News - Live United Central Ohio

New Program Investments

2009-11-10T20:25:56Z

November 10, 2009

Dear Friend of United Way of Central Ohio,

I am pleased to inform you United Way of Central Ohio has taken a major step in creating lasting community change in the areas of education, income, health and home.

Earlier today, our board of trustees approved the investment of more than $60 million over three years for programs aligned with our plans to create measurable progress toward nine connected community results in these four areas. These recommendations also serve as a down payment toward the implementation of bold 10-year goals approved by the board during the summer.

The funding decisions are a result of a thoughtful volunteer-driven review process in which we convened community experts and advisors to create funding decisions. For the first time ever, we opened our proposal process to all non-profit health and human services organizations in Franklin County.

I believe the process yielded the right mix of programs and partners to meet our goals. Our review teams received proposals seeking funds more than double the amount of resources available. This speaks to both the quality of programs – funded and not funded by us – and the level of need in our community.

We will welcome 20 new partners who will join us in implementing our local plans for progress. Just as importantly, we have renewed relationships with 58 longstanding agency partners and maintained our commitment to basic needs. These organizations share our dedication to innovation, quality improvement and a commitment to delivering measurable results. Our donors can be assured the money invested in these programs will be used effectively.

Our volunteer-led program evaluation process is an example of what makes United Way of Central Ohio different than other non-profit organizations. We are committed to making community level change that helps our entire community prosper.

Your investment in the work of United Way of Central Ohio is an effective way to be a catalyst for community change. Together, let’s continue to LIVE UNITED and advance the common good.

Sincerely,

Janet E. Jackson

President and CEO

United Way of Central Ohio

View The New Program Investments
View The New Program Investment by Agency

Election Day is November 3, 2009

2009-09-25T11:57:54Z

Live United by voting on November 3. Be sure to register by October 5, 2009. For more information about voter registration, absentee ballots, identification requirements at voting polls, and a list of issues and candidates contact the Franklin County Board of Elections at 614.462.3100 or visit their website at www.vote.franklincountyohio.gov. The Franklin County Board of Elections is located at 280 East Broad Street, Room 100, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Call Senator Voinovich & Senator Brown Today!

2009-09-24T19:04:09Z

ASK THEM TO OPPOSE EFFORTS TO CAP CHARITABLE DEDUCTIONS

As part of efforts to identify funding to pay for health care reform, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee will consider amendments in the next few days that recommend capping the charitable deduction.

We think a cap will hurt our ability to generate the resources necessary to make measurable progress in improving lives in central Ohio through the implementation of strategies in the areas of education, income, health and home.

It is difficult to precisely determine the dollar impact a cap on charitable deductions would have on non-profit organizations; however, many donors itemize their income taxes and utilize this deduction. We are concerned that a cap on charitable deductions would negatively affect the ability of our agency partners to fulfill their own missions and the work we do together.

That’s why our CEO, Janet Jackson, joined more than 400 other United Way leaders from all 50 states in signing on to a letter prepared by United Way Worldwide that asks Members of Congress to oppose a cap on charitable deductions.

Federal health care legislation has already generated more than 500 amendments and 23 of them contain caps on charitable deductions. In this uncertain climate, we think it is important for as many of our partners as possible to let Senator Sherrod Brown (614-469-2083) and Senator George Voinovich (614-469-6697) know what impact the potential lost revenue would have on our communities.

If you have not already done so, please contact their offices and let them know about your position. Specifically, we ask you to share the following:

Capping the deductibility of charitable contributions would negatively impact your ability to provide critical services to needy Ohioans.
Congress should not cap charitable deductions, especially during our current economic crisis; and
Ask them to oppose any Senate Finance Committee amendment that places a cap on charitable deductions.

If you have questions or want to let us know that you have contacted Senators Brown and Voinovich, please contact Valerie Ridgeway, director of public policy, at 614-227-2706 (valerie.ridgeway@uwcentralohio.org).

United Way Sets Bold Goals for Central Ohio

2009-07-28T12:44:58Z

For the first time in its history, United Way of Central Ohio has established ambitious, but attainable ten-year goals for achieving real, lasting change in central Ohio. The nine bold goals, approved by United Way’s Board of Trustees today, are designed to deliver the kind of measurable, sustainable results that will improve lives in our community now and in the future.

Setting these goals is a turning point for United Way and our community,” said Janet E. Jackson, President and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio. “And we are fully committed to achieving the broad progress they represent. Each goal addresses a concrete and specific area of need and together they form a holistic approach that will bring our community together and create system-wide change.”

The goals were developed by a diverse group of more than 300 volunteer experts working together with United Way staff. They are based on the strategies laid out in the strategic framework that guides United Way’s work and focuses on the areas of education, income, health and home.

Specifically, the nine bold goals address kindergarten readiness, high school graduation, financial stability, crisis/emergency assistance, health care access, nutrition and fitness, disaster and emergency preparedness, safe neighborhoods, and safe and decent housing.

With the bold goals in place, United Way will continue the process of selecting and building the programs and initiatives it needs to achieve them. “These bold goals will not be achieved easily,” said Jackson. “It will take our entire community united together and the support and guidance of our many volunteers and donors to accomplish them and create lasting change in central Ohio.”

Contact:
Kermit Whitfield
Director of Communications
United Way of Central Ohio
360 S. Front St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-227-2700 kermit.whitfield@uwcentralohio.org

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United Way Endorses City Income Tax

2009-06-24T19:46:06Z

United Way of Central Ohio is endorsing the proposed increase in the City of Columbus income tax (Issue 1). The City of Columbus is an important partner in our efforts to address our community’s most significant needs; however the city’s perilous fiscal state jeopardizes our community’s ability to achieve lasting change in education, income, health and home. Increased revenue will allow Columbus to continue its investment in health and human services and maintain a strong infrastructure that enhances quality of life for its residents and promotes economic development.

This first rate increase in 27 years will prevent substantial layoffs of police and firefighters and restore funding for health and human service providers to 2009 City Council approved levels – both are essential to public safety and quality life in central Ohio.

Issue 1, which goes before voters during a special election on August 4th, asks voters to approve a .5% increase in the city tax rate. The proposed increase from 2 percent to 2.5 percent is expected to generate approximately $97 million a year and nearly fill an anticipated $100 million shortfall in the 2010 budget.

Passage of Issue 1 is part of a three-step plan designed to maintain a high quality of life and neighborhood safety throughout Columbus. The three-step plan includes:

Creating jobs through economic development and business attraction
Making government more efficient and accountable
Asking voters to support a .5% increase in the city tax rate

Advocacy Alert - Safe Child Care

2009-06-19T18:56:59Z

PHONE CALLS NEEDED TODAY!

Ohio Families Need High Quality & Safe Child Care

A Conference Committee (consisting of three House Representatives and three Senators) has begun the grueling task of reconciling the House and Senate versions of the state budget. Last week the Administration announced revenue shortfalls that will require the Conference Committee to cut an additional $2.3 billion from the Senate version of the budget. All early care and education programs funded by general revenue funds are at risk of major cuts or elimination.

The following public officials have tremendous influence on Conference Committee decisions. They must hear from as many constituents as possible. Please call the following offices as soon as possible and ask them not to cut early care and education programs:

Janetta King (Governor’s Office)       466-3555
Senator Bill Harris                           466-8086
Representative Armond Budish        466-5441

At the bottom is a sample telephone script for personal calls.

You may also click onto the following link and send an automated email to Franklin County Senators:

http://www.groundworkohio.org/getinvolved/contactrep.cfm

Thank you so much for helping make an impact through public policy.

Valerie Ridgeway
Public Policy Director

Sample Phone Script

Hello. My name is _________________. I’m calling to ask you to preserve funding for early care and education programs.

Many of Ohio’s high-poverty districts depend on public preschool to help prepare our most at-risk children to enter school ready to learn; thereby avoiding higher costs down the road for special education, grade retention, and other remediation.

Forty percent of our children enter kindergarten without the skills needed to succeed - skills such as the ability to recognize their letters, count to 20 or write their names. Without these skills, children enter kindergarten at a disadvantage they’re unlikely to overcome in subsequent years.

Research confirms that preschool-age years are critical for cognitive and social development, laying a foundation for success in primary and secondary school, college, work and life.

Please protect Ohio’s early care and education system. In tough economic times we need to fund what works. High quality and accessible child care works. Thank you.

Restore $244 million to Ohio’s Early Care & Education System

2009-05-20T05:41:06Z

ADVOCACY ALERT

House Bill 1 (State Budget for 2010-2011) includes cuts to early care and education totaling $244 million! Proposed cuts include $119 million to public preschool and Ohio’s Early Learning Initiative (early care and education program for low-income working families). These cuts would affectapproximately 8,800 children. In addition, proposed reimbursement changes could impact providers’ ability to accept subsidized child care slots, impacting an estimated 15,000 children. House Bill 1 also includes a $57 million decrease in funding for Ohio’s Help Me Grow program, which provides services to expectant parents, newborns, and infants and toddlers with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.

The Ohio Senate is now working on its version of the State Budget. Please call your Senator today and urge him to restore $244 million to Ohio’s early care and education system.

United Way of Central Ohio’s Celebration of Excellence Honors Outstanding Organizations

2009-05-04T19:26:32Z

Columbus, Ohio – United Way of Central Ohio presented awards to six organizations for the excellence of their campaign efforts at its Celebration of Excellence held at the Columbus Convention Center.

American Electric Power (AEP) / IBEW Local 1466 received the highest honor, The Community Impact Award of Excellence, which recognizes overall achievement in corporate and volunteer philanthropic efforts. Award judges found that AEP excels in all aspects of their campaign including strategic performance, leadership giving, and employee education and volunteerism. AEP’s employee-driven campaign has done an excellent job of communicating the work of United Way, and has experienced significant growth over the past three years. The company’s emphasis on encouraging employees to give at leadership levels has resulted in a high level of these important gifts.

Help For Tough Times

2009-05-03T08:32:09Z

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Kroger Community Rewards

2009-05-03T00:15:25Z

Shop for Groceries - Support United Way of Central Ohio

It's Easy... just shop, swipe your card & earn!

Kroger is committed to helping cemtral Ohio grow and prosper. As a long time supporter of the United Way, Kroger's Community Rewards program is one of many community commitments Kroger makes towards advancing the common good.

N1H1: Stay Informed

2009-05-01T17:08:36Z

Cases of H1N1 Influenza, commonly referred to as human swine flu, have been confirmed across the U.S. In Central Ohio, Columbus Public Health (CPH) and Franklin County Board of Health (FCBH) are investigating a number of cases of respiratory illness and have determined at least 2 probable cases of human influenza H1N1. Public health officials are conducting an investigation and are interviewing all possible contacts. In response, CPH and FCBH are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ohio Department of Health, and other local partners.

If you’re interested in additional information, some recommended web content can be found at Columbus Public Health, Franklin County Board of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Child Care Action Needed

2009-04-24T12:38:51Z

The Ohio House of Representatives has begun to consider the substitute budget bill. Your advocacy is needed ASAP:

· The definition of Full Time for child care reimbursement was changed from 35 hours per week to 32.5 – we need to reduce this further!

· Over $23 million was cut from Early Childhood Education – this must be restored, the increase in SFY2008-2009 was the first increase this program has seen in nearly 20 years!

· The Early Childhood Mental Health program needs $350,000 for Consultation and funding for Treatment - these critical services will save thousands of vulnerable children from years of mental health distress!

Click here to send your representative and House Leadership a letter asking them to fund the early childhood system and protect our youngest children.

It is CRITICAL that you contact them ASAP as a vote will be taking place soon.

This message was sent from:
The Groundwork Ohio Campaign
1226 Huron Road, Suite 300
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Thank you for supporting early child care and education!

2009-03-23T18:06:27Z

Members of the Human Services Subcommittee and the Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee (of the House Finance Committee) heard several testimonies throughout the month regarding the importance of high quality and affordable early care and education. Two overflow rooms were needed to accommodate the dozens of advocates who came to the Statehouse on March 18.

Donned in yellow ribbons and Live United buttons, advocates expressed concerns for budget cuts to the Help Me Grow Program and opposed plans to redefine full-time child care as 35 hours per week. The current definition of full-time child care is 25 hours per week.

United Way of Central Ohio Approves New Public Policy Agenda

2008-11-08T00:05:59Z

Columbus, Ohio - United Way of Central Ohio’s Board of Trustees has approved a new public policy agenda. The agenda reflects United Way’s emphasis on advocacy and outlines the organization’s public policy strategy for the next two years.

As part of LIVE UNITED, the most bold and far-reaching call to action in the United Way movement’s history, donors and volunteers are urged to take an active role in advocating for the work of United Way. This new public policy agenda provides the framework for these advocacy efforts.

“Public policy has a huge impact on the lives of people in central Ohio and we are committed to making our voice heard on important public policy issues. We’re speaking out and we want our supporters to join us” said Janet E. Jackson, President and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio.

United Way’s public policy agenda specifically targets revitalizing vacant and abandoned housing and property, improving the financial stability of low- and moderate-income households, and preparing more children for school. “These issues are all interconnected - safer neighborhoods, financially stable families, and children who are ready to succeed in school are the foundation of a secure and successful community,” said David Paragas, chair of United Way of Central Ohio’s public policy committee.

Thousands of Volunteers Will LIVE UNITED At United Way of Central Ohio’s 17th Annual Community Care Day

2008-09-16T23:54:11Z

Columbus, Ohio – LIVE UNITED, the most far-reaching call to action in the United Way movement’s history, invites people to give, advocate, and volunteer. This year thousands of people will respond in force on Community Care Day, the largest single volunteering effort in central Ohio. Nearly 4,000 volunteers from 85 companies have signed on for more than 200 projects at local schools, United Way member agencies, and other local nonprofit organizations. Community Care Day saves schools and agencies thousands of dollars in equivalent labor costs.