South-Southwest Suburban United Way and CEDA  recently hosted the first annual Southland Human Services Summit Thursday at Oak Forest Hospital on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009. 

The half-day summit brought non-profit social service providers and business leaders together to discuss issues that are dramatically affecting the health and human services sector. The summit, which was free and open to the public, also allowed the opportunity to create positive solutions in response to the current funding crisis.

State Senator M. Maggie Crotty served as keynote speaker and discussed the importance of collaboration, the necessity for seeking external funding from private and Federal sources, and how the social service infrastructure in the Southland region can be sustained for the long-term. 

“Chicago’s Southland region continues to receive less than adequate government resources and funding to support our ever-expanding social and community need.  This summit provided the opportunity for agencies to come together to discern the pulse of our community and share creative ideas and strategies to move forward,” said James Washington, CPO, South-Southwest Suburban United Way.

Representatives from United Way, Mission Plus Strategy Consulting, the Donors Forum, Illinois Facilities Fund, Harris Bank and First Midwest Bank also shared their insights on the state budget impact, discussed partnerships and collaborations and shared creative financing strategies.  Jack Kaplan, Director, Public Policy and Advocacy at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago shared the results of United Way’s recent budget impact survey.

“More than 500 non-profits throughout the state responded to our survey and of those, 60% reported they are currently waiting on budgeted back payments from the government.  As we head into the next state budget cycle, it is important that non-profits have the information and resources available to make thoughtful decisions to sustain services and staff,” Kaplan told attendees.

The breakout sessions gave large multi-service agencies, youth service organizations, housing agencies, mental health and disabilities organizations and health care providers the chance to meet as part of a large network to discuss potential strategies to alleviate cash flow issues for each service area.  United Way and CEDA representatives moderated these groups.

“We have learned over the past year, the health and human services sector is unified and organized in our fight to serve those populations needing necessary services as they move toward self sufficiency.  CEDA are proud to work collaboratively across the sector to bring thoughtful leaders, politicians and activists together to discuss critical issues facing our region,” said Robert L. Wharton, president/CEO of CEDA.

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago  is pleased to announce Laura Thrall, President and CEO of United Way received The ATHENA Award  on  November 4 at the Hilton Hotel Chicago, for her leadership and excellence in both her personal and professional life.  The award is presented by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities.

Award recipients are honored for contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and for actively assisting women in realizing their full leadership potential. Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 5,000 awards have been presented in more than 500 communities in the United States, Canada, Russia, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

“I feel incredibly honored to receive this award.  As executives, we help other women through career mentoring and coaching.  I have been the beneficiary of such mentoring by amazing business leaders.  And now, I am in the position to help other women, because of the women who have helped me in a very personal way,” said Thrall.

At United Way Thrall works with corporate, government and nonprofit leaders to strengthen the health and human service sector. United Way funds more than 700 programs at nonprofits across Chicagoland that focus on issues related to income stability, health and education. Under her leadership, United Way pulls together money, expertise and voices to have a meaningful impact on improving lives in communities.

“Laura truly embodies the spirit of the ATHENA Award. Her work as a community leader and health and human services advocate promotes an environment where women’s accomplishments and contributions are valued. Her peers, colleagues and community will continue to benefit from her commitment to the empowerment of women and vulnerable populations,” said Dianne Dinkel, President and CEO, ATHENA.

Before joining United Way, Thrall served as Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, which serves over 130,000 people annually through economic empowerment programs, early childhood services and rape crisis services.  At the YWCA, she led its transformation, developing the concept for the “Model YWCA,” opening the first of four planned new centers, launching its first capital campaign in 40 years and creating an infrastructure for sustained legislative advocacy.

Thrall has also served in leadership roles at a number of nonprofit organizations, including as immediate past board chair for the Chicago Alliance for Collaborative Effort (CACE) and currently as a founding board member of its Back Office Cooperative. She was a founding member of Illinois Partners for the Common Good, a legislative coalition comprised of the largest health and human service providers in Illinois. She chairs the Donors Forum Public/Nonprofit Partnership Initiative Policy Forum and is an appointed member of the Visiting Committee for the Biological Sciences Division and Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago.

Thrall holds a Master’s degree with distinction in Public Service Management from DePaul University in Chicago. A 26-year resident of Chicago, she has two adult children now residing in New York.

About United Way of Metropolitan Chicago: United Way improves lives by mobilizing caring people to invest in the community where it’s needed most. People engage with United Way to give, advocate and volunteer in their community to advance the common good.  Spanning 238 communities across six counties, United Way is the largest non-governmental funder of health and human service programs in the region. By promoting education, income and health, United Way creates opportunities for people to live stable, healthy and independent lives.

This month the United Way of the North Shore is kicking-off its annual campaign to support services that bring positive, lasting change to communities. This year’s goal is to raise $1 million locally.

Despite its reputation, the North Shore area is not immune to the current economic crisis.  Food pantries throughout the region have seen demand reach unprecedented levels.  Pockets of homelessness, especially in Evanston, are growing rapidly.  The rising unemployment, combined with a depressed real estate market is also negatively impacting many North Shore communities.

As the largest non-government funder of health and human services, United Way does what no single organization alone can do to address the key issues people face around income, education and health. However, the programs and charities funded by United Way are serving more clients with fewer resources.

“We hope that residents in each of our North Shore communities consider increasing their financial support to United Way,” said John Ropiequet, United Way of the North Shore Board of Directors President. “The time to give has never been greater. While we can’t eradicate all of the need in our area, we can certainly make a difference.”

To find out how you can help, contact the United Way of the North Shore office at (847) 999-2990, or visit our website  to make an electronic pledge.

About the United Way of the North Shore: United Way of the North Shore improves the lives of people in need by mobilizing the caring and financial power of communities. Serving the communities of Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Northfield, Highland Park, Highwood, Fort Sheridan, Lake Forest and Lake Bluff, United Way of the North Shore engages local volunteers to work together to invest the time, leadership and resources needed to make long-lasting change, so that people can become independent.

Students who participated in an innovative after-school program last year had a 96 percent graduation rate, well above the 54.3 percent average for Chicago Public Schools (CPS)*.  These results were reported in an annual report card issued last week for the Exelon-United Way Stay in School Initiative, which was created by Exelon and the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago.  The results were announced Oct. 24 at the Field Museum, where the program kicked off its sixth year.

ABC 7 anchor Karen Jordan and husband NBC reporter Christian Farr (center) pose with students from the Exelon-United Way Stay In School Initiative holding the results of the program's annual "report card."

 The kick-off featured ABC 7 anchor, Karen Jordan and her husband NBC 5 reporter, Christian Farr who spoke to the students about the importance of staying in school. Click here for more photos.

The Stay in School program is focused on improving graduation rates and stemming truancy in three Chicago communities with some of the highest dropout and truancy rates in the city.  According to CPS statistics, dropout rates in the Austin, Bronzeville/Grand Boulevard and Humboldt Park/West Town communities are well above the CPS average. 

In addition to yielding higher graduation rates, the Stay in School program promotes higher grades, higher attendance rates and pro-social behaviors.  This year’s report card findings reinforce that at-risk students can achieve academic success with the right mix of attention and activities.  The report card captures data from the 316 students who participated most intensively in Stay in School programs and services during the 2008-2009 school year.
• 96 percent of Stay in School seniors graduated from high school or obtained a GED, compared to the CPS graduation rate of 54.3 percent, in 2008. 

• 86 percent of Stay in School students were promoted to the next grade level.  In 2008, only 59 percent of CPS freshmen were on track for graduation.

• 76 percent of Stay in School students had at least a 90 percent school attendance rate.  Attendance is a major challenge for schools in these communities, with schools experiencing average daily attendance rates as low as 68 percent. 

• 74 percent of Stay in School students improved at least one grade in core courses, such as math, science and English.  Almost all students with a B average or better at the end of their freshman year graduate, compared to only a quarter of those with a D average. (Source: What Matters for Staying On-Track and Graduating in Chicago Public Schools 2007)

• 71 percent of Stay in School students increased their pro-social behaviors, such as participation in out-of-school and leadership activities, involvement in the community and non-violent conflict resolution.

United Way and Exelon launched the Stay in School program in 2004 to serve students in 10 schools with enhanced after-school programs.  At that time, statistics showed the citywide dropout rate had reached critical levels, especially for young males of color/belonging to minority groups: 61 percent for African-American males and 49 percent for Latino males.  The Stay in School Initiative has served more than 7,500 students, ages 10-20, since its inception.  During this school year, another 2,000 students will participate. Click here to view the full report. 

The partnership has created a holistic menu of programming that includes tutoring, college readiness, life skills and violence-prevention workshops, parent and family activities and a reward-and-recognition program for achieving students.  Exelon also created a companion job skills development workshop series that provides up to eight paid internships each year.

“This program has forever transformed my sense of self-esteem and my commitment to academics,” said Tierra Clark, a former Stay in School student from Fredick Douglass High School in Austin and now attending Northern Illinois University.  “Our mentors from Exelon help us understand what we need to do in order to be better prepared for our futures.”

Since 2004, Exelon has contributed $1.7 million to fund the Exelon-United Way Stay in School.  Education is a signature focus of Exelon’s corporate citizenship program.  The company and its 1,500 employee volunteers believe that educational achievement is the dividing line between economic isolation and opportunity.  Education is also a key focus of United Way, which provides the leadership and resources students need to grow into independent adults.

“These report card results indicate that we continue to make an impact in addressing the problem of student dropout rates in these communities,” said Steve Solomon, director of corporate relations at Exelon.  “We look forward to constantly evolving this partnership and keeping it fresh so that we are delivering the services that are most needed to support the academic success of the students.”

“The commitment from the volunteer mentors at Exelon has provided the Stay in School students with positive role models who stick with them over time,” said CJ Jones, director of outreach and diversity for United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. “This partnership is a prime example of corporate leadership reaching out to community experts for meaningful change.”

About United Way
United Way of Metropolitan Chicago improves lives by mobilizing caring people to invest in the community where their resources are needed most.  Spanning 238 communities across five counties, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago is the largest non-governmental funder of health and human service programs in the region.  Every United Way funded program must demonstrate measurable results to ensure that each contribution makes the greatest impact for those who need it most.

About Exelon
Exelon Corporation is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities with nearly $19 billion in annual revenues. The company has one of the industry’s largest portfolios of electricity generation capacity, with a nationwide reach and strong positions in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Exelon distributes electricity to approximately 5.4 million customers in northern Illinois and southeastern Pennsylvania and natural gas to 485,000 customers in the Philadelphia area. Exelon is headquartered in Chicago and trades on the NYSE under the ticker EXC.

*CPS Office of Research, Evaluation and Accountability

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, PricewaterhouseCoopers employee volunteers and the Kelly Hall YMCA will take part in a United Way Day of Caring. Volunteers will help students in the Teen Reach program explore career options and give helpful tips on preparing for college.

The Day of Caring is on Friday, October 23,  from 1 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Kelly Hall YMCA, 824 N. Hamlin Avenue in Chicago.

United Way Days of Caring harness the time and skills of companies and individuals who want to support their communities.  PricewaterhouseCoopers will participate in Days of Caring with United Way community partner agencies throughout the city every Friday this October.   For more information contact Sarah Frick at 312-906-2231.

About United Way: United Way of Metropolitan Chicago improves lives by mobilizing caring people to invest in the community where their resources are needed most.  Spanning 238 communities across five counties, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago is the largest non-governmental funder of health and human service programs in the region.  Thousands of community volunteers are engaged with United Way to make a difference in their community and provide workable solutions to create healthier, safer communities.

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago is pleased to announce its partnership with long-time supporter Tribune Company for the 2009 annual United Way campaign. The Tribune Company launched its employee giving campaign on October 20. Its top executives got a head start on the campaign after hosting a Leadership Launch Breakfast earlier in the month. Last year, Tribune Company employees contributed $544,000 to United Way, plus a $500,000 pro bono advertising contribution.

This year, United Way has set a goal to raise $60 million to support more than 700 programs by providing leadership, funding and volunteers throughout the region—from Chicago to Lisle to South Holland and Lake Forest. In these extraordinary times, United Way helps people in crisis in many ways. United Way is the designated lead in the region to direct nearly $7 million in federal funding for emergency food and shelter programs. United Way also works with local government and other funders to strategically plan for using the Federal Stimulus package funds where they are most needed.

“As the 2009 United Way campaign chair, I want to thank all of our donors for their generosity this past year, a time of dramatically increased need. There is no question that these are difficult times, yet through support from companies like the Tribune Company, United Way will give hope to families struggling to make ends meet,” said David B. Speer, Chairman and CEO of Illinois Tool Works, Inc and 2009 United Way Campaign Chair.

Since 1930, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago has been responding to the needs of the communities it serves. From the Great Depression to the wave of Hurricane Katrina evacuees who made their way to Illinois, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago provides crucial funding to those agencies offering quality health and human services programs. Today, United Way pulls together resources—money, expertise and voices—to create the biggest impact on improving lives and communities.

“As the largest non-government funder of health and human services, United Way does what no single organization alone can do to address the key issues people face around income, education and health. With the support of the Tribune Company, we know the programs we fund will have the resources they need to produce sustainable, measurable outcomes. The time to give has never been greater and we salute the Tribune Company for their continued support of United Way,” said Laura Thrall, CEO, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago.

United Way has invested $4.6 million in our region to help families become financially stable. Last year, more than 9,300 individuals received assistance with their tax returns, securing more than $15.5 million in refunds for low-income families. This is just one example of when people and organizations work together, challenges can become opportunities.

The Tribune Company’ s United Way employee giving campaign will continue through November 20th. For more information about this year’s campaign, please visit www.uw-mc.org or contact Sarah Frick at 312.906.2231.

About United Way of Metropolitan Chicago: United Way improves lives by mobilizing caring people to invest in the community where it’s needed most. People engage with United Way to give, advocate and volunteer in their community to advance the common good. Spanning 238 communities across six counties, United Way is the largest non-governmental funder of health and human service programs in the region. By promoting education, income and health, United Way creates opportunities for people to live stable, healthy and independent lives.

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago is pleased to announce its partnership with MillerCoors for the 2009 annual United Way campaign. MillerCoors will launch its employee giving campaign, which includes a company match, on Monday, October 19.  This year, United Way has set a goal to raise $60 million to support more than 700 programs by providing leadership, funding and volunteers throughout the region — from Chicago to Lisle to South Holland and the North Shore.

“Chicago is the new home for MillerCoors and we are excited to partner with the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago to make a difference in our new community,” said Cornell Boggs, MillerCoors Chief Responsibility and Ethics Officer. “We are a company focused on community investment and this campaign offers an opportunity for us and our employees to reach Chicagoland’s most deserving communities.”

In these extraordinary times, United Way helps people in crisis in many ways. United Way is the designated lead in the region to direct nearly $7 million in federal funding for emergency food and shelter programs. United Way also works with local government and other funders to strategically plan for using the Federal Stimulus package funds where they are most needed.

“As the 2009 United Way campaign chair, I want to thank all of our donors for their generosity this past year, a time of dramatically increased need.  There is no question that these are difficult times, yet through support from companies like MillerCoors, United Way will give hope to families struggling to make ends meet,” said David B. Speer, Chairman and CEO of Illinois Tool Works, Inc and 2009 United Way Campaign Chair.

Since 1930, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago has been responding to the needs of the communities it serves.  From the Great Depression to the wave of Hurricane Katrina evacuees who made their way to Illinois, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago provides crucial funding to those agencies offering quality health and human services programs.  Today, United Way pulls together resources—money, expertise and voices—to create the biggest impact on improving lives and communities.

“As the largest non-government funder of health and human services, United Way does what no single organization alone can do to address the key issues people face around income, education and health. With the support of MillerCoors, we know the programs we fund will have the resources they need to produce sustainable, measurable outcomes.  The time to give has never been greater and we salute MillerCoors for their continued support of United Way,” said Laura Thrall, CEO, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago. 

United Way has invested $4.6 million in our region to help families become financially stable. Last year, more than 9,300 individuals received assistance with their tax returns, securing more than $15.5 million in refunds for low-income families.  This is just one example of when people and organizations work together, challenges can become opportunities. 

MillerCoors’ United Way employee giving campaign will continue through October 30, 2009. For more information about this year’s campaign, please visit www.uw-mc.org or contact Sarah Frick at 312.906.2231.

About United Way of Metropolitan Chicago: United Way improves lives by mobilizing caring people to invest in the community where it’s needed most. People engage with United Way to give, advocate and volunteer in their community to advance the common good.  Spanning 238 communities across six counties, United Way is the largest non-governmental funder of health and human service programs in the region. By promoting education, income and health, United Way creates opportunities for people to live stable, healthy and independent lives.

As the largest non-governmental funder for the region, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago surveyed almost 400 non-profits throughout Illinois to understand the impact of the recent state budget cuts.  While the immediate affect of the state budget was not as devastating as anticipated, the budgeted delayed payments are impacting agencies across the sector.  As we prepare for the next budget cycle, already reported at a deficit of $12 billion, our survey finds agencies are currently forced to re-evaluate programs, staffing and client capacity.

Of the participating non-profits surveyed, 57% reported they are waiting on back payments from the state to provide services including: employment, youth services, job training, domestic violence and other crucial services.  To compensate, almost a third of the non-profits reported laying-off more than 10% of their staff. Additionally:

• More than $77 million is owed to 223 of the agencies surveyed for services provided in the last fiscal year which ended June 30, 2009.
• Over half the agencies will see more than a 10% decline in their state revenues between fiscal year 2009 and fiscal year 2010.
• 70% of non-profits surveyed reported that state revenues represent more than 20% their budget.
• 60% reported they will be forced to reduce or freeze the number people they serve.
• 12% of the agencies anticipate they will be forced to temporarily or permanently close physical locations due to reductions in state funding.

Impact on United Way:
At United Way alone, funding applications for programs that help people become financially stable have doubled, and for every $6 of requests, there is only $1 of funding available. Despite a decrease of $12 million from fiscal year 2007, last year, United Way was able to distribute $43 million to nearly 700 programs across Chicagoland. However, the gap between United Way’s funding ability and the state’s is drastic.  The State of Illinois is the largest funder of human services providing about 97% of the dollars for service.  United Way and foundations are unable to fill the gap—a gap that is the responsibility of the state.

Just over 75 years ago, in the grip of the Great Depression, the people of Chicago came together to create, fund and sustain a network of community services to help people in their time of  need, a network eventually known as United Way. As history seems to be repeating itself, we look to the people in our region to encourage their state legislators to work side by side with us to promote the common good and protect its citizens by maintaining funding for health and human services.

For more information about the impact of the delayed payments and United Way’s efforts to work with legislatures during this process, please contact Jack Kaplan, Director Public Policy and Advocacy at jkaplan@uw-mc.org or visit www.liveunitedchicago.org.

This holiday season, United Way will sponsor its fourth-annual, Adopt-A-Family program and plans to assist 75 families needing some extra help this year. Last year’s program benefitted more than 300 adults and children.

United Way is calling on individuals and companies to Adopt-A-Family this holiday season. Sponsors will receive a list of items their adoptive family’s needs including: clothing items with correct sizes, toys, books, gift cards and other holiday items. Donations can be dropped-off at United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, 560 W. Lake St., in Chicago from November 2 through December 11, 2009. Donors also have the option to contribute financially to a pool of funds that will be distributed equally to all families. Families are selected on first-come-first-serve basis and referred by United Way agency partners, the city’s 3-1-1 center and word of mouth.

“We rely on the generosity of our supporters to make this time of year truly special for some of the region’s less-fortunate,” said Gwen Sims, United Way Director of Volunteer Development and Agency Services. “People have been calling us since September anxious to be one of the beneficiaries of the Adopt-A-Family program. The kindness of those who contribute will go a long way toward creating lasting family memories this holiday season.”

Last year, Sandra Bijou was struggling financially and had resigned herself to a pretty dismal holiday season for her and her family. With the help of the United Way Adopt-A-Family program, her family had food, gifts and most importantly, restored hope.

“Things are so much better for me today, but United Way really came through during one of the most difficult times in my life,” said Bijou. “It was exactly what my family and I needed and I am very grateful to United Way and all those who support this program.”

According to Sims, the experience can be just as heartening for those on the giving end. Ann Janacek and her husband go holiday shopping every year, but last year was especially memorable because they participated in Adopt-A-Family.

“Our children are older and for us it recaptured the excitement of giving a child a wonderful Christmas,” said Mrs. Janacek. “It was a great experience knowing what a direct impact we could have on someone in need.”

To find out how to Adopt-A-Family, please contact Gwen Sims at GSims@uw-mc.org  or call 312-906-2299. United Way will accept merchandise up until Friday, December 11, after which only gift cards and monetary donations will be accepted.

WGN Weatherman Tom Skilling talks to WGN and CLTV employees about the importance of supporting United Way.

WGN TV Channel 9 kicked off its United Way Employee Campaign on Wednesday, October 14. Weatherman Tom Skilling spoke to nearly 200 WGN employees encouraging them to give to United Way and help those who are less fortunate. Skilling is a longtime United Way supporter and Tocqueville Society Member, which are individuals who contribute $10,0000 or more to United Way.

“Given our present economic condition, many of the people who will benefit by the multitude of programs United Way supports look a lot like you and me,” said Skilling. “I have been a supporter of United Way for many years because I believe United Way impacts more people, across the widest span, and addresses today’s most pressing issues as they occur.”

WGN’s Scott Bennett, a veteran United Way Campaign Leader has established a United Way Campaign goal of $60,000 for the WGN TV/CLTV Company. The dollars will be combined with the overall Tribune Company Campaign, which kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The Tribune Co. is working to raise half a million dollars for United Way.