LIVING UNITED

MORe THAn 500 EngAged MeMBeRs POweR THe UniQue GROuP

5 Anniversary event sponsor Barbara K. Fergus (center) with E3 scholarship recipients (from left) Jolara OHarra, Flora Yee, Jessica Skeen, Jennifer Combs.
th

2014, ISSUE I

WOMens LeAdeRsHiP COuncil CeleBRAtes Five YeARs Of WOMen HelPing WOMen

5th Anniversary event panelists: WLC mentor Veronica Bennu, E3 participant Jennifer Combs and Columbus State Community College President Dr. David Harrison.

WLC Past Chair Tanny Crane and WLC Vice Chair Renee Shumate.

On January 9, Womens Leadership Council members, E3 participants and partners gathered to celebrate the fifth anniversary of this group of engaged central Ohio women. From the groups launch in 2009, it became part of the powerful WLC network that today has more than 55,000 members in 143 communities and has raised more than $1 billion. The vision that was developed and implemented in the early years of the group was to engage and mobilize more women by having the members themselves determine how they wanted the investments and time to be used to improve the lives of local women. Tanny Crane, former board chair and longtime champion for the work of United Way, became Chair of the new group and together with United Way of Central Ohios President and CEO, Janet Jackson, led the early outreach for members. A core group of 53 women committed to helping shape the new WLC. These enthusiastic women leaders were crucial to the success of the group. After months of learning and thoughtful discussion, on September 23, 2010, the WLC announced its E3 (Educate, Empower and Elevate) initiative to help low- to moderateincome working women in central Ohio become educated, empowered and elevated to a new

The WLC 5th Anniversary Committee (from left): Kari Jones, Shirley Fradette, Stacy Carlson, Laura Compton and Yolanda Howell. level of financial stability for themselves and their families through continuing education. The WLC built E3 from the ground up in collaboration with Apprisen, Godman Guild Association and New Directions Career Center. Prime candidates for the program are women with a GED, HS diploma or some college who are living near the poverty line. The program includes four months of intensive academic preparation work to enter college or vocational training. Both during and after this program, participants receive supportive services including links to scholarships, and job placement assistance. Today, more than 100 women have participated in the E3 program. One of the hallmarks of this successful effort has been the one-on-one

Julie Graber and Nancy Case

mentoring of participants by WLC members. Dozens of accomplished women leaders have shared their knowledge and expertise and formed strong bonds with E3 participants, which has greatly helped them on their journeys to financial stability and independence. To further assist E3 participants in their studies, the WLC launched a scholarship program in 2013 that covers full tuition, books, fees and living expenses for four semesters. Four scholarships were awarded in 2013.

------------------------------------------Online Extra: The best way to understand ------------------------------------------how the WLC has changed the lives of women over the past five years is to ------------------------------------------see and hear it first-hand. You can ------------------------------------------view the WLC 5th Anniversary video at ------------------------------------------www.liveunitedcentralohio.org/wlc-video -------------------------------

PResidents UPdAte
Last November, our Board of Trustees approved a strategic plan that will guide our organization over the coming years. A key part of the plan calls on United Way to work closely with a broad and diverse group of partners to develop and implement an effective community-wide plan that builds pathways out of poverty. To achieve this we will create collective impact. At its simplest level, collective impact happens when a core group of people or organizations come together around a shared goal with a common set of strategies and methods everyone bringing their strengths to the table to solve an issue that cannot be solved alone. Collective impact moves beyond collaboration. It requires a higher level of commitment and that each partner fulfill the role that best moves the collective work forward. United Way is embracing this new model and is willing to be a convener, catalyst, advocate or leader. We are at the beginning of our journey toward achieving collective impact, but some of the guidelines we have learned from our years of effective collaboration are already clear. Trust each other. Every partner who comes to the table has to know that there is a mutual level of trust. We achieve this by being open and transparent ourselves and expecting that of all partners. To create transformational change will take all of our energy. Get the facts. We collect pertinent data and analyze it to determine the most effective ways to invest our donors gifts. In a collective impact model each partner organization will bring its data and analysis to the table, and together we can work to determine the root causes of the issues we need to solve. Prioritize the goals of the community-wide effort over those of each partner organization. This may be the most difficult guideline because, while every partner is working to strengthen our community, we all accomplish that by focusing primarily on the work of our individual organizations. Maintain a long-term perspective. Creating transformational change will take a long time and there will be many triumphs and setbacks along the way. Once we have an effective plan in place we have to persevere and support each other. Uniting a diverse group of leaders to create greater positive impact than anyone could achieve on their own is an ambitious undertaking, but I believe that we can do it and we must do it. Sincerely,

Janet E. Jackson President and CEO United Way of Central Ohio

The Loaned Executive program continues to be a great investment by our generous corporate partners. During the 2013 campaign 9 corporate Loaned Executives joined the United Way team during the peak campaign period from August to November. These energetic executives managed 308 accounts and helped raise nearly $12 million. This means that each Loaned Executive helped us raise $1.3 million for community impact investment! Our 9 public sector Loaned Executives and Campaign Liaisons helped raise more than $3.5 million and managed more than 250 accounts. The Loaned Executive Program provides an unique opportunity for participants to obtain leadership opportunities and new skills while serving our community. Loaned Executives serve as the representatives of United Way in workplaces throughout central Ohio, and are a crucial part of every campaign. The Loaned Executive Program received financial and in-kind support from Alliance Data, American Electric Power, Fifth Third Bank, Limited Brands, Nationwide, and State Auto. The program is led by Chair Mark Stewart, formerly of Alliance Data, and Co-chair Deb Gutman, formerly of Fifth Third Bank. Both Mark and Deb were instrumental in securing the financial support that makes this vital program possible.

A Big THAnK YOu tO OuR LOAned EXecutives!

2013 Loaned Executives (left to right): Jennifer Smith Thorne, Jim Durham, Amie Grubs, Audrey White, Yvonne Foster-Smith, Warren Meisner, Jan Pitts, Marty Dixon, Sandy Grant, Morgan Montgomery, Percy Hodge, Jonathan Greentree, Annie Hoang. Not pictured: Jennifer Crow, David Holt, Mark Hurtt.

The Loaned Executive Program should be incorporated into the training/development program of every mid to large company in central Ohio as it is truly a win win opportunity. Jim Durham

To learn more about the Loaned Executive Program and how your company can participate, please contact Chanelle Smith at 614.227.2750, or Chanelle.Smith@uwcentralohio.org.

LIVING UNITED

In Depth: TAX TiMe

Tax Time is a network of nonprofit, business, and government organizations that work to provide free tax assistance services and to connect low- and moderate-income households to financial education and savings opportunities. It is managed by United Way of Central Ohio. Lead partners that provide free tax preparation services include AARP, The Ohio Benefit Bank and United Way.

For many in our community surviving on low and moderate incomes, tax time is a critically important financial moment. A number of refundable tax credits benefit low income individuals, particularly those who are parents or are pursuing a higher education degree. These credits include: child tax credits; the retirement credit; education credits such as the American Opportunity tax credit and the Lifetime Learning tax credit; and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Many people are surprised to find that the EITC has become the nations largest and most effective anti-poverty program, significantly increasing the number of single parents leaving welfare for employment. This federal tax credit for working individuals and families was enacted by Congress in 1975 and significantly expanded in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the tax credit was created to reduce the tax burden on lowerincome workers, supplement their wages, and encourage greater participation in the workforce. According to United Way Worldwide, between 2009 and 2011 on average, the EITC and Child Tax Credit, which was created in 1997, lifted 9.4 million people out of poverty in the United States, including 4.9 million children. Research suggests that the EITC positively impacts children and families far beyond the limited timeframe during which families claim the credit. In fact, studies show that the EITC encourages work, reduces poverty, and also improves child health and academic achievement, increasing the likelihood of college attendance and improving prospects for higher earnings when children become adults. This is one of the most effective ways to create pathways out of poverty.

By helping families maximize their refunds (which can account for up to 40% of their annual income) and avoid tax preparation and loan fees, Tax Time has had a significant impact. Over the past six years, Tax Time volunteers have prepared and processed over 34,000 returns, helping people claim approximately $40 million in refunds. These households have also saved an estimated $8.6 million in tax preparation fees and refund anticipation loan costs. 2013 was a record-breaking year for Tax Times free tax preparation services. More than 300 volunteers helped 14,530 households a 12% increase over 2012.

Tax Time Results: 34,000 returns. $40 million in refunds. $8.6 million in tax preparation fee savings.

A recent report by the New America Foundation details the positive impact Tax Time has had in central Ohio. It points out that based on client survey results at least 10% of Tax Time clients would not have filed taxes without the service. Given that the average refund amount for the Coalitions clients was $1,585, an additional estimated $620,000 in new refunds for low-income families was generated. The report also cites that fact that the average client income was approximately $20,600 a year, proving that Tax Time is successful in reaching the lower income households that most need the additional income that tax refunds provide. The reports author, David Rothstein, writes that Tax Time efficiently fulfills client needs: more than 60% of clients were return customers. The full report can be downloaded at Newamerica.net.

VOlunteeR fOR TAX TiMe TOdAy!

Even though tax season is already underway its not too late to volunteer to help hardworking families get the refunds that will help them become and remain financially stable. We are looking for volunteer tax preparers, and there are many other opportunities, as well. You can become a Financial Coach, and help clients refine their financial goals and connect them to local community resources. You bring your energy and passion to help and we will provide the training you need. Go to taxtimecentralohio.org to see the volunteer opportunities available. The recently launched 2014 Central Ohio Financial Resource Guide is the latest resource created by Tax Time. This guide provides an extensive list of local programs and partners that offer services helping people build assets and become financially stable. An example is SaveNOW+, a unique savings program that grows tax refunds over time. SaveNOW+ participants can directly deposit a portion of their refund into a free savings account at participating Tax Time sites. Just for opening an account, they receive a $60 enrollment bonus. If they continue to save throughout the year, they can earn up to $100 more for their accounts.

2014
GUIDE

Central Ohio

FinAnciAl RESOURCE

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Kelly J. KelleHeR NAMed 2014 CHAMPiOn Of CHildRen City YeAR COluMBus NAMed 2014 CHAMPiOn Of CHildRen NOnPROfit ORgAniZAtiOn
HOnORees tO Be RecOgniZed At tHe 21st AnnuAl CHAMPiOn Of CHildRen SignAtuRe Event On FeBRuARy 11 At THe SOutHeRn THeAtRe
Kelly J. Kelleher, MD, MPH of
Nationwide Childrens Hospital has been named the 2014 Champion of Children. Kelleher joins a group of dynamic local leaders who have been recognized as Champions of Children for their work to create a better tomorrow for all of the children in central Ohio. leadership. Since 1994, City Year Columbus has served more than one million hours, impacted more than 75,000 children and youth, engaged over 10,000 community volunteers contributing more than 75,000 hours of service and graduated more than 600 corps members. City Year partners with Columbus City Schools to promote reading proficiency and citizenship, helping increase attendance and graduation rates in many urban schools. One example of their success is seen in Weinland Park, where 91% of students tutored by City Year improved their Reading Comprehension Assessment by one letter grade or more. City Year is a great example of collaboration and results. They partner with many nonprofit organizations in addition to Columbus City Schools to deepen relationships and strengthen student achievement and engagement, said Di Bella. The mentoring provided by their corps members is helping transform educational outcomes for students in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and we are fortunate to have such an energetic and effective organization in central Ohio. Kelly Kelleher and City Year Columbus will be honored at the 21st Annual Champion of Children Signature Event to be held at 6:00 p.m. on February 11, 2014 at The Southern Theatre. The event, which will be taped for later broadcast on WOSU, will include an award ceremony and a one-on-one conversation between former WOSU Open Line host Fred Andrle and Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character. Tickets are available at liveunitedcentralohio.org/champion-of-children. Since 1994, Champion of Children has been a leading voice in raising awareness on education issues, mobilizing our community to support education and investing in effective efforts that help children succeed in school. In 2010, Champion of Children joined forces with United Way of Central Ohio and has since taken on a key leadership role in United Ways work in the education impact area. To learn more about cutting edge research in education and read insightful commentary from local and national education leaders, sign up to receive the Champion of Children Education Journal. This online journal is available at liveunitedcentralohio.org/education-journal.

Over his distinguished career Kelly has been a great leader in childhood initiatives. He is a true champion for the cause of childrens health, said Elfi Di Bella, President and CEO of YWCA Columbus, and Chair of the Champion of Children Selection Committee. Kelly has paved the way for new standards and health initiatives for children, particularly high-risk children, and he understands that this not only improves individual lives, but strengthens our entire community. Dr. Kelleher is Vice President of Community Health and Services Research at Nationwide Childrens Hospital, and Center Director in the Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice at The Research Institute at Nationwide Childrens Hospital. He is also Professor of Pediatrics and Public Health in the Colleges of Medicine and Public Health at The Ohio State University. He is a pediatrician and health services researcher focused on improving and measuring the quality of pediatric care for high-risk children affected by social determinants of health, violence, neglect, alcohol, drug use or mental disorders. He is also Principal Investigator on the Healthcare Innovation Award from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which is helping improve the health of more than 300,000 children in Central and Southeastern Ohio.

City Year Columbus was

selected as the Champion of Children Nonprofit Organization for the remarkable results it has achieved with its dynamic approach to improving the lives of children and youth. City Year Columbus is an education-focused nonprofit organization that was founded on the principles of service and

------------------------------------------------------Online Extra: ------------------------------------------------------Sign up to receive the Education Journal ------------------------------------------------------LIVING UNITED

COngRAtulAtiOns tO OuR PROject DiveRsity And PRide LeAdeRsHiP GRAduAtes!

United Way congratulates Project Diversity Cycle 22 and Pride Leadership Cycle 6 graduates! These graduates join a growing group of diverse leaders who are helping to shape the future of central Ohio with their community and nonprofit board service. Thanks to Grange Insurance and Columbia Gas of Ohio for their generous sponsorship of these leadership programs.

Pride

Leadership

Project Diversity Cycle 22 graduates. Front row (left to right): Latisha Chastang, Cherri Chattman-Grubb, Tamika Martin, Nicci Harrell Hicks, Ashley Dansby, Stephanie D. Adams, Chasity Lambert, Timothy P. Williams. Middle row: Karim Todd, Cynthia McDonaldDeVese, Melissa Blount-Garner, Kenneth L. Wright, Becky RomanAmador, Leonard Jennings, Randall Jerrod Wiggins, George Mance, Eileen Y. Crenshaw. Back row: Deadra R. McIntosh, Kevin A. Carter, Fortrella Cummings, Deqa Mahammed, J. Baradino Bowles, Jason Morgan, Justin C. Davis, Ojala A. Mwalimu. Not pictured: Lisette N. Estrada.

Pride Leadership Cycle 6 graduates. Front row (left to right): Joe Spinelli, Linda Guyton, Lori Hollenbaugh, Gerald M. Schwab. Middle row: William J. Ruffner, Chris Rutter, Kevin Bailey, Brian Cole. Back row: Dwayne Steward, Nicholas Stanich, Adrian Furman.

-------------------------------------------------------------Online Extra: -------------------------------------------------------------Learn more about Project Diversity and Pride Leadership -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

United WAy HelPs LeAd YP PResidents COuncil

United Way of Central Ohio is partnering with the City of Columbus to reconvene the YP Presidents Council, formerly managed by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. The YP Presidents Council will continue to bring together leaders from the many young professionals organizations in our community to learn, share and grow together. The bi-monthly meetings will include opportunities for networking, professional development, best practice sharing as well as opportunities to learn more about the needs and challenges in our community and how young professionals can make a positive impact. United Ways role with the Council further strengthens involvement with the important YP community. Thousands of young professionals in central Ohio have become part of the United Way family through membership in groups like YLG, which recently celebrated 21 years of engaging young leaders, and GenNext and PRIDE Gives which offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. To learn more about the YP Presidents Council, please contact Melanie Murphy, or Charles Hill, at yppresidentscouncil@liveunitedcentralohio.org.

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LEADERSHIP GIVING
HOlidAy PARty WitH A PuRPOse
On December 11, more than 150 members of leadership giving groups and their guests came out to gift wrap new toys to be given to children in need this Christmas. This joint effort was a great example of our leadership givers in action as volunteers. State Auto and EY (formerly Ernst & Young) generously sponsored the event. In all, hundreds of gifts were wrapped then distributed to kids for Christmas by seven agencies

United Way of Central Ohios Leadership Giving groups offer the opportunity for donors to learn more about how their contributions are helping improve lives in central Ohio, develop meaningful service projects and network with other community and business leaders.

Key CluB EnjOys Blues fOR SMOKe EXHiBit

On November 22, more than 90 Key Club members and guests enjoyed the Blues for Smoke exhibition at the Wexner Center for the Arts. The event was hosted by Sherri Geldin and Jack Jackson of the Wexner Center and sponsored by Donna and Larry James, and Crabbe, Brown and James LLP. To learn more about Key Club, please contact Charles Hill at 614.241.3082 or Charles.Hill@uwcentralohio.org.

Key Club members enjoying the Blues for Smoke exhibition

Ervan and Rashanda Rodgers

Sean Ross, Donna James, Larry James and Jennifer Adair

Clarence Mingo and Clarence Nowlin

Key Club Co-Chair Jacqueline Neal and Wexner Center Director Sherri Geldin

LIVING UNITED

COMMUNITY

BUILDER

WLC DSW FAsHiOn SHOw

On October 17, DSW and the Womens Leadership Council teamed up for the second annual edition of their fall shoe fashion show. E3 mentees and their mentors modeled the latest fashions on the runway at this popular event that drew more than 200 WLC members and friends. To learn more about the WLC, please contact Betsy McCabe at Betsy.McCabe@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.2734. Thank yoU to all the WLC members and E3 participants who served as fashion models.

Sarah McCabe and Christina Stewart

DSWs Patti Gilligan

Kathleen Trafford and Patty Tumen

Theresa Harris, Kelie Hemphill and Emily Anderson

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360 South Third Street Columbus, Ohio 43215-5485

TOGEtHER, WE ARE IMPROVING LIVES AND StRENGtHENING OUR COMMUNItY.

THANK YOU AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

LIVING UNITED
2014 CHAMPiOn Of CHildRen SignAtuRe Event FeAtuRing AutHOR PAul TOugH FeBRuARy 11, 2014 At THe SOutHeRn THeAtRe
Tickets are still available for The 2014 Champion of Children Signature Event featuring Paul Tough, author of the best selling book How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character. In the book, Tough examines the effects of adverse childhood experiences on child development, learning and behavior and highlights key character traits that must be developed to help children overcome challenges and succeed. At the event, he will discuss these themes in a one-on-one conversation with former WOSU Open Line host Fred Andrle. The Champion of Children Signature Event and year-round activities are generously sponsored by: Champion Partners Nationwide, Battelle; Presenting Partner AEP; Supporting Partners The Columbus Foundation, Huntington Bank, The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity, Limited Brands Foundation; Sponsors Jenis Splendid Ice Creams, Nationwide Childrens Hospital, The Ohio State University, US Bank; Media Partners Columbus Business First, J. Davis Creative, Mills James Productions, WOSU Public Media. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to liveunitedcentralohio.org/champion-of-children. If you are interested in a corporate or individual sponsorship for Champion of Childrens yearround efforts, please contact Elizabeth Trotman at Elizabeth.Trotman@uwcentralohio.org or 614.227.8705.