Dear friends,

Before we embark on a new year, I want to take a moment to celebrate our accomplishments in the face of some daunting circumstances these past 12 months. 

I am inspired by how the community rallied to support those whose lives were devastated by Mother Nature’s fury. While many of us took quite a beating, others took the occasion to do anything and everything they could to help their neighbors in need.

I am also moved by the positive response
to our recent merger.  We’ve cultivated an energized crop of new volunteers, donors,
and partners since we founded United Way
of Northern New Jersey in January 2011. 

As anyone who has had the experience can
tell you, mergers are tough.  Change is never easy. So I am very proud to say that everyone – staff, volunteers, and our donors – has remained focused on the opportunity to do more good, to help more people, and to have a greater positive impact.  As a result, we have not only adapted, we have thrived and accomplished a lot in just one short year.

I feel very good about all that we've done. I hope you do too.

Let me share with you just three of our successes.  United Way Caregivers Coalition now boasts more than 1,000 members across the region following a successful expansion into North Essex and Somerset counties.  The United Way Tax Preparation Assistance Program returned $5.8 million in tax refunds to more than 6,000 families thanks to our free, qualified tax preparation work.  United Way holiday drives resulted in thousands of gifts and coats donated to families in need, despite everyone still feeling the affects of the country’s ongoing economic difficulties.  And I am so excited to announce the launch of our new website www.UnitedWayNNJ.org in coming weeks, making it even easier to keep up with our progress.

But now is not the time to rest on our laurels.  If you believe the climatologists (and I do) we're probably in for some more rough weather. And if you can believe the economists (I'm a little more skeptical there), we're in for some choppy waters there too. As a lifelong sailor, I know that it’s the strong gusts that can result in the most forward progress and often provide a good ride along
the way. 

Thanks to each of you for helping us navigate the rough seas this past year.  Our success is directly attributed to you – our loyal donors, volunteers, partners, supporters, and friends. 

What does 2012 have in store for us?  I say, “Bring it on!”  I am confident that together we can handle whatever comes our way.
 
John Franklin
Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Northern New Jersey