February 2008
COMMUNITY LEADER NEWS  

MISSION

United Way is leading positive change that transforms our community and improves people's lives in Snohomish County.

> In this issue...
From Dollars to Difference
Community Caring Celebration
Free Tax Preparations
United Way Lobby Day
April 26 Volunteer Expo
The Washington State Nonprofit Conference
New United Way Staff Members
We want to keep you in the loop!
> For Your Calendar
Spontaneous Unaffiliated Volunteers in Times of Disaster - February 27

Board of Directors Retreat -
March 3
 
Community Caring Celebration -
Wed., March 12, 2008

The Washington State 14th Annual Nonprofit Conference -
April 9

2008 Volunteer Expo -
April 26

For more information or to register for these events, visit www.uwsc.org.

> Contact Us
3120 McDougall Ave.
Suite 200
Everett, WA 98201
Ph: 425.374.5500

> Staff
Carl Zapora
President & CEO
Deborah Squires
Vice President
Marketing & Communications
Stacy Vance
Communications & Events Manager
Sara McArdle
Graphic Design Manager
Greetings!

Thanks to you, United Way is changing the way. Here's the latest information about how United Way and our partners are making a difference in the lives of kids, families and communities in Snohomish County.
 
United Way
JasonFrom Dollars to Difference:
How your donation
creates an impact

MEET JASON SHEPARD

Armed with a laptop and a healthy mixture of excitement and apprehension, 25-year-old Jason Shepard started classes at Edmonds Community College this winter. He is sure to stand out in the crowd, and not just because he is engaging and extremely bright. He also is nearly blind, something that his contemporaries will find has developed an extraordinary focus and determined will to succeed. 

"It's simple," Shepard explained. "I know I have limits
--everyone does-- but I get to attend college, and not everyone gets to do that. I know the benefits of seeing things from different perspectives. I've seen what can happen when you put knowledge in place. I am determined to succeed, which for me means living as independently as possible."

Outside his parents, Shepard credits the disAbility Resource Connection (DRC)--a United Way-funded program
--as one of the greatest influences on his life. 

"It was a joy to meet someone with such determination," said Ann Morgan, a coordinator at the multi-faceted independent living center for those with disabilities. "Through our Adapted Technology Dynamics program, and later a men's support group, I encouraged Jason to embrace and explore experiences in the larger world and his purpose within it."

"With his disability, Jason was slipping between the cracks after high school," said  Jason's parents, Steven and LaVeta Lebar, "He was getting discouraged, but then we were referred to DRC. They saw his potential and acted on it. The results have really taken him places."

Community Caring Celebration will knock your socks off

United Way of Snohomish County

If you were involved in coordinating one of our 2007 workplace giving campaigns, join us and LIVE UNITED Wednesday, March 12, at the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center at Everett Events Center. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. Help us rock the house as we celebrate the 2007 campaign award winners with the show of a lifetime!

To RSVP, call Laura Walker at 425.374.5518.
 
Tax Site Volunteer Free Tax Preparations: Sites provide big returns for both filers and community

In the first three weeks of operation, volunteers at three tax sites have completed more than 200 returns, generating $400,159 in refunds. The real satisfaction has been claiming $153,413 in earned income tax credits--money that promises a huge potential to increase families' ability to afford the basic needs for themselves and positively impacts the local economy by bringing federal dollars into the community.

The earned income tax program has been credited with lifting more children out of poverty than any other federal program. Even individuals and families who don't earn enough to have to file a claim may receive money back, but only if they file. Last year, more than 70 percent of families who received the credit spent it on items such as food, housing, utilities and health care.

United Way hits Olympia for annual Lobby Day

More than 50 United Way staff and volunteers from around the state made the trek to Washington's capital Feb. 7 to advocate for Washington Information Network 2-1-1 (WIN 2-1-1), among other key causes. The group, which included 15 United Way of Snohomish County employees and supporters, championed a $750,000 ask for 2-1-1 funding to local legislators that would help the health and human services database thrive statewide.

Locally, North Sound 2-1-1 serves a five-county area, led by Volunteers of America Western Washington and United Way of Snohomish County with data support from Senior Information & Assistance.

Lynne Yara and the Volunteer Expo Find your fit as a volunteer at April 26 Volunteer Expo

The Volunteer Expo is a one-stop shopping event for volunteers looking to donate their time to advance the common good. In 2007 this highly successful event produced more than 4,000 volunteer contacts for participating agencies.

The Expo runs Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Everett Mall. Come find a way you want to give, advocate or volunteer. For an agency booth or for more information, contact The Volunteer Center at United Way at 425.374.5534 or volunteercenter@uwsc.org.

Above: Lynne Yara spoke with community members and potential volunteers at the 2007 Expo.

The Washington State Nonprofit Conference April 9
 
This one-day conference in Bellevue is the premier gathering of more than 500 nonprofit community leaders, supporters and board members from around the state, exploring ways to enhance the vitality of the nonprofit sector.

For more information or to register for the April 9 conference, click on the registration button below. Sponsored in part by United Way of Snohomish County.
 
Register Here

New United Way staff members

United Way of Snohomish County
Shannon Abitbol comes to United Way of Snohomish County with a background in public relations and previous management experience with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Most recently, Shannon served as a United Way campaign executive.






United Way of Snohomish CountyJerry Johnson's
involvement with United Way spans five states, three decades and 29 campaigns. Jerry has been a campaign executive with United Way of Snohomish County for four years, after a career in banking and property management.





We want to keep you in the loop!

Have you moved to a new work or home address? Make sure United Way continues to send the latest materials to your most current address. Please contact Laura Walker at 425.374.5518 or by e-mail at laura.walker@uwsc.org with any changes or updates you may have.