LIVING UNITED2013, ISSUE III

2013 FraNkLIN CoUNTy ChILDrEN’S rEporT ExpLorESWhy NEIGhborhooDS MaTTEr To EDUCaTIoN

rEporT CITED aS “WELCoME CoMpaNIoN” To ThE CoLUMbUS EDUCaTIoN CoMMISSIoN’S rECoMMENDaTIoNS

“In order to fully understand the state of education in our community and how to effectively improve it, we must understand the factors and history that have created the current conditions, and some of the biggest factors are neighborhoods.” That’s how Janet E. Jackson, President and CEO, United Way of Central Ohio, began her introduction of a panel discussion at the Columbus Metropolitan Club on the findings of the 2013 Franklin County Children’s Report: Why Neighborhoods Matter to Education.

Developed by United Way’s Champion of Children, the Kirwan Institute for Race and Ethnicity and Community Research Partners, the report takes an insightful look into the key decisions over the past several decades that have had tremendous effects on neighborhoods and schools. It explores some of the neighborhood revitalization efforts which are taking place in at-risk neighborhoods in central Ohio and concludes that safe, vibrant neighborhoods and high-quality education are inextricably linked. The

report also examines the holistic methods used by the Harlem Children’s Zone as a potential guide for future efforts in our community. In February, the 20th Anniversary Champion of Children Signature Event featured a live interview with Geoffrey Canada, President of

parTNErING For CoLLECTIVE IMpaCT

The 2013 Franklin County Children’s Report was the subject of a panel discussion at the Columbus Metropolitan Club on May 15. From left: Janet Jackson, Eric Fingerhut and Reverend John Edgar, Pastor and Executive Director, Community Development for All People.

the Harlem Children’s Zone. Canada spoke on the subject of education and neighborhood revitalization. The report and panel discussion continue the compelling discussion Canada began.

The panel included the Director of the Columbus Education Commission Eric Fingerhut and Commission member Janet Jackson, both of whom described the report as a valuable resource for improving education. In an editorial on May 22, The Columbus Dispatch praised the report as a “welcome companion to recommendations released recently by the Columbus Education Commission” and went on to say, “The new report is a good addition to an important ongoing conversation about how to make Columbus schools better.”

On April 29, two very different events highlighted the power of bringing partners together to create collective impact and achieve a common goal. Habitat for Humanity’s Home of Hope project brought many partners together to construct a new home for a hardworking family in a Blitz Build that lasted only five days. United Way was the proud sponsor of the final day of the build. United Way also partnered with Out & Equal Workplace Advocates for the first-ever Central Ohio LGBT Workplace Leadership Forum. The forum included representatives of some of the most prominent companies in central Ohio such as Cardinal Health and Nationwide.

United Way volunteers at the Home of Hope Blitz Build on the South Side.

Nationally-known civil rights activist Elizabeth Birch discusses workplace equality for LGBT community members.

watch video of the Columbus Metropolitan Club panel discussion download the report from liveunitedcentralohio.org/champion-of-children

online Extras:

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and staff conducted almost 250 visits with leaders of local organizations to educate them on the growth of poverty in our community and how United Way is working to provide pathways out of poverty for hardworking local families.

We were certainly successful at raising awareness and mobilizing more people to give, advocate and volunteer. But we have only scratched the surface of our potential and in 2013, under the passionate leadership of Campaign Co-Chairs Anne and Jack Partridge and Labor Co-Chair Glen Skeen, we will continue the transformational efforts that began in 2012.

So, to every member of the United Way of Central Ohio family I want to say thank you for all you did in 2012 and I invite you to become even more involved with United Way in 2013.

Sincerely,

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

prESIDENT’S UpDaTEAt this year’s Celebration of Excellence, United Way of Central Ohio continued our long tradition of recognizing organizations that went above and beyond in their charitable efforts. We are proud to honor these engaged and energetic partners and all of the more than 80,000 donors, advocates and volunteers who supported United Way over the past year. Together, we raised $51.2 million to help improve lives and strengthen our community. That

is a tremendous achievement and a shining example of the generosity of the people of central Ohio.

We could not have done this without the dedicated leadership of Campaign Co-Chairs Cindy and Steve Rasmussen, and Labor Co-Chair Dennis Nicodemus. Cindy and Steve mobilized a phenomenal Nationwide team. Nationwide has long been one of the strongest corporate partners of the United Way network, and in 2012 they raised the bar even higher. Enthusiastic Nationwide executives joined our campaign cabinet in such huge numbers we came to think of it as our “supersized” cabinet — and it did supersized work. Our cabinet volunteers, representing 28 companies,

On May 7, key members of both the United Way of Central Ohio and The Ohio State University families gathered at President E. Gordon Gee’s home to recognize and celebrate the many-faceted partnership that exists between the two organizations. Dr. Gee recognized OSU staff and faculty who have been volunteer leaders at United Way including Provost Joe Alutto who serves on the board.

LEGISLaTIVE brEakFaST FoCUSES oN aCCESS To EarLy LEarNING

Janet Jackson and OSU President E. Gordon Gee

Andrew Roberts and Tanny Crane

UNITED Way aND ThE ohIo STaTE UNIVErSITy CELEbraTE ThEIr STroNG parTNErShIpJanet Jackson cited the recent partnership that brought noted education expert Geoffrey Canada to central Ohio to appear at the Champion of Children’s 20th Anniversary Signature Event and several OSU-sponsored gatherings, and thanked OSU’s Pay it Forward group for their important role in the Columbus Volunteer Challenge.

High quality early learning was the focus of United Way’s legislative breakfast on May 2. An impressive panel of early learning experts discussed the strong connection between accessible high-quality early learning and successful employment. Panelists included Janet Jackson; Tanny Crane, President and CEO of the Crane Group and Andrew Roberts, President of the YMCA of Central Ohio. Panelists highlighted the effect of accessible high-quality early learning on high school success, continued employment for working

parents, and Ohio’s future workforce. About a third of the children entering kindergarten do not recognize letters, cannot count to 20 and cannot write their names. Without these very basic skills, children enter kindergarten at a terrible disadvantage they are unlikely to overcome without intervention.

Other speakers included Mary Jo Hudson, Chair-Elect for United Way’s Board of Trustees and Public Policy Committee Chair; Dawn Tyler Lee, Senior Vice President of Community Impact;

and Anthony S. Trotman, Director of the Franklin County Department of Jobs & Family Services.

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IN DEPTH: NEIGhborhooD LEaDErShIp aCaDEMyOn April 11, United Way and Presenting Sponsor Fifth Third Bank recognized the accomplishments of the 18 members of the inaugural class of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy as they graduated from the program. The Academy is designed to enhance the skills of existing and emerging neighborhood leaders while empowering them to promote sustainable change for their neighborhoods. Participants represent communities across central Ohio, with emphasis on United Way’s five priority neighborhoods — Franklinton, King-Lincoln, South Side, Northland and Weinland Park. The eight-month program provides an intensive training curriculum of activities that help leaders engage and mobilize their neighbors to drive neighborhood revitalization efforts and create a stronger sense of community collaboration.

Throughout the eight-month program, which is modeled after United Way’s highly-successful Project Diversity and Pride Leadership programs, the Academy participants attended 50 hours of in-class instruction and interactive activities. The focus of the Academy is on advocacy, communication skills, effective collaboration, and consensus building, and places great emphasis on community assets. Fellows studied mapping both physical community assets like churches and schools, and non-physical assets like the skill sets of community members. “Often a community’s strongest assets are the people living right next door,” said fellow Christine Happel, who is a member of the Weinland Park Community Civic Association. “Working together with our community members to combine our unique sets of knowledge and skills will build strong communities.”

Staff from The City of Columbus played an important role in the Academy curriculum by educating fellows on the intricacies of working with the city government and preparing them for activities like attending City Council meetings. Fellows also received first-hand knowledge

from several experienced community leaders, including: Jim Sweeney, Executive Director of the Franklinton Development Association; Donna Bates, a community volunteer, and Steve Sterrett, Community Relations Director of Campus Partners.

One activity that many graduates found especially compelling was visiting some of Columbus’ priority neighborhoods in order to witness the strengths of these communities and the challenges they face, as well as to better understand how their skills can help solve the community’s issues. The neighborhood tours helped educate the graduates on the diversity that exists within many of Columbus’ neighborhoods and how utilizing such diverse resources can be a major asset.

During a diversity activity at the Academy, Amanuel Merdassa, who was raised in Africa, and Judy Box, who was raised in Australia, discussed their childhood experiences. Despite growing up in vastly different surroundings,

the two graduates discovered how similar their experiences were, particularly their views on community. Merdassa, Youth Program Manager at Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Service, and Box, Chairwoman of the Franklinton Area Commission, appreciated how two children from opposite sides of the earth could experience similar upbringings that would ultimately shape similar views on the importance of community. “Diversity is what should bring us together, not what should keep us apart,” said Merdassa.

The Academy was made possible by a generous grant from Fifth Third Bank. Fifth Third will continue to support the Academy along with new sponsor The Grote Foundation.

United Way is now accepting applications for the second Neighborhood Leadership academy class. Interested candidates can go to liveunitedcentralohio.org/ neighborhood-leadership-academy to apply. The deadline is July 15.

Front row (from left) Barbra Goins-Nellons, Megan Fitze, Anthony Howard, Peggy Williams, Amanuel Merdassa, Felicia Robin Sinkler. Back row (from left) Judy Box, Belinda Nelson, Kimberly Cole, Quay Barnes, Kristen Easterday, Christine Happel, Jennifer Gable, Marilyn Rice, Pamela Hobbs Reeves

NEIGHBORHOODLEADERSHIPACADEMY

CELEbraTIoN oF ExCELLENCE hoNorS orGaNIzaTIoNS ThaT hELp CrEaTE paThWayS oUT oF poVErTy

$51.2 MILLIoN raISEDUnited Way of Central Ohio recognized the outstanding work of partner organizations at the annual Celebration of Excellence luncheon held on May 8. Through United Way, these organizations improve lives, strengthen our community and help create pathways out of poverty for thousands of central Ohio residents.

American Electric Power (AEP) / IBEW Local 1466 received the highest honor, The Corporate Award of Excellence, which recognizes overall achievement in corporate and volunteer philanthropic efforts. One of United Way of Central Ohio’s most engaged partners, AEP provides siginificant targeted investment in United Way’s core work. It also provides a 50 percent match for all employee gifts and has a strong focus on leadership giving. The company’s remarkable level of involvement with United Way is illustrated by the fact that this is the second time it has earned the Corporate Award of Excellence. The first was in 2009.

This is the ninth year that The Corporate Award of Excellence has been presented. Previous winners are Grange Insurance, American Electric Power (AEP) / IBEW Local 1466, Nationwide, UPS, Deloitte, Bruner Corporation, METTLER TOLEDO and Ernst and Young.

The highest honor for United Way member agencies, The Agency Award of Excellence, went to Columbus Early Learning Centers. This award recognizes overall campaign excellence among United Way’s member agencies. Columbus Early Learning Centers is dedicated to investing in the overall work of United Way as well as their own crucial mission of providing high-quality early care and education to young children. Their campaign increased total giving by 77 percent and tripled giving at the Leadership level.

Janet Jackson selected The Pizzuti Companies to receive the President’s Award, which goes to an exemplary campaign that went above and beyond in its support of United Way. “This year I selected an organization that has been one of the most steadfast United Way supporters in our community,” Jackson said during the award presentation. “In their 2012 campaign, The PIzzuti Companies’ generous employees not only increased their average gift, but also had a 100 percent participation rate and raised more than $8,000 in special events dollars, which is a great achievement for a small company.”

Janet Jackson also presented a new honor — The Richard V. Carrick Award. Named for United Way of Central Ohio’s former Senior Vice President of Community Impact, the award recognizes a member agency for excellence in leadership, collaboration, and achievement. It is accompanied by an honorarium of $5,000 to support agency staff in pursuing professional and leadership opportunities. The inaugural award went to Community Shelter Board.

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Corporate award of Excellence - aEp-IbEW Local 1466 (from left) John Biskner, Pablo Vegas, Nathan Bronder, Janet Jackson, Jodi Cannon, Michael Rozsa

agency award of Excellence – Columbus Early Learning Centers (from left) Pierre Bigby, Kim Owes, Heather Forry, Maggie Spangler, Lea Ann Hall, Jeff Waldeck, Katie Oatsvall, Bill Kelley

The awards were presented by Pablo Vegas, President and Chief Operating Officer of AEP Ohio, who hosted the event; Steve Rasmussen, President and CEO of Nationwide and his wife Cindy Rasmussen, 2012 Campaign Co-Chairs; Janet Jackson; and C. David Paragas, United Way of Central Ohio Board Chair.

The Rasmussens also announced that the 2012 annual campaign raised more than $51.2 million to fund United Way’s work of creating pathways out of poverty by focusing on the areas of education, income, health and home. This result represents a 2.4 percent increase over the 2011 campaign total. Steve and Cindy Rasmussen thanked the many co-chairs on the campaign cabinet for their efforts. Dennis Nicodemus, President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 683 served as 2012 Labor Co-Chair. The Rasmussens also recognized the incoming 2013 Campaign Co-Chairs, Jack Partridge, President of Columbia Gas of Ohio and his wife Anne. The incoming 2013 Labor Co-Chair is Glen Skeen of the Communications Workers of America Local 4320.

best New partner - hollywood Casino(from left) Kamilah Prince accepts the Best New Partner Award from Janet Jackson and David Paragas

Engaged Leadership advocacy - Grange Insurance(from left) Mark Russell, Jane Wichman, Doreen DeLaney Crawley, Mike Rowe, Tom Welch, Janet Jackson, Natalina Fickell, John Delucia, Patti Eshman, Stephanie Campolo, Scott Hauptman, Paul McCaffrey

Campaign Momentum - Enterprise rent-a-Car(from left) Chris Willcox, Brady Bonner, Jillian Connolly, Whitney Aebker, Marie Mabbayad, Janet Jackson, Lori Fisher, Damon Belcher, Marisa Nye, Mo Harris

Education Innovation - kpMG, LLp(from left) Alison Staloch, Andrew Keeney, Sharon Kratzenberg, Claire Lacey, Teresa Fitzgerald, Janet Jackson, Kati Hood, James DeSantis, Jenese Bandy

Employee Volunteerism - Deloitte(from left) Tom Kromer, Jackie Baltz, Karen Jarosz, Chris Guilliams, Janet Jackson, John McEwan, Toni Lewis, Chuck Basich, Gemma Moran, Audrey Kromer

richard V. Carrick award - Community Shelter board(from left) Lianna Barbu, Erin Maus, Amy Price, Janet Jackson, Michelle Heritage, Sara Loken, Mark Russell, Jon Welty

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president’s award - The pizzuti Companies(from left) Susan Watkins, Ron Schwind, Ann Pizzuti, Joel Pizzuti, Janet Jackson, Maribeth Mace, Leslie Kalb, Bill Brennan, Pam Bowman

Corporate philanthropy - alliance Data(from left) Rachel Rabb, Leonard Jennings, Stacey Smith, Dolora Schumacher, Jamie Fairall, Katrina Plank

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LEaDErShIp GIVINGUnited Way of Central Ohio’s 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 CELEbraTES 15 yEarS oF phILaNThropIC LEaDErShIpOn April 26, more than 280 Key Club members and their guests celebrated the group’s 15 years as one of the premier African American giving groups in the country. Over that time, Key Club members raised nearly $13 million to support United Way’s efforts to improve lives and strengthen our community. The celebration featured highlights from the group’s 15-year history and the music of MoJoFlo.

At the event, Dwight Smith, CEO of Sophisticated Systems Inc., was honored with the Community Leadership Award. Hosts Les and Abigail Wexner were awarded with honorary memberships in Key Club for their many years of peerless support of the group.

Janelle Simmons, Mayor Michael Coleman, Tasha Booker and Ben Tyson

Renee and Dwight Smith and Janet Jackson

Oyauma and Sacheen Garrison

Nina and Steve Miller

Darnita and Carl Bradley

Toni Teague and Napoleon Bell

Dawn Tyler Lee and Robert E. Lee III

Rashanda and Ervan Rodgers

Troy Glover and Kanika Henley

Richard Blunt and Judge Laurel Beatty

Hon. Kevin Boyce

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LEaDErShIp GIVINGCOMMUNITYBUILDER

United Way welcomes Amy Wharton as our new Senior Assistant Vice President for Leadership Giving. Amy brings to the United Way team a lifelong commitment of service to and partnership with the citizens of central

Ohio and the organizations that contribute to the community’s well-being.

Prior to joining United Way, she served as Senior Vice President of Development and Marketing for Wexner Heritage Village. Amy also spent 15 years at The Ohio State University as a Senior Development Officer—Major Gifts for the Wexner Center for the Arts.

SIEMErS rECEIVE NaTIoNaL ToCqUEVILLE SoCIETy aWarD IN WaShINGToN D.C.

Barbara and Al Siemer received the National Tocqueville Society Award at a ceremony in Washington D.C. on April 12 that was part of the annual Tocqueville Leaders Gathering. The award is the highest honor the Tocqueville Society bestows and recognizes extraordinary leadership in philanthropy.

UNITED Way WELCoMES aMy WharToN

ToCqUEVILLE SoCIETy rECoGNIzES aCCoMpLIShMENTSTocqueville Society members gathered at the New Albany Country Club on May 22, to recognize the accomplishments of the group in 2012 and celebrate Barbara and Al Siemer’s National Tocqueville Society Award. As part of that celebration, Doug Kridler, President and CEO of The Columbus Foundation, announced a grant to the Siemer Institute for Family Stability to help it continue its award-winning work.

Tocqueville Society added 50 new members over the past year and raised $5 million. These efforts were led by co-chairs Kathleen and Buzz Trafford and Kathryne and Kevin Reeves. The recognition event was generously hosted by Mary and Bob Kidder.

Barbara and Al Siemer and United Way Worldwide President and CEO Brian Gallagher.

Doug Kridler, Al and Barbara Siemer and Bob Kidder

Michael Robinson and Cinnamon Pelly

Jennifer Goettemoeller and Wade Kozich

Lisa Courtice, Lisa Lambert and Ann Pizzuti Buzz Trafford and Bill Calvert

Mo Meuse, Don Shackelford and David Meuse

360 South Third StreetColumbus, Ohio 43215-5485

LIVING UNITEDTax TIME proVIDES FrEE Tax prEparaTIoN

To a rECorD 14,530 hoUSEhoLDSThis was a record-breaking year for Tax Time’s free tax preparation services. The coalition’s volunteers helped 14,530 hardworking low- and middle-income households — that’s a 12% increase over 2012. Together, these households claimed more than $14.8 million in tax refunds, which will help them maintain financial stability while contributing to our local economy.

This year, hundreds of tax returns were prepared in just one day at the Super Saturday and Free My Refunds Day events held on February 2. The event was so successful that a second one was added in April. In 2014, there will again be two seperate Super Saturday events on February 1 and April 12. Tax Time is also building on its

work by developing a system to link volunteers with off-season tax preparation opportunities, help people with back tax issues and support Columbus Legal Aid.

You can help people right here in central Ohio build financial stability by volunteering with Tax Time. To volunteer contact Sarah Harrigan at 614.227.2733 or sarah.harrigan@uwcentralohio.org.

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