United Way of the Wine Country Working Hard to Handle Increased Needs of the Community

Santa Rosa, CA (April 16, 2009) – United Way of the Wine Country is working harder than ever to achieve its ‘08-09 campaign goals and credits committed volunteer leadership and a caring community for the results it has achieved during the first three quarters of its current fiscal year.  Last year, the organization raised $4.3 million and has set even more aggressive goals for this year’s campaign, directly benefiting over 100 local partner agencies and programs.  The increased efforts and community outreach come as the local business, government and nonprofit organizations United Way works with are feeling the strain of increased unemployment and a weakened economy.

"Our results so far in this fiscal year are a testament to our generous community that is willing to rally around the most urgent needs during very challenging times," said Walter Collins, President and CEO of United Way of the Wine Country.  "Now more than ever there is a need for United Way and our goal of changing lives.  Not only do we ensure that local children have insurance, empower local seniors to live more independent lives, and provide food and shelter for families in crisis, but we also create lasting changes that get results and prevent problems from happening in the first place."

Measureable results of United Way's impact during the first six months of this fiscal year were impressive:

• Strengthening Families - Almost 2,000 families have participated in effective parenting programs supported by United Way.
• Maintaing Senior Independence - 2,189 seniors were delivered over 193,000 meals.  United Way is a strong partner of the Sonoma County Meals-on-Wheels program.
• Supporting Youth Development - Over 2,700 youth have particpated in afterschool and summer programs supported by United Way.
• Resolving Crisis - Over 86,000 people have been provided meals or groceries through United Way's partnerships.
• Discounted prescriptions for uninsured families - More than 13,000 prescription claims were filed through FamilyWize, a community service partnership supported by United Way.  Total savings on prescriptions was almost $356,00.

"United Way today operates like a strategic business and we want our donors and partners to know that we are extremely mindful stewards of their donations," noted Collins.  "For example, the monthly rent on our new office space is significantly lower than our previous location - that translates into cost savings we can apply to meaningful programs.  Also, our new landlord donated much of the improvement costs to the space, which saves us a tremendous amount of capital spending."

With its fiscal year closing on June 30, United Way of the Wine Country has made important strides toward reaching its goal this year, but stressed there is still a critical need for community support of its fundraising efforts.  In addition to financial support, more than 1,000 volunteers have contributed their time and talent to United Way's efforts.

"America is facing the most severe economic crisis in more than 75 years.  As a result, many individuals and families here in Wine Country will increasingly rely on the services of charities and nonprofits to help make ends meet," Collins added.  "While many of us have less to give this year, we can't ignore the needs of people right here in our own backyard.  We all win when everyone in our community thrives, and it's up to us to work together to help each other.  At United Way, we have established a call-to-action: LIVE UNITED - to motivate everyone to help by giving, advocating or volunteering."

United Way encourages nonprofits to find innovative ways of working together, including supporting new nonprofit alliances and mergers, and monitor and share data on community trends captured through 2-1-1, a 24-hour information and refferal service connecting callers to needed community resources.