COMMUNICATE

Please copy and paste any of these informational items into your corporate communications to your fellow employees.

COMMUNICATE FAST LINKS:

            QUICK FACTS: basic snapshot info about UW
            PRIORITY AREAS:  Education, Income and Health
            RESULTS:  United Way dollars and the difference they make
            WHAT YOUR DOLLARS BUY: For just pennies a day, see what can be done
            SAMPLE LETTERS:  Great starting point for your internal communication

QUICK FACTS
United Way of Bucks County is working all year round, and [[insert company name here]] is proud to be an ongoing supporter of its work in our community.
Did You Know…?

PRIORITY AREAS

EDUCATION – Early Childhood & Youth Development

INCOME – Financial Stability & Self-Sufficiency

HEALTH – Healthy Communities

COMMUNICATE FAST LINKS:

 QUICK FACTS    PRIORITY AREAS   RESULTS    
WHAT YOUR DOLLARS BUY    SAMPLE LETTERS
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RESULTS
Here are some examples of the United Way of BucksCounty Community Care fund in action:
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Problem: For many, life is tough enough. Add to that a family break-up, unemployment or other economic hardship and homelessness is around the corner.
Action: United Way of Bucks County helps keep the American Red Cross Shelter operating at full capacity for 70 people a day, 365 days a year providing support to help catch people when they fall.
Result: That totals over 25,000 days of shelter for homeless singles and families.
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Problem: Bucks County is a tough place to be poor. For a family of three, earning less than $22,000 per year, breaking the cycles of hardships to earning a self-sufficient wage can seem insurmountable.
Action: United Way of Bucks County supports the Bucks County Opportunity Council Economic Self-Sufficiency Program designed to help low income families remove obstacles and solve problems on their own.
Result: Graduates of the program increase their income by an average of $20,249 and 100% achieve specific employment goals.
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Problem: Battered women are in crisis. The batterer gains a sense of control by battering, the victim looses it.
Action: Through a safe, confidential hotline, as well as direct counseling programs for women and their families. United Way of Bucks County agencies help victims regain control of their lives.
Result: Over 16,000 calls were taken in 2007/08, providing a vital lifeline to women in crisis. Over 12,000 hours of counseling helped build the victim’s strengths, helping them heal and begin the road to recovery. 92% of the clients feel more in control.
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Problem: When a disaster like a fire or flood strikes, will you be ready? For most, the answer is No.
Action: United Way of Bucks County provides significant funding to the American Red Cross to ensure you and your family can get the help you need, when you need it.
Result: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, a hotline is in place to respond to emergency crisis. Hundreds of Bucks County community volunteers are trained and ready to respond at a moments notice.
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Problem: Due to challenging life circumstances, some kids lack the self-esteem, guidance, and tools to make the right choices, limiting their ability to reach their full potential.
Action: United Way of Bucks County funds the Boy Scouts Special Needs Program to reach out to targeted populations traditionally not involved in scouting.
Result: Over 220 kids coming from largely low income and minority populations can join other scouts and benefit from proven programs that serve as a strong foundation for life.

COMMUNICATE FAST LINKS:

 QUICK FACTS    PRIORITY AREAS   RESULTS    
WHAT YOUR DOLLARS BUY    SAMPLE LETTERS
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WHAT YOUR DOLLAR BUYS

.20 cents per day ($1.36 per week) enables a child, with challenging circumstances, such as, a family in crisis, a need for a caregiver when both parents need to work, a child with a disability, or a child who has social emotional issues to attend summer camp.

.31 cents per day ($2.15 per week) provides a day at a homeless shelter, where a comprehensive range of supportive services to address the causes of their homelessness is addressed and enable them to move towards economic self-sufficiency and stable housing.

.36 cents per day ($2.52 per week) provides emergency services to military personnel and their families and to individuals who have suffered a disaster and are in need of immediate relief services.

.63 cents per day ($4.41 per week) provides one-day counseling contact for 365 abused women and children due to domestic violence to help restore the victim’s sense of dignity, power and control and to reclaim safety in her life.

.67 cents per day ($4.69 per week) provides one hour of counseling a month to vulnerable adults, “at risk” families, and disenfranchised teens.

.77 cents per day ($5.39 per week) provides mentoring services to a youth who is at-risk of academic or social failure or of engaging in harmful behavior.

.84 cents per day ($5.85 per week) provides three days of services for a female resident in drug/alcohol rehabilitation which includes comprehensive treatment, case management and services designed to empower and create options.
Below are some examples of what your United Way of BucksCounty donation supports at specific agencies.
$2/week ($104/year) enables a young girl/boy to participate in programs that promote self-confidence, positive decision-making skills, and leadership development (Girl Scouts / Boy Scouts).
$5/week ($260/year) helps individuals develop a support system through counseling and group therapy to address issues that often lead to addiction (Aldie Counseling Center).
$8/week ($416/year) provides employment counseling and targeted financial assistance to give people the tools to secure a living wage job and safe affordable housing (Bucks County Opportunity Council).
$10/week ($520/year) provides additional personal and medical care for the elderly by Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA) that helps seniors maintain independence and enhanced quality of life (Galilee Pavilion).
$20/week ($1,040/year) secures a mutually beneficial housing arrangement by matching a senior citizen with an individual seeking affordable housing who can provide assistance and companionship enabling a senior to remain in their own home (YWCA of Bucks County).

COMMUNICATE FAST LINKS:

 QUICK FACTS    PRIORITY AREAS   RESULTS    
WHAT YOUR DOLLARS BUY    SAMPLE LETTERS
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SAMPLE LETTERS

Sample Campaign Endorsement from CEO
Dear Team Member,

Once a year, each of us has a chance to make a difference in the lives of people in our community through our organization’s United Way of Bucks County campaign. [[insert company name]] believes we all have a responsibility to the community where we live and work. That’s why [[insert company name]] is a proud supporter of the annual United Way workplace campaign.
We hope that you will play a part in creating a good life for all Bucks County residents. United Way focuses on three impact areas: education, income, and health. These are the building blocks to a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health.
[[insert company name]]’s campaign will run from [[date to date]]. Please join me for the Campaign Kick-Off on [[date]]. You’ll learn about the many positive things happening in our community and gain a better understanding of what we as individuals and [[insert company name]] employees can do to better the lives of our neighbors.
Your support helps make Bucks County a great place to live and work for everyone. By giving to United Way, you are investing in your community and supporting over 50 programs throughout Bucks County.
Let’s continue [[insert company name]]’s tradition of giving and making a difference in the lives of residents throughout Bucks County!
Thank you!
Sincerely,
[[Name]]
[[Title]]

Sample Ideas for Voice Mail or E-mail
Voice and e-mail can be helpful year-round so employees get an idea of what United Way does throughout the year, not just at Campaign time.
Week 1 – Announce the Campaign
To: All Staff
Re: United Way of Bucks County
How would you like to make a difference in our community, and get a chance to win a $5,000 Home Entertainment Package, a $2,000 Gift Card, or a 100 second shopping spree?
On [[date]], we will be kicking off [[insert company name]]’s United Way Campaign. Last year, our community raised $3,000,000 to help alleviate some of Bucks County’s most pressing problems. This year, we’re going to follow that with even more success! And by donating just $6.00 per week, you are eligible to complete an entry to win a Home Entertainment Package valued at $5,000, a $2,000 Gift Card, and a 100 second shopping spree from McCaffrey’s Markets. This is a great opportunity to get involved and change lives by investing in what matters in our community.
Week 2 or 3 – Announce the Campaign Kickoff
To: All Staff
Re: [[insert company name]] United Way of Bucks County Kick-off
You are invited to a [[event name]] as we kick off [[insert company name]]’s United Way Campaign.
Date:
Time:
Location:

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear how our contributions make it possible for United Way of Bucks County to help more people in more ways. We’ll get to hear how contributions create a powerful caring force in our community. [[Name of speaker]] will be joining us to share some success stories about United Way of Bucks County and the programs it funds. Plus get details about how you can register to win a Home Entertainment Package valued at $5,000, a $2,000 Gift Card, or a 100 second shopping spree! Invest in what matters!

Week 2 or 3 – Update on Campaign Progress
Hey everyone! We’ve reached xx% of our goal! Thanks to you, last week’s [[event name]] was a huge success! [[Highlight story from event]] We were able to raise $xxx.xx of our final goal of $xxxxx. Don’t forget, by donating just $6.00 per week, you are eligible to complete and entry to win a Home Entertainment Package valued at $5,000, a $2,000 Gift Card, and a 100 second shopping spree from McCaffrey’s. Please be sure to turn in your pledge cards and entry forms by [[date]].

Week 4 – Final Amount Raised/Thank You Announcement
To: All Staff
Re: [[insert company name]]’s 2009 United Way Campaign Goal

We did it! I am thrilled to inform you that we met our campaign goal and raised ($xxxxx) for United Way of Bucks County. Together, we are creating positive changes by investing in our community. We are part of a caring force that focuses on solutions to Bucks County’s most pressing issues. We work together to build a strong community by providing community basics, nurturing children, developing youth, and empowering neighborhoods. Thank you for making a difference and investing in what matters.

Sample Thank You to Employees

Dear Team Member,
            Thank you!
            Bucks County is an extraordinary place to work and live. At [[insert company name]], we believe it is important to recognize the contributions that each of you make to the community. During our most recent United Way campaign, you once again helped the people in our community who need it most. Thank you for your contributions and volunteer service!
            We recognize that making a charitable gift is an important and personal decision. You can also feel confident that your United Way donation is being used effectively and efficiently while keeping Bucks County strong and prosperous.
            All of us have a stake in advancing the common good. United Way is doing this by focusing on the building blocks of a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health. Thank you for your generous gift that makes so much possible for so many.
            We at [[insert company name]] are proud of the commitment each of you have made and we support and applaud your efforts.
Sincerely,
Your Company President
Company name

Sample Retiree Letter (Be sure to print in larger type.)
Dear Retiree,
You and (COMPANY(’s)) retirees continue to be an important part of our organization. We value you for your past achievements and continued loyalty. As a retired employee, I would like to invite you to join us in supporting (COMPANY NAME('S)) 2009 United Way campaign, which will take place from (DATE TO DATE) this year.

Through United Way of Bucks County, we have an opportunity to help our friends, neighbors, family and even our former co-workers by ensuring that our community remains strong and healthy. Bucks County has the enviable reputation of taking care of its residents. This reputation is built on the efforts of people like you who give what they can to maintain an effective network of health and human services. And, United Way of Bucks County is the best place to spend our charitable dollars because:

Thank you for making our community stronger through your United Way contribution. Keeping our community healthy for us and for future generations is our shared goal.

Sincerely,
(Senior management retiree)

COMMUNICATE FAST LINKS:

 QUICK FACTS    PRIORITY AREAS   RESULTS    
WHAT YOUR DOLLARS BUY    SAMPLE LETTERS
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