ADVANCING

THE COMMON GOOD

2012 ANNUAL REPORT

United Way of Northeastern MN

UnitedWaynemn.org

MISSION
To unite and focus our communities in creating measurable results to improve peoples lives and strengthen our families To do this we will...
Imagine living in communities that foster hope and opportunity for everyone, communities that set significant and measurable goals to create long-term social change that produces healthy, well-educated and financially stable families and individuals, and as the end result - achieve it. The United Way of Northeastern MN is working in our local communities to make this happen by investing your contributions in critically needed programs being operated by our partner agencies as well as initiatives managed by our own staff and volunteers. Through the support received we can collectively: Offer all children the pathway to a brighter tomorrow and every opportunity to succeed End the cycle of poverty and financial dependence, where productive livelihood begins for even the most disadvantaged Create effective well-being support services to improve the quality of life for all Through the combined support of thousands of people, joining United Way of Northeastern MN to LIVE UNITED, this vision can become reality.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. -GHANDI

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter From Executive Director Funding Priorities Community Impact Partner Agencies Events/Engagement Financials Lasting Change Staff & Board of Directors 3 4 6 9 10 12 14 15

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Dear Supporters: In 2008, we began a journey to LIVE UNITED.to reflect on ways we give, advocate and volunteer for issues that are important to us. Its become a way for us to show how we care for our communities and the most pressing needs that surround them. Its become a way of life for some. We are proud to say that it has been another year filled with generosity and support from our donors, volunteers and dedicated campaign leaders. Thanks to you, we have broken all records by raising over $1.8 million in contributions which is a 10% increase over last years campaign. We can feel the fresh current of energy and a new sense of excitement and purpose all around us. You can see the difference United Way has made to our friends and neighbors at every point in the cycle of life: laying the groundwork for children to have a better future, helping families become strong and secure, giving disabled individuals independence, standing by those who are rebuilding their lives, and supporting seniors as they age. While we are proud of our accomplishments, we are still focused on the future. Community needs continue to rise as over 45,000 individuals were helped by the 75 United Way funded partner agencies and the strong United Way initiatives supporting those in need in our service territory. We are anxious to see what is in store for 2013 and sincerely thank you for your continued and committed support. It is humbling to be surrounded by individuals that truly understand what it means to LIVE UNITED. Sincerely,

Shelley Valentini Executive Director United Way of Northeastern Minnesota

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OUR FUNDING PRIORITY AREAS

The United Way of Northeastern MN focuses on the building blocks of life: Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs Our goal is to create long lasting change while working to prevent problems from happening in the first place. We invite everyone to be a part of the change. Together, united, we can create opportunities and inspire hope for a better tomorrow.

Education
Helping Children and Youth Achieve Their Potential United Way is working to help children and youth achieve their potential by promoting healthy development to safeguard their ability to succeed in school and life. Your investment through United Way increases school readiness, improves academic achievement and promotes positive development activities. Impact Examples: Over 13,000 children received services through organizations that promote positive youth development 400 children improved their academic success through tutoring services within area schools

EDUCATION. INCOME. HEALTH.

Income
Helping Families and Individuals Become Financially Stable Todays families are facing tougher times a challenging economy, job loss and rising costs. With limited take home pay, it can be tough to make ends meet. United Way supports its agencies in promoting financial stability and independence. Impact Examples: 370 individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers were provided with job opportunities Six area families became first-time home owners through Habitat for Humanity, assisting them on

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the path to economic independence and stability

GOALS FOR THE COMMON GOOD

Basic Needs
Supporting the Transitional Need for Food, Shelter, Clothing and Safety United Way funding helps to sustain a safety net of services that is available to help families and individuals get through tough times. When life changes unexpectedly, it is critical that basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing can still be met. Through emergency and critical support services, and shelter or utility assistance, United Way is working to facilitate

Health
Improving Peoples Heath and Wellbeing Health is strongly linked to education and income and is the single most important aspect to a quality life. Good health allows children to learn better and adults to increase their income through productive work. Health problems often lead to increased school absences (a predictor of dropping out of school) among children, as well as increased on-the-job absences by adults. To further compound the problem, entry level and low paying jobs are often without health benefits. United Way is improving peoples access to physical, mental and dental health care to ensure everyone can receive the care they need. Impact Examples: 786 uninsured or underinsured individuals received the physical or mental health care they needed 444 individuals received hospice or respite care, providing comfort during illness

self-sufficiency in our surrounding communities. Impact Examples: 5,266 nights of shelter were provided to homeless youth, adults and families with no place to stay Over 1.7 million pounds of food were distributed and over 1.1 million meals were served within our service territory

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IMAGINATION LIBRARY
A strong foundation not only prepares children to start and succeed in school, it gives them something solid to stand on as they pursue their dreams.

COMMUNITY IMPACT INITIATIVES THAT ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The issues: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 53% of children age three to five were read to daily by a family member. For the poorest children, the biggest obstacle to literacy may be the scarcity of books and appropriate reading material. Research nationwide has shown and continues to show there is a critical relationship between early childhood experiences, school successes and positive life-long outcomes. Over 85% of childrens characteristics, traits and personality are developed by age five. Educators have emphasized that reading with pre-school

age children is the single most important activity to prepare a child for school. United Way Impact: Imagination Library is a school readiness program that delivers age appropriate books monthly to children in their homes from birth to age five. There are no income guidelines and the program is free to all children regardless of economic status. Since the programs inception in April of 2008, over 4,500 children have been enrolled in the program and over 105,000 books have been delivered.

To evaluate the success of the program thus far, a survey was developed and sent out to participating families in the fall of 2011. The following results showed that after receiving books through Imagination Library: 90% of parents are reading to their children more often 87% of children are more interested in reading 90% of children have increased their reading skills and abilities

SMILES ACROSS MN NORTHEASTERN MN

Preventative measures, such as education, sealants and fluoride treatments have a long-term impact on childrens future dental health, academic success and overall well-being. The issues: Tooth decay is the most common infectious disease among children and continues to be the number one untreated disease in the country. Nationally, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to tooth decay which is largely preventable with access to preventative care. United Way Impact: Smiles Across Minnesota is a school-based preventative oral health program that provides care for uninsured and underinsured children in the United Way of Northeastern MN service territory. The well-being for children Head Start to age 18 by providing teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants right in school by way of a mobile dental unit. In addition, a local dentist provides restorative care to children that need it within the United Ways service territory. To date, oral health care has been provided to 1,774 students over the course of 3,213 visits on the Iron Range and Koochiching County.

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program improves the oral health and

BUDDY BACKPACKS
Nutrition is vital for proper brain development in growing children. Providing critically important meals to area children facing food insecurities will help to prevent developmental and academic deficiencies throughout their most important years of life. The issues: Upon discovering that our St. Louis County area has a higher than average rate of individuals that go hungry (17%) than the state average (12%) we decided to help close the missing meals gap in our local area by providing additional food resources for children. Even after low income families utilize resources, as well as their own ability to purchase food, 17% of the food they need is still missing and many of these meals arent balanced. As poverty levels continue to rise throughout our service territory, teachers and school nurses have shared many stories of children returning to school Monday after a weekend without enough to eat. Many of these children complain of stomach cramps, headaches and dizziness. Some have a decreased attention span or lack enthusiasm to learn because they are concentrating on their hunger more than learning. While during the school week these children have access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch through the free and reduced programs, the same cannot be said for weekends and school breaks. Children that are hungry are affected in many different ways: They suffer from iron deficiencies, affecting cognitive and physical development They are twice as likely to repeat a grade in school As teens, they are five times more likely to commit suicide United Way Impact: Buddy Backpacks is a program that has been implemented within all of the school districts that fall within the United Way of Northeastern MN service territory. Children most at risk are identified by school staff and then enrolled in the program which provides them with a supplemental backpack full of child-friendly, nutritious food each Friday or weekend break as they head home from school. School staff reported that there were positive behavioral gains, a decrease in the number of unexcused absences and a better overall attitude from the students enrolled in the Buddy Backpack program. The intended results of Buddy Backpacks are: Children will no longer experience hunger or food insecurities from going hungry on the weekends Childrens attendance, behavior academics, social interaction, health and attention span will improve in and out of school Currently, 573 children are being serviced within nine school districts and Head Start programs on the Iron Range. Approximately 2,400 meals per month are provided that would have otherwise been missed. In Koochiching County 80 children are being serviced within three school districts providing approximately 340 meals per month.
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I WANT TO GROW
The early childhood years from birth to the start of kindergarten are an important time of rapid learning and growth. The issues: Currently, only 81% of our area 3-4 year olds are taking part in the Early Childhood Screening process. We have found that many parents wait to have their children screened until age five or their children actually enter kindergarten for fear of finding something wrong. Many families are also not connected to an early childhood program within their local school district that would share the importance of Early Childhood Screening. United Way Impact: Through a partnership with the Family Service Collaborative and various early childhood service providers we are working to increase the percentage of children who complete the Minnesota mandated early childhood screening between the ages of 3 and 4. To do this, we are making the connection between early childhood staff and programs for more effective and efficient processes for families with young children, one specifically being Early Childhood Screening. Our goal is to increase the amount of 3-4 year olds being Sometimes just lending a hand and providing the comforts of home to individuals and families in crisis can help rebuild lives. The issues: Many of our agencies provide or help secure a safe, comfortable shelter for families and individuals in transition, facing an emergency situation or experiencing hardship. To help provide the comforts of home with household goods for those who need it during these times of struggle, United Way is there to lend an additional hand. United Way Impact: Gifts In Kind is a partnership between the United Way of Northeastern MN and Bed Bath & Beyond, who donates all of their unsold household products to us. In turn, we make these essential products such as bedding, pillows, towels and other home goods available to our agencies and the clients they serve at no cost. To date, $440,168 worth of household items have been distributed to individuals and families in need. We have been able to partner with area clinics to provide Early Childhood Screening information at 3 year well child checks to increase connection with families To date, through our partnership we have increased Early Childhood Screening numbers by 4% in our service territory screened to 85% by 2014 and 90% by 2016.

GIFTS IN KIND

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COMMUNITY IMPACT INITIATIVES MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

PARTNER AGENCIES SUPPORTED BY UNITED WAY FUNDING IRON RANGE Agency

Advocates For Family Peace American Red Cross - Northland Chapter ARC Range Chapter Arrowhead Center Boy Scouts - Voyageur Area Council Boys & Girls Club of the Northland Camp Chicagami Care Partners Courage Center East Range DAC Elder Services Network Ely Community Resources Floodwood Services & Training Food Shelves Area Wide Forget-Me-Not Foundation Foster Grandparent Program Girl Scouts of MN & WI Lakes & Pines Habitat For Humanity - North St. Louis County Hibbing Kinship Mentoring Program Hibbing Literacy Action Center Homeless Youth Project RMHC KIDS PLUS Chisholm LSS Family Resource Center Mediation Works North Mesabi Family YMCA Nashwauk Community Garden Normas Place North Star Hospice Fairview Northwoods Hospice & Respite Partners ODC Project Care Range Respite Range Transitional Housing Salvation Army Hibbing & Virginia Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank Sexual Assault Program NSLC Support Within Reach Twelfth Step House United Way 211 Volunteers In Education (VinE) Well Being Development

Services Provided
Domestic Abuse Intervention & Education Disaster/Emergency Services Advocacy For the Disabled and Their Families Chemical Dependency/Family Education Building Character and Leadership Skills Through Scouting Mentoring Program Camping for At Risk and Disabled Youth Financial Support for Individuals with Cancer Sports Programs for Disabled Youth Independence for the Disabled Senior Services Mentoring Program/Promotes Positive Youth Activities Independence for the Disabled Food Distribution Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Disabled Mentoring Program for Elementary School Children Empowering Girls Through Enriching Experiences Affordable Housing Program Youth Mentoring Program Literacy Program Shelter and Life Skills for Homeless Youth Promotes Positive Youth Activities Safe Shelter for Children in Family Crisis Mediation for Divorced Parents with Children Youth Development Food Distribution Support For Persistent Mental Illness Support For Those With Terminal Illness and Their Families Support for Home-bound, Ill, Elderly & Their Caregivers Creating Job Opportunities for People With Disabilities Medical Services for Under/Uninsured Respite Care for Caregivers Transitional Housing Food & Emergency Services Food Distribution Sexual Assault Intervention and Education Sexual Assault Intervention and Education in Itasca County In-Patient Chemical Dependency Program Information & Referral Tutoring For At Risk Youth Clubhouse for the Mentally Ill and Support for Their Families

KOOCHICHING COUNTY Agency

4-H Minnesota Extension Agency American Red Cross Elder Circle RSVP Program Falls Hunger Coalition Friends Against Abuse Girl Scouts of MN & WI Lakes & Pines Koochiching Aging Options Koochiching Senior Center North Star Hospice North Star Respite ODC Salvation Army Koochiching County School Readiness ISD 361

Services Provided
Promotes Positive Youth Activities Disaster/Emergency Services Engaging Seniors in Volunteerism Food Distribution Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Intervention and Education Empowering Girls Through Enriching Experiences Promoting Independence and Health For Seniors Promoting Independence and Health For Seniors Support For Those With Terminal Illness and Their Families Respite Care for Caregivers Creating Job Opportunities for People With Disabilities Food and Emergency Services Early Childhood Education
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GET INVOLVED!
The United Way of Northeastern MN staff and volunteers raise additional funds for our initiatives during the year by holding seven different events throughout our region. Weve found its a great way to connect with donors and individuals we may not see in the workplace. Many volunteer, participate, or just stop by and watch the fun! Last year, in total, our events brought in more than $150,000. Highlights from these events are listed below.
(Note: Event revenues listed below are from the United Ways most recent fiscal year which runs from April 1st, 2012 thru March 31st, 2013.)

IRON RANGE EVENTS

DELTA/MDN FUNSPIEL FOR THE UNITED WAY
Our annual one day curling event was held on Saturday, December 3rd at the RROCC in Eveleth. Last year, we filled our tournament roster and raised over $19,000 to support the Buddy Backpack program.

POWER OF THE PURSE IRON RANGE

Area women gather each year to show the power of their purse and raise funds for the Smiles Across MN Iron Range dental program. The event was held on Thursday, January 19th at Valentinis Supper Club in Chisholm. Close to 200 women attended, bid on auction items, enjoyed a fabulous dinner and raised over $23,200.

BAYVIEW BLAST & ARCTIC SPLASH

Area individuals and families travel from across Northeastern MN to the Lake Vermilion area to take part in our annual snowmobile event and polar plunge AKA the Arctic Splash. This years event, a favorite of all involved, took place at BayView Lodge on February 23rd. Participants enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, evening entertainment, silent auction and raffles as well as the entertainment from the Arctic Splash. The event raised a record breaking $50,716 for our three youth initiatives.

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FLAVOR OF THE NORTH

Local food enthusiasts took part in this highly anticipated event on Thursday, April 19th at the Mt. Iron Community Center. This was the second year in a row a sold out crowd enjoyed food sampling from 17 area restaurants across the Iron Range. Wine and beer tasting was also available throughout the evening with a live and silent auction as well. A record breaking $31,700 was raised for the Buddy Backpack program.

RIDE THE RANGE

Motorcycle enthusiasts join together each year in June for a 200 mile ride to raise awareness for United Way and raise funds for the Buddy Backpack program. This years ride was held on Saturday, June 23rd and despite early morning rain, riders were still excited for the trip. The evening activities took place at Tom & Jerrys with a BBQ dinner, live and silent auction and raffles raising another record breaking total of $18,000.

KOOCHICHING COUNTY EVENTS

KOOCH COUNTY CRUISE
International Falls motorcycle enthusiasts came together for a common cause raising money for the start-up of the Buddy Backpack program in Koochiching County. Last years event was held on September 8th and brought in over $5,000. Attendees enjoyed a 170 mile ride and wrap-up party at The Spot complete with dinner, auction, raffles and entertainment.

POWER OF THE PURSE KOOCHICHING COUNTY

Over 150 women gathered last year for one of the most attended events in the Koochiching County area. Power of the Purse was held at the Thunderbird Lodge on Friday, November 4th where women enjoyed food, friendship, wine tasting and a live and silent auction, and raised $20,000 for programs supporting youth in poverty within Koochiching County.

HOOKED ON TALENT- KOOCHICHING COUNTY

More than 400 guests attended the Hooked on Talent Vocal Contest at Backus Community Center in International Falls on Friday, May 11th. Attendees enjoyed hearing amazing talent, exciting raffles and delicious desserts. The event raised $6,500 for United Way partner agencies.
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FINANCIALS

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, Inc. Statements of Financial Position March 31, 2012 and 2011 2012 2011

Assets Cash Unrestricted Restricted (Cancer Walk and Pennies for Play) Investments (Note 2) Contributions Receivable, less allowance for uncollectibles of $15,000 for 2012 and 2011 Prepaid Expenses Equipment, net Beneficial Interest in Assets Held by Others (Note 3) Total assets Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities Allocations and designations payable (Note 4) Deposits held for others Accounts payable Total liabilities Net Assets Unrestricted: Equipment Beneficial interest in assets held by others Undesignated Total net assets Total liabilities and net assets See Notes to Financial Statements.

705,590 10,187 500,460 830,609 1,204 7,726 1,011,719 3,067,495

518,782 16,139 424,602 631,444 1,762 10,189 1,180,446 2,783,364

977,768 10,187 45,366 1,033,321

851,492 16,139 40,034 907,665

7,726 1,011,719 1,014,729 2,034,174 3,067,495

10,189 1,180,446 685,064 1,875,699 2,783,364

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United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, Inc. Statements of Activities Years Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 2012 $ 1,335,979 (14,692) 1,321,287 1,500 67,585 38,983 166,744 1,596,099 6,370 23,086 1,625,555 $ 2011 1,200,196 (16,865) (15,000) 1,168,331 7,932 24,882 91,711 150,345 1,443,201 16,398 135,738 1,595,337

Public Support and Revenue Gross campaign results Less donor designations (Note 4) Less provision for uncollectible accounts Net campaign revenue Grant income Initiative contributions Gifts in kind Special events T o tal pub lic support Interest income Change in beneficial interest in assets held by others Total revenue Allocations and Expenses Allocations and program services: Gross allocations to agencies for programs Less donor designations (Note 4) Net allocations awarded (Note 5) Initiative distributions (Note 5) Gifts in kind distributions Program services Total program expenses Supporting services: Management and general Fundraising Total allocations and expenses Increase in net assets Net Assets Beginning of year End of year See Notes to Financial Statements.

1,001,839 (14,692) 987,147 117,632 40,998 201,999 1,347,776

851,492 (16,865) 834,627 93,905 89,519 188,613 1,206,664

46,654 72,650 1,467,080 158,475

42,308 61,542 1,310,514 284,823

1,875,699 2,034,174

1,590,876 1,875,699

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Planning for the future: Bringing Hope for Many More Years to Come
Since 1966, United Way of Northeastern MN has been partnering with friends and neighbors to build a legacy of giving in our communities. When investing in our region through United Way, Planned Giving can magnify the power of a gift by joining with others to help solve community needs not only today, but for generations to come. In 1998, long-time resident Katherine Katie Ware left our organization a generous $411,000 gift upon her passing. The UWNEMN Board of Directors after careful thought as to how to make the most meaningful impact with her gift, created the Forever Fund, endowment to help strengthen families and care for our own in a more permanent way. All gifts to the endowment will remain intact forever with the earnings and interest offsetting the costs of the organization. This allows more of every dollar contributed in the annual campaign to go directly to United Way partner agencies and initiatives. Our Forever Fund is housed in the Minnesota Foundation. To date the current endowment value is $1,098,980 (reference financials on page 12). We encourage individuals to create a better life for everyone, not just today but well into the future in Northeastern MN by taking the following steps: Name United Way of NEMN as a beneficiary in your will Make an outright gift of cash or appreciated stock or real estate Name United Way of NEMN as the beneficiary of a retirement plan Name United Way of NEMN as the beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy Benefit from a split interest gift Make a gift through a Charitable Gift Annuity and receive payments for life Our organization encourages individuals to make a planned giving gift as a way to make an investment in our region FOREVER.

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STAFF
SHELLEY VALENTINI Executive Director ERIN SHAY Resource & Marketing Director ELIZABETH JOHNSON Development & Communications Manager GAIL RICE Bookkeeper

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2012-2013 Officers: MARCI KNIGHT, PRESIDENT American Bank MARK BAKK, 1ST VICE PRESIDENT Lake Country Power JENNIFER BECK, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT Cliffs Shared Services LYNDA BOLF, SECRETARY US Bank TONY ZUPANCICH, TREASURER Delta Air Lines MARCIA CAMPBELL, EXECUTIVE BOARD Minnesota Power DAN KOTNIK, EXECUTIVE BOARD U.S. Steel Keetac USW Local 2660 TOM JAMAR, PAST BOARD PRESIDENT Jasper Engineering JOANNE BERGIN PolyMet Mining LEE BLOOMQUIST IRRRB OJ BOTTOMS Ryan Kasner Bialke JAY BRETTO Hibbing Taconite JULIE EHRMAN Boise Paper STACY HART Range Center KIM HOLMAN United Taconite USW Local 6860 TOM KELLY U.S. Steel Minnesota Ore Operations BRUCE KINGSLEY Mesabi Nugget FRANK LAMUSGA Hibbing Taconite USW Local 2705 JAY LAROSE Delta Air Lines JOE LEONI Trenti Law Firm LEANNE LITFIN Litfin Law Office LORI LYMAN Boise Paper SARRAH MATTILA U.S. Steel Keetac JEN NELSON Hibbing Taconite SHANNON PLOMBON Security State Bank SANTI ROMANI United Taconite JEN SENOGLES Walmart JIM SKALSKI Iracore SHERRY VALLEY Wells Fargo JEFF WALTERS Hibbing Taconite USW Local 2705 TONY YELEY Essar Steel

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United Way of Northeastern MN

229 West Lake Street Chisholm, MN 55719 (218) 254-3329 www.unitedwaynemn.org