Valley United Way Annual Report 2012-2013

COMMUNITY MATTERS Preparing Youth to Succeed Strengthening Families Helping People in Crisis

Valley United Way 2012 Annual Report

THANK YOU For creating opportunities and inspiring hope for a better tomorrow.

We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you. Thanks to your generosity and the support from our local businesses, corporations, students, non-profit agencies, government officials, community leaders, volunteers and residents all across our community, Valley United Way is able to make a measurable difference and is another step closer to achieving our goal: to improve the quality of life for people living and working in the Valley.

Together we CAN achieve this goal. Why? Because a community of connected individuals, united, and working together will benefit us all. It’s not just about giving to the needy, the haves giving to the have-nots, but rather Valley United Way recognizing that we are all part of something greater, and that a tear anywhere weakens our community’s fabric. We need people to recognize and value United Way’s role in reaching this goal because Community Matters. Thank you for being a part of the change, for giving, for advocating, and for volunteering.

Thank you to each and every one of you for all you have done to make our Valley a better place for all.

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Who We Are Members of the Corporation (Terms to Expire 2013) Joseph Andreana Judith W. Augusta Jean Axtell Kenneth Baldyga William C. Bassett William H. Bassett Bertha M. Belden Trish Bruder Richard Bshara William F. Bubbico Jennifer Bull Freeman Burr Adrienne Cabral William Carlson Robert Casagrande Lauren Casalveri Patrick Charmel Maureen Coffey James E. Cohen Eugene Coppola Eileen LopezCordone Marilyn Cormack Virginia Costigan Susan Coyle Joseph Crisco John Daniell Charlene DeFilippo James DellaVolpe John DeGray Ed DeMarseilles Gregory P. DeStefano Harry DiAdamo Nancy Dickgiesser Joshua M. Dickinson Angelo Dirienzo Julius Douglas Martha Dulla* William Dunlop Eleanor M. Duplese Frederick J. Elmy

Richard Feher* Jo-Lynn Flaherty Thomas A. Gabianelli Chris Gallo James Geissler Michael M. Gnibus David J. Grant David M. Grant Thomas I. Greene Deborah Grisgraber* James Guarrera* Thomas Harbinson Richard Haskell* Johanne Henderson M. Elizabeth Kennard Mark Kirschbaum* Themis Klarides Richard Knoll Mark A. Lauretti Joseph D. LoPresti Ernestine Luise Nicholas Luise Michael S. Marcinek Carol Merlone Edward W. Miller Jr. W. Kurt Miller William M. Miller William M. Miller Jr. Sue Millican H. Tom Nickse William C. Nimons Deborah Noack Fred Ortoli Frank Osak Joseph Pagliaro Jr. Ruth Parkins William C. Partington Mary L. Pepe Lynne Perry William C. Powanda Calvin K. Price

Melissa Pucci William Purcell Jack Ribas Arthur C. Rider Kathleen Riddle David M. Rifkin Richard Rosen George J. Ryan Robert Saracino* Eileen Schuman* Kenneth V. Schwartz Paula Scinto Elsie Scott Brian Sexton Janice Sheehy Maria A. Smith Madeleine M. Sobin Ramon S. Sous Karen Spargo Colleen Spooner Anthony Staffieri Gregory J. Stamos Charles M. Stankye Jr. Diane Stroman Thomas Sutnik Cheryl Tedesco* Nicholas Tarasovic George R. Temple Dominick J. Thomas Jimmy Tickey Robert C. VanEgghen Robert J. VanEgghen Ronald Villani Thomas J. Welch Philip L. White Michael Wynne Teresa C. Younger* *2012 Agency Representatives to the Corporation

Message From the President and Board Chair

A year ago, we marked the opening of Valley United Way’s fourth home over the course of its forty plus years of service to the community, and the move served as a stimulant for another great year of service to the Valley. The move makes us more accessible than we have ever been and enables us to open our doors for an incredible number of community partners who are offered the use of our two conference rooms for free, non-profit use. We think that is a fitting symbol for the central role that Valley United Way places in the life of the Valley on many different levels, as this annual report demonstrates.

As always we need to start by acknowledging the central role played by the Annual Community Campaign so ably chaired by Joe Pagliaro, Jr. for the third straight year. Joe and his campaign cabinet, the many campaign volunteers and all the donors who supported the campaign provided the financial resources that underpin the work of Jack Walsh, President & COO United Way. Valley United Way

Adrienne Cabral did another great job with the Allocations Committee in reviewing all of the applications for funding and providing the Board of Directors with the quality recommendations needed to make the difficult funding decisions at a time when there are not enough dollars to meet all of the needs of the community. We are fortunate to have so many volunteers on the Board and Allocations who are drawn from all walks of life in the Valley and have the passion, talent and dedication to make this a great place to live and work.

At Valley United Way, we multiply the impact of our donations and grants through our year round work in the community. Though we will never be able to meet all of the financial needs that exist, by working together we can find solutions to many of our issues.

For us, that means starting to work with our young people. We are extremely proud of the work that we do with our Youth Leadership Program now in its twenty-fourth year. Through the Youth Leadership Program and the High School Volunteer Council we are creating the next generation of leaders for our community. We were especially excited during the year when Sara German, who participated in both programs while a student at Ansonia High School and developed a passion for community work joined our staff as the Director of Resource Development. Another graduate of the program, Jimmy Tickey, sits on the Board of Directors.

Fred Ortoli, Board Chair &

Our Volunteer Center does incredible work by bringing our Valley Owner of Fred Ortoli business community together through their involvement with the Corporate Photography Volunteer Council. Their projects range from clothing needy children for school to clothing and feeding the neediest among us. There is nothing like it, and we continue to marvel at the intensity of their work projects for those less fortunate. We think every community in the country could benefit by copying their work.

And when we speak of the hands on work that it takes to improve lives in our community, we are fortunate to have such an outstanding network of non-profit service providers here in the Valley.

Though we are a funder of many, we are a partner with all. Their cooperative work through the Valley Council for Health & Human Services is the envy of the entire state. We work together as a community united on issues ranging from early childhood education to the needs of our senior citizens.

In closing, please take the time to read through this annual report and learn more about this special place that we call the Valley and the central role that United Way plays.

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Who We Are BOard of Directors Officers Fred Ortoli* Chair Fred Ortoli Photography William F. Bubbico*/** Vice-Chair Gregory P. DeStefano* Treasurer Marcum LLP Melissa Pucci* Secretary Yale School of Nursing Office of Admissions

Michael M. Gnibus GE Global Patent Operation David M. Grant** David M. Grant Caterers Johanne Henderson BIC Corporation Joseph D. LoPresti Barnum Financial Group, An Office of MetLife Carol Merlone Ansonia Public Schools

Members of the Board Jean Axtell Energizer Personal Care

Edward W. Miller Jr. Ned Miller Associates, Inc.

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

Joseph Pagliaro, Jr.* Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes

Adrienne Cabral* Community Volunteer

William C. Partington Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan

Robert Casagrande Community Volunteer Eileen Lopez-Cordone The United Illuminating Company John DeGray Point Energy Solutions Michael Figueroa Community Volunteer

Campaign Underwriters Thomas Sutnik Attorney-at-Law Dominick J. Thomas Cohen & Thomas Jimmy Tickey Jimmy’s World Network, LLC Robert C. VanEgghen PerkinElmer Ronald Villani* University of New Haven

Pitney Bowes Prudential Annuities Webster Bank Basement Systems, Inc. Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte, & Sterczala, P.C. Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes Fletcher Thompson Fred Ortoli Photography Gexpro Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company Newtown Savings Bank Townline Self-Storage LLC Venman & Co. LLC

Philip White Better Packages, Inc.

Sponsor Valley United Way would like to thank Prudential Annuities of Shelton for serving as the official sponsor of Valley United Way’s Annual Campaign Kickoff.

To read more about the Kickoff, see page 18.

Thank you Prudential for your continued support.

*Executive Committee **Resigned

William Purcell Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Richard Rosen The R.H. Rosen Group Janice Sheehy Webster Bank

United Way Board of Directors

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Who We Are Committees

Corporate Volunteer Council Kathy Belanger Market Data Retrieval

Brian Donahue SSC, Inc.

Cheryl Biros Ned Miller Associates, Inc.

Bryn Doyle Barnum Financial Group, David M. Grant An Office of MetLife David M. Grant Caterers

Cathy Bork The Nielsen Company

William Drotos Computershare

Kimberly Boskello The McIntyre Group

Eric Dumas Pitney Bowes

William Bubbico

Michelle Fabozzi GE Corporate

Kristin Bures HSBC Bank USA Harry Burlakoff Minuteman Press Adrienne Cabral Community Volunteer Dana Cackowski People’s United Bank Carolyn Cargnel Prudential Robert Casagrande Gexpro Dina Celeste The McIntyre Group Diana Cirillo Panache Hair Design Virginia DeDad Royal Service Travel Sharon DeDonato DeDonato Building Contractors, LLC Donna DiGianvittorio Regional Water Authority

Denise Fantorella The Nielsen Company Louis Fazzino Pitney Bowes

Laura Gorman Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce

Nancie Gray Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Jill Griffin CDW-G Maureen Grohe Prudential Rose Gurn Pitney Bowes

Kate Marks Marks of Design

Nancy Pino Rexel Holdings/Gexpro

Kimberly Tabb Prudential

Jennifer Martin Newtown Savings Bank

Erin Rafferty GE Corporate

Alexis Tomczak PerkinElmer

Jennifer Martone Sikorsky Aircraft

Mary Ellen Samatulski TD Bank

Kathleen Turk BPA Worldwide, Inc.

Sue Millican Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company

Katie Scinto R.D. Scinto

Kristen Urso-Rio GE Corporate

Daniel Shea Wells Fargo Bank

Robert C. VanEgghen PerkinElmer

Janice Sheehy Webster Bank

Rob VanEgghen DRS Seismic Consultants LLC

Mary Ann Miskowicz Better Packages, Inc. Melissa Mongillo The McIntyre Group

Antonietta Hallet Community Volunteer

Tammy Mulrooney QP Industrial/ A Quick Pick Crane

Gina Ferreri Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company

Johanne Henderson BIC Corporation

Fred Ortoli Fred Ortoli Photography

Marie Figueroa Sikorsky Aircraft

Libby Hitchcock Sikorsky Aircraft

Amy Fitzgerald Basement Systems, Inc.

Sue Hitchcock Sikorsky Aircraft

Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes

Daniel Fitzgerald Basement Systems, Inc.

Linda Hvizdo Homewood Suites by Hilton

Trish Fontes First Niagara Jessa Francis Sikorsky Aircraft Arlene Gardella Altair Global Relocation Matthew Golia Enterprise Rent-a-Car

Lynn Kieley Newtown Savings Bank Fran Leach GE Corporate Charlotte Madar Professional Travel Planners Mandi Marcino The McIntyre Group

Bonnie Sinclair Arson Productions Donnalee Smith Pitney Bowes

Natalie Vetro GE Global Patent Operation

Fernando Solis Hampton Inn Shelton Thomas Steeves InStall Promotions

Heather Pantaleo BPA Worldwide, Inc. Ruth Parkins Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company Sarah Peck The McIntyre Group Carol Pendagast Serra & DelVecchio Insurance David Pendagast Keller Williams Realty

Prudential Annuities Volunteers at the Center for Domestic Violence Services at BHcare

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Who We Are Committees Marketing Committee

Chair – Rich Rosen Andrew Venditti Bob Hilliard Dan Ianelo Deb Noack Jean Axtell Thomas Steeves Tim Koletsos Joe Pagliaro, Jr. Fred Ortoli

Nominating Committee

Ruth Parkins Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company

Fred Ortoli Fred Ortoli Photography

William C. Partington, Chair Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan

Michael S. Marcinek Fletcher Thompson

Melissa Pucci Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. Yale School of Nursing Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes Office of Admissions Philip White Better Packages, Inc.

Volunteer Center Advisory Committee

Terri Houghton Community Volunteer

Barbara Quinn United Methodist Homes

Carol Kirby Community Volunteer

Suzanne Reilly TEAM, Inc.

Reina Marasco Valley Regional Adult Education

Sue Westine TEAM, Inc.

Martha Z. Denstedt Griffin Hospital

Melissa Pucci Yale School of Nursing Office of Admissions

Gail Catlin AuPair in America

Jo-Lynn Flaherty City of Ansonia

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Allocation Committee

Finance Committee

President & COO

Director of Development

Campaign Cabinet

Accounting & IS Coordinator

Marketing Committee

Administrative Assistant

High School Volunteer Council

Volunteer Center Director

Corporate Volunteer Council

Youth Leadership

Volunteer Center Advisory Committee

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Who We Are Message From the Campaign Chair

As you can see throughout this annual report, Valley United Way and its many partners do some amazing things in the community because “Community Matters”. The underpinning of those efforts - and a measure of the community’s spirit, compassion and generosity - is the Annual Community Campaign. It has been my pleasure to serve as your Chairman for the last three years and to be joined by so many other caring and committed individuals who understand the importance of philanthropy in our Valley community. There are many ways to measure the quality of life in any community, and certainly philanthropy is one of them. Individuals, groups and businesses come together to provide the necessary resources to support a wide variety of needed services, and I am happy to report that philanthropy is alive and well in the Valley as proven by the outpouring of support for the annual campaign.

Joseph Pagliaro, Jr.

Though the economy has not fully recovered from recession, and this past year, we as Campaign Chair and Vice members of the larger Connecticut Community, have endured some very sad and trying times to say President of Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes the least, our campaign continues to show that the Valley is still a place where neighbors support neighbors. Our Annual Community Campaign continues to make that an easy exercise, as one gift supports a wide variety of Chair – Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. needs. An effort like this requires a great team, and I am pleased to say that I had a great Rich Knoll team in place this year. Our campaign cabinet was outstanding, and their dedication and time devoted is greatly appreciated. The many campaign coordinators and other volunteers Frank Michaud make our corporate campaigns fun and rewarding for everyone involved, and their good Ned Miller work needs to be acknowledged.

Campaign Cabinet

Fred Ortoli Ellen Pagliaro Lauren Price-Kazzi Bill Pucci Bill Purcell Janice Sheehy Tom Steeves Tom Sutnik Jimmy Tickey Ron Villani

I also want to thank the Board of Directors and staff at United Way for their energetic support and leadership in ensuring that we have the tools needed to make this effort a success. I want to especially thank Sara German who in her return to Valley United Way as staff has become a breath of fresh air, and a new friend in my third campaign, and Jack Walsh for his leadership. And finally – and most importantly – let me thank all of the donors large and small who truly do make this campaign special. The basic premise of United Way is that by involving everyone, we all share the load – a little bit from everyone produces a large result at the end of the day. Thank you all for making this a truly rewarding experience, and please continue your support in the years ahead. These three years have gone by so quickly and have been three of the most fulfilling years on any board I have had the pleasure to serve on.

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Who YOU Are Leadership Givers

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. Bassett Family Fund William C. & Judy Bassett Ernestine & Nick Luise Ron & Peggy Villani The Friend A. Russ Fund The Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation

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. These are the people who are in the forefront of the struggle to provide a better way of life to every age and generation.

2012-2013 Commodore Isaac Hull Society Members (This list is accurate as of 3/20/2013):

Admiral’s Circle*

Charles Slife William Sperry Jack Walsh

Ellen DiVerniero An-Ping Hsieh David Nord

Captain’s Circle*

Commodore’s Circle*

Stacy Abbott Jean Axtell Michael Barber Bertha Belden Donna Berzolla Kevin Bishop James Braun Alan Buechel Jennifer Bull Freeman Burr Al Cameron William Chiarelli Barbara Clifford David Connors Marilyn Cormack Virginia Costigan

Annual gifts of $5,000$9,999

Annual gifts of $2,500$4,999 Darryl Arnette James Alsante Janet & Raymond Blanchette Robert J. Casagrande Gail & David M. Grant Stephen Mais Richard L. Matthies Ned & Marianne Miller Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. Louis Pizzoli Scott E. Rupff

Annual gifts of $1,000$2,499

Mildred M. Davey Patricia Desautels Gregory DeStefano Daniel Dittmar Frederick J. Elmy James Engelhart Robert Fiscus Kelly Gabianelli Patricia Gaudreau Traci Gentry Dennis J. Gleason Salvatore J. Graziano & Francesca Sergi David Gray Chikako Harada John Hill Concepcion Itchon Barry Johnson III Margaret Jones Rosemary Kelly David Kimball John Kirschner Mary-Ann Lambert Eugene G. Lasko Joseph LoPresti

Francis H. Michaud, Jr. Mary Ann Miller William M. Miller, Jr. Deborah Noack Karen Olsen Frank Pickman Walter Pirog William E. Purcell Ellen Rinaldi John Rousso Paul Russo John Ryan Bea & George Ryan Paul Rychlik Diane Stroman Thomas M. Sutnik & Lynn Miller Carlos Texidor Kevin Thom Dominick R. Thomas, Jr. Kristen Urso-Rio Carl Vensel Laurel & Joseph Vicidomino Phil White

Iroquois Pipeline The following companies have one or more leadership Operating Company JP Morgan Chase & Co. givers in the Commodore Marcum LLP Isaac Hull Society: Michaud & Accavallo Aquarian Water Company Miller Investment Barnum Financial Group, an Shelton Public Schools TEAM, Inc. Office of MetLife The United Illuminating Better Packages, Inc. Company BHcare BIC Corporation Valley United Way W. E. Bassett Company Blanchette Sporting Goods Blum Shapiro Cohen and Thomas *This level has Dworken, Hillman, anonymous donors LaMorte & Sterczela, P.C. Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes Energizer Personal Care First Niagara Bank GE Elfuns General Electric Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Hubbell Incorporated

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Who YOU Are Valley United Way, its 24 Partner Agencies and thousands of Valley residents who use the many programs and services provided thank the following community individuals, businesses and professionals for their support of our 2012-2013 Annual Community Campaign.

A Quick Pick Crane Service Inc. Abbott Laboratories AD-Merica Corp.

Alexander’s Hardware Ansonia, City of Ansonia Speciality Metals, LLC Ansonia Public Schools Apicella, Testa & Company PC AT&T Judith Augusta Richard Averill Bank of America Barnum Financial Group, An Office of MetLife Bassett Family Fund William C. Bassett Bertha Belden Sara Bertie Better Packages, Inc. BIC Corporation Blanchette Sporting Goods Anne Blanck Blum Shapiro Hartwig Blume Gregory Boris Henry Bradley Mary Buckley Violet Cable Calvert Safe and Lock Capitol Barber Shop Robert Casagrande Merrill Catlin Emma Cavagnuolo George Clark Merritt Clark

Cocchiola & Cocchiola D.M.D., LLC Comcast Comfort Keepers #325 James Connery Eugene Coppola Anthony Coscia Virginia Costigan Michael Curran Curtiss Ryan Inc. Kathleen Dabkowski John Daniell Mildred Davey David M. Grant Caterers Derby Football Club Richard DeAngelis John DeGray Gregory DeStefano Anthony Dellamonica Derby Day Care Center Derby, City of DiMatteo Group Angelo Dirienzo Ellen DiVerniero DSA Companies John Donohue Laura Donahue Joseph Drennan Stephen Dripchak William Dunlop Dutchess Family Restaurant Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte, Sterczala, P.C. Charles Dziedzic Earthworks Excavating, Inc. Ed’s Cleaners

Edward F. Adzima & Riverview Funeral Homes Frederick Elmy Emhart Teknologies Energizer Personal Care First Niagara Bank Robert Fiscus Fletcher Thompson Joseph Flynn Fred Ortoli Photography Thomas Gabianelli Nelson Gambacini Glenn Ganz Barbara Garafolo John Gell General Electric Madelyn Ghilardi Peter Ghione Joan Giardina Dennis Gleason Leroy Glover Grassy Hill Lodge Salvatore Graziano Griffin Hospital Elizabeth Homa HR Consulting/ Staffworks Hubbell Incorporated Hull Funeral Home Andrew Hvizd IBM Corporation & Retirees Industrial Wood Products Co. Inc. Inform Printing Company Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company Jenkins-King Funeral Home

Jimmy’s World Network, LLC Jones Family Farm Aldis Klavins Michael Kligfield Alice Kuzma LAC Property Management LLC Robert Lerman Liberty Mutual Anthony LoPresti Nicholas & Ernestine Luise Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. Mary Mahoney Michael Maksymiw Mario D’Addario Buick, Inc. Louise Mascolo Richard Matthies Edward McCreery Charles McKane Francis H. Michaud, Jr. Miller Ward Funeral Home William Miller Serina Mills David Moll Maureen Murphy Robert Murphy Naugatuck Savings Bank Ned Miller Associates, Inc. H. Tom Nickse Deborah Noack Northeast Utilities Company Oxford Paint & Hardware Oxford Public Schools

Thank You Donors!

Oxford, Town of Ellen Pagliaro People’s United Bank PerkinElmer Pfizer, Inc. Philips Medical Systems Pitney Bowes Pratt & Whitney Professional Travel Planners William Pucci R.D. Scinto Inc. R.J. Slowik Consulting Real Estate Two Patricia Reynolds Eileen Rogucki Frederick Rohwedder Richard Rosen Rte 67 Self Storage Ryan & Tyma LLP George Ryan Robert Sampieri Kenneth Schwartz Serra & DelVecchio Insurance Seymour Public Schools Beverly Shaffer Shelton, City of Daniel Skuret Madeleine Sobin Shawn Splan St. Paul’s Episcopal Church St. Peter & St. Paul Church Gregory Stamos Carolyn Stangel Charles Stanyke Thomas Sutnik Joyce Sweeney

Leon Sylvester Donald Tamis Andrew Testa The Friend A. Russ Fund The United Illuminating Company The Yudkin Family Fund Dominick Thomas Tomasella, Schlitter & Burrell, P.C. Town Line Self-Storage, LLC Stanley Turski United Parcel ServiceEast New England Dominic Valla Nancy Valentine Vishay Americas Vitek Research Corporation Frederick Volpe Wal-Mart Edward Weaving Wellmore Behavioral Health Wellpoint Foundation Wells Fargo/Wachovia Royal Wells Thomas Wells Wesley Wheeler White Hills Express Inc.

Plus the hundreds of employees who generously contributed through their workplace.

If we have inadvertently omitted or misspelled your name, please accept our apologies. (Accurate as of 3/20/13)

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Who YOU Are Valley United Way is fortunate to have the support and cooperation of several other funders in carrying out much of our work in the community. In addition to the funders of our new office space referenced elsewhere in this report, we want to acknowledge the following funders: Graustein Memorial Fund: supported early childhood initiatives in Ansonia and Shelton through regular and matching grant programs.

State Department of Education: provided support for the early childhood initiative in Ansonia.

Webster Bank: provided a special grant for a loaned executive to help us with our most important work – the Annual Community Campaign.

Sikorsky Aircraft and its employees: continued to support efforts to improve high school graduation rates in the area.

Pitney Bowes: provided us with a grant that assisted our Youth Leadership Program winter retreat and other activities as well as matching employee contributions for the Back-to-School Clothes for Kids project at Irving School.

The Valley Community Foundation: provided support for the Valley Council for Health & Raymond P. Lavietes Foundation: this Human Services . generous funding helped to support the Volunteer Center and the Youth Leadership Program as well as to fund the technology that is the backbone for our operations and some of our marketing and communications efforts.

Thanks to your generosity during our annual campaigns, Valley United Way has been able to fund health and human services programs that touch thousands of people in our community. But annual gifts alone cannot fund the future. As our community continues to change and grow, our Annual Campaign may be hard pressed to keep pace with emerging needs. It is for this reason – to prepare for our community’s future-that the Heritage Fund has been created.

The Heritage Fund is a special fund, separate from our annual campaign that serves as Valley United Way’s permanent endowment.

It is our promise to the community that we will always be here to help those in need, because our community matters. The Heritage Fund is your opportunity to leave your mark and to invest in your community’s future, by making a gift that will be remembered for its enduring benefits toward our community. Your attorney or financial advisor can help guide you in selecting what’s best for you.

Grant Funding Katharine Matthies Foundation: provided significant funding for the Ansonia early childhood initiative and for special projects of the Valley Council for Health & Human Services.

The Friend A. Russ Fund: made an annual contribution that supports the full range of community programs supported by Valley United Way. The Prudential Foundation: partnered with Valley United Way, R.D.Scinto and the Valley Community Foundation on a special emergency food grant to Valley food banks.

The Prudential Foundation has also made a generous grant to support the Youth Leadership Program.

Gift Opportunities Include: • A bequest through your will • Gifts of cash, stocks, or real estate • Life income gifts • Memorial & tribute gifts

Heritage Fund

For more information, please contact Valley United Way.

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What We DO About the Campaign

Valley United Way went into 2012-2013 with high expectations and a lofty campaign goal. With the need in the Valley getting stronger, we knew we had to do something to help everyone we could, so we set a goal to raise $1.2 million to support programs and services in our five towns.

The campaign started off to a great start with companies eager to hold campaigns. Our public schools, People’s United Bank, Yankee Gas, and Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, to name a few, all jumped into the campaign season right away.

We had large corporations such as BIC, GE, Energizer and Hubbell host fun events to boost employee morale and campaign participation, like bringing in the Big Green Pizza Truck, and having a Fall Apple Cider Party. In October, our campaign cabinet helped to send out appeal letters to local businesses, professionals, and retirees.

Unfortunately, shortly after the letters were mailed, the eastern seacoast was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. Much of the Energizer Personal Care Campaign Volunteers with VUW Director of Resource Development coastline was destroyed and people were left devastated. Our attention at Valley United Way immediately went to help our neighbors at United Way of Milford. We decided to hold back on our campaign and let United Way of Milford and the American Red Cross get the spotlight with disaster recovery. When life finally started getting back to normal in November, we began pounding the pavement yet again holding campaigns at Vishay Americas, Better Packages, Inc. and the DiMatteo Group. Employees were so generous this year that reaching our goal still had hope. But then in December, so close to home, we sat by and witnessed the unthinkable tragedy unfold at Sandy Hook Elementary School. All attention once again was diverted to the crisis.

After the holidays Valley United Way once again kicked back into campaign mode, sending out second and third appeal letters to local businesses asking for support. Donations were coming in, companies were eager to support our organization, the community was out and about talking about United Way, and then in the blink of an eye over three feet of snow was dropped on our community in February thanks to Blizzard Nemo. Valley United Way was greatly affected by the trifecta of tragedy this year, but despite it all we held strong and raised funds to support our community.

Under the circumstances that we faced this year our staff, volunteers, and donors did a tremendous job with the 2012-2013 campaign. A very special thank you goes out to all our donors, companies, and volunteers who make it possible for us to campaign year after year and support our 24 non-profit partners.

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What We DO Campaign Volunteers ACT Spooner House Anthony Vellucci Ansonia Board of Education Carol Merlone Fran Perrotti Better Packages, Inc. Phil White Mary Ann Miskowicz BHcare Joyce Macauda BIC Corporation Rose DeBenedetto Doris Main Elaine Bataille Don Castaldi Leslie Cullen Jennifer Day Tony DeRosa Sue Feher Karen Georgia James Geraci Kellie Hayden Johanne Henderson Bill Hoagland Christian Keator Mary-Ellen Lacasse Frank O’Connor Carl Vensel Mary Wojiski

Boys & Girls Club of the LNV Shaye Roscoe

Catholic Charities Dianne D’Amato City of Ansonia Jo Lynn Flaherty City of Derby Laura Wabno

Curtiss Ryan Inc. Jennifer Keever Derby Board of Education Dina Gotowala Derby Day Care Center Gladys Lazurek DiMatteo Group John DiMatteo Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte, & Sterczala, P.C. Jennifer Bull Emhart Teknologies Allison O’Sullivan

First Niagara Bank Patricia Fontes Richard Tortora GE Bob Smits Fran Leach Kristen Urso-Rio Matt Battaglia Diane Kosarko Val Bogner Kathy Amann Rich Croll Stephanie Gelman Catherine Toppin Peter DiMauro Lindsey Iacovacci

Julia Day Nursery and Kindergarten Sharon Kelly

Town of Seymour Naugatuck Valley Health Rory Burke District Kurt Miller Colleen Lindholm Valley YMCA LNV Parent Child Alan Mogridge Resource Center Margaret Norris Susan Kelly

VNS of CT Mona Brockett Yankee Gas Susana Trejo

People’s United Bank Richard Fry Joe Perun Mark Solorzano Colleen Bike Mylena Vilaverde

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Serra & DelVecchio, Bill Purcell LLC Carol Pendagast HR Consulting/ Staffworks Seymour Board of Robin Imbrogno Education Robin Pado Pat Boyle Lucille McGinn Hubbell Incorporated Mary Bialek John McFarland Karen Wilczowski Paul Rychlik Allison Cunningham Nicole Clark Victor Flagello Shelton Board of Brooks Challenger Education Kim Ramalho Kathy Riddle

Energizer Personal Care Boy Scouts- Housatonic Jean Axtell Iroquois Pipeline Council Lisa Cook Operating Company Kevin Bishop Steven Charles Ruth Parkins Mona Kadiwar Anthony Pietrini

Vishay Americas Paula Scinto Kim Boveri

TEAM, Inc. Sue Westine

Bic Corporation Campaign

Shelton Police Department Trish Bruder SONCCA Arlene Swatson

John McFarland and Brooks Challenger of Hubbell Incorporated

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What We DO 2012-2013 Special Awards CEO Leadership Award Timothy Powers, Hubbell Incorporated Chairman’s Award Denim & Diamonds Event Committee CVC Corporate Citizen of the Year Sikorsky Aircraft Valley United Way Spirit Award Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company Most Creative Campaign GE Corporate –Shelton Most Improved Campaign (100 Employees or Less) Better Packages, Inc. Most Improved Campaign (100 Employees or More) Energizer Personal Care Newest Campaign DiMatteo Group Outstanding Coordinator & Team BIC Corporation

Top Dollars Raised Campaigns (Combined Corporate and Employee Giving of $10,000 or more)

Bassett Family Fund BIC Corporation Energizer Personal Care General Electric Griffin Hospital Hubbell Incorporated Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company People’s United Bank Shelton Public Schools Sikorsky Aircraft The United Illuminating Company Webster Bank Employee Giving Awards Gold (Employee per capita giving of $125 or more)

Better Packages, Inc. BIC Corporation Boy Scouts of America – Housatonic Council Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C. Energizer Personal Care Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Hubbell Incorporated Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company Valley United Way

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

Julia Day Nursery and Kindergarten United Parcel Service – East New England Vishay Americas Employee Participation Awards Gold (Employee participation of 75% or more)

Better Packages, Inc. Boy Scouts of America – Housatonic Council Derby Day Care Center Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, P.C. Energizer Personal Care Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company Valley United Way Silver (Employee participation of 50%-74%)

BIC Corporation Catholic Charities DiMatteo Group Julia Day Nursery and Kindergarten Vishay Americas Bronze

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

Derby Day Care Center

Campaign AwardS

Bronze

LNV Parent Child Resource Center Shelton Public Schools SONCCA Corporate Giving Awards (Corporate per capita gifts of $75 or more per employee)

BIC Corporation David M. Grant Caterers Energizer Personal Care Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company Ned Miller Associates, Inc. Silver (Corporate per capita gifts of $60-$74.99 per employee)

Hubbell Incorporated Bronze

Energizer Personal Care Top Dollars Raised Corporate Giving – Gold Employee Giving – Gold Employee Participation – Gold Hubbell Incorporated Top Dollars Raised Corporate Giving – Silver Employee Giving – Silver Employee Participation – Bronze Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company Top Dollars Raised Corporate Giving – Gold Employee Giving – Gold Employee Participation – Gold

(Corporate per capita gifts of $40-$59.99 per employee)

Industrial Wood Products Co. Barnum Financial Group, An Office of MetLife Multiple Awards BIC Corporation Top Dollars Raised Corporate Giving - Gold Employee Giving – Gold Employee Participation – Silver

Edward “Jay” Holm and Ruth Parkins of Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company

(Employee participation of 25%-49%)

BHcare HR Consulting/Staffworks Hubbell Incorporated

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What We DO 43rd Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award For only the second time in the history of the Charles H. Flynn Humanitarian Award, a husband and wife team have been selected for the Valley’s highest honor for community service. Nicholas and Ernestine (More affectionately known as Nick and Ernie) Luise have been synonymous with community service in the Valley for over 20 years and they are being recognized for an incredible list of accomplishments that have made their adopted home a better place to live and work.

Jack Walsh, President & C.O.O. of Valley United Way said, “The selection committee was incredibly impressed with the indelible mark that Nick and Ernie have left on the Valley and beyond, with the wide range of programs that they have supported through the years. Though both of them were born, raised and educated in New Jersey, we have been incredibly fortunate that they chose the Valley as their home and set to work their magic here.”

Over the course of the last 20 years, Nick has found time to serve on the Board of Directors for BHcare where he was the first chair of the Holiday Gala, the Valley YMCA, Hewitt Foundation, and VNA of South Central Connecticut. He has also managed to serve the City of Shelton on their Ethics Commission. Nick is also currently serving as the Treasurer and board member for Rotary District 7980 Gift of Life and the International Board of Gift of Life which provides life-saving cardiac, pediatric surgeries for children under 18 years old.

Ernie is a member of the Derby-Shelton Rotary Club where she served as President (first female president in Club history).

Her Rotary service extended to a term in the prestigious post as District Governor (only the second in the Club’s history), and she recently co-chaired the committee that developed the beautiful new Pavilion along the Shelton Riverwalk. Ernie also served on the BHcare Foundation Board for 18 years including time as Vice Chair. She co-chaired the very successful Bowl-a-thon for many years. She is also the past Board Chair and 13 year member at TEAM, Inc. and a former Board member at Valley United Way. She has also been heavily involved with the Boys & Girls Club, the Women Making a Difference Committee and Julia Day Nursery. The City of Shelton has benefited from her service on the Municipal Parking Authority.

Nick and Ernie’s humanitarian efforts have extended well beyond the Valley. They have been active with Rotary International Peace Centers program that educates scholars in conflict prevention and resolution. They have traveled to Mexico to participate in the literacy initiative Project Amigo whose goal is to keep kids in school. Keeping with the education theme, they have also supported the construction of a 3 room school in a rural village in Nicaragua and furnished a computer lab. While serving as District Governor, Ernie helped Rotary International’s efforts to institute a clean water project in the Kolar region of India. The bio-sand filter program that Nick and Ernie helped spread with their extensive fundraising efforts assisted over 400 government schools and several villages to develop clean drinking water as part of the South Asia Pure Water Initiative. Their fundraising efforts for Gift of Life have helped “fix hearts” of over 1,000 children in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The Flynn Award is by no means the only community recognition that they have received.

Past Recipients

2012-- David M. Grant 2011-- Harry DiAdamo, Jr. 2010-- Domminick J. Thomas, Jr. 2009-- Fred Ortoli 2008-- Jack Ribas 2007-- Diane Stroman 2006-- William C. Nimons 2005-- David M. Rifkin 2004-- Janice Sheehy 2003-- Kenneth E. Schabile 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. Jeffery 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

Valley United Way is pleased to have such a dynamic and caring couple join the distinguished list of talented and dedicated people who have done so much for the Valley. The award is named for Derby native Charles H. Flynn, a former editor of The Evening Sentinel who was active in many philanthropic groups in the lower Naugatuck Valley.

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What We DO Preparing Youth To Succeed Valley United Way is committed to making our community a place where children grow up safe, happy and prepared to succeed in life.

What We Do • Create opportunities for positive before and after school activities • Assure parents that children have a fun, safe environment surrounded by caring adults, while they are at work • Ensure that all Valley children are prepared to succeed in school by the time they enter kindergarten • Provide youth with the chance for character and confidence development and value based leadership skills

Our Partners Derby Day Care Center Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest CT Boys & Girls Club of the LNV Boy Scouts of America – Housatonic Council

Family Resource Center (TEAM, Inc.) Girl Scouts of CT Julia Day Nursery and Kindergarten Recreation Camp SONCCA 2-1-1 Volunteer Center

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What We DO The doors were open at the Valley Family Resource Center – and in its emerging weeks provided Learn & Play Groups open to all families with young children throughout the Valley. These weekly 90-minute sessions enable children to socialize with peers and are valued by parents whom gauge their child’s progress and school readiness as compared with other children. These sessions potentially serve as the first opportunity for parents to meet one another and strengthen a sense of community.

Through the facilitation of the Learn & Play Group by FRC staff, the activities strive to result in increased parental knowledge, improvement in parenting practices, and increased community involvement.

A couple of months ago a single mother of three children walked into TEAM and was amazed to hear that the Family Resource Center doors were open. She immediately signed up for the Learn & Play Groups and started attending. Her first thoughts were that the center was quiet and everyone was friendly. She started by attending the Tuesday Learn & Play Group every week, and noticed an increase in her daughter’s social skills and how comfortable her daughter was among FRC children and families.

An Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) – a developmental and social-emotional screening for children from one month to 5 ½ years – was completed for her daughter at the Family Resource Center. The ASQ looks at strengths and trouble spots, educates parents about developmental milestones, and incorporates parents’ expert knowledge about their children. The ASQ revealed that her daughter needed additional services, which are now provided by Birth to Three.

As the FRC expanded this year so did the mother’s attendance and participation. This wasn’t limited to playgroups but parenting workshops and FRC volunteer efforts as well. Parenting workshops have increased this mother’s ability to assist all of her children in areas of routines, literacy and nutrition. She was eager to participate, share and help other parents upon their first time attending Family Resource Center activities. As time went by she utilized services for her family and was able to use other programs embedded in TEAM. Upon hearing about the FRC’s need for a part time Assistant and Family Educator, she jumped at the opportunity. She stated, “It would be a dream job to assist and support families. I feel like I’m giving something back that’s very valuable”.

Today this young woman is a part- time employee at the Family Resource Center responsible for assisting, connecting, and educating families. Her dream came true!

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What We DO Strengthening Families Valley United Way along with our partner agencies are building strong kids, families and communities by promoting programs that help strengthen a family through health, wellness, independence and financial stability.

Our Partners Catholic Charities International Institute Meals on Wheels (TEAM, Inc.) LNV Parent Child Resource Center What we do • Provide parents and caregivers with resources and information VNA of South Central CT needed for the development and well-being of their children Wellmore Behavioral Health Valley YMCA through 2-1-1, play groups, and birth to three • Promote and enhance positive behavioral health of children 2-1-1 Volunteer Center and families for kids to reach their fullest potential and prevent future risky business • Work to help families become independent and financially stable

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What We DO Wellmore Behavioral Health (Shelton) is an outpatient facility that helps Valley residents, age 14-adult, overcome a broad range of behavioral and emotional challenges. Since 2006 they have been serving our community and assisting people with anxiety, depression, attention deficit, family conflict, grief/loss/trauma counseling, substance abuse, and many others. Their goal is to promote a lifetime of wellness through essential and innovative treatment and support.

We heard from the mom of a 17 year old male client who has become a major success thanks to Wellmore.

It had been a full year and a half filled with substance abuse, school failure, an arrest and an expulsion. He was finally exhausted from the mess he was making of his life. We had already tried a 90 day residential substance abuse program in the wilderness and a boarding school to remove our son from the company of other substance abusing teens. We tried everything we could think of…punishments, rewards, tight rules, daily communication with school, family counseling, you name it we tried it. There was no reaching him. Then we found Wellmore like many other families. There are three main ingredients that helped our son succeed at Wellmore; structure, a trusted mentor, and group “peer” therapy. The weekly testing and accountability of having to attend three times per week, three hours per session, gave structure to my son’s life at a time when he resisted structure.

The relationship he and the other teens built with the therapist there was the first honest relationship he has had with a therapist.

I think Wellmore is the first place that my son felt comfortable being himself and accepting the painful mistakes he had made. By accepting those mistakes and owning his own choices, he was able to start putting them behind him. The last piece is the most important. I call it “the miracle of group therapy.” At Wellmore, the real teaching comes from the other kids in the group. On my son’s first day in group, he told me that he didn’t fit in.

He told me about the other kids there who had been addicted to “hard drugs”, had spent time in jail, or had ankle bracelets on. He said he didn’t fit in, but that he was there for his own reasons and if he didn’t learn what he needs to learn, he will be in their situation in a year or two. Some parents may think that they do not want to expose their kids to others who have struggled with substances to this extent. For my son, it was the exposure that finally convinced him that he was on a self-destructive path. I remember him telling me often about one peer in particular who has been addicted to hard drugs, how he has totally turned his life around and was the strongest one there. My son listened to him, trusted him and was inspired by him.

While at Wellmore I witnessed my son re-shaping his life in a healthier way within his own life. That reshaping went further than substance use. At home, you could physically see him working on how he communicates, making it a point to not just be at the dinner table, but to be present when he’s there. He is able to manage his anger and he is no longer defiant. It wasn’t easy for him or us and it took time, but the constant support and partnership at Wellmore gave him a safe place to keep going for feedback and continual encouragement as he learned to manage life’s imperfections.

The journey through substance use is not perfect. My son successfully completed Intensive Outpatient Program, returned to his boarding school, and then went back to Wellmore after coming home and relapsing at the beginning of summer. The acceptance of his imperfections by his peers and therapist at Wellmore allowed my son to face his issues again. He spent the summer attending IOP for a second time as he adjusted to being home. The hardest part of recovery is back at home in the company of other teens and outside influences. IOP helps teens re-enter that world with a plan. Again, the structure, trusted mentor, and group therapy helped him explore his choices and enter that world in a healthy way. Today, my son lives happily at home. He is doing well in his local high school and works 20 hours per week in a part time job. He has his license and he is a productive member of our household. We know that the journey of a struggling teen can be a series of ups and downs. With Wellmore, we found a partner where our son can find acceptance, guidance, and the tools to live a healthy life. While he is thriving now, we know that the Wellmore team is there if we need them again, and for that, we are grateful.

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What We DO Helping People In Crisis Our United Way works with individuals and families during times of emergency or crises.

Our Partners ACT Spooner House American Red Cross What we do Center for Domestic Violence Services at BHcare • Collaborate with area non-profits, foundations, and New Haven Legal Assistance corporations to resolve current community needs Rape Crisis Center of Milford • Assure that Valley residents seeking help will receive Father McKenna St. Vincent de Paul Society the resources and support needed to meet their basic 2-1-1 needs Volunteer Center • Offer support services, education and consultations for kids through adults who have been subject to domestic violence, sexual assault, or other physical mental or emotional emergencies

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What We DO When the seriousness of the food shortage surfaced at a meeting of Valley United Way’s Corporate Volunteer Council, Katie Scinto, of R.D. Scinto, offered to donate $2,000 if that amount could be matched. Scinto said, “As I sat and listened I realized that families might be turned away unless we acted immediately to do something to fix it the situation.”

Following a similar discussion at the Valley Community Foundation, the United Way met with VCF and the six food banks to determine the extent of the need and its causes. The food banks reported the shortage was caused by a dramatic increase in the demand for food driven largely by ongoing unemployment and the struggling economy. The United Way and the Valley Community Foundation each pledged $5,000, which increased the pool to $12,000.

Jamie Cohen, President of the Valley Community Foundation, indicated that the problem was brought to his attention by Joseph Pagliaro, Jr., a VCF Board member, who is also the current United Way Campaign Chair. Cohen said “Our Board responded immediately, and authorized $5,000 for this purpose. One of the remarkable things about the Valley is how we take care of our own. This is another demonstration of that kind of caring.”

Just days before the total of $12,000 was to be announced to the food banks, the Prudential Foundation contacted Valley United Way looking for ways to help their community. With their perfect timing, the Prudential Foundation partnered with Prudential Annuities to leverage resources to address the major shortage at Valley-area food banks and match 100% of the $12,000. A total of $24,000 in grants from The Foundation and three other funding partners was raised to restock depleted shelves at six area food banks and pantries to meet immediate needs.

“Hunger and food insecurity continues to be a growing epidemic in the United States given the current economy, “ said Lata Reddy, Vice President, Corporate Social responsibility at Prudential and President of The Prudential Foundation. “When we learned about this crisis from Valley United Way, we welcomed the opportunity to join the local community to address this critical issue.”

The six agencies that recieved the funds are: Spooner House - $14,000 Father McKenna St. Vincent de Paul Society - $4,500 Salvation Army - $2,500 Seymour/Oxford Food Bank - $1,500 Parent Child Resource Center - $750 Center for Domestic Violence (Umbrella) - $750 Fred Ortoli, Chairman of the Board at Valley United Way said, “This is a unique example of how the Valley works together to resolve its pressing needs. The cooperative spirit of the providers is extraordinary as is the leadership and community spirit exhibited by the funders. The fact that this happened so quickly is a tribute to their generosity and concern for the quality of life in the Valley.”

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Joseph Pagliaro, Jr., Kimberly Tabb, Bob Scinto, Jamie Cohen, Jack Walsh and Fred Ortoli are all smiles after announcing a very special grant.

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What We DO CampaigN Kickoff Event

Close to 150 community leaders, corporate representatives, volunteers, and residents gathered at Valley United Way’s new office on 54 Grove Street Shelton, CT on September 13, 2012 to kickoff the 2012-2013 Annual Community Campaign!

With our newly shared space with Center Stage Theatre, we raised the curtain on our matinee event, with a theater themed kickoff. Attendees started with a guided tour of the office, enjoyed lunch from David M. Grant Caterers, and were then ushered into Center Stage for the show! Valley United Way Board Chair, Fred Ortoli, President & C.O.O, Jack Walsh, and Campaign Chair, Joe Pagliaro, Jr. all spoke to encourage our audience to get involved in this year’s campaign. The 2012-2013 Campaign Cabinet was announced, along with the introduction of our new Director of Resource Development, Sara German. Fresh popcorn was then offered to guests and we introduced the new short film series, “Where’s Joe?”, a series of videos where Campaign Chair Joe Pagliaro, Jr. travels around the Valley meeting with our Valley United Way agencies to learn more about their work and to better inform the community about the great services they provide.

At the conclusion of the event, Valley United Way announced their goal for the community campaign, with high hopes and community support, Valley United Way is striving to raise $1.2 million to put into preparing youth to succeed, strengthening families, and helping people in crisis.

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What We DO Denim & Diamonds Event On March 2, 2013 Valley United Way held their First Denim and Diamonds Fundraiser.

The event was held at Molto Bene Italian American Kitchen in Ansonia, and featured delicious food, wine tasting from the Valley’s own Jones Winery of Shelton, dancing to the beats of HHR DJ Services of Oxford, and of course the chance to win diamond jewelry.

Over 100 guests attended the evening dressed in their favorite pair of jeans and all their bling! Five stunning jewelry items were raffled off to eager guests including a diamond amethyst pendant, blue topaz and diamond necklace, sterling silver and platinum pendant, a gift basket from Lia Sophia, and a stunning white and cognac diamond necklace. For the chocolate lovers out there, a prize of chocolate diamonds was also raffled off.

A very special thank you goes out to our local jewelers for supplying the beautiful items; AJ Klein Jewelers, Lia Sophia, Lewis Jewelers, and Cellini Jewelers.

Looking forward to seeing you all there again next year!

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What We DO High School Volunteer Council The purpose of the High School Volunteer Council is to unite Valley High Schools which include: Ansonia, Derby, Emmett O’Brien, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton, to work together on community service projects that will meet the needs of our community.

The goal is to provide the opportunity for high school students to learn and practice leadership skills, develop a wider knowledge of community needs and implement one major volunteer project a year that will make a great impact all while interacting with students from other schools.

Ansonia High School Nicole Espinata Reaghan Bennet David Widel Derby High School Zach Volo Brianna Feola Justin Olenoski Marissa Nicolari Emmett O’Brien Danielle Letendre Raven Bristol Nick Coppola Henrique Pereira Zach Nichols

Seymour High School Mike Conlan Monica Mordowarec Jake Walkinson Katie Petroski Shelton High School Tyler Tice Ola Szczesna Danielle Letendre Michelle Kellett Oxford High School Dan Mott Samantha Orner Christina Buswell Brian Suto

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What We DO Youth Leadership Program

The Youth Leadership Program, since its start in 1990, unites Valley teens who have a desire to get involved with their community and learn the skills needed to become a future leader.

The students learn about community needs in the Valley, the importance of nonprofit agencies, and the role volunteerism plays in addressing those needs. At the conclusion of their year, Youth Leaders are given the opportunity to allocate funds to teen focused community programs.

Billy Holt Co-President Derby High School

“Taking part in such a wonderful program has taught us the importance of not only helping others, but being an active member of our community as well.

Through the Youth Leadership Program we have gained more self confidence and a better sense of working as a group.” ~ Jen and Billy

Christina Buswell Oxford High School

Jennifer Mezzapelle Co-President Notre Dame of Fairfield

“I have completely fallen in love “The community matters to me with volunteering and helping because it made me who I am others once I saw just how much today. It made me stronger and of a difference I can make.” independent; I want to do ~Christina everything I can to give back.” ~Allison

This Year:

29 Youth Leaders

$2,000 Allocated

by Youth Leaders

Allison Rafferty St. Joseph High School

818 Volunteered

Hours

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What We DO Youth Leadership Program

Ola Aleksandra Emma Baker Shelton High Hill Regional School Career Magnet High School

Juliana Mauriello Shelton High School

Dan Barnard Holy Cross High School

Hudson Boles Shelton High School

Ali Dunne Sacred Heart Academy

Emily Gaetano Shelton High School

Dan Mott Oxford High School

Louis Nicoletti Ansonia High School

Stacie Nolan Shelton High School

Samantha Orner Emma Schwarz Oxford High Oxford High School School

Alexia Steeves Ansonia High School

Elise Sullivan Shelton High School

Jolleen Vocicio Ansonia High School

Abbrianna MacGregor Derby High School

Chris Majchrzak Ansonia High School

Zach Volo Derby High School

“Community matters to me “I have learned that even the because the better you make it smallest effort can make the biggest for others, the better it will be difference in the community.” for yourself. “ ~ Chris Missing From Photo Chris Pawlowski Abigail Lynch ~Tim Seymour High School Shelton High School

Tim Garrity Derby High School

Kevin Saksa Seymour High School Lisette Garcia Derby High School Travis Pyka Oxford High School

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What We DO Volunteer Solutions Volunteer Solutions provides Valley residents and non-profits the one stop-shop to find or list a volunteer opportunity through our online Volunteer Solutions Database.

Free to use and available 24/7, Volunteer Solutions links those looking to volunteer with those in need.

Check us out at www.valleyunitedway.org

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What We DO Corporate Volunteer Council

The Corporate Volunteer Council is a coalition of more than 50 Valley businesses who give back to our community through the spirit of volunteerism.

The CVC coordinates food and clothing drives, plans and provides resources for large scale community projects, and shares best practices for corporate social responsibility. The CVC believes in the value of giving back to the communities where they do business and promote volunteerism among their employees. The Corporate Volunteer Council strives to make the greatest community impact possible.

27 The Nielsen Company volunteering at the Spooner House

What We DO Back To School

Each August, members of the Corporate Volunteer Council join together for the Back-to-School Clothes for Kids Project.

This project selects one school in the Valley (on a rotating basis) and provides low-income children from that town’s elementary school with brand new clothes and school supplies to gear up for the first day.

The goal of this project is to provide kids with the confidence they need to start the school year ready to learn and to improve the attendance rate during the first week. This year Irving and Bradley Schools were chosen. CVC members continued it’s partnership with the schools through projects with the students, collecting books, and painting the school’s library.

To Date:

This Year:

191 Students 46 Companies Adopted

Participated

2,402 $480,400 Spent

Students Adopted

on Valley Kids 28

What We DO Day of Action On the longest day of the year how will you make a difference?

Every year on June 21st volunteers all across the country join together for one day of helping their community. This year Corporate Volunteer Council member Sikorsky, volunteered for the day at the Boys and Girls Club of the LNV.

21 Sikorsky employees worked together in sweltering heat to fix up the Club’s

playground and participate in fun activities with the children. The CVC also organized a food drive for the Day of Action, delivering over

600 cans and boxes of food to the Valley Food Bank at the Spooner House.

Holiday Giving Each holiday season the Corporate Volunteer Council adopts local families in need of assistance to provide their children with a memorable holiday. This year the CVC adopted

43 families from the LNV Parent Child

Resource Center, the Salvation Army, Father McKenna St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Rape Crisis Center of Milford.

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What We DO

The Griffin Hospital Community Corporate Cup, which started in 1991, is a collaborative effort of Valley United Way, the Valley YMCA and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce designed to improve fitness and quality of life while building company morale and showing community support. Griffin Hospital is the named sponsor and brings its unique emphasis on wellness to the entire series. The event itself revolves around the healthy team competition and a range of other competitive events. Points are earned over the course of three months and eventually one company emerges as the winner.

In the closest finish since 2004, Fletcher Thompson won its first Griffin Hospital Community Corporate Cup! The margin of victory over defending champion CDW-G was only .42 by a 143.34 to 141.92 score. The last time the results were this close was in 2004 when Tele-Media Cable (now Comcast) topped PerkinElmer by.25.

The only other time the results were this close was in 1998 when Birmingham Group (now BHcare) and Griffin Hospital tied for the championship. Ironically, that was the last time that either team won the competition. PerkinElmer rebounded from their tough loss in 2007 when they won the first of four straight titles.

This year’s race was especially tight as Fletcher Thompson and CDW-G finished within a point of each other in every single event throughout the competition. Both of them also won two of the individual events with Fletcher Thompson taking the Golf and Bocce titles while CDW-G finished very strongly with wins in the last two events to be scored - the Run/Walk and the Healthy Team competition.

BIC finished a strong third with an overall score of 148.30 that included a win in the Orienteering event. Four time champ PerkinElmer finished fourth with 140.88 points. BHcare rounded out the top five at 132.17. Though Griffin Hospital

Leadership Greater Valley

Corporate Cup

finished out of the top ranks, they managed to win both the Bowling and Wiffleball events. 2005 Champs Spectrum Plastics managed a win in the Horseshoes Tournament, while 1999 Champs TEAM, Inc. won the Darts Tournament for the third straight year. Six different companies managed to win events in 2012.

Valley United Way is pleased to partner with The Valley YMCA, Griffin Hospital and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce in putting on this program designed to improve the health and quality of life for area employees. It has had a very positive impact on the entire community and contributed to the health and well-being of many employees.

2012 Corporate Cup Walk/ Run

In November of 2012, Leadership Greater Valley congratulated its 17th class of graduates! Organized by a unique collaboration among Valley United Way, the Valley Council for Health and Human Services and the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, LGV provides adults the opportunity to build leadership skills and community education. Fifteen adults each year are chosen for the program that are aspiring to be community leaders; and undergo a nine week course exposing them to all aspects of life in the Valley including history, business ethics, economic development, and non-profits.

Upon graduating the program, Valley United Way’s Volunteer Center helps place each of the 15 participants into a volunteer leadership opportunity right here in the Valley. Several graduates have gone on to become Valley United Way Board Members! Leadership Greater Valley is unlike other programs because it goes beyond the corporate world to develop the vision and drive for community change.

Leadership Greater Valley Class of 2012

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What We DO

Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. with Ayanna Williams and David Morgan of the Family Resource Center

Youth Leaders at Camp Jewell

Corporate Cup Darts

DiMatteo Group joins United Way

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How We Do It Message From Allocations Chair

Valley United Way seeks to combine the best of a traditional United Way allocations process with the changing needs of the community to address new needs and innovations. The Allocations Committee is faced with the daunting task of matching the dollars available with the needs of the community. We have been fortunate to have a very dedicated group of volunteers who do a very thorough job of examining budgets and programs from those requesting United Way funding and then making recommendations to the Board of Directors for the ultimate decision.

The nature of the work has changed some in the last few years as the growth of donor designated funding has grown and diminished the unrestricted pool of funds. At the same time, the committee also handles the Special Needs grants program at United Way which is entirely separate from the unrestricted pool of funds. The donor designated pool of funds is earmarked for special issues, and it is the committee’s job to find the best fit for those dollars to return a benefit to the community.

During the Allocations period covered in the audit, the Committee’s recommendations resulted in direct allocations of $479,449 to partner agencies for their traditional allocations. In addition, Special Needs grants in the amount of $18,311 were made using funds designated by donors for special areas of need. Though

the dollars did not go through the allocations process, direct donor designations resulted in Partner Agencies receiving an additional $29,959 dollars and non-partner agencies receiving $64,265.

I want to thank all of our committee members for their dedicated service during the spring process. I want to especially thank our panel heads who work year round on both the regular allocation process and the Special Needs Adrienne Cabral grants . I also want to thank the Raymond Allocations Chair P. Lavietes Foundation for supporting our online process, which is easy to use and efficient in managing the entire process.

Please take the time to read through the other pages of this report where you can see listings of agencies and programs that benefited from the work of the committee.

Allocations Committee Members Richard Bshara City of Ansonia

Mark Daconto Basement Systems, Inc.

Alicia Gsell Hubbell Incorporated

Richard Rosen The RH Rosen Group

Robert VanEgghen PerkinElmer

Kristin Bures HSBC Bank

Martha Dulla Grassy Hill Lodge

Robert Hilliard Community Volunteer

Thomas Saksa Youth Leadership

Christopher Venice Marmon Utility LLC

Adrienne Cabral Community Volunteer

Marie Figueroa Sikorsky Aircraft

Laura Wabno Tracy Hussey Joseph Sedlock Shelton Board of Education Shelton Board of Education City of Derby

William Carlson Inform Printing

Peter Galla Naugatuck Savings Bank

Robert Casagrande Community Volunteer

James Geissler Valley Regional Adult Education

Bonnie Sinclair Joseph LoPresti Barnum Financial Group, An NEC Office of MetLife Brian Sexton Community Volunteer Sharon Massafra Home Instead Senior Care Carla Sullivan Patricia Reynolds Community Volunteer Conti Associates

Karen Nash-Compasso CDW-G

David J. Grant David M. Grant Caterers

Thomas Welch Welch, Teodosio, Stanek & Blake Hanna Zibluk Youth Leadership

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How We Do It Preparing Youth for Success Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern CT Matches children age 6-14 with a caring adult mentor who provides the support needed for a child to grow and mature.

Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Partner Agencies

Special Allocation Designation Allocation $6,000 $120

$83,800

$1,981

$44,819

$2,321

$4,800

$29

Works with young girls to encourage self esteem, leadership skills, academic success, and community service.

$7,000

$546

Julia Day Nursery & Kindergarten

$2,958

$354

$12,000

$1,500

$1,000

$126

Works with youth after school to provide a positive place to play and learn.

Boy Scouts- Housatonic Council Works with youth to build leadership skills and community service abilities.

Derby Day Care Center Educational preschool with loving care for children whose parents work or attend job training.

Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Provides full time, before and after school care for children ages 3-8.

Recreation Camp Offers an affordable summer camp experience, teaching children swimming, boating, canoeing, and windsurfing on the Housatonic River.

SONCCA

$1,500

$1,500

Provides before and after school care at six school-based licensed sites and all day kindergarten child-care at two licensed sites in Seymour and Oxford.

In addition to our funded partners, donors designated $64,265 to other registered 501(c)3 organizations and other United Way offices.

Another $6,961 was designated from donors to our special needs grants.

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How We Do It Strengthening Families Catholic Charities Offers counseling for those facing hardship or mental health issues.

Father McKenna St. Vincent de Paul Society Offers tangible assistance on a person-to-person basis for Valley community members in need.

International Institute Provides technical immigration and citizenship assistance to new Americans as well as language skills, job training and assistance to refugees.

LNV Parent Child Resource Center Provides assessment and treatment of children and families with psychological problems.

Meals on Wheels - TEAM, Inc. Delivers hot, nutritious meals and a friendly visit to homebound seniors.

United Services Organization (USO) Serves non-military needs of members of our armed forces throughout the world.

Partner Agencies

Special Allocation Designation Allocation $40,000 $1,377

$8,750

$800

$1,400

$45,000

$1,318

$1,500

$10,000

$1,797

$6,850

$450

$603

$42,276

$1,231

Valley YMCA Offers aquatics, child-care, preschool, health and fitness, youth and adult sports, summer camp/sports clinics and SRO housing opportunities to Valley residents.

Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. and Diane Stroman at TEAM, Inc.

34

How We Do It Helping People in Crisis

Partner Agencies

American Red Cross - CT Region

Allocation Provides Valley Wide Disaster Services, blood donations, CPR training, and many other $42,000

Special Designation Allocation $341

services.

Area Congregations Together - Spooner House Offers shelter for the homeless and provides hunger relief and aid to those in need through the Valley Food Bank.

Center for Domestic Violence Services at BHcare Provides domestic violence counseling for adults, families, and children.

$30,000

$409

$28,750

$14,026

$2,500

$262

$11,946

$190

Family & Children’s Aid: Safe Homes Program Safe Homes provide 24- hour residential care and comprehensive clinical evaluations of children and sibling groups in initial out of home placement due to abuse and neglect.

2-1-1 A free service which provides informational resources to those in need.

New Haven Legal Assistance Provides free legal advice, representation, community education and policy advocacy for low-income residents of Greater New Haven and Lower Naugatuck Valley areas.

$4,000

Rape Crisis Center of Milford Works to eliminate sexual assault through risk prevention and violence prevention education; and empowers victims to regain control of their lives through counseling and advocacy.

$20,000

$441

$12,000

$187

Visiting Nurse Association of South Central CT Provides comprehensive home health and community services, specializing in cardiac, oncology, pediatric, maternal, rehab and mental health care.

Wellmore Behavioral Health Offers substance abuse education, prevention, therapy and support services.

$18,000

35

How We Do It Message From Treasurer

As you can see in the audited figures for the period ending June 30, 2012 Valley United Way enjoyed a successful year financially.

Thanks to the hard work of our Finance Committee and Board of Directors, the campaign success of Joe Pagliaro, Jr. and his campaign cabinet and Greg DeStefano Marcum LLP volunteers, and a move to new offices; we were able to achieve a positive growth in reserves for the third straight year after several years of deficits.

The audited figures for the period ending June 30, 2012 reflect a year in which Valley United Way saw total campaign revenues drop from $1,161,461 to $1,053,759 while total revenues grew from $1,230,354 to $1,246,828 with much of the growth coming from the activity related to the move to new office space.

During the same period, our total expenses dropped from $1,187,462 to $1,113,859 resulting in a significant surplus for the year. Our reserves grew to $591,981 from $459,012 and they remain within the prudent three to six month operating reserve guidelines established by the Board of Directors.

During the fiscal year, $591,984 was allocated to the community. Direct allocations to partner agencies amounted to $479,449. An additional $94,224 was allocated through donor designated gifts with partner agencies receiving $29,959 and other

agencies receiving $64,265. An additional $18,311 was paid out through the Special Needs grants program.

Donor designations continue to rise as a percentage of total giving, yet they remain below national averages.

Non-campaign revenue, which includes grants, special events and in-kind revenues, grew dramatically during the year, amounting to $364,451.

Almost that entire amount was related to grants and in-kind support for the move to the new offices.

In-kind support alone grew from $34,366 to $79,658 during the audit period.

It is signifcant to note that the audited figures do not show the full financial impact of Valley United Way. Many of the activities conducted by Valley United Way - and highlighted throughout this annual report - result in significant additional resources benefiting the community. Those activities primarily carried out by our Corporate Volunteer Council included clothing children for the new school year, conducting monthly food and clothing drives and carrying out a wide array of special holiday projects that benefit the neediest in our community. The value of those efforts is enormous even though not reported as part of the audited figures.

It has been my pleasure to serve as Treasurer and to work with a very talented and devoted Finance Committee.

36

How We Do It Statement of Activities

(Per audit 6/30/12) June 30, UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS UNRESTRICTED REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT Campaign contributions-current Less donor fields of service-current Less donor designations-current Provision for uncollectible pledges

Foundation grants Special events and other Investment income In-kind

2012

2011

$1,053,759 (36,283) (76,922) (58,177) TOTAL CAMPAIGN 882,377

$1,161,461 (40,021) (96,168) (84,414) 940,858

216,320 68,048 425 79,658 $1,246,828

190,090 64,634 406 34,366 $1,230,354

TOTAL UNRESTRICTED REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT

ALLOCATIONS AND FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES Allocations 479,449 Functional expenses (including donated services, and facilities of $79,658 and 34,366) Community program services 348,402 Management and general 116,074 Fund raising 169,934 Total functional expenses 634,410 TOTAL ALLOCATIONS & FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES $1,113,859

480,245 385,474 120,972 200,771 707,217 $1,187,462

INCREASE IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS

TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS-contributions

132,969

42,892

-

250

INCREASE IN NET ASSETS

NET ASSETS at beginning of year – restated for 2011

132,969

43,142

459,012

415,870

$591,981

$459,012

NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR

37 Youth Leaders getting ready to volunteer

How We Do It Financial Position

(Per audit 6/30/12) ASSETS June 30,

2012

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Investments Accounts receivable Contributions receivable, less allowance for uncollectible amounts of $160,845 and $150,692 Grants receivable Prepaid expenses

2011

$307,558 41,240 2,700

$90,310 70,015 11,650

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

328,891 36,200 39,189 755,778

523,550 13,700 37,467 746,692

TOTAL ASSETS

107,612 $863,390

2,957 $749,649

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

$24,869 118,258 95,073 33,209 271,409

$18,861 130,921 92,528 48,327 290,637

591,981 _____-

458,762 _____250

TOTAL NET ASSETS

591,981

459,012

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

$863,390

$749,649

Equipment less allowance for depreciation of $140,425 and $126,664 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accruals Designations and allocations payable Deferred revenue – grants Deferred revenue – other NET ASSETS Unrestricted net assets- restated for 2011 Temporarily restricted net assets

Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. at Recreation Camp.

Allocation/Designation/Fields of Service Payouts per audit FYE 6/30/2012

Allocations - $479,449

Designations - Partner Agencies - $29,959 Designations - NonPartner Agencies $64,265 Special Needs/Fields of Service - $18,311

38 Donations being dropped at the Spooner House

Jack Walsh President & Chief Operating Officer

Carol Anzidei Administrative Assistant

Sara German Director, Resource Development

Samantha Kelly Chief Storyteller

Patricia Tarasovic Director, Volunteer Center

Find us online at www.valleyunitedway.org

Nancy Roshka Accounting and Information Systems Coordinator

Joyce Saltes Office Volunteer

Matt Pandiscia Loaned Executive, Agency Benefits Director, Barnum Financial Group, an Office of MetLife

39

Valley United Way A leading philanthropic organization serving the towns of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.

Our Mission: To improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration.

Our Goal: To improve the quality of life for people living and working in the Valley by funding programs and organizations that make a measurable difference.

Our Purpose: To raise, invest, and leverage funds annually to support 24 health, human, and social service agencies whose work benefits those living and working in our 5 Valley towns.

We Focus Our Efforts On: Preparing youth to succeed, strengthening families, and helping people in crisis.

We pride ourselves on our initiative to collaborate with all sectors of society (individuals, business, non-profit and government) to create long-term social change that produces healthy, educated and financially stable individuals and families.

Although United Way is an internationally recognized organization, each branch of United Way is completely localized. All the money raised by Valley United Way stay in our local community. We hold ourselves accountable for dollars raised and the causes that these dollars are invested in, the fields of income, education, and health, by utilizing a team of highly skilled community volunteers to allocate funding where it is needed most in our community.

UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING WE ARE, UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING WE DO, WE ARE ALL PEOPLE, CONNECTED, INTERDEPENDENT, UNITED. AND WHEN WE REACH OUT A HAND TO ONE, WE INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL. THAT’S WHAT IT MEANS TO

LIVE UNITED