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Home > Newsletter >Making an Impact Winter 2006

UWSL Meets Holiday Needs of 3,372 Children

Volunteer Now for Grant-making Team -Deadline Feb. 3

	Do something meaningful for the individuals and families living in the community. Take part in a great volunteer opportunity by joining United Way of Salt Lake’s (UWSL) Grant-making Teams. By committing a few days of time over the next four months, eam members will make a lasting impact in their lives and the lives of others. UWSL is looking for volunteer community leaders to review grant applications for programs requesting grant funding. Volunteers become part of teams that review and evaluate program information, outcome measurements and the effectiveness of each program in addressing our community’s most critical needs. Teams will make funding recommendations and will determine which programs receive grants through UWSL effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2008. Each volunteer will be assigned, according to his or her interest, to a team representing one of UWSL’s four core issues: Improving Standards of Living Building Life Skills Providing Adequate Child Supervision Opening Doors to Education Volunteers will donate approximately 40 hours of time for program review from February through May (about eight hours per month). The application deadline is just around the corner — Feb. 3. To apply, click here or contact Kris Pepin, UWSL vice president of community impact at (801) 736-7720 or kristine@uw.org. Return to top>>

Morgan Replaces Sluder as Member of Board

United Ways of Utah Launch Statewide Savings Initiative

The New Year brings a variety of challenges for 2006. Difficulties for many Utahns may occur with new bankruptcy laws in place, an increase in minimum payment requirements on credit cards, and high gas and utility prices. To address these challenges, the United Ways of Utah have developed Utah Saves-a source of support designed to help all Utahns save money, reduce debt and increase financial security. Many low and middle-income families live paycheck to paycheck, just a life event away from financial catastrophe. Utahns have among the highest bankruptcy and mortgage foreclosure rates in the country, credit card debt has increased 570 percent in the past twenty years and the national savings rate has fallen below one percent. Utah Savers are seeing the benefits of saving. Mark Haymond, an employee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, puts aside money each month for a down payment on a new home. He has already saved $20,000. Since Utah Saves began in 2004, more than 1,000 people have enrolled as Utah Savers. These Utah Savers have saved $401,696. The average monthly savings is $140-a significant amount for many Utah families. The statewide launch held on Nov. 16, 2005, brought together business and government leaders, community members and Utah Savers. Governor Huntsman proclaimed the day "Utah Saves Day" and encouraged all Utahns to save more by using the tools and resources available through Utah Saves.

Any Utah resident who agrees to work toward a savings goal can become a "Utah Saver". Savers start by enrolling through a Utah "Saves Site", online at www.utahsaves.org, or by dialing 2-1-1. Once a Saver sets a goal, Utah Saves can help them develop an action plan to get them started on a regular pattern of saving. Utah Saves assists Savers by offering the following support services: Access to asset-building programs that match savings, assist with tax preparation, enable low-income families to take advantage of federal Earned Income Credits that are available. Reduced-fee financial products: savings accounts, mutual funds, IRAs Free how-to seminars on specific financial planning topics Asset-building workshops that motivate people to save and plan One-on-one mentoring, coaching and on-going support through volunteer coaches Savers Clubs to give on-going encouragement and support to Utah Savers Members of the business community are also seeing the value of Utah Saves. Intermountain Healthcare is investing $300,000 each year for the next five years, and the Kem C. Gardner Family is contributing $200,000 annually over the next five years. As long-term funding partners, these organizations will help Utah Saves expand its reach and effectiveness throughout the state of Utah through an extensive social marketing campaign. Utah Saves can help businesses and their employees. Any business, faith-based group, non-profit organization, university or government agency can become a Utah Saves Site and offer Saves services to their employees, clients, congregates, students and so on. Once an organization becomes a Saves Site and begins enrolling Savers, not only do Savers enrolled through the site receive continual support from Utah Saves, but they also get support from their employers, and peers, to stick with their savings plan. Utah Saves is a totally free service directed and supported by United Ways of Utah in partnership with 2-1-1 Info Bank, AAA Fair Credit Foundation, Utah Community Action Partnership Association and Utah State University Cooperative Extension. These partnerships represent every county in the state and ensure that all Utahns have access to Utah Saves services. Return to top>>

Women's Philanthropic Network: Educating, Inspiring, and Empowering Women for a Stronger Community

United Way of Salt Lake (UWSL) understands the power of women’s philanthropy. The recently formed Women’s Philanthropic Network (WPN) educates women about their personal power as philanthropists, and aligns their passions and leadership skills with community needs. Led by UWSL Board member, Becky Potts, WPN membership has already grown to over 40 with representation from professional, business and community leaders. Each member has committed an annual investment of $2,500, and most have joined the Network’s Founding Council, which acts as the governing body for the membership, and is organized into six working committees. The Founding Council, which meets quarterly, recently voted to approve the organization’s name, accepted standing rules, and an English learning opportunity initiative as the strategic focus of the group’s first effort to produce positive, measurable, and long term community results. Cultivation events are being held to help educate women about the Network, and a major kick-off event is being planned for later in the year. Any woman interested in philanthropy, making a community impact, and meeting some terrific new women who share a passion for the community should contact Joy Erickson, donor relations director, at (801) 736-7707.

Becky Potts Chair Committee Chairs Christine Arthur Events Committee Chair Paulette Cary Recognition Committee Chair Linda Leckman, M.D. Advocacy/Public Policy Committee Chair Margo Silvester Governance Committee Chair Peggy Stone Initiative Selection Committee Chair Volunteer/Mentoring Committee Chair to be determined Members Nancy Blaney Allison Bridges Mona Lyman Burton Carol Carter Marie Cornwall LeAnn Dickerson Rebecca Dutson Lisa Eccles Michelle Gilvear Mary Kay Griffin Heather Hamby Laurie Hart Mary Ann Holladay Laura Houston Paula Green Johnson Representative Pat Jones Karin Kolbus Jennifer Lange Peggy Larsen LeeAnne Linderman Beverly May Mary Schubach McCarthey Juanita Meske Kathie Miller Deborah S. Bayle Nancy Nowak Nancy Rattie Ellen Reddick Chris Redgrave Marcia Saltz Debra Sjoblom Susan Smith Barbara Tanner Barbara Tharp Maxine Turner Andrea P. Wolcott Linda Zimmermann Return to top>>

Executive on Loan from LDS Church to Continue Service

Helping Utah Families "Earn It. Keep It. Save It."

United Way of Salt Lake and its partners are looking for volunteers to help with an important initiative that could help bring an estimated $84 million in unclaimed Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) funds to Utah families. "The Earn It. Keep It. Save It." campaign will improve standards of living and strengthen household economic security by getting more dollars into the hands of low-income individuals and families.

With help from grants to local community partners, United Way is leading the expansion of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in Utah and the expansion of EITC claims for eligible Utahns (families with incomes below $37,263/year and individuals with incomes below $13,750/year).

The campaign is a collaborative community impact initiative, which involves dozens of partners throughout the state. Participating households can receive a tax refund of up to $4,400 and can enroll directly in Utah Saves - gaining access to financial education and savings support services to help them become more financially stable.

Volunteers will be trained to help low-income families prepare and file their taxes, claim the EITC, and enroll as Utah Savers at community VITA sites. Training is provided online, and volunteers commit a minimum of two hours each week through April 15. To help low-income families secure their financial future, please contact Allyson Spevak at (801) 736-7721 or allyson@uw.org, or dial 2-1-1.

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United Way of Salt Lake Welcomes New Team Members

United Way of Salt Lake welcomes its newest team member, Lynne Shaffer, as the executive assistant to the president and CEO. Lynne has formerly worked in human resources, finance, sales and is a mother of three. "I'm thrilled with the opportunity to work with Ms. Nielsen and the entire United Way staff," said Shaffer. "Aligning myself with an organization that gives so much back to the community meets a number of my professional and personal objectives." "Lynne brings great skills and a wonderful attitude to her position," said Deborah S. Bayle, president and CEO, United Way of Salt Lake. "She will be a terrific addition to our team and will be a strong support to me."

United Way of Salt Lake recently welcomed Jim G. Rengstorf, as the design specialist for the marketing/communications department. "Jim's experience with creative design is already producing a more sophisticated and polished look for our printed materials," said Marti Money, marketing/ communications director for United Way of Salt Lake. "I am very happy that he has joined our team." Jim is actively involved as a community volunteer serving as a board member or providing graphic designs for several local nonprofit organizations. "For me, it's a natural high knowing that I am proactive and part of a domino effect that contributes to the progress of our community," said Rengstorf. Return to top>>

Contact the United Way of Salt Lake Staff for Your Needs

The United Way of Salt Lake staff continually looks for ways to improve its services to the community and is available to assist with any questions or concerns. Consult the list below for direct contact information or visit the staff page for the most up-to-date list, including job duties.

Administration

Deborah S. Bayle, President and CEO
(801) 736-7701, deborah@uw.org
Lynne Shaffer, Executive Assistant to President and CEO
(801) 736-7718, lynne@uw.org

Community Impact

Kristine Pepin, Vice President, Community Impact
(801) 736-7720, kristine@uw.org
Bill Crim, Dir. of the Center for Econ. Opportunity/Public Policy (801) 736-7771, bill@uw.org
Michael Lester, Labor Liaison
(801) 972-7711, michael@uw.org
Allyson Spevak, Initiatives Assistant
(801) 736-7721, allyson@uw.org
Jerilyn Stowe, Community Impact Manager
(801) 736-7710, jerilyn@uw.org
Karen Wright, Community Impact Assistant
(801) 736-7753, karen@uw.org

Financial Services

Kevin Grimmett, Chief Financial Officer
(801) 736-7716, kevin@uw.org
Scott Daw, IT Consultant
(801) 736-7711, scott@uw.org
Carol Dean, Financial Services Manager
(801) 736-7730, carol@uw.org
Amanda Finn, General Office Assistant
(801) 736-7700, amanda@uw.org
Michelle Gardner, Financial Services Asst./Accts. Payable
(801) 736-7717, michelleg@uw.org
Iuliana Petrescu, Senior Financial Services Assistant
(801) 736-7751, iuliana@uw.org
Michelle Snarr, Financial Services Assistant (PT)
michelle@uw.org

Marketing/Communications

Marti Money, Marketing/Communications Director
(801) 736-7709, marti@uw.org
Jennifer Andrs, Special Events Manager
(801) 736-7787, jennifer@uw.org
Jim Rengstorf, Design Specialist
(801) 736-7791, jim@uw.org
Dee Sorenson, Marketing Specialist
(801) 736-7756, dee@uw.org

Resource Development

Rebecca Dutson, Vice President, Resource Development
(801) 736-7712, rebecca@uw.org
Jason Castor, Corporate Relations Director
(801) 736-7708, jason@uw.org
Joy Erickson, Donor Relations Director
(801) 736-7707, joy@uw.org
Karen Paul, Investment Relations Director
(801) 736-7706, karenp@uw.org
April Harrison, Community Investment Advisor
(801) 736-7702, april@uw.org
Jessie Harrison, Resource Development Assistant
(801 ) 736-7715, jessie@uw.org
Katie Howe-Korte, Resource Development Assistant
(801) 736-7768, katie@uw.org
Melanie Ledingham, Sr. Community Investment Advisor
(801) 736-7705, melanie@uw.org
Catherine Pinnell, Community Investment Advisor
(801) 736-7795, catherine@uw.org
Melissa Plowman, Community Investment Advisor
(801) 736-7726, melissa@uw.org
Samantha Thermos, Community Investment Advisor
(801) 736-7703, samantha@uw.org

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Cactus and Tropicals Hosts Holiday Shopping Event

Thank You to In-kind Donors

United Way of Salt Lake (UWSL) thanks the following companies and individuals who kindly donated in-kind goods and services throughout the second quarter of the 2005-2006 fiscal year. This kindness allows UWSL to minimize its business costs.

Anthony Lordemann

ATK Thiokol

Cactus & Tropicals

HK & Associates

IBM

Love Communications

Modern Display

O.C. Tanner Company

PacifiCorp-Utah Power

Red Rock Brewing Co.

Samantha Thermos

Spirits West

The Executive Writer

UPS Williams-Northwest

Pipeline

Community Schools Expert Consults with United Way of Salt Lake's Barriers to Education Community Change Council

Jane Quinn, Assistant Executive Director for Community Schools for the Children's Service Society in New York visited United Way of Salt Lake (UWSL) in December to share her knowledge and expertise with the members of the Barriers to Education Community Change Council. UWSL has adopted the concept of implementing community schools in the Salt Lake area as a means to improving academic achievement among students. A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, services, supports and opportunities lead to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities. UWSL's Barriers to Education Community Change Council has been conducting in-depth research, both locally and nationally, to determine best practices and best strategies in implementing community schools. Quinn shared details about The Children's Service Society program that began in 1987 as a result of a needs assessment conducted in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan. The first two community schools opened in the Washington Heights area project in 1992. The Children's Service Society now operates a total of 13 Community Schools in New York City. "A Community School is a partnership between the agency and the school," said Quinn. "For a Community School to succeed, you have to build a relationship with the faculty and administration. You are there to help make the school a better place, not to make their job more difficult." The Community School model in New York offers a number of key components that makes the program successful. It offers after-school and summer enrichment, including band and outdoor adventure programs. It encourages parent involvement with the children and adult education courses, such as an English learning opportunity initiative, in the evening hours. The school has an on-site medical clinic offering medical, dental, mental health and social services. It also offers early childhood development for the younger siblings who may not be in school yet. According to Quinn, the Community School concept is "treating poor kids like they're rich", giving them access to the same types of activities and services that children of higher income earners enjoy. The Washington Heights Community School in New York saw immediate results. Attendance increased, academic performance improved, parents were more involved and teachers were able to focus more on education and less on the social troubles facing their students. Since the opening of the first Community School in 1992, The Children's Services Society has raised the resources to keep most of the services offered at the schools free or at low cost. They have moved from receiving mostly private funding to a mix of federal, state and private resources to keep the programs up and running. Quinn's comments provided the Barriers to Education Community Change Council valuable insight on the necessary planning, relationships, resources and funding that need to be in place to get the ommunity School concept started in the Salt Lake area. Over the next few months, the Council will make recommendations to the United Way Board of Directors regarding implementation of the community school concept here in our area. "We are excited about the Community School concept," said Irene Fisher, director of the University of Utah's Neighborhood Partners program and chair of the Barriers to Education Community Change Council. "It was great to hear first-hand from someone who has been involved with this process for several years and has seen the successes and the pitfalls. Jane offered great insight into what liesahead as we work to determine how to best implement the Community School concept here in Salt Lake." For more information on, or to become involved in, United Way of Salt Lake's Barriers to Education Community Change Council, please contact Deborah S. Bayle at (801) 736-7701 or deborah@uw.org. Return to top>>

Tips to Using www.uw.org

Courtside Seats Available at Corporate Hoops Challenge

United Way of Salt Lake's (UWSL) website, www.uw.org, is a comprehensive resource for the community. Here are some great reasons to visit:

• Staff Contact Information. Click "Contact Us" in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.
• Get Help. By clicking "In Need?" on the left-hand menu, access information on coping with unemployment or visit links to sites that offer immediate help, such as 2-1-1 Info Bank.
• Contribute to United Way of Salt Lake. The community's needs continue to be outstanding as ever. To help UWSL in its ongoing endeavor to help the community, donations can be made on-line. The "Contribute Now" icon in the right column of the main page links to a secure site to safely contribute using a credit card.
• Upcoming Events. Accessible from the left menu, under Special Events," check out recent events, upcoming events or RSVP for events.
• Important Accountability Documents. UWSL strives to easily provide information on its accountability practices and reports to the public through www.uw.org. On the homepage, find quick links to UWSL's Annual Report, Community Assessment Report and Accountability Report. The "Accountability" link on the top menu, includes access to UWSL's Financial Statements, Code of Ethics and the 100% Promise.
• Our Supporters. Learn more about UWSL's strongest supporters such as Cornerstone Partners, Board of Directors, Executive Committee and many other individuals and organizations that proudly support UWSL.
• Strategic Initiatives. Click "Strategic Initiatives" on the left menu to learn about such programs as Utah Saves, Public Policy and Sealants for Smiles, to name a few. Visitors may also view the latest edition of the "Policy Matters" e-newsletter and subscribe for free.
• Tools. Find UWSL logos, photos, pledge forms and anything necessary for running a successful workplace campaign. Also find recent media releases.
• See Results. Where do donations go? What are the effects of UWSL's strategic initiatives? Which organizations are UWSL's Impact Partners? Find out by clicking "See Results".

For assistance or questions about the website, contact Dee Sorenson, marketing specialist, at (801) 736-7756 or dee@uw.org.

The 3rd annual Corporate Hoops Challenge presented by Zions Bank and the Utah Jazz tips off on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Zions Bank Basketball Center. The 24-team tournament will feature tough competition as the teams try to unseat the reigning champion, Zions Bank Commercial Lending. Teams that will battle it out for top honors include: Automated Business Products, CHG Healthcare Services, Cingular Wireless, IKON Office Solutions, Intermountain Healthcare, Ivory Homes, Jacobsen Construction, Marriott Guest Services, Marriott Vacation Club International, Meier and Frank, Merit Medical, Newspaper Agency Corporation, O.C. Tanner Company, Questar Corporation, Tesoro Refining and Marketing Co., UPS, Utah Jazz, Workers Compensation Fund and Zions Bank.

In December, Scott Anderson, president and CEO of Zions Bank, issued a challenge to all the teams involved: Unseat Zions Bank as reigning champion, and Zions Bank will donate an additional $10,000 to United Way of Salt Lake on behalf of the winning team. Teams are practicing and preparing for games to be played Feb. 7-20. Last year's tournament raised $37,000 for United Way of Salt Lake. This year the tournament stands to bring in over $49,000 for the organization.

Games begin at 6 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the Zions Bank Basketball Center, 1414 South 500 West, Salt Lake City. Round one features a tough match between defending champion Zions Bank Commercial Lending and newcomer, UPS. Meanwhile, Automated Business Products and Jacobsen Construction square off on court #2. The final game will be held on Feb. 20 on center court at the Delta Center. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

Game schedules, scores and information on the tournament will be available daily on the Corporate Hoops page.

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