Gexpro John DeGray The Kerite Company Patrick DiCaprio Fujifilm Medical Systems Bob Hilliard

Colleen Holt Derby

Dan Ianielo Sacred Heart University

Marie Meresko Emmett O’Brien Advisor

Bill Joyce Sacred Heart University

Mike Varonka Emmett O’Brien Advisor

Lynn Miller Housatonic Lumber Company

Colleen Spooner Microsol, Inc.

Joanna Fifer Emmett O’Brien

Deb Noack Prudential Insurance Company

Alan Tolmich ComputerShare

Amanda DeMaio Emmett O’Brien

Fred Ortoli Fred Ortoli Photography

Alexis Tomczak PerkinElmer

Kevin Rogers Emmett O’Brien

Lori Turci Starbucks

Lynette St. Germain Emmett O’Brien

Ruth Parkins Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P.

Robert VanEgghen PerkinElmer

Michael Focucci Oxford Advisor

Bonnie Sinclair NEC Infrontia, Inc. Jane Snaider Barnum Financial Group, An office of MetLife

Marketing Committee

William C. Nimons, Chair Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan

High School Volunteer Council

Sean Pratt Holiday Inn Express

Jessica Early The Kerite Company

William M. Miller Jr. Miller Investment

David Pendagast William Raveis Real Estate

Cathy Kurzbacher Better Packages, Inc.

Sharon DeDonato DeDonato Building Contractors, LLC

Michael S. Marcinek Fletcher-Thompson, Inc.

Carol Pendagast F.W. Serra, Inc.

Ed Pollock The United Illuminating Company

Robert Curwen People’s United Bank

Gregory P. DeStefano Konowitz, Kahn & Company, P.C.

Jennifer Bull Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C.

Michele Koslowsky NEC Unified Solutions

Karen Crane Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Finance Committee

John Ready Valley United Way Rich Rosen The R.H. Rosen Group

LIVE UNITED

Laurel Vicidomino Valley United Way

Diane Guillet Valley Parish Nurse Program

Penny Efthymiou Ansonia High School

Sarah Parkins Sacred Heart Academy

Courtney Winger Shelton High School

Jack Walsh Valley United Way

Terri Houghton Community Volunteer

Arianne Elmy Chase Collegiate School

Mark Plavnicky Ansonia High School

Hannah Zibluk Oxford High School

Nominating Committee

Carol Kirby American Red Cross

Colleen Garman Seymour High School

Bradley Soltau Shelton High School

Reina Marasco Valley Regional Adult Education

Stephanie Gavilanez Derby High School

Lynette St. Germain Emmett O’Brien

Timothy Geer Derby High School

Parvati Vaish Shelton High School

Adrienne Cabral Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. Dave Grant David M. Grant Caterers Ruth Parkins Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. William C. Partington Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan James E. Ryan Shelton Economic Development Corporation

Volunteer Center Advisory Committee Gail Catlin AuPair in America

Melissa Pucci Yale Divinity School Barbara Quinn United Methodist Homes Suzanne Reilly Valley YMCA

Jay Ghassemzadeh Shelton High School Joshua Hahn Derby High School Colleen Holt Derby High School

Sue Westine TEAM, Inc.

Youth Leadership

Ewa Januszkiewicz Ansonia High School

Jamie Rose Bukowski Sacred Heart Academy

Kevin Jones Emmett O’Brien

Rosy Cersonsky Sacred Heart Academy

Angela Khan Ansonia High School

Angelo DiSorbo Derby High School

Joseph Morrow Derby High School

Youth Leadership

Donor Designations (FY ending 6/30/08)

Fields of Service Abuse and Neglect Child Care Elder Care Financial Stability Health Programs

Total Amount designated: $50,859 Housing and Shelter Increasing Self Sufficiency Project Graduation Providing Basic Human Needs Special Needs

Non-Partner Agencies and other United Ways Alzheimer’s Association American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association American Heart Association American Red Cross/S.E. Fairfield County American Red Cross/Westport ARC Boys Village/Youth & Family Service Bread & Roses Bridgeport Area Foundation Bridgeport Hospital Burn Center Camp Horizons Catholic Charities/Bridgeport Catholic Charities/Hartford CentrState Healthcare System Child Guidance Center of Bridgeport Children’s Community School CT Autism Spectrum Resource Center CT Valley Girl Scout Council Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Delta Research & Ed Fund Girls Incorporated of Meriden Griffin Hospital Hanahoe Memorial Children’s Clinic Housatonic Girl Scouts Housatonic-Shepaug United Way

LIVE UNITED

Immaculate Conception High School J.A. of Western CT Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Lupus Foundation of America Make A Wish Foundation Middlesex United Way National Multiple Sclerosis Society Naugatuck Valley Health District New Milford Youth Agency Northwestern CT Aids Project Planned Parenthood of Conn.

Prudence Crandall for Women ReFocus Outreach Ministry Salvation Army Save the Children Federation Save Westport Now, Inc. S.E.D.C. Special Olympics, Oxford St. Martin de Porres Church/Arianna Kirby Fund St. Mary SSL Sterling House Community Center TEAM, Inc. The Rotary Foundation Trumbull Loves Children

Strengthening Families Substance Abuse Todays Girls Tomorrow Youth and Recreation

Total Amount designated: $64,947 United Methodist Homes of CT United Way of Branford United Way of Central Jersey United Way of Eastern Fairfield County United Way of Greater New Haven United Way of Greater Waterbury United Way of Mid-Willamette Valley United Way of Milford United Way of Monmouth County United Way of Naugatuck/Beacon Falls United Way of New York City United Way of Northwest CT United Way of Norwalk/Wilton United Way of Ocean County United Way of S.E. CT United Way of Southington United Way of Stamford United Way of the Capital Area United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast United Way of Westchester United Way of Westport/Weston Valley Regional Adult Education Women’s League Day Care YMCA/Central CT Coast YMCA/Naugatuck YMCA/Ralphola Taylor Community Center

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Volunteer Center The Impact of a Caring Community The Valley United Way’s Volunteer Center brings caring people together to meet community need. It is a vital community resource that matches the skills and interests of Valley volunteers with the needs of nonprofit agencies and their clients. Working together with employees from Valley businesses and students from local high schools, the Volunteer Center coordinates a variety of volunteer efforts that improve lives in our community.

Corporate Volunteer Council The Corporate Volunteer Council (CVC) is a coalition of more than 50 companies – large and small – that believe in the value of giving back to the community where they do business.

Representatives from participating companies meet monthly to share information about community concerns, provide resources, and promote volunteerism among their employees to meet community needs.

2008 CVC Co-Chairs, Dotty Cacchillo (Walmart, Derby) and Bill Bubbico (Pitney Bowes) accept the “Program of the Year” award.

In 2008, the Corporate Volunteer Council received the “Program of the Year” award from The Valley Council for Health and Human Services. The award recognized the enormous impact the group has made since its inception with initiatives such as its annual Week of Caring and Backto-School Clothes for Kids programs and through its corporate food and clothing drives as well as other collection programs.

Feeding the Hungry Spooner House, managed by Area Congregations Together (ACT), is a 36-bed emergency shelter in Shelton that provides temporary housing, food and support services to more than 250 homeless individuals and families annually. ACT also runs a food pantry that provides an estimated 72,000 meals a year to impoverished Valley residents.

In 2008, thirty CVC companies conducted food drives for ACT’S Food Pantry. It is estimated that 55% of the food ACT receives – valued at approximately $125,000 annually -- is donated by the Corporate Volunteer Council. The CVC also provides food donations to Father McKenna St. Vincent de Paul Society’s food pantry in Derby, which aids elderly, homeless, working poor, physically handicapped, and mentally challenged people of the lower Naugatuck Valley.

Nonperishable food being donated to Susan Rosen Women’s Health Center.

Dressing School Children for Success The Corporate Volunteer Council provided 194 Seymour school children with new clothes and school supplies for the start of the 2008-2009 school year.

The program strives to improve self-esteem and reduce truancy problems that may occur within the first few weeks of school. According to national statistics, many underprivileged children skip the first few days of school because they don’t have new clothes to wear. In the past thirteen years, employees at CVC companies have purchased more than $315,000 in new school clothes, backpacks and school supplies to help 1,700 Valley children have a successful start to the new school year.

CVC members at LoPresti School in Seymour display some of the 194 bins of clothing and school supplies donated.

Seymour school children (above and below) partake in the Back to School Clothes-for-Kids program festivities.

High School Volunteer Council The High School Volunteer Council gives students from the six Valley high schools the opportunity to interact with one another, practice leadership skills and gain a broader understanding of community issues and needs. Council members work together on at least one major community initiative each year.

High School Volunteer Council monthly meeting - photo taken at Derby High School.

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LIVE UNITED

2008 Corporate Volunteer Council Helping the Community

Volunteers renovate the back yard for Spooner House (above) and paint the interior of the Derby Historical Society (right).

Each year the CVC conducts one or more community volunteer projects during its annual Week of Caring program. In 2008, the group undertook two projects: volunteers painted the interior of the Derby Historical Society’s David Humphrey House and landscaped, built picnic benches and painted a colorful mural for the residents of Spooner House. More than 100 volunteers participated in the week-long effort that coincided with United Way of America’s first Day of Action on June 21.

Fighting Domestic Violence Domestic violence is the single greatest cause of injury to women. The Birmingham Group Health Services, Inc.’s Umbrella Program, works tirelessly to fight this epidemic and help women and children affected by domestic violence become survivors. They provide a wide range of crisis and other services for victims including a 24-hour crisis hotline, support groups, emergency shelter and advocacy services. The Umbrella’s services are supported in part from proceeds of My Sister’s Place, a thrift shop in downtown Ansonia.

Clothes collected for My Sister’s Place.

In 2008, My Sister’s Place reported receiving 28,000 pounds of donated clothing from CVC companies - an estimated resale value of $240,000 to benefit The Umbrella Program. The CVC also collects hand-knitted blankets that are given to victims when they are removed from violent situations by local police and used cell phones that can be used to reach 911 during emergencies.

Bringing Holiday Cheer More than 300 struggling Valley residents were helped this holiday season through the CVC’s Holiday Giving Program. Each year, employees at CVC companies raise money and purchase holiday gifts, food and other essentials for needy families and individuals identified through Parent Child Resource Center, The American Red Cross, Catholic Charities and St. Vincent de Paul Society. They also support TEAM Inc.’s Toys for Tots program, the Valley YMCA’s Angel Tree and many other holiday charitable programs.

Employees from Hamworthy-Peabody (top), Webster Bank (right) provide holiday gifts for needy families.

Computers for Nonprofits

Jack Walsh (left) and CVC member, Alan Tolmich (second from right), deliver refurbished computers to the Valley YMCA.

LIVE UNITED

A number of local non-profit agencies received computer equipment through the CVC’s computer donation program in 2008. The Boys & Girls Club, SONCCA, the Valley YMCA, TEAM, Inc. and the Birmingham Group all received refurbished computers and printers donated by CVC companies. The Boys & Girls Club used the donated equipment to upgrade its computer labs for students. SONCCA added the computers to their before-and afterschool programs for middle school children to use to do their homework. The Valley YMCA has used the equipment to upgrade their network for administrative purposes.

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Leadership Greater Valley 2008 One of Valley United Way’s great collaborative efforts is the very successful Leadership Greater Valley Program. This unique partnership with the Valley Council for Health & Human Services and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce dates back to 1995 when it was initially called the LEAD Program. When Bill Purcell became the head of the Chamber, the program was reconstituted as Leadership Greater Valley with a wider ranging curriculum.

The program, which runs from September through November, is open to individuals who aspire to be community leaders by providing them with a rich community experience that exposes them to all aspects of life in the Valley area. Weekly programs cover a range of topics including the history of the Valley, qualities of leadership,

business ethics, the Valley’s economy and much more. At the conclusion of the program, Pat Tarasovic and the Volunteer Center work to place the graduates in volunteer leadership positions throughout the Valley.

Colleen Bike People's United Bank

Joe Laucella Echo Hose Ambulance

Dorothy Bratchell Womens Business Development Center Youssef Boutros People's United Bank

Eileen Lopez-Cordone The United Illuminating Company

Robert Campbell Paradigm Fox, LLC Mike Chaffee Echo Hose Ambulance Donna DiGianvittorio Regional Water Authority Olivier Gressier Gexpro

Sharon Massafra Home Instead Senior Care Erin Mitchell PerkinElmer Life & Analytical Sciences Bonnie Sinclair NEC Infrontia, Inc. Karynn Weinstein The Heart of Aerobics & Conditioning

The 2008 Leadership graduates receive their certificates at Center Stage in Shelton.

Youth Leadership The Youth Leadership Program’s goal is to develop teens into future community leaders by teaching them about the needs of the community and the role that volunteerism plays in addressing those needs. Students receive leadership training from corporate community members that include workshops on diversity awareness, problem solving, decision-making, interviewing and public speaking.

They also spend a good portion of the year supporting community efforts and raising funds for teen programs. In 2008, YL allocated

$2,000 to a number of programs and services aimed at fighting teen drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, stress/ anxiety and other teen issues.

The YL Program received the 2009 Valley Community Champions Award from The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council. The award recognizes Valley citizens and groups who have taken action and effected change to help prevent substance abuse in our community.

The YL program received support from the Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation and Pitney Bowes.

Youth Leadership Advisors Melissa Pucci, Patrick DiCaprio, Pam Mautte, Allison Shortell and David Grant kick off the 2008-2009 year with incoming Youth Leaders.

The Heritage Fund You can touch the future by making a bequest to Valley United Way’s Heritage Fund, a permanent endowment fund.

This special fund has been created separate from the Annual Campaign and is our promise to the community that we will always be here to help those in need. It is your opportunity to touch the future

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by making a gift that will always be recognized and remembered for its enduring benefits to the community we serve.

When you contribute to the Heritage Fund, you can be assured that your gift will be put to good use, today and for years to come.

There are a number of ways to contribute to Valley United Way’s Heritage Fund. Your attorney or financial advisor can guide you in selecting the option(s) that best suit you.

For more information regarding the United Way Heritage Fund and the many ways you can keep caring, please contact Valley United Way.

Gift opportunities include: a bequest through your will, gifts of cash, stocks or real estate, life insurance, life income gifts and memorial and tribute gifts.

Heritage Fund Donors George Berman Irene G. Smith

LIVE UNITED

Corporate Cup For the second year in a row, PerkinElmer is the Community Corporate Cup winner as they squeezed past Griffin Hospital by 3 points. Their total winning score of 111.50 was almost identical to their 2007 winning score of 111.75 , which gave them their first title. During the course of the competition, PerkinElmer won the Bowling, Volleyball, Orienteering and Healthy Team events and participated in every event. For Griffin Hospital which is a former five time champ (1994-1998), the second place finish was their highest since 2003. Though they didn't win any events, they were a force in every event and held a slim lead for several weeks.

Another former multiple champion, Birmingham Group Health Services (19941998) also used their strong participation

and a win in Darts to finish third, one spot better than their fourth place finish a year ago. In their second year of competition, Hawley Lane Shoes climbed all the way from eighth to fourth in the final standings.

1999 champion TEAM, Inc. finished fifth and CDW-G and The United Illuminating Company tied for the sixth spot. CDW-G started slowly but climbed steadily after winning the Billiards Tournament.

PerkinElmer - 1st place and overall winner

Other event winners included the Valley YMCA in Miniature Golf and newcomer Cuppy's Cafe in Horseshoes.

Everyone who participated is ultimately a winner in their effort to build a healthier lifestyle and we congratulate them along with our sponsors and hosts for another great year.

Griffin Hospital - 2nd place

Team 1 Perkin Elmer 2 Griffin Hospital 3 Birmingham Group 4 Hawley Lane Shoes 5 TEAM, Inc. 6 CDW-G 7 United Illuminating 8 Valley YMCA 9 Gordon Rubber 10 Spectrum Plastics 11 Curtiss Ryan 12 Calvert Safe & Lock 13 Cuppy's CafĂŠ

Bowling Darts Billiards Volleyball Orienteering Mini-golf Walk Horseshoes CEO

17.00 10.25 15.00 10.25 11.50 13.00 14.50 10.25 15.50 7.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 12.50 7.00 11.75 16.50 0.00 0.00 11.75 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.50 0.00 0.00

13.00 15.75 15.75 13.00 13.00

18.50 18.00 17.25 17.25 13.00 15.75 8.25 0.00

9.00

11.50

8.50 7.50 8.00 5.50 7.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

10.50 8.00 7.50 11.00 10.00 5.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

16.00 14.25 9.50 12.25 11.50 15.50 14.25

16.50 0.00 0.00 10.00 0.00 0.00

5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

8.75 8.75 11.75 8.75 0.00 11.75 0.00 0.00 13.25 13.25 0.00 0.00

14.5

5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 0.00 0.00 5.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.00 0

Healthy Team

16.00 15.50 15.00 10.50 0.00 0.00 12.50 0.00 0.00 6.00 13.50 11.00 0

Birmingham Group Health Services 3rd place

Having fun at the 2008 Corporate Cup events . . .

LIVE UNITED

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Treasurer’s Report continue to maintain funding for community based services through the traditional allocations process. Those allocations amounted to $588,312 during the year.

However, an additional $115,806 was allocated though donor designated gifts and special needs grants.

The Board of Directors had planned for a reduction in reserves as part of the budget to maintain allocations, and that is a major factor in the $175,115 reduction in net assets reflected in the audit. A challenging fund raising environment also played a major role in the deficit. However, reserves at the end of the fiscal year were still within the United Way policy to maintain a three to six month operating reserve.

William Nimons Vice President Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan

The current economic environment is challenging to say the least and Valley United Way is not immune to what is happening around us. However our financial position remains strong and our Finance Committee is working very closely with the Board of Directors to ensure that it remains that way.

The audited figures for the period ending June 30, 2008 reflect a year in which Valley United Way prudently used reserves to

In addition to our primary source of funding which is the annual campaign, grants, special events and in-kind revenues continue to play a major role in our finances. In-kind support also helps to improve the financial strength of the organization and amounted to almost $37,906 during the audit period.

The audited figures do not reflect additional resources provided to the community as a result of supplementary United Way activity. Thanks to our Corporate Volunteer Council, children are clothed for school, the shelves at area food banks are filled, clothing drives replenish stocks at area thrift stores and holidays are much brighter for needy families in the Valley. As you will see in other areas of the report, we are just now beginning to grasp the enormous financial impact these activities have, even though they do not show up on our financial statements.

In difficult economic times, the role of Valley United Way in the community is more important than ever and the Finance Committee will continue to work to ensure the fiscal health of the organization so that it can continue to be a resource in meeting community needs. I want to thank the members of the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors for their continued efforts to ensure the financial stability and viability of the United Way.

I am pleased to report that in the nine months since the audit was complete, our Annual Community Campaign appears to be doing well and we anticipate finishing the current fiscal year in June in the black.

LIVE UNITED

Statement of Financial Position June 30,

2008

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Investments Contributions receivable, less allowance for uncollectible amounts of $148,319 and $154,253 Grants receivable Prepaid expenses TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

2007

$ 235,757 9,876

$ 399,528 -

410,983 65,690 7,095 $ 729,401

453,229 27,500 4,965 $ 885,222

TOTAL ASSETS

$ 26,254 $ 755,655

$ 12,526 $ 897,748

CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued expenses Donor designations payable Deferred revenue – grants Deferred revenue – other TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

$ 16,002 103,733 168,676 32,422 $ 320,833

$ 27,166 112,620 99,443 48,582 $ 287,811

EQUIPMENT – less allowance for depreciation of $95,863 and $82,045

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

NET ASSETS – unrestricted TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

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$ 434,822

$ 609,937

$ 755,655

$ 897,748

LIVE UNITED

Statement of Activities (FY ending 6/30/08)

June 30

2008

REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT Campaign Contributions-current Less donor designations for fields of service Less donor designations for non-partner agencies and other United Ways Provision for uncollectible contributions TOTAL CAMPAIGN Foundation grants Special events Investment income In-kind revenues TOTAL REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT

$ 1,019,776 ( 51,461)

$ 1,072,225 ( 45,275)

( (

( (

DECREASE IN NET ASSETS Net assets at beginning of year NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR

Annual Meeting attendees support the LIVE UNITED campaign.

Youth Leaders at Camp Jewell had a full weekend of allocating funds to Valley agencies and programs as well as planning their second Middle School Leadership Conference.

The weekend was funded by Pitney Bowes.

LIVE UNITED

61,197) 81,825) $ 825,293

180,093 57,933 8,194 37,906 $ 1,109,419

ALLOCATIONS AND FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES Allocations and special issue grants Functional expenses (including donated services, material and facilities of $37,906 and $39,671): Community program services-grants and program Management and general Fund raising TOTAL FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES TOTAL EXPENSES

2007

70,012) 98,554) $ 858,384

216,629 51,287 15,251 39,671 $ 1,181,222

588,312

589,655

357,011 114,559 224,652 696,222 $ 1,284,534

341,831 147,722 192,159 681,712 $ 1,271,367

(

175,115) 609,937 $ 434,822

(

91,145) 700,082 $ 609,937

Youth Leadership Advisors, Melissa Pucci and Patrick DiCaprio, join Youth Leadership members to help store food at the Spooner House during the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive.

Youth Leaders stop to chat with Murray Martin, Pitney Bowes President, at the Pitney Bowes Diversity Festival.

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Thank You ... Thank You (As of 4/8/09)

Valley United Way, its 23 Partner Agencies and thousands of Valley residents who use the many programs and services provided through our Partner Agencies thank the following community individuals, businesses and professionals for their support of our 2008-2009 Annual Community Campaign.

AC Nielsen AD-Merica Corp.

AT&T Aetna Ahern, David Ahern, William F. Alexanders Hardware Allianz of America American Red Cross Andreana, Joseph & Patricia Ansonia Copper & Brass, Inc. Ansonia Housing Authority Ansonia Public Schools Ansonia, City of Anton Bauer Company Apicella, Testa & Company PC APS Insurance Agency, Inc. Arch Chemicals, Inc. Archdiocese of Hartford Area Congregations Together Augusta, Judith Averill, Richard B & J Electric Motor Repair Co. BJ’s Wholesale Club Bailey, Ruth Bank of America Barnum Financial Group, An office of Metlife Basement Systems, Inc. Belden, Bertha Bertie, Sara Better Packages BIC Corporation Big Y Supermarket, #99 Birm 1 Construction Co., LLC Birmingham Group Services Blanchette, Raymond & Janet Blanck, Anne Boris, Gregory Boys & Girls Club of the LNV Bradley, Henry Brickett, Edward Buchta, John Buckley, Mary Bug Busters Cable, Violet Calvert Safe and Lock Ltd Capitol Barber Shop Carey & Guarrera Real Estate Catholic Charities Catlin, Merrill Cavagnuolo, Emma Charles Dickglesser Company Clancy, Marie M. Clark, G. Bush Clark, Merritt Coffey, Mary Comcast

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Condon & Savitt PC Conklin, Edmund J. Connie’s Family Restaurant Conti Associates Coordinated Transportation Solutions, Inc. Coppola, Eugene Coscia, Anthony Costigan, Virginia Cota, Andrew L. Crocamo, John J. Curina, Iris Curri, Michael Curtiss Ryan Honda Cutting Edge Communications, LLC Dabkowski, Kathleen Daniell, John Danny O’s Bar & Grill Davey, Mildred M. David M. Grant Caterers Davis, Jane E. DeAngelis, Richard Dekarz Corporation Dellamonica, Anthony Derby Cellular Products, Inc.

Dyer, Bill Dziedzic, Charles Earthworks Excavating Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes Eli Lilly and Co. Elmy, Frederick J. Emhart Teknologies Energizer Personal Care F. W. Serra Fairbanks, Richard Fedorowicz, Dorothy Firing Circuits, Inc. First Congregational Church Fiscus, Robert Flaherty, M. Gloria Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. Flynn, Joseph Fred Ortoli Photography Frey-Hershey Foundation Frontier Gabianelli, Thomas Gambacini, Nelson Ganz, Glenn A. Garofalo, Barbara Gell, John F. General Electric Gexpro Ghilardi, Madelyn S. Ghione, Peter Giardina, John M. Gleason, Dennis J. Glover, Leroy Goodrich Danbury Employees Helping Hand Fund Grande, Richard Grassy Hill Lodge Graziano, Salvatore J. Greco and Haines, Inc. Griffin Anesthesia Associates, P.C. Karen Crane and her son Ryan were the designers and directors of Griffin Hospital the under the sea mural motif that was painted on the cement wall Halpin, Christine at the new Spooner House during the CVC’s first Day of Action.

Hartford Financial Services Health Net of the Northeast Derby Day Care Center Hennessy, William G. Derby Public Schools Hession, Walter Derby, City of Hillard, Robert Derby Public Library Hogan, Daniel Dirienzo, Angelo Homa, Elizabeth Dodd, Harrison Honeywell Hometown Solutions Donahue, Laura J. Horbal, Myron Donohue, John Housatonic Lumber Co. Douglas, Julius Hubbell Brothers Drennan, Joseph Hull Funeral Home Dripchak, Stephen Huntington Electric Duchess Family Restaurant Hvizd, Andrew Dunkin Donuts (Samana Inc.) Hylwa, Virginia Dworken, Hillman, IBM Corporation LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C.

LIVE UNITED

Thank You ... Thank You IMS Health Industrial Wood Products Co. Inc. Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. Izzo, Markanthony Jekel, James F. Jenkins-King Funeral Home Jimmy’s World Network, LLC John J. Sullivan’s Johnson & Johnson Jones Family Farms Julia Day Nursery Kaplan, Richard B. The Kerite Company Klavins, Aldis Kligfield, Michael Kostka, Raymond Kuster, Gordon Kuzma, Alice M. Lanzi, Joseph Lerman, Robert L. Lopresti, Anthony Luise, Nicholas & Ernestine MacDermid Incorporated Mahoney, Mary Maksymiw, Michael G. Mario D’Addario Buick, Inc. Mascolo, Louise Matthies, Richard L. McCoy, Brian N. McKane, Charles McLean, Charlotte Menna, William J. Mennillo, Alexandria Mercantile Development Michaud, Jr., Francis H. Microsol, Inc. Miller Investment Miller Ward Funeral Home Miller, William M. Milo, George Mitchell, Keith J. Moll, David Monk, Arthur Murphy, Maureen Murphy, Robert J. Naugatuck Savings Bank Naugatuck Valley Health District Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan Ned Miller Associates, Inc. New Alliance Bank Foundation New Haven Legal Assistance Newtown Savings Bank Nickse, H. Tom Nishball, Carp, Niedermeier, Pacowta & Co., a division of Blumshapiro Noe, Dena B. Northeast Utilities Northwest Airlines O’Connor, Timothy Ortoli, Josephine Ostberg, Evelyn

LIVE UNITED

Oxford Paint & Hardware Oxford Public Schools Oxford, Town of Parent Child Resource Center People’s United Bank PerkinElmer Pfizer, Inc. Philips Medical Systems Pilgrim Bar-B-Que Pitney Bowes Plastic Molding Technology Preferred Tool & Die Co., Inc. Professional Travel Planners Prudential Financial Pullman & Comley, LLC Queue, Inc. R.D. Scinto Inc. Real Estate Two Richemont North America, Inc. Rider, Art Rock, Ira Rogucki, Eileen Rosen, Richard Rte 67 Self Storage Ryan, George Sampieri, Robert Sadlik, Genevieve Santa, Norman & Janet Schaible, Kenneth E. Schwartz, Kenneth Seccombe’s Cleaners, Inc. Seccombe’s Men’s Shop Service Auto Parts Seymour Public Schools Seymour, Town of Shaffer, Beverly Sharpe, Everett E. Shaw, Ethel Shaw’s Supermarket Shelton Economic Development Corp.

Shelton Public Schools Shelton, City of Sikorsky Aircraft SITETRENDS integrated Skuret, Daniel D. Slovak, John J. Slowik, Richard J. Sobin, Madeline SONCCA Sous, Ramon S. Sovinski, Edward L. Spectrum Plastics Group Splan, Shawn K. Stamos, Gregory Stangel, Carolyn Stankye, Charles M. Stern, Samuel Stop & Shop Companies Sutnik, Thomas M. & Lynn Miller Sweeney, Joyce Sylvester, Leon TEAM, Inc.

Tamis, Donald H. Tarasovic, Nicholas Target TD Bank The Friend A. Russ Fund The Inn at Villa Bianca The Yudkin Family Fund Thomas, Dominick R. Toyota Motor Sales USA Tucker, Lewis Turski, Stanley E. UnitedHealth Group United Illuminating Company United Parcel Service – East New England Yale University Valla, Dominic Valley Chamber of Commerce Valley Community Foundation Valley Council of Governments Valley Regional Adult Education Valley United Way Valley YMCA Venman & Co., LLC Viadella, Shirleyanne Vishay Americas Visiting Nurse Association of South Central CT Visiting Nurse Services of CT Vitello, Alphonse Volpe, Frederick The W. E. Bassett Company Wachovia Bank Walmart Walgreen Drug Store Webster Bank Welch, John Wells, Royal Wells, Thomas H. Western Central CT Combined Federal Campaign Wheeler, Wesley Wiemer, David R. Wilson Agency, Inc. Winnick, Bronislaw Wright, Jane J. Xerox Young, Lois A. Zigmont, Henry

Ed and the staff of Cork & Keg in Shelton support the Valley United Way.

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Thank You Campaign Volunteers American Red Cross Carol Kirby

City of Derby Cinda Buchter

Ansonia Public Schools Missy Cook Fran Perrotti Paula Tyszka

City of Shelton Charlene DeFilippo

Area Congregations Together Susan Agamy

Derby Day Care Center Gladys Lazurek

Better Packages, Inc. Mary Ann Miskowicz Phil White

Derby Public Schools Nicole Bunnell Kathy Brown Kelly Foley Nancy Maleri Marilou Minolaio Deb Piscioneri Betsy Seabury

BIC Corporation Karen Georgia Johanne Henderson Christian Keator Birmingham Group Nancy Cahoon Mary Ann Far Debbie Foglia Latesha Johnson Marcia Jones Elaine Liberto Maria Rivera Carmen Rodriquez Arne Solli Diane Wasilewski BJ’s Wholesale Club Jen Moniz Boys & Girls Club of the LNV Jack Ribas Catholic Charities Diane D’Amato City of Ansonia Diana Branch Mary Ann Capone JoLynn Flaherty

Curtiss Ryan Honda Jennifer Keever

Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte and Sterczala, P.C. Jen Bull F. W. Serra, Inc. Carol Pendagast Fletcher-Thompson, Inc. Connie Koch Mike Marcinek GE International Michelle Fabozzi Maureen SpencerButler GE Money-Americas Matt Albano Gexpro Rob Casagrande Toni Lisi

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Bill Purcell Health Net of the Northeast Alysia Gibbs Sandy Eisenberg Katie Mastriano Karen Bozzuto Shirley Fiore Lisa Marino Willie Perez Joanne Czezcot Diane Astolfi Janet Alexander Linda Latka Marian Patuzzi Ruth Cintron Gloria Falkowski Phyllis MennilloDorigo Karen Bilodeau Debbie Lewis Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. Darlene Benham Adrienne Cabral Susan DeLeon Jeff Galdenzi Alan Grassia Sue Millican Lorraine Milone Michelle Wieler Samantha Woodward Julia Day Nursery & Kindergarten Sharon Kelly The Kerite Company Erica Byrd John DeGray Jessica Early Frank Giusto Tim Murray Naugatuck Valley Health District Colleen Lindholm Nishball, Carp, Niedermeier, Pacowta & Co. Phil Cioppa

Jack Walsh and Debbie Lewis show off Health Net’s donation thermometer of success.

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Oxford Public Schools Rose Forzano

Ruth Parkins and Adrienne Cabral of Iroquois Gas Transmission System, L.P. assist with the first Day of Action.

Parent Child Resource Center Sue Vogt

Valley Regional Adult Education Reina Marasco

People’s United Bank Angela Meier Justin Vescovi

Valley YMCA Sue Reilly

Seymour Public Schools Lee-Ann Dauerty Sue Duke Judy Laudati Roxanne Lindgren MaryAnne Mascolo Lucille McGinn Darlene O’Callaghan Patricia Sabatini Karen Wilczewski Shelton Police Department Trish Bruder Shelton Public Schools Howie Gura Patricia Lilling SONCCA Arlene Swatson Spectrum Plastics Group Dave Kelly Ed Meyer Carol Semanchik Sue Testone

Vishay Americas Ken Baldyga Kim Boveri Paula Scinto Visiting Nurses Association of Connecticut Mona Brockett The W.E. Bassett Company Linda McPhail Walmart-Derby Dotty Cacchillo Walmart-Shelton Frankie Sheldon Webster Bank Kevin Aiken Yankee Gas Services Company Suzanne Trejo

TEAM, Inc. Sue Westine Town of Oxford Kelly Weymer Town of Seymour Deidre Caruso

Bob Smits, President, GE International, Inc. speaks to employees at the Valley United Way Campaign.

LIVE UNITED

VUW Technological Advancement Valley United Way has been the technological forerunner among United Ways in the state of Connecticut for almost 20 years. The digital evolution began in 1992, when Valley United Way debuted on CompuServe, the first commercial online service preceding the Internet. Valley United Way was the first United Way in Connecticut to build a site on the World Wide Web. Because of its quality, Valley United Way was awarded second best website for its size in 1994 and number one in 1995 by United Way of America.

Long before there was a YouTube, Valley United Way was streaming video on the website using Real Player in 1997. It brought social networking to the management of

the Valley Council for Health & Human Services by establishing a presence on E-Groups long before MySpace or Facebook appeared on the scene.

Because of the success Valley United Way’s website achieved, it was used as a prototype for the Electronic Valley, a website that hosts a bounty of information regarding Connecticut’s Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Valley United Way is one of the few United Ways in CT to have its allocations process conducted online and it has provided electronic campaigns since 2005.

E-newsletters began monthly distribution in 2006 and are still being sent to Valley constituents today. Special thanks go to John

Joy of Savage Joy for assisting in the digital progression.

Valley United Way recently made further advances into Web 2.0 multimedia to further enhance communication. Valley United Way began hosting a company YouTube channel in November of 2007, debuted on Facebook in May 2008, tweets on Twitter since July and posts on a blog since November. By using the latest developments in multimedia, Valley United Way can deliver a broad array of information, stories and venues of help in an effort to improve the quality of life throughout the Valley community.

Volunteer Solutions The Volunteer Center is Always Open with Volunteer Solutions As Connecticut’s first United Way to embrace the Internet, Valley United Way uses both its internal website and its internet-based volunteer matching website to provide the latest information about United Way and the community.

Volunteers are the backbone of United Way, and Valley United Way values the special relationship between volunteers and the cities and towns in which they serve - Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour & Shelton. We strongly encourage all nonprofit organizations and local volunteer groups to list their groups and opportunities for free on our Volunteer Solutions site.

Volunteer Solutions is Valley United Way’s online resource center for volunteer opportunities in the Valley. Companies and agencies can list available opportunities and special needs in one place where people even from beyond the Valley can find them.

Website viewers can register for a personal volunteer homepage page and receive volunteer opportunities tailored to their interests.

The entire service is free thanks to Valley United Way and the generous support of the Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation, which underwrites most of the cost. For more information or assistance, please contact Valley United Way at (203) 926-9478 or visit our website www.valleyunitedway.org for direct links to Volunteer Solutions.

One year ago we invited you to LIVE UNITED. And you responded.

You make our community a great place. You inspire hope. You give, advocate and volunteer. How do we respond? Two simple words:

THANK YOU BECAUSE YOU DON’T JUST

WEAR THE SHIRT

YOU LIVE IT I’m Dave Grant, Chairman of the Valley United Way’s 2008-2009 Community Campaign.

Growing up in the Valley, I was taught early by my mother to be grateful for all we have and always help those who are less fortunate. In my thirties, I found myself in a position to give of my time, talent and, yes, treasure. Above all, the United Way gave me the opportunity to help a wide variety of organizations and individuals in the most efficient and effective manner.

I have found that giving of myself just makes me feel good! It’s that simple.

Mission Statement - Valley United Way's mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Valley United Way will measurably improve the lives of people in our community through:

Philanthropy – Raising dollars to invest in identified community priorities.

Volunteerism – Inspiring people to make a difference by giving their time.

Collaboration – Working with others to build coalitions that leverage resources to address identified community priorities.

Valley United Way • 3 Corporate Drive, Suite 501 • Phone: (203) 926-9478 • Fax: (203) 926-1368 • Website: www.valleyunitedway.org Serving Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton