UNITED WAY OF GREATER ROCHESTER

2016 UNITED WAY OF GREATER ROCHESTER UNITING THE GOOD WILL AND RESOURCES of the GREATER ROCHESTER COMMUNITY SO THAT EVERYONE CAN THRIVE.

CONTENTS Introduction 2 Community Impact Community Fund 3-8 Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative at United Way 9-10 Ways to Give 11 Leadership Giving 12 Get Involved 13

2 INTRODUCTION A CENTURY OF COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY United Way of Greater Rochester s mission is to unite the good will and resources of the Greater Rochester community so that everyone can thrive. United Way addresses critical challenges by connecting local people in need with evidence-based programs, strategic funding investments, community initiatives, volunteer support and community leadership to direct resources and solve problems. Rochester is one of the most generous and caring communities in America. We work together to create real, meaningful impact for the most vulnerable members of our community. United Way is leading this charge with the support of donors, our business community, local leaders, program service providers, volunteers and community members. Looking Back Nearly 100 years ago, George Eastman and local leaders created what we know today as United Way of Greater Rochester. In 1918, our community s War Chest brought together many different agencies that were doing similar work to share in one large appeal to help people in need. While our role in the community has changed throughout the years, the legacy continues on: United Way brings together the resources of thousands of individuals and organizations to make a difference for local people in need. Looking Forward United Way s vision is to unite a community where diverse organizations and individuals share their strengths to drive sustainable change that advances the common good. We will continue to build on our foundation of community generosity coupled with strategic partnerships and program investments to improve lives across our community. The organization is also emerging as a community convener at a time when Greater Rochester is evolving and reinventing itself. United Way sits at the center of the private, public, philanthropic and not-for-profit sectors. It is uniquely positioned to bring everyone together to build true community impact solutions that address our most devastating community challenges like poverty, abuse, neglect, failing students, struggling elders, hunger and more. GET INVOLVED JOIN US IN MAKING OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE!

3 COMMUNITY IMPACT Community Fund THE COMMUNITY FUND United Way Community Fund investments focus on prevention and the application of best practices to create a significant impact for local people in need. Community Fund programs provide a regional network of support services and safety nets to help people across all walks of life and levels of need. As the Community Fund grows, so will United Way s ability to move the needle on solutions to our community s most critical challenges. Poverty is consistently at the center of Greater Rochester s most wicked problems. As our community works together to combat the devastating effects of poverty on families and individuals, resources and the local economy, United Way s community impact efforts support programs and services that impact existing and emerging needs so that everyone can thrive. Tens of thousands of local people donate millions of dollars each year to the Community Fund. 92 cents of every contributed dollar is used to meet community needs. These gifts allow United Way to make a lasting impact of change and improvement for our community today, and for generations to come. WICKED PROBLEMS Complex challenges for which neither the problem nor the solution is clear or stable. Wicked problems in Rochester are often interconnected, for example issues related to poverty, education and the largest generation of our time entering retirement. UNITED WAY S INVESTMENT PROCESS United Way revised its investment approach in 2008 to better address community needs through a focused, strategic funding process. The organization convened hundreds of community members, subject matter experts, community investment volunteers, service providers, people impacted by poverty and those needing services to provide insight about Greater Rochester s most daunting health and human service issues. Community input focused on four major areas of impact and need helping people meet their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing so they can focus on addressing other major life concerns; giving babies a healthy start to life with support for new parents; setting students on a path for success in school, work and life; and supporting our aging population and those who are caring for elders locally. Addressing poverty-related challenges and providing inclusive services for people with disabilities are overarching standards throughout all community impact strategies and investments.

4 REGIONAL PARTNERS United Way of Greater Rochester partners with local United Ways across the region on key initiatives, community outreach, donation processing and administrative support. United Way regional partners serve communities in Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne and Wyoming counties. POSITIVE RESULTS, LIVES CHANGED All programs and initiatives supported by United Way Community Fund donations are monitored, measured and evaluated to confirm they re achieving positive results for our community and local people in need. United Way organizes learning circles to share best practices among program providers, and evaluates its Community Fund investments in two ways: PROGRAM-LEVEL MEASUREMENTS Program-level measurements to ensure results are meeting the needs of the people they serve. COMMUNITY-LEVEL ASSESSMENTS Community-level assessments to make sure key issues and challenges are addressed holistically.

5 GIVING BABIES THE BEST START Goal All babies are born into supportive, nurturing families, free from abuse and neglect. United Way Community Fund Strategy In-home parent education and support to help new parents learn about giving their babies a positive, nurturing home and a healthy start to life. United Way Invests* $2.1 million each year to help local babies Community Challenges 52% of Rochester s children live in poverty 1,752 local children were involved in proven child protective cases as a result of abuse or neglect in 2014 $ 210,000 is the lifetime cost associated with every maltreated child in our community MEET JACKIE & CHLOE At five years old, Chloe is ready to take on the world. Her mom, Jackie, participated in the inhome parenting support program provided by Community Fund investments. Without a job or high school diploma, Jackie was alone, pregnant and anxious about her future five years ago. The program helped her to finish school, get a full-time job and find a safe place for her and Chloe to live. RESULTS Families participating in Community Fund programs achieve: 70% of parents improve activities related to reduction of child maltreatment 96% of babies are born at a healthy birth weight 90% of families remain current with well-child pediatric visits at two years old 97% of families avoid child maltreatment, abuse and neglect * Community Fund investments are based on 2014-2015 program funding. Dollar amounts will be updated in 2016 based on a new cycle of Community Fund investments.

6 PREPARING KIDS FOR SUCCESS Goal Every young person in our community is ready for college, work and life by age 21. United Way Community Fund Strategies High-quality, structured and inclusive After-School and Summer Learning and Enrichment programs to give kids positive, productive activities during their out-of-school time to help them continue to learn and grow. Mentoring programs to help kids succeed with the help of a positive adult role model. United Way Invests* $4 million each year to help local youth Community Challenges 7% of Rochester City School District (RCSD) 3rd graders are reading proficiently at grade level Low-income students are 5 times more likely than their higher-income peers to drop out of school 51% of RCSD students graduate from high school in four years MEET SHELDON With a mentor to guide him through the challenges of high school, poverty throughout the school district and the lure of risky behaviors for teens, Sheldon soared through his Community Fund mentoring program and graduated from high school with a full scholarship waiting for him at a local college. RESULTS Students participating in Community Fund programs achieve: Thousands more days of learning with higher school attendance than students who did not participate in Community Fund programs 90% of students who participate in summer programming at Horizons/ Summer LEAP for three or more years graduate from high school on time Students in summer programs maintain reading and math scores into the next year, eliminating detrimental summer slide 1 full point higher GPA scores compared to their middle school peers * Community Fund investments are based on 2014-2015 program funding. Dollar amounts will be updated in 2016 based on a new cycle of Community Fund investments.

7 SUPPORTING ELDERS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS Goal Local elders and their caregivers have the resources they need to remain vital and independent for as long as possible. United Way Community Fund Strategies Multi-purpose Aging Resource Centers to provide health, wellness and social supports to local active elders. In-Home Support programs to provide information and access to community resources like care management, nutrition and transportation for elders and their nonprofessional caregivers. United Way Invests* $2.4 million each year to help local elders and caregivers Community Challenges 1 in 4 Monroe County residents is 55 or older; by 2040 that number will increase to 30% of our population 15% of local elders live in poverty; 1 in 3 lives alone and many are struggling with disabilities $ 127,000 is needed to provide nursing facilities for one older adult per year, which can far outweigh the cost to help elders remain safely in their own homes. MEET HELEN & ESTHER Helen (left) found herself completely alone and depressed after her husband passed away years ago. Esther (right) volunteers for a local Community Fund program that provides peer care partners to elders struggling with isolation, depression and lack of family support. Helen gained a friend and network of support with Esther s help. Esther gained a friend as well as a meaningful way share her skills in retirement. RESULTS Elders receiving services from Community Fund programs benefit from: 6,000 rides and transportation assistance for grocery shopping, personal care, doctor visits, chemo/ radiation, dialysis, surgical procedures and more 13,000 calls per year to help elders and caregivers with information, benefits and support in accessing local services Daily healthy meals, exercise, activities and learning opportunities at three Multi-purpose Aging Resource Centers throughout Monroe County 250,000 daily meal deliveries right to the door of 1,500 local individuals * Community Fund investments are based on 2014-2015 program funding. Dollar amounts will be updated in 2016 based on a new cycle of Community Fund investments.

8 MEETING BASIC NEEDS Goal All individuals and families have their basic needs of food, clothing and housing met and have access to benefits and services that put them on a path to independence and self-sufficiency. United Way Community Fund Strategies Every individual and family touched by Community Fund-supported basic needs programs is struggling with poverty and its devastating effects. Federal guidelines define poverty as an income of $19,090 for a family of three more than $28,000 below the New York State Self-Sufficiency standard of $47,391 for a local family of three to actually cover their basic needs without assistance. This disparity makes it incredibly difficult for local families to thrive without help and support. United Way s basic needs support programs provide food, clothing and housing assistance with a continuum of comprehensive services across a broad and diverse population of local residents. Programs eliminate barriers to securing basic needs including connection to services, help in getting public and private benefits and housing stability support. In addition, we provide safe emergency shelter for homeless youth and victims of domestic violence. Community Challenges Rochester has the 4 th highest childhood poverty rate, and is the 5 th poorest city in America among large metropolitan areas 1 in 3 city residents is living in poverty and many are struggling with disabilities 101,000 local people struggle with food insecurity; many do not know where their next meal will come from 4,700 domestic violence incidents are reported each year in Monroe County MEET KENDRA Kendra found herself homeless at 17 after the death of her father. A Community Fund program gave her a safe bed, food and shelter. Caring adults at the program helped to guide her through high school graduation and on to a degree from RIT. Kendra is now a successful member of our community who has built her own foundation of independence and stability after a difficult childhood. United Way Invests* $5.2 million each year to help people meet their basic needs RESULTS Community Fund programs are helping: 27,500 people who call the local community helpline with basic needs challenges 600 individuals and families receive assistance to avoid foreclosure 500 homeless kids get a meal and safe place to sleep 472 victims of domestic violence escape an abusive home 95,000 local people get nutritious meals through a food pantry or soup kitchen * Community Fund investments are based on 2014-2015 program funding. Dollar amounts will be updated in 2016 based on a new cycle of Community Fund investments.

9 COMMUNITY IMPACT Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative at United Way ROCHESTER-MONROE ANTI-POVERTY INITIATIVE AT UNITED WAY The Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative at United Way is an unprecedented community-wide effort to reduce poverty in the Rochester and Monroe County region by 50 percent over the next 15 years. This initiative is made possible by extraordinary community collaboration and integration with community leaders, local and state government, service providers and practitioners, faith institutions, volunteers, youth advocates, and importantly, the active participation of people impacted by poverty. 50% GOAL Reduce poverty in the Rochester and Monroe County region by 50% over the next 15 years Building the Foundation The Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative at United Way (RMAPI) began in early 2015 with extensive community engagement, research and a rigorous design process that resulted in a roadmap for advancing the initiative. Community workgroups developed recommendations for addressing poverty-related barriers in the Rochester-Monroe region with specific focus on: Childcare, Education, Health and Nutrition, Housing, Jobs and Workforce Development, Justice System, Safe Neighborhoods and Transportation. Guiding Principles Resource teams have identified common themes that will serve as the foundation for all anti-poverty planning and implementation efforts. RMAPI will advocate for consideration of these principles as Greater Rochester develops community-wide standards to address our most critical issues. COMMUNITY BUILDING STRUCTURAL RACISM TRAUMA A common theme expressed by people impacted by poverty is the desire to continue residing in their current neighborhoods, on the condition that the neighborhoods meet their needs with enhanced supports to improve the vitality of the communities. Structural racism can be defined as a system in which public policies, institutional practices, cultural representations and other norms work in various, often reinforcing ways to perpetuate racial group inequity. The ongoing effects of structural racism and bias continue as a major barrier for people of color as they attempt to break free of poverty. Studies confirm that ongoing and continuous stress arising from threats to well-being negatively affects cognitive function; in some cases this can result in barriers to performance, developmental progress and goal achievement. For people of color who are living in poverty, structural racism and trauma compound one another, and the impact is exponential. ROCHESTER-MONROE ANTI-POVERTY INITIATIVE IS... COLLABORATIVE, COMMUNITY-DRIVEN, PERSON-CENTERED, DATA-INFORMED AND EVIDENCE-BASED.

10 A Work in Progress RMAPI is focusing its efforts on addressing the needs of the working poor to help them emerge from and stay out of poverty. The first areas of implementation include: SYSTEMS DESIGN Designing a comprehensive, integrated system of social supports in conjunction with the IBM Smarter Cities Challenge planning effort. The City of Rochester was one of 16 cities worldwide to receive support from a team of experts in analyzing poverty data and developing solutions. ADULT MENTORING/NAVIGATING Establishing an adult mentor/navigator role that helps working poor individuals to overcome barriers and acquire the resources, knowledge and skills necessary to attain and retain a living wage job and break the cycle of poverty. EARLY CHILDHOOD SUPPORT Ensuring support for the youngest members of our community that provides both high-quality, affordable, accessible and flexible childcare needed for parents to engage in community, economic mobility and wellness-related activities; and in-home parent training proven to give new parents the skills to succeed as their children s first teachers. A Community Effort United Way is calling on our entire community to help lift our most vulnerable members out of poverty. Reducing poverty in Rochester and Monroe County will require a long-term effort that can only be successful if it addresses the barriers that prevent individuals and families from moving toward economic stability. Our ultimate goal is to enable every child and family in the region to have the opportunity to live in a stable environment where the promise of economic stability and economic mobility is within their grasp. To learn more about the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative at United Way and progress to date, visit endingpovertynow.org. RMAPI aligns with the New York State Governor s Rochester Anti-Poverty Task Force. The Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council (FLREDC) included RMAPI as one of the four pillars of the region s Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) proposal and won an award of $500 million dollars over five years for Rochester and the Finger Lakes region, beginning in 2016.

11 WAYS TO GIVE SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT United Way is able to serve the Greater Rochester community day in and day out because of the extraordinary generosity of the people who believe that Rochester is worth fighting for. From $1 to $1 million, gifts to United Way s Community Fund fuel the support for thousands of people in need to help change their lives for the better. Individual Donors Tens of thousands of individuals and families trust United Way with their annual donation to create lasting, meaningful change for the Greater Rochester community. Business Community Support United Way inspires the business and not-for-profit community alike, to build a better Rochester together. Hundreds of organizations proudly support the mission of United Way and join in the efforts to unite the good will and resources of our community with corporate donations, workplace campaigns, volunteer efforts and more. Charitable Gift Funds Charitable Gift Funds make community-wide philanthropy efficient and impactful. Donors advise United Way on distributions from their no-cost fund, utilizing a flexible and convenient way to help advance the causes they support. Planned Giving Donors design a gift plan that meets their estate planning needs while also helping United Way build a stronger community. Endowment Fund United Way s endowment fund was established in 1925 and is supported by thousands of donors who want to ensure their support will have a lasting impact for generations to come. Government and Foundation Support Government and foundation support for community impact priorities will leverage new partnerships to help our entire community thrive. SUPPORT FOR LOCAL CHARITIES While United Way s primary purpose is to serve the existing and emerging needs of the Greater Rochester community through Community Fund support and investments, the organization provides a valuable philanthropic service to hundreds of health and human service organizations in the nine-county Greater Rochester region by collecting, processing and transferring donations on their behalf through our donor designation program. United Way also provides processing services for national corporations, allowing companies to support both United Way of Greater Rochester and United Ways in other communities across the country.

12 LEADERSHIP GIVING LEADING THE WAY United Way s leadership donors are the most generous, community-minded and influential individuals throughout the Greater Rochester region. Members of the leadership giving societies contribute millions of dollars each year to help United Way solve some of our most critical challenges. They also enjoy benefits of membership with annual events, networking and volunteer opportunities. Tocqueville Society The Tocqueville Society comprises community leaders who make an annual gift of $10,000 or more to United Way, setting an extraordinary example of generosity for others to follow. Unifying the philanthropic efforts of these community leaders, the Society is named after Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19 th -century French aristocrat who praised this country s spirit of volunteerism and philanthropy. Tocqueville Society United Way of Greater Rochester Women s Leadership Council The Women s Leadership Council (WLC) is made up of Rochester s most inspiring, proactive female leaders who are dedicated to making a positive local impact with an annual gift of $1,000 or more. Labor Leaders Club The Labor Leaders Club recognizes philanthropy among union members in our community who maximize the power of collective generosity. Members contribute $1,000 or more each year. African American Leadership Society The African American Leadership Society (formerly Howard Wilson Coles Society) recognizes the vital role African Americans play in improving the quality of life in Rochester. Members contribute $1,000 or more each year. Circulo Latino Circulo Latino honors the influence and dedication of Rochester s Latino community. Members contribute an annual gift of $1,000 or more. Young Leaders Club The Young Leaders Club (YLC) recognizes and develops the spirit of philanthropy among our future leaders. YLC is comprised of individuals and couples, ages 21-40, who make an annual gift of $500 or more.

13 GET INVOLVED SUPPORT AND SERVICE United Way offers many opportunities for individuals and companies to make a difference in our community. Whether you re interested in philanthropy, volunteering time and talents or leadership development, United Way is your community connection. Donate Donations to United Way and the Community Fund are the foundation for all that United Way does in service and support for the Greater Rochester community. There are many ways to give, including payroll deduction through a workplace campaign, electronic funds transfer, online donation, check, credit card and gifts of securities or mutual funds. Leadership Development United Way provides annual leadership programs for emerging African American, Latino and Labor leaders in the Greater Rochester area. The African American Leadership Development (AALDP), Latino Leadership Development (LLDP) and Union Community Assistance Network (UCAN) Programs boast thousands of alumni with decades of experience serving our community upon graduating from the programs. United Way also offers one-day board training opportunities for young professionals, the LGBTQ community and Asian-Pacific Americans. Synergy Fund The United Way Synergy Fund encourages Monroe County not-for-profit agencies to explore affiliation as a means of increasing operational efficiencies and improving program services to best serve their direct clients and the entire community. United Way supports the affiliation process with resources that include both technical assistance and implementation grants to help with the one-time costs of effecting an affiliation. Day of Caring Join the thousands of volunteers for the community s largest volunteer event of the year. Held annually in May, there are hundreds of projects for individuals, groups and companies to get involved with, from reading to children, packing food, gardening, clean-up, repair projects and more. ROC the Day United Way powers the annual ROC the Day community-wide 24-hour day of online giving. Thousands of donors come together each year to support hundreds of not-for-profit organizations from across the region. ROC the Day has raised more than $4 million in just five 24-hour events, giving an end-of-year boost each December to the hundreds of charities doing great work in our community.

14 PLEASE GIVE TODAY TO MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE TOMORROW. DONATIONS TO UNITED WAY AND THE COMMUNITY FUND ARE THE FOUNDATION FOR ALL THAT UNITED WAY DOES IN SERVICE AND SUPPORT FOR THE GREATER ROCHESTER COMMUNITY.

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY United Way is thankful for our village an extraordinary group of donors, volunteers, leaders and service providers who join forces to create lasting change for the Greater Rochester community. Many thanks to: United Way Board of Directors Donors Local businesses Corporate supporters Cabinet and committee volunteers Community Fund partner agencies Community leaders Organized labor community Local and state municipal leaders Regional partners United Way staff TO LEARN MORE ABOUT UNITED WAY OF GREATER ROCHESTER, visit uwrochester.org, call 585.242.6400 or email contactus@uwrochester.org. CONNECT WITH US: www.uwrochester.org UnitedWayofGreaterRochester @UnitedWayROC @ROCUnitedWay United Way of Greater Rochester 75 College Avenue Rochester, NY 14607-1009 www.uwrochester.org