September 2010

As we approach the end of summer and prepare for back to school and the season change, we are also set to launch the 2010 Campaign. The annual campaign provides the community with a powerful opportunity to support United Way’s work and to help us improve lives.

This month, United Way welcomes our Loaned Campaign Specialist (LCS) class. We are grateful for the generosity of the sponsoring organizations and the individuals serving as LCSs. Many of you will have a chance to meet our LCSs in the coming weeks as the Campaign shifts into full gear and workplace campaigns are conducted. With Campaign Co-Chairs, Jeff and Virginia Rush’s leadership, the dedication of our LCSs and your valued support, we can achieve a successful Campaign.

We all recognize that the economic conditions continue to present some challenges, and we know that there are still too many families struggling with these challenges. We are fortunate to live in a community that understands the importance of the LIVE UNITED spirit and by working together, we can achieve the greatest results.

Please join us for our Campaign Kickoff and Day of Caring event on September 15th, which is generously sponsored by National Penn. The Kickoff breakfast event takes place at BodyZone Fitness and Wellness Complex beginning at 7:30 am. Day of Caring volunteer activities offer individual and groups the opportunity to learn more about community needs, to help others and to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Through you support of this year’s Campaign, together, we will continue to build a stronger Berks County.

Tammy White

August 2010

Summer months are often filled with vacations and camp experiences. Last month, United Way was pleased to present Camp LIVE UNITED, a camp for young teens to gain an understanding around community needs.

During the one week camp, 25 students from nearly every school district in Berks County took part in a unique first-time opportunity and participated in varied activities, including learning about the issue of homelessness by making and serving lunch for shelter residents at Opportunity House, increasing awareness around the issues facing senior citizens by participating in an elder simulation at Berks Encore, visiting child care centers and helping to create mural and garden projects at an elementary school.

Camp LIVE UNITED offered experiences to help teens understand United Way’s work, the importance of community involvement and how each of us can help create community change. Additional activities centered on building leadership and team building skills.

Pre- and Post-camp surveys demonstrated that the teens enjoyed the experience, expanded their understanding of civic responsibility and heightened their sense of caring for others and those in need. At the beginning of the week, only 14% of the campers strongly agreed that they knew what they could do to help our community. On the final day, 81% strongly agreed with that statement, and the rest agreed.

We hope Camp LIVE UNITED is just a starting point for the kids to build their knowledge of what they can do for the community.

United Way is grateful to Reading Area Community College for hosting Camp LIVE UNITED and to all of the agencies and organizations that supported this program.

Thank you for your continued support.

Tammy White

July 2010

Just as any successful organization, United Way of Berks County is fully committed to its work and its goals. To help us achieve success, a strategic plan is integral in providing direction and aligning our work to the results that must be accomplished - - to improve lives and strengthen our community. With that in mind, and as our organization embarks on a strategic planning process, our board of directors recently approved a new mission statement: United Way of Berks County improves lives by inspiring collaboration, volunteerism and financial support to build a stronger community.

Our mission statement drives everything we do - - the programs we support, the partnerships we build and the work of our organization, partners and supporters - - as well as reinforces our commitment to advancing the common good, with the ultimate goal of building a stronger community for all of us.

As I look back to this past year - - my first year serving as president of United Way of Berks County - - I continue to feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with so many dedicated individuals and organizations around shared goals of improving lives and strengthening our community. Thanks to the support of our valued donors, volunteers and corporate partners, and the commitment of our agency and community partners, United Way is tackling key issues around our focus areas of health, education, income and safety net services. We believe, by working together, we can provide support to provide everyone the opportunity to work towards good health, a good education, and financial stability.

I am honored to lead such an impactful organization and recognize that only through the hard work and dedication of all of us can we continue to make strides to the strength and success of our community. Berks County is filled with supportive, generous and energetic people, and by working together, we can help create a community where everyone has the opportunities to succeed.

Thank you for your continued support.

Tammy White

June 2010

Helping people gain and maintain greater financial independence - -this is our goal around our financial stability initiatives.

During the past year, we have collaborated with community partners to implement two initiatives around our financial stability work. Close to 100 trained volunteers supported the work of the Berks $ In Your Pocket Coalition, which helped low to mid-income families gain access to the tax credits and refunds they’re eligible for by filing their taxes for free. This year, the Coalition helped more than 3,000 local people file their taxes, which generated more than $2.1 million in refunds. This represents a 29% increase from last year. These dollars not only benefit taxpayers’ personal financial conditions, such as paying down debt or other bills, but also our local economy, as new spending on basic necessities and consumer products occurs.

More than 65 applications were submitted during the past year through the HelpLink Network on behalf of those needing food assistance and other support programs as families continue to struggle with economic conditions and unemployment. To date, 36 households are now receiving food assistance, 61 household members now have some type of medical assistance and 13 households have received rent rebates. It is important to remember that the numbers are about real people with real struggles. For example, a man working as an electrician was laid off over a year ago, and has been struggling to make ends meet ever since. He was recently assisted through HelpLink at the United Community Services site and he and his family will now receive food assistance, which means they will have less of a struggle putting meals on the table.

We know of another situation where a recent retiree on a limited income had to make the difficult choice between paying for her medications or buying groceries. She decided to stop taking her medications so that she could buy food. When her doctor learned of this, he stressed that she needed her medication to avoid serious health conditions. By contacting Berks Encore, an application was submitted on her behalf and she now receives food assistance, which allows her to resume buying and taking her medications.

It is examples like these that demonstrate the importance of the work and collaborations around our focus areas and our programs, as well as how your continued support makes a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families right here in Berks County.

Thank you for helping us to improve lives and build a stronger community for all of us.

Tammy White

May 2010

We have seen some great examples of the LIVE UNITED - - from Berks $ In Your Pocket Coalition volunteers assisting low to middle income working families gain the tax credits they’ve earned to community supporters helping United Way raise the funds needed to support critical health and human services. And, now we’re pleased to share another example of United Way spirit. Recently, some of our corporate partners, volunteers, agency representatives and others participated in a lighthearted video demonstrating their enthusiasm for United Way. Check out their LIVE UNITED “moves” by visiting our YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/unitedwayberks. We encourage you to share the link with others to ignite the power of Live United.

As the end of the school year is soon approaching, families may be looking for opportunities for teens to engage in meaningful activities and learn more about our community. United Way is pleased to share a resource guide featuring many summer youth volunteer opportunities throughout the county. To view a copy of the guide, click here.

Additionally, United Way is pleased to present Camp LIVE UNITED for young teens, ages 12 – 15, to learn more about how they can play a role in building a stronger community. The week-long camp takes place July 19-23 and will offer a variety of activities, such as volunteer project design, agency tours, hands-on projects and more. To learn more about the camp, click here for details and a registration form. Space is limited, so please act quickly if you have an interest in registering your child.

As a reminder, visit our website year-round to learn about volunteer opportunities. Just click on the Volunteer tab, and then click on Volunteer Now to view a list of one-time or ongoing volunteer activities. Consider volunteering with your family or with a group of co-workers; it’s a great way to build teamwork and camaraderie.

Thanks to all for LIVING UNITED!

Tammy White

April 2010

We hope that you are able to join us for United Way’s upcoming Annual Dinner on April 8th. United Way’s work is made possible because of the ongoing support we receive from every corner of the community …from donors, volunteers and partners. This event provides us with the opportunity to recognize and thank our many valued supporters for their continued commitment and generosity.

If you’ve seen the Annual Dinner invitations, the featured message is “Everyone has a hand in building a stronger community.” It does take all of us working together to tackle our key community issues and achieve the shared goal of improving lives and creating opportunities for a better tomorrow. It’s what LIVE UNITED is all about.

A great example of that LIVE UNITED spirit is the tremendous number of volunteers that have stepped forward to play a key role in helping make the work of the Berks $ In Your Pocket Coalition possible. Through the coalition’s efforts, we are helping low to mid-income people gain access to tax credits and refunds they’re eligible for by filing their taxes for free. To date, more than 100 volunteers have been trained and are staffing 19 tax preparation sites located in all corners of the county. The sites will continue to accept appointments up until April 15th, with services available in both English and Spanish. With two weeks to go in this tax season, more than 1,200 tax returns have been completed. To learn more about the free tax preparation and eligibility, click here. We are heartened by this amazing level of commitment of so many volunteers.

We are pleased to be a part of the coalition, as promoting financial stability is one of our primary focus areas. Through this work, we are helping local people access opportunities to help build savings and gain greater financial independence.

We thank all of our supporters - - donors, volunteers and partners - - for reaching out a hand to others and LIVING UNITED to bolster the strength of our community. Thank you.

Tammy White, United Way President

March 2010

Although economic forecasters say that some signs of strength are surfacing, the early months of 2010 continue to be challenging for our community. United Way works closely with area nonprofits and others to monitor local economic indicators and key community issues. Our winter issue of Community Snapshot features the findings from a Hunger in America Study conducted with the Greater Berks Food Bank, local challenges around meeting basic needs and the continued increase in local unemployment rates. To learn more and to read the complete Community Snapshot issue, click here. By conducting this research and compiling data and information, we can enhance planning efforts to match the right resources and programs to community needs.

United Way is committed to promoting financial stability as one of our areas of focus. Our goal is to help individuals and families access opportunities that can help them build savings and gain more financial assets for long-term financial independence. With this in mind, we are a member of the Berks $ in Your Pocket Coalition. Through our efforts with the coalition we are helping people gain access to tax credits and refunds they are eligible for by filing their taxes for free. Free tax preparation sites are located across Berks County for eligible households. To learn more about the sites and other details, click here.

Last year, the Berks $ In Your Pocket Coalition helped over 2,500 Berks Countians file their income taxes for free, bringing in over $1.6 million in refunds. The Coalition partners are Berks Encore, Berks Community Action Program, Centro Hispano, Catholic Charities, Reading Public Library, Boyertown Multi-Service Center, Friend, Inc., United Way of Berks County, West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library, Womelsdorf Library, Berks County Intermediate Unit and Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County. This coalition is a great example of what can be accomplished by working together. Together, we are providing support to help build income for local families which in turn helps to strengthen our community.

Your ongoing support of United Way helps make this work possible…thank you.

Tammy White, United Way President

February 2010

We all know that economic self-sufficiency and financial stability are key to the success of families, and ultimately the strength of our community. United Way focuses on promoting financial stability to help individuals and families have access to opportunities that can help them build savings and gain more financial assets for long-term stability.

With this in mind, United Way is pleased to be a part of the Berks $ In Your Pocket Coalition, which is helping people gain access to the tax credits and refunds they’re eligible for by filing their taxes for free. In 2009, the Berks $ In Your Pocket Coalition helped over 2,500 Berks County residents with household incomes of $50,000 or less file their income taxes for free, bringing in over $1.6 million in refunds.

This year, free tax preparation sites are now available all across Berks County for eligible households. Sites have day, evening and some weekend hours and bilingual services are available at several locations. To learn more about the sites and the contact information, click here.

We’re also excited about a first-time event being held this year called “Super Saturday” on February 13th at the BCIU Education Centre from 9 am to 2 pm. Volunteers will be on hand at the event to assist clients with preparing their tax returns. In addition, there will be a Community Resource & Information Fair to learn about other community services, along with a supervised children’s activity area. Appointments for Super Saturday are preferred and can be made by calling United Way, but walk-ins will also be accepted.

The Berks $ In Your Pocket Coalition is a great example of community collaboration and volunteer engagement. We’re proud to play a key role in this effort and pleased to work with the following partners: Berks Encore, Berks Community Action Program, Centro Hispano, Catholic Charities, Reading Public Library, Boyertown Multi-Service Center, Friend, Inc., West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library, Berks County Intermediate Unit and Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County.

Tammy White, United Way President

January 2010

It is hard to believe that we are kicking off a new year. On behalf of all of us at United Way, we wish you all the best for 2010. We appreciate your ongoing support…it is what makes United Way successful year after year. Thank you for your generosity of time, talent and treasure.

In an effort to help individuals and families cope with a difficult economy and increased unemployment, United Way and a group of collaborating agencies will continue to offer the HelpLink Network. HelpLink is designed to connect people with benefits and services to help them through these difficult times. Currently, over 50 people are trained to deliver HelpLink services, many of them are volunteers. You can learn more about HelpLink by clicking here.

We were also invited to collaborate with Berks Community Action Program (BCAP) to expand programs around Financial Stability. BCAP received funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (also known as “stimulus funding’). Through our partnership, we will concentrate on the issues of employment and education, with particular attention focused on the newly unemployed or under-employed. Through these efforts, we will establish one-stop locations in city libraries to provide community access to services such as expanded HelpLink programs and employment programs, including job search, resume writing, ESL classes and financial education programs. Our area libraries have always served as an important resource for information and technology and through the partnership with BCAP, this role will be enhanced, and at the same time, help the libraries remain open and continue to serve as a treasured resource for children and adults. We view this as a win-win opportunity for our community, its citizens and the work needed to tackle the challenges facing Berks County.

We are excited about these new opportunities, and even more pleased that this work will allow many more people and families to live better lives. It’s through partnerships like these, along with your support of United Way, that we can make a measurable difference and build a stronger community.

Tammy White, United Way President

December 2009

The Berks County community once again demonstrated remarkable generosity and commitment to United Way by helping us meet our $8.5 million goal by raising $8,501,035 to tackle our community’s health and human services issues. THANK YOU Berks County!

We continue to be inspired and encouraged by the generosity of Berks County. We are heartened by all of the dedication and hope you share. Thank you for the confidence you have in United Way.

Your support of the campaign is more important than ever as individuals and families are struggling during these challenging economic times as Berks County’s unemployment rate remains among the worst in the state. The increase in unemployment, as well as, other economic factors as elevated the number of people reaching out to local agencies for assistance.

With this in mind, United Way has collaborated with a group of local agencies to establish the HelpLink Network. HelpLink is designed to help connect people with supportive services and programs. To learn more about HelpLink, please click here.

Along with your support, we are proud to have a long and respected history of working with 37 partner agencies. It is through this vast network of programs and services that we are able to help more than 100,000 local people each year.

Supporting United Way is a statement of hope and commitment to creating a brighter tomorrow, and I thank you for your continued belief and trust in our organization.

On behalf of United Way, I wish you all the best for the holidays. May the gifts of peace, love and joy be with you in the New Year.

Tammy White, United Way President

November 2009

The Campaign Victory Celebration is quickly approaching and we continue to stay focused on achieving, and hopefully surpassing, the campaign goal of $8.5 million. As we expected, this year’s campaign has been experiencing challenges related to difficult economic conditions. The challenges are serious; however, the challenges have not been able to overshadow the giving spirit of the people of Berks County. As campaign pledges are reported, we are continually inspired by the generous commitments provided to help those in need in our community. The response to the campaign, from individuals and organizations, is very encouraging and continues to flame our optimism for campaign success.

The positive response to the campaign is more critical than ever as individuals and families are struggling during these challenging economic times as Berks County’s unemployment rate remains among the worst in the state. The increase in unemployment, as well as other economic factors, has elevated the number of people reaching out to local agencies for assistance with basic needs. In response to these issues, United Way has established the HelpLink Network, a group of agencies with trained staff and volunteers who can help people find and apply for benefits and other supportive programs. To learn more about the growing needs and the HelpLink Network, please click here for the latest Berks County Community Snapshot.

Through your generous support, together, we make a measurable difference in the lives of more than 100,000 people throughout Berks County.

United, we’re improving lives and creating community change.

Thank you.

Tammy White, United Way President

October 2009

October is here...which means the campaign is in full swing. We are all anxiously monitoring campaign progress because we know the outcome is especially critical during these tough economic times. Despite the challenges, I continue to be inspired by the strong support and commitment this community has for United Way. Individuals and organizations throughout Berks County are working hard to make this year’s campaign as successful as possible. We are fortunate that we live in a community with a strong understanding that we can achieve extraordinary results when we work together.

Along with a strong focus on a successful campaign, United Way is committed to tracking and responding to the needs of the community. We are currently working on our third edition of the Berks County Community Snapshot, which highlights community data and helps us determine the best use of our resources to address community needs. It will be ready for release at the end of the month. In addition, we are collaborating with eight organizations to provide help to local families that don’t know where to turn as a result of unemployment. The result of the collaboration is the HelpLink Network. To learn more about the network as well as to access a resource guide, “Help for Hard Times”, please take the time to download the information from our website.

I invite you to join the effort to make this year’s campaign successful. We each have the power to make a difference and help strengthen our community.

Thank you,

Tammy White, United Way President