60 years of impact - United Way / Centraide Windsor Essex County

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2 2007 Annual Report 60 years of impact 60 Years of Impact – A message from the Board Chair and Executive Director Establishing the Community Fund in Windsor was an act of creating community self -reliance. Those who had returned from helping win World War II were not prepared to sit idly by and accept an economic downturn, poverty, or senior government indifference grinding this community down. The people of Windsor would band together to help their own. The spark happened in 1947, when a group of business, community and newly formed union leaders joined to pursue a lofty goal: to establish a Community Fund. At its core, the mandate of the Fund was to strengthen the fabric of our community and provide a way for the people of Windsor to take part in achieving this lofty goal with one simple donation. The result was an embodiment of the Windsor spirit of self-reliance, determination, and caring. Today, 60 years later, the Community Fund has evolved to become the United Way and its reach has expanded to include all of Essex County. Without a doubt, the Community Fund, and more recently, now the United Way, has succeeded in its goal of strengthening the fabric of our community by being an integral part of our community. Best known for helping people through the funds it provides to social agencies, United Way has also helped chart the course for social programs and policies needed by residents in Windsor- Essex. Its actions have helped to create, nurture and develop many of the progressive changes that we now consider part of the fabric of our community. Studies carried out under the leadership of United Way spurred the creation of: ◆ The School of Social Work at Assumption University, now the University of Windsor, to address a shortage of social workers locally and provincially, ◆ a city-wide daycare system in response to the needs of working parents with young children, ◆ a Handi-Transit system, transportation for persons with physical disabilities, ◆ regulations for the operation of rest homes and lodging homes to protect vulnerable adults. United Way Windsor Essex remains focused on improving lives, now and in the future. We are directing more of our resources to prevention and root causes. We are constantly improving our policies and performance based on best practices and being results focused. For example, the 211 service which United Way started in 2007 is a futuristic way to connect people today with the information and community services they need 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This bold initiative was implemented with the help of the City of Windsor and the County of Essex. United Way has a 60 year history of bringing the community together to find solutions and make lasting change. We are proud to be part of Windsor Essex and contribute to the strength, determination, and caring attributes that are hallmarks of this community. We thank the original founders and board members who created the United Way and enriched the place we call home. They understood the role of United Way as a leader and partner in measurably improving our community and making Windsor-Essex a great place to live. Bob Renaud Chair Sheila Wisdom Executive Director
Impact 2007 ◆ Finding solutions for community issues. United Way played an active role in developing 24 community planning and development strategies in 2007, addressing issues including homelessness and unemployment. ◆ Providing training and support for volunteers and staff in not-for profit organizations. In 2007, United Way conducted 81 consultations involving over 1,600 people and 57 training & facilitation sessions served over 4000 people. ◆ Addressing services for the unemployeed. In 2007, in response to record levels of unemployment, United Way produced a service directory to help unemployed and underemployed. ◆ Connecting volunteers with organizations. In 2007, 55,610 people were connected to information on volunteer opportunities United Way Impact by the Numbers: 1. Enhanced the well-being of 6,262 seniors; 2. Improved the lives of 1,607 persons with disabilities; 3. Supported 24,860 individuals and families; 4. Enhanced the lives of 74,529 children and youth; 5. Provided Community supports which assisted 116,817 individuals. A stronger voluntary sector makes for a strong, more vibrant community United Way Community Investments by Impact Area – 2007 6% 6% 32% 24% 32% Individuals & Families – 32% Community Supports – 32% Children & Youth – 24% Seniors – 6% Persons with Disabilities – 6% United Way brings organizations, groups and resources together to creating lasting community impact for the people of Windsor & Essex County. change …find solutions and making lasting For more information, please visit www.weareunited.com. 60 Years of Impact 1960s 1963 Lobbied Assumption College to create a School of Social Work to address a shortage of social workers locally and provincially 1965 Youth Services Committee identified drop out rates as an issue in Windsor. A tutoring project introduced at Bensen School resulted in lowering the rate of school drop-outs. 1966 Started labour programs and services to link working men and women with services in the community 1967 Introduced and funded Meals on Wheels through Seniors’ Centre 1968 Studied need for daycare for preschoolers for working parents which led to a citywide daycare system 1968 $1 Million campaign 3 United Way – 60 Years of Impact
Page 1 and 2: United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex
Page 3: contents Table of Contents 60 Years
Page 7 and 8: Impact 2007 United Way initiated 21
Page 9 and 10: Impact 2007 Leadership Windsor/ Ess
Page 11 and 12: John McGivney Taryn Elizabeth Matis
Page 13 and 14: Campaign Kick-off Diageo employees
Page 15 and 16: Brian Deslippe Antonio Dibartolomeo
Page 17 and 18: Lear Corporation Security - CAW Loc
Page 19 and 20: Community Investment Committee Melb
Page 21 and 22: Partners in Program Delivery Associ
Page 23: A day in the life of your United Wa

60 years of impact - United Way / Centraide Windsor Essex County

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