LIVE UNITED™

United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties

2008 Annual Report

CONTENTS

HOW TO LIVE UNITEDIN LACKAWANNA ANDWAYNE COUNTIES:JOIN HANDS.OPEN YOUR HEART.LEND YOUR MUSCLE.FIND YOUR VOICE.GIVE 10%. GIVE 100%. GIVE 110%.THINK OF WE BEFORE ME.REACH OUT A HAND TO ONE

AND INFLUENCETHE CONDITION OF ALL.GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

LIVE UNITED.

LIVING UNITED in 2008A Message from the CEO and Board Chair 110 Ways to LIVE UNITED 2Call to Action

GIVE 3-4ADVOCATE 5VOLUNTEER 6

Advancing the Common Good 7Focus On :: Education 8-9Focus On :: Income 10-11Focus On :: Health 12-13Other Ways of Advancing the Common Good 14Living United in Wayne County 15

Fund Distribution 16

Statement of Financial Position 17

LIVE UNITED :: Proud & Outloud! 18

Collaborative Partners in Impact 19

Our Mission 20

Board of Directors 20

Professional Staff 20

LIVING UNITED in 2008Dear Friends,

During the past year, our United Way embarked on a journey with the people of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties to LIVE UNITED in advancing the common good for each one of us. We are proud to share this report with you of that credo in action!

Since our grassroots beginnings as a Community Chest in 1921, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to make a significant impact on our area’s most critical needs while creating the sort of long-lasting change in community conditions that will help to prevent these issues from escalating in the first place. And while there is little doubt that change does not come easy, there can be even less doubt that it is critically important to a community’s ultimate success.

We were at the forefront of just this sort of historic transformation when the United Way of Lackawanna County’s Board of Directors voted to formally change our organization’s name to the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties as a reflection of our regional collaboration. We invite you to read more about this outstanding change on page 15 of this report.

Yet, with this growth comes new challenges and expanded opportunities. Our United Way special initiatives and funded programs work cohesively in the priority areas of education, income and health—truly the building blocks for a good life.

Because of your support, hard-working people are moving toward greater financial stability for their families. Young people are better prepared for success in school and throughout their lives. Seniors are living their lives with dignity and independence, and a safety net is firmly in place to help in times of crisis when people have no where else to turn. We all benefit when the sum of these parts is a better community that is stronger, safer and healthier.

As we look to the year ahead, we know that more challenges await. But with the continued support and dedication of people like you, we are confident that we will keep creating a brighter future for all.

Thank you for being part of the change—thank you forLIVING UNITED!

Sincerely,

Patricia Lynett Gary W. DrapekChair, Board of Directors President

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10 WAYS TO LIVE UNITED

We invite everyone to LIVE UNITED and be part of the change in our community. Together,

we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow. To get you started,

here are 10 easy ways you can LIVE UNITED everyday.

1. Visit our website (www.uwlc.net) and sign up for our e-newsletter to stay informed about the United Way’s work in Lackawanna and Wayne Counties.

2. Find us on Facebook! Link from our homepage and become a Facebook Fan of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. Stay updated with the most current information and network with other United Way supporters from our region, throughout the state and around the nation.

3. Raise money for our United Way every time you search the Internet through Goodsearch. Visit us at www.uwlc.net for more info.

4. Become active in your local community. Organize a neighborhood clean-up or join your neighborhood association.

5. Wear the LIVE UNITED t-shirt!

6. Make a difference in the life of a child. Read to your children or organize a book-drive. Visit uwlc.net for more ways to engage young children in a life-long love of learning.

7. Contact an assisted living or skilled nursing facility and volunteer to spend time enjoying a friendly visit with the residents.

8. Contact a local shelter about serving meals or donating personal care items for homeless individuals.

9. Be an advocate for United Way. Speak up and speak out about why you support the United Way. Contact your elected officials about issues important to you and our community.

10. Give generously. Your United Way investment is the first step in changing lives and creating brighter futures for all.

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CALL TO ACTION :: GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

Beginning with a kick off at Cooper’s Seafood House in Scranton and ending with Genetti’s in Dickson City transformed into Gilligan’s Island, this year’s campaign took a lighthearted approach to the very serious business of raising funds for the entire community. And despite the dire economic straits of many in our community, once again the people of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties opened their hearts to help strengthen our region as a whole.

Led by Attorney Rick Bishop—of the law firm Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn and chairman of the 2008-2009 campaign and his dedicated Campaign Cabinet—giving to United Way climbed to $3,896,654. That success is due in large part to the numerous workplaces that supported our United Way with employee campaigns and corporate giving in 2008. Truly the hallmark of the United Way movement, workplace campaigns are designed to allow the utmost in flexibility and affordability allowing people at all levels within an organization the opportunity to support the United Way’s vital work across Lackawanna and Wayne counties. Additionally, the local support of the Combined Federal Campaign led by Tobyhanna Army Depot and the State Employee Combined Appeal (SECA) soared to new heights during the 2008 campaign. Indeed, Lackawanna and Wayne Counties are among the SECA fundraising leaders across the Commonwealth.

2008 was also a banner year for our Leadership giving program which surpassed $700,000 for the first time. The Alexis de Tocqueville Society is comprised of individuals or couples giving an annual gift of $10,000 or more to the United Way. Last year, 23 members contributed $365,851. Members of the Rhoda Higgins Warren Association contribute at least $1,000 annually and last year that membership climbed to 209 with gifts reaching $335,514. Our Leadership givers come from all levels and all industries with 58 CEOS or small business owners, 42 individuals or family foundations, 34 medical or legal professionals and 119 gifts coming through employee campaigns. We are grateful to all of our Leadership givers for their extraordinary philanthropy.

The history of our United Way traces back to 1921 and the original Community Chest

in Scranton. The heart of the United Way movement in our community —then and still

today —is our annual fundraising campaign. Each year, hundreds of area companies and

thousands of local people pledge their support and give from the heart. Joining forces to

create one of the most powerful philanthropic networks in the world, our loyal supporters

LIVE UNITED by giving united.

Attorney Rick Bishop, second from left, with United Way board members Rabbi Joe

Mendelsohn, Bob Schwartz and Marilyn Vitali Flynn enjoying the Campaign kickoff.

A cast of characters indeed! Joining in for the Gilligan’s Island fun are Gary

Drapek, Patti Lynett, Dave Tressler, Atty. Bishop, Noelle Lynett, Phil Condron and

Nancy Jackson.

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Four area companies were specially honored for their philanthropy with the Spirit of Caring Chairman’s Award—the highest accolade awarded by the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. These award-winning employee groups and corporations increased their giving by more than $250,000. These exemplary supporters are Diversified Information Technologies, Inc., Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, TMG Health, Inc. and Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Because of this tremendous generosity and the support of other employee groups, businesses, individuals and foundations, our work to advance the common good continues to broaden in scope. Because of you, we are proud to support quality education for our children, provide exercise and healthy nutrition education to combat childhood obesity, prescription assistance, housing issues, tax preparation assistance, emergency assistance and much, much more, while continuing to support nearly 100 programs and services within 24 partner agencies and grants to organizations at work in Wayne County.

CALL TO ACTION :: GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

Sources of Revenue

Employee Giving —42.1%

CorporateGiving —19.6%Other —20.3%

Non- Corp.

Foundation Giving—

7.7%

Individual

Giving—10.3%

2008 CampaignTHANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING

THE UNITED WAY.THE POWER OF YOURGENEROSITY AND KINDNESSIS GREATLY APPRECIATEDAND CHANGES LIVES.

What You Can Do. Whether through a workplace campaign or an individual donation, your gift to the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is at work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year making a difference in people’s lives. In addition to traditional campaign giving, there are ways to support

the United Way year-round with special events such as the Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic, United Way/Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees Home Run Team, the Gift of Warmth or our Pre-K Tax Credit program to name just a few. Visit uwlc.net for more!

Members of the Campaign Cabinet meet to discuss the status of the overall

campaign heading into the final stretch.

Following the 2008 Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic, former

Campaign Chairs Steve Ackmann, left, and Andy Anderson, right,

share their experiences with current chair Atty. Rick Bishop, center.

CALL TO ACTION :: GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

As a leader in collaborations and community impact, the United Way of Lackawanna

and Wayne Counties knows that real, measurable and lasting change in community

conditions requires more than fundraising. Our United Way is the leader in bringing

people together around focused issues. We engage decision-makers and policy leaders

at the local, state and national levels to help address the most important needs of our

community.

Our United Way continued its work in advocating for state and federal program funding to help those must vulnerable and most in need in our community. Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, met with U.S. Senator’s Arlen Specter and Robert Casey to discuss the importance of additional funding for energy assistance and the establishment of a 211 information and referral network in the Commonwealth.

In addition, meetings were held with the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Everett James regarding United Way’s Healthy Futures program to combat childhood obesity. We also welcomed Pennsylvania Treasurer Robert McCord to discuss the establishment of a Women’s Financial Education program.

Our United Way was in the forefront of the community and the Commonwealth in obtaining and disseminating information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and how human service organizations can take advantage of the opportunities presented through this program.

Early in this process, we were contacted by U.S. Senator Robert Casey’s office to coordinate and moderate a state-wide conference call for other United Ways to discuss the ARRA. In addition, our United Way facilitated a meeting with the State Deputy Director of the Office of Community and Economic Development and sponsored a regional meeting with the Governor’s ARRA Oversight Commission.

As Chairman of the Board of United Way of Pennsylvania, Mr. Drapek also had numerous meetings with Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, his staff and other state lawmakers to educate them about a variety of programs including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), quality Pre-Kindergarten programs, 211 and ARRA funding.

STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN.

SPEAK UPABOUT WHAT MATTERS TO YOU.

What You Can Do. Advocacy goes far beyond public policy. Anyone can champion the cause.The United Way is looking for people passionate about helping make a difference in our community. Engage co-workers, friends and family.

Whether you’re speaking out to improve education, income and health, writing letters, or simply wearing a LIVE UNITED shirt to show your support, you can help inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.

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Robert P. Casey, Jr.United States

Senator

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CALL TO ACTION :: GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

We all have special talents, unique abilities and things we can do to help. The United

Way movement was founded locally in 1921 by a group of volunteers and we remain

a powerful force for community change because of volunteers. The United Way of

Lackawanna and Wayne Counties would not exist without the dedication and unwavering

commitment of thousands of people in our community each year who roll up their

sleeves and make a difference by volunteering.

Day of Caring. The United Way’s Day of Caring has been an annual tradition of caring since 1994 and has grown to be the premiere volunteer effort in our community with the value of completed projects through the years surpassing the $1 million mark. Day of Caring 2008 was held in September as more than 500 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and completed numerous projects at a variety of agencies. The teams were comprised of employees, students, teachers, business and government leaders and other community-minded citizens. The volunteer projects included landscaping, painting, cleaning, maintenance, client interaction and scores of other critical tasks to benefit the local organizations making a difference in our community everyday.

Youth Day of Caring. To foster a sense of community and a love of volunteerism at a young age, our United Way holds Youth Day of Caring for students in grades 7-12. In its 7th year, Youth Day of Caring 2008 saw more than 250 students from 12 area schools complete projects ranging from light landscaping and cleaning to client interaction and office work.

Day of Caring is truly the way our community cares!

JOIN HANDS.LEND YOUR MUSCLE.ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES ANDMAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What You Can Do. If you have even a few extra hours to devote to others, you can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Whether you’re simply looking to do something with your free time or would like to make a long-term commitment,

there are literally hundreds of ways to volunteer in our community.

Visit uwlc.net for more!

Creating opportunities and a good life for all by focusing on:

Education Income HealthHelping children, youth

and adults achieve

full potential

Promoting financial

stability and

independence

Improving health, safety

and well-being for people

of all ages

The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties advances the common good by focusing on the building

blocks for a good life—a quality education that leads to a stable job, income to support an individual or family

through retirement and good health and well-being for a lifetime. Together, united, we work to inspire hope and

create opportunities. Here is a snapshot of the work accomplished in the priority areas of Income, Education

and Health in United Way’s funded programs in 2008.

ADVANCING THE COMMON GOOD

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FOCUS ON :: EDUCATIONTogether with parents/caregivers, school districts, child care providers, leading child

development experts, business leaders, legislators and others concerned with healthy

child development, the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties works to ensure

that all young children are prepared for success in school and throughout their lives.

Research shows that for every $1 invested in early education, the return is $17 with such critical metrics as lower crime rates, fewer teen pregnancies and higher earning levels later in life.

As a community, we all win when children have the tools and skills necessary to help ensure success in school—and throughout their lives.

Through the Success By 6 program and a host of related special initiatives and partner agency programs, the United Way is committed to advocating for the quality education of our young people and promoting active learning for a lifetime.

What Do You Wonder About Kindergarten?Success By 6 expanded upon a School Readiness Transition Grant by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning with a specially designed publication for the Carbondale Area, Dunmore, Old Forge, Riverside and Valley View School Districts as well as the John Adams School in Scranton. The book is designed for preschool age children and features full color photographs

of the

kindergarten teachers and other district faculty/staff such as the principal, nurse and cafeteria workers, Photographs of actual classrooms, the gym, restrooms

and other key areas within each school help the young studentsfeel more comfortableas they transition to kindergarten.

With the assistance of

a trained transition specialist, more than 500 area children and their families benefitted from the program.

Kindergarten is Fun!Success By 6 published an English and Spanish version of a booklet entitled “Kindergarten is Fun!” to help preschool children and their families prepare for the transition to kindergarten. This publication was made possible with the financial support of the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning, PNC Grow Up Great, The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and MetroAction, Inc.

PA One BookSuccess By 6 partnered with the Lackawanna County Children’s Library to celebrate this year’s PA One Book—a statewide early literacy initiative. Over 200 children received a copy of “If You Were A Penguin.”

Classroom Readers.Signifying their commitment to early care and education, policy makers, business leaders and community volunteers visited area classrooms to read to young students during the week of April 13th. The guests read to children in Pre-K classes, Head Start and child care classrooms as part of the celebration of the Week of the Young Child.

Fulfilling Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children.Success By 6 continued working with the state program—Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children—with a shared belief that every young child in Pennsylvania deserves the chance to succeed in school and life. For more information, please visit papromiseforchildren.com.

Early Childhood Leadership InstituteSuccess By 6 welcomed 65 childcare providers from eight counties to a forum to help further their personal and professional development. The event was held at the University of Scranton and sponsored by the Northeast Chapter of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Among the presenters was Harriet Dichter, the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning.

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts.Established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, PA Pre-K Counts brings quality half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten to three and four year olds in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is an initiative to provide early learning experiences to prepare young learners for kindergarten and school success. Success By 6 continues to advocate on behalf of this program at the state and local level.

“The Success By 6 program and Pre-K Counts initiative have given our incoming kindergarten students the

when entering kindergarten.”

Keystone STARS.This voluntary initiative of the Department of Public Welfare seeks to ensure continuous quality improvement in child care centers. Lackawanna County boasts one of the highest enrollments in the state as 82 percent of our child care centers actively participate in Keystone STARS. This includes 10 “Star 4” sites—the highest rating possible.

Stepping Up to the Plate.More than 1,000 young children, parents and caregivers participated in Early Childhood Day at PNC Field. Prior to taking in a Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankee game, the children paraded on the field in a pregame ceremony.

Working Together, Working Stronger: Higher Education Forum.The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties hosted a first of its kind forum for school districts and higher education institutions to come together and discuss a variety of important topics. The focus of this initial meeting was to help make future teachers better prepared for teaching in the public school system, from Pre-K through grade 12. The conversation centered

Pre-Kindergarten Tax Credits

As an approved Pre-K Scholarship Organization by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties obtained $253,000 in tax credits from 16 area companies. These dollars assisted 117 children and their families in six counties with tuition assistance at 12 different preschools in our region.

We gratefully acknowledge the following organizations for their support of this program:

Absolute Distribution, Inc.CinramCommunity Bank & TrustThe Dime BankFidelity Deposit and Discount BankGentex CorporationM & T BankOld Forge BankPNC Financial Service Group, Inc.

PNC Bank, NAPPL Energy Plus, LLCPPL Electric Utilities, Inc.Penn Security Bank & Trust Co.Pennstar BankTowanda Printing Co. - A Division of Times Shamrock CommunicationsUGI Energy Services

~ Mother of a preschool child helped by this program.

Number of Children Served By County

Dr. Paul KaczmarcikPrincipal

Carbondale Area Elementary School

on preparing student teachers with the knowledge base required of them at graduation including research-based instruction, best practices and familiarity with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.

Present at this meeting were superintendents, principals, assistant superintendents and assistant principals and directors of curriculum from 10 area school districts as well as the dean/chairperson of the Education Department and the Educational Field Experience directors or coordinators for 10 regional institutions of higher education.

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FOCUS ON :: INCOME

A hallmark of the United Way movement has always been providing help to people with

no where else to turn in times of crisis and dire need. During the last fiscal year, our

United Way has either provided or is directly involved with the distribution of $771,727

in funds to address emergency needs. However, to fulfill our vision of creating hope for

a better tomorrow, we have sharpened our focus to help individuals and families gain

financial stability and achieve economic independence.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.Our United Way is committed to help hard-working individuals and families maximize their income to meet daily needs while building savings for a successful future.

Through a partnership with the University of Scranton and a number of other community organizations, the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties provides free income tax preparation services for low to moderate income people. Taxes are prepared at no charge by University of Scranton Accounting students and IRS certified volunteers, specially trained to help the tax clients access all available benefits including the Earned Income Credit (EIC). Nineteen tax preparers were trained and provided over 450 volunteer hours of tax preparation services in addition to the volunteer greeters who welcomed the tax clients and assisted with intake paperwork.

Bolstered by this substantial increase in volunteers, additional dates were added to the mobile expansion sites to accommodate a larger number of clients. During the past year, 1,115 returns were completed with more than $1.3 million being returned to the community—and family

budgets of those most in need of this infusion of fiscal resources.

In addition to the tax preparation services, financial education is provided with an optional program for more intensive help with budgeting and money management. This year approximately 70 clients requested this

follow up service to be provided by Consumer

Credit Counseling Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Additionally, representatives from the Pennsylvania Treasury Department Bureau of Unclaimed Property visited select mobile VITA sites assisting 12 unclaimed property owners uncover more than $2,700 in assets.

According to the IRS, in all, our VITA program had the largest expansion and growth in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PA Property Rebate Program.The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties joined the Voluntary Action Center and the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging to provide a seminar on the Pennsylvania Property

Rebate. More than 40 administrators and managers of housing and assisted living facilities attended to learn more about assisting clients and residents in filing for this valuable rebate.

Family Savings Accounts.With the assistance of United Neighborhood Centers, the Family Savings Account program has been implemented for 26 individuals saving up to $2,000 for an identified financial goal in the areas of education, transportation or housing. Due to a grant received by the United Way from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED), that savings is then matched up to an additional $2,000.

The United Way is in the process of being awarded another 25 slots from the PA DCED to allow for program expansion.

Program participants must meet income guidelines, attain monthly savings goals and attend required financial education programs.

Energy Assistance.The rising cost of energy combined with the sudden economic downturn caused much concern for the volunteers and staff of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. Very early in this crisis, our United Way once again mobilized a group of community agencies to help address this issue and ensure that no one would suffer undue hardship—or death—from the cold.

In addition to the establishment of the Gift of Warmth program (see inset

Gift of Warmth.

Last summer, United Way board member Patrick McMahon, owner and president of OnePoint—a Scranton-based office supply and office furniture retailer—approachedus with an idea to augment the United Way Emergency Heating Fund.

Concerned about rising energy costs and the large number of low to moderate income families and seniors in our region, Mr. McMahon proposed giving the Gift of Warmth. The program encourages local businesses to forego their annual holiday tokens of appreciation for clients and vendors and instead asks that donations to the United Way Emergency Heating Fund be made in

below), our United Way partnered with Governor Edward Rendell, AFSCME Council 87, the United Way of Pennsylvania and the Salvation Army to distribute over 600 low-cost energy saving weatherization kits to individuals in Lackawanna and Wayne Counties as well as 16 other counties in northeastern and central Pennsylvania (pictured

below).

Additionally, Gov. Rendell asked our United Way to serve as the host for his northeast regional Energy Summit, attended by more than 75 business and community leaders as well as the Secretary of Labor and Industry to help develop a state-wide and local plan to address this issue.

Emerging from that work was the development of a brochure highlighting home weatherization and energy saving tips—ranging from no-cost or low-cost to more moderate investment projects—to help area residents maximize their home energy dollars. Additionally, when the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) guidelines were expanded

their name. In return, the United Way provides the participating businesses with cards announcing the donation and Gift of Warmth to be included in holiday

greetings to these clients and vendors.

Soon after the launch of the corporate program, a secondary phase was developed due to a high demand from individuals who wished to give

the Gift of Warmth as a special way to honor friends and family during the holiday season. The Gift of Warmth also spawned further collaborations with The Colonnade, Airline Petroleum/Joe’s Kwik Marts and ROCK 107 to raise additional funds for this life-saving endeavor.

have given us.”

The Gift of Warmth was a resounding success, raising more than $100,000 for the United Way’s Emergency Heating Fund. Since the program’s launch, we have received numerous inquiries throughout the Commonwealth and across the country as to how it can be replicated.

In recognition of Mr. McMahon’s creativity and extraordinary

generosity, he was awarded the Joseph A. Mahon Volunteer of

the Year Award during the annual Awards Celebration.

Pictured above, left to right: Attorney Rick Bishop,

2008 Campaign Chair, presents the Mahon award

to Pat McMahon.

to make more people eligible for assistance, our United Way developed and distributed cards and payroll stuffers alerting local residents to the changes. In all, more than 5,000 pieces were distributed.

Elizabeth Randol, Ph.D.Regional Director/

Director of Women and Money Project

Pennsylvania Treasury Department

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FOCUS ON :: HEALTH

To be successful in school or a productive member of the workforce, good health is

absolutely essential. Recognizing the critical importance of health and well-being for

people of all ages, the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is proud to

support a broad array of important health-related issues within special initiatives and

funded programs within our agency partners. Together, we are helping thousands of area

residents lead healthy, productive lives.

Kindergarten Readiness Nutrition Education Program.The United Way’s Success By 6 program and MetroAction, Inc. partnered with the Carbondale Area, Old Forge and Scranton School Districts to educate childcare providers and low to moderate income families about the nutritional needs of children transitioning from day care/home care to kindergarten.

Supported by a grant from The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 35 childcare providers and more than 330 families are involved with this program.

Meals on Wheels.The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties welcomed a new partner agency to our program provider network during the past year. We are pleased to help provide funds for the Meals On Wheels of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Fast Track Home Delivered Meal program which delivers hot meals for homebound seniors and others without a home support system who have recently been discharged from a

hospital, rehabilitation facility or nursing home.

This program provides meals

for the short-term until theindividual is capable of preparing his/her own food or until they are approved by the Area Agency on Aging for long-term support. Last year, nearly 100 clients received 1,818 meals.

Healthy FuturesThe Healthy Futures program continues at five of our partner agencies—the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Jewish Community Center, Greater Carbondale YMCA, Greater Scranton YMCA and United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania where it is reviewed and funded through our Community Impact process.

This program is targeted at combating childhood obesity by increasing the physical activity level and nutritional knowledge of the children

involved in the youth programs at these agencies.

Throughout the year, 431 children participated in Healthy Futures within these five agencies. Eighty percent of the children met the goal of 60 minutes of physical activity three times per week and 100 percent of the children showed an increase in their nutritional knowledge.

In the second year of a grant from The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Healthy Futures program in Wayne County has continued to make positive strides in helping children live healthier in the Wayne County YMCA’s summer program, the Wallenpaupack Area School district’s after-school program and the Communities That Care program in the Wayne Highlands School District.

H1N1 and Pandemic Preparedness.The United Way continued our work with other state and county officials to plan

and prepare for a community-wide response to address the possibility of a pandemic outbreak.

This advance planning paid off when our nation was hit with the outbreakof the

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A health message brought to you by this organization and…

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Healthy Futures Garners Governor’s Award

The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties’ Healthy Futures program won accolades from Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Pennsylvania Department of Health through the Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

The Physical Activity Award program honors local efforts which have employed innovation, inspiration and initiation to significantly increase physical activity in communities, workplaces and schools.

Our Healthy Futures’ program was among seven statewide honorees and the only United Way in the Commonwealth to earn this distinction.

H1N1 virus. Thousands of educational posters and other materials aimed at prevention were quickly distributed by the United Way. Furthermore, we partnered the with American Red Cross of Lackawanna County to sponsor a community educational forum to discuss the most current information and important preventative measures.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance.The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties was delighted to continue our collaborative relationship with the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) as the Help is Here Express rolled back through our area. This nation-wide bus tour helps uninsured and financially-strugglingarea residents access information on more than 475 programs that provide prescription medicines for free or nearly free. To date, the PPA has helped more than 5.6 million Americans, including more than 271,000 here in Pennsylvania.

A HEALTHY COMMUNITYIS A STRONG AND VIBRANT PLACE TOLIVE, LEARN, WORK AND PLAY.

Robert M. D’Alessandri, M.D.President and Dean

The Commonwealth Medical College

We remain indebted to our partner in this program—the Moses Taylor Foundation— and to The Blue Ribbon

Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania for providing the funds to make this program such a success.

We are also grateful to our program partners who

work with the young people and their families:

Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern PennsylvaniaCommunities That Care and the Wayne Highlands School District after-school programGreater Carbondale YMCAGreater Scranton YMCAJewish Community Center United Neighborhood Centers of

Northeastern PennsylvaniaWallenpaupack Area School District’s after-school programWayne County YMCA

Receiving the award are: Nancy Perri and Mary Pantzar, Greater

Carbondale YMCA; Michael Hanley, United Neighborhood

Centers; Joseph Palumbo, Moses Taylor Foundation; Gary

Drapek, United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne

Counties; Cynthia Yevich, The Blue Ribbon

Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern

Pennsylvania and Marsha Pigga, Greater

Scranton YMCA. Pictured on the rock-climbing

wall at United Neighborhood Centers is program

participant Erik Jil.13

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MORE WAYS OF ADVANCING THE COMMON GOODDepartment of Labor Participation.The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties’ Department of Labor Participation continues to be an integral part of the Rapid Response Team of Northeastern Pennsylvania. This year, the department again focused on education and was actively involved in helping young people prepare for the future with information about the family sustaining jobs available in our region without a four-year degree. The work centered on informing 8th and 9th grade students and their families about the availability of jobs in electronics, plastics, health care, transportation/logistics and the building trades.

During the past year we entered into two new partnerships to promote community initiatives. Working with the Northeast Pennsylvania Labor Management Committee (NEPALMC), the pre-apprenticeship program reached 22 high school seniors in Lackawanna County and over 200 regionally to prepare these young men and women to take an apprenticeship test and enter the Building Trades. We further partnered with the NEPALMC in the first regional safety conference held in our area as Dr. Theodore Uroskie gave the 150 delegates valuable information about the H1N1 flu virus and keeping workforces healthy.

The department continued its tradition of support for the annual National Association of Letter Carrier’s (NALC) Food Drive this year collecting more than 220,000 pounds of food. In addition, Tom Gavin, NALC Branch 17, was honored by the United Way with the William E. Cockerill Sr. Award for outstanding service to the community.

Foundation Safety Net.Our United Way remains grateful to the three local foundations that continue to provide funding for repair and

replacement of furnaces as

well as emergency energy assistance for people who just miss eligibility for government sponsored programs. Single parent families with marginal income and elderly residents with limited, fixed income are the most common beneficiaries of this life-saving program. In most situations, the circumstances are dire and placement of an elderly person or young children outside the home is imminent. As the need for this program escalated, it was further augmented through the creation of the Gift of Warmth program.

State Food Purchase Program.As local administrator of the State Food Purchase Program, the United Way leveraged $310,914 from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. These monies were awarded to 15 local organizations to assist area families with emergency food needs.

Emergency Food and Shelter Program.For more than 25 years, our United Way has served as the local administrator for the FEMA program which provides funds to supplement and extend current available resources for emergency needs including rent, food and energy assistance. During the past year, the local Emergency Food and Shelter Board—chaired by the United Way—awarded $149,554 in federal funds to ten local organizations.

As part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, Lackawanna County also received additional funds to supplement this program in the amount of $69,455. These federal stimulus funds were awarded to eight local organizations.

Individual Emergency Plans.For nearly 30 years, the United Way has managed a separate fund to provide assistance during individual emergencies above and beyond what can be funded through federal and state dollars. This provision allows for a safety net to ensure our most vulnerable residents receive help during times of the most dire need. To date the United Way has provided 43 such plans to meet emergent needs such as food, shelter, prescription medication and other essential assistance.

Community Investment Council.The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties’ Community Investment Council—formerly known as the Grants and Program Development Committee—reviews special requests and awards grants to programs that serve unmet and emerging needs throughout the community.

Grantees in the past year include United Neighborhood Centers for the Housing Coalition of Lackawanna County, the Jewish Community Center for equipment and sponsorship of a regional housing symposium and to support some of our outreach work related to energy assistance.

George BrownManager of Asset Services

Highlights for Children

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LIVING UNITED IN WAYNE COUNTY

History in the Making.In an historic move and following many years of cooperation and collaboration with our neighbors in Wayne County, the United Way of Lackawanna County’s Board of Directors formally voted to change our name to the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties signaling a new chapter in the nearly 90 year history of our organization.

Advancing the Common Good. In its third full year, the United Way’s work in Wayne County raises funds specific to programs and services that directly benefit Wayne County residents. The funds come from workplace campaigns, corporate gifts and individuals investing in the impact of United Way in the community.

Last year, the United Way Wayne County Fund Distribution Committee was pleased to award a total of $40,530 to the following organizations:

» Catholic Social Services {Emergency Financial Services}

» Civil Air Patrol{Emergency Services}

» Communities That Care {High School Mentor Program}

» Devereux Pocono Center {Community Integration and

Recycling}

» Honesdale EMS {Advanced Life Support Services -

Greater Wayne County}

» Junior Achievement of Northeastern PA, Inc. {Economic Education in

Wayne County Elementary Schools}

» Lupus Foundation of PA, Pocono/NE Branch {Living Well

with Lupus in Wayne County}

» Pegasus Child Advocacy Center {Multidisciplinary Team

Investigation of Child Abuse and

Neglect}

» Victims’ Intervention Program {In-School Counseling Project}

» Voluntary Action Center of NEPA {Big Brothers/Big Sisters - Wayne

County}

» Wayne County Public Library {Working—The Real Deal}

» Wayne County YMCA {Fighting Obesity}

Additionally, individual emergency plans were created to address emergent needs for Wayne County residents in need of special assistance and 26 children from Wayne County were assisted through our Pre-K Tax Credit and Scholarship Program.

Healthy Futures. Children in the Wayne County YMCA’s summer program as well as the after school programs in the Wallenpaupack Area School District and the Communities That Care program in the Wayne Highlands School District participated in this program of nutritional education and physical activity. The children also receiveda five session course on the importance of body image and a healthy lifestyle.

Overall, 455 children participated and all of our our projected outcomes were surpassed such as:

» 100 percent of the children showed an increase in nutritional knowledge such as identifying healthy snacks, how to read a food label and proper portion size.

» 67 percent of the children met the recommended guidelines of 60 minutes of physical activity four times a week.

» 71 percent of the children showed an increase in their subject knowledge of the importance of body image and healthy lifestyle choices.

Over the past three years, the United Way has distributed over $110,000 to more than

a dozen community and human service organizations providing critical programs and

services in Wayne County. Volunteers from throughout Wayne County have embraced

this effort and joined together to improve the quality of life for all in this fast-growing

community. We are honored and proud to be part of the Wayne County family and

privileged to help serve our neighbors in need in this vibrant community of caring people.

Lewis J. CritelliExecutive Vice President and CFO

Wayne Bank

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COMMUNITY IMPACT :: FUND DISTRIBUTION

Your United Way investment has the power to change lives. The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties remains steadfastly committed to our role as faithful stewards of the hard-earned resources entrusted to us by the people of this community.

In both Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, dedicated volunteers meet annually to make critical funding decisions to support much-needed programs. Page 15 of this report details the fund distribution process in Wayne County. In Lackawanna County, last year, 65 Community Impact Committee volunteers—themselves contributors to the United Way—came together for the critical task of scrutinizing the agencies which provide United Way funded programs. This annual citizen review process truly sets the United Way apart from other non-profit organizations.

While the United Way’s Board of Directors must approve the decisions of the Community Impact Committees and volunteers in both counties, it is these individuals who are called upon to offer an objective review of how United Way funds are being utilized in this community. It is an extremely difficult but absolutely essential part of the United Way movement. These carefully monitored investments help to ensure that a wide range of services are in place responding to the immediate needs of our community—ranging from providing food for a family in need to shelter for domestic violence victims, early intervention for children with special needs to recreation and vocational training to adults with special physical and mental challenges, quality programming for youth to caregiver support for adults, the United Way changes lives—because of you!

Community Impact Focus AreasOur United Way’s impact on the community is divided into six focus areas.

The dollar amounts listed were allocated to our partner agencies in Fiscal

Year 2007-2008.

Investing in Youth & Children $462,319

Strengthening Families $511,640

Improving Community Health & Wellness$146,098

Helping Neighbors in Crisis $429,045

Supporting Older Adults $127,425

Caring for People with Special Physical or Mental Challenges

$240,015

Peter Curtin of PNC Bank and the Community Impact overall chair, leads the training

for the incoming Community Impact Fund Distribution volunteers.

WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE UNITED WAY,

YOU HELP MORE THAN ONE PERSON OR ONE ISSUE.THE UNITED WAY IS THECOLLECTIVE POWER OF ALL OF USWORKING TOGETHER.

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STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

ASSETS

2008 2007Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,660,752 $ 1,555,961Pledges receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible pledges of $378,718 and $560,171 944,015 1,169,913Investments 2,883,994 3,110,821Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation 175,414 208,677Prepaid expenses 15,459 14,405Other receivables — 1,391Beneficial interest in assets held by a community foundation 49,845 56,037

Total assets $ 5,729,479 $ 6,117,205

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

Liabilities Accounts payable $ 3,046 $ 4,039 Allocations payable 152,339 59,013 Agency funds 143,011 194,191 Due to designated agencies 178,422 115,411 Reserve for community service 56,305 25,340 Total liabilities 533,123 397,994

Net assets Unrestricted

Board designated 2,330,921 2,702,147Undesignated 272,141 392,918 Net investment in land, buildings and equipment 195,970 207,225 Total unrestricted net assets 2,799,032 3,302,290

Temporarily restricted Time restricted 1,729,386 1,642,213 Purpose restricted 667,938 774,708

Total temporarily restricted net assets 2,397,324 2,416,921 Total net assets 5,196,356 5,719,211 Total liabilities and net assets $ 5,729,479 $ 6,117,205

An independent audit was completed by McGrail, Merkel, Quinn and Associates for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 and is available for review at the United Way office.

The official registration and financial information of the United Way of Lackawanna County (now known as the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties) may be obtained from The Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, in Pennsylvania, 1(800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

For the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2008 with summarized comparative information for Fiscal Year 2007.

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LIVING UNITED :: PROUD AND OUTLOUD!You’ve seen the shirts....the billboards....the public service announcements. But far more

than jargon or even a catchy slogan, LIVE UNITED defines the United Way movement in

Lackawanna and Wayne Counties. From a strategic marketing perspective, LIVE UNITED

gives a voice to the change United Way is creating in our community, and we invite you to

join us!

Throughout this Annual Report, you see evidence of the excitement surrounding the LIVE UNITED campaign. The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties is fortunate to have the support of numerous marketing and media entities in our region who generously allow us unique opportunities to engage people with the work we do in the community.

We are grateful to Lamar Advertising for their generous donation of numerous billboards throughout the region to help spread our message to a far-reaching audience.

The local news media continues to be an important part of our outreach efforts and we extend our thanks to

Business Journal and Times Shamrock Communications, Nexstar Broadcasting - WYOU/WBRE, WNEP, Happenings magazine and the Wayne Independent for their outstanding support.

In addition to these critical partnerships with our local print and electronic media, our United Way employs online and social media to take our LIVE UNITED message strategy to an even broader audience.Through the use of emerging technological tools such as Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Constant Contact e-marketing and our own website at www.uwlc.net we have the ability to quickly disseminate information to a variety of publics in an agile and cost effective manner.

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COMMUNITY IMPACT :: COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS

Harry & Jeannette Weinberg FoundationHead Start of Lackawanna CountyHemodialysis Patients’ Association of NEPA*Homeless AssistanceHonesdale EMSHonesdale Ministerium- Housing Community PartnershipHousing CoalitionHuman Services Task ForceIBEW Local 81IRSJewish Community Center*Jewish Family Service of Lackawanna County*Johnson CollegeJunior Achievement of Northeastern PA, Inc.Keystone CollegeL / S MHMRLackawanna Branch, PA Association for the Blind*Lackawanna CollegeLackawanna County Area Agency on AgingLackawanna County Assistance OfficeLackawanna County Department of Children and YouthLackawanna County Department of Human ServicesLackawanna County Emergency Management AgencyLackawanna County Library SystemLackawanna Trail School DistrictLupus Foundation of PA, Pocono/NE BranchMargaret Briggs FoundationMarywood UniversityMeals on Wheels of NEPA*Moses Taylor FoundationNALC, Branch 17Nativity ChurchNEPA Center for Independent LivingNEPA Council, Boy Scouts of America*

The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties partners with community minded

organizations like these with the common goal of advancing the common good.

Abington Area Community LibraryThe Advocacy Alliance— A Mental Health Association* American Red Cross of Lackawanna County*Alzheimer’s AssociationThe Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania*Bethel AME ChurchThe Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern PennsylvaniaBoys & Girls Clubs of NEPA*Bread Basket of NEPACarbondale Area School DistrictCatherine McAuley CenterCatholic Social Services of NEPA*Center for SuccessChildren’s Advocacy CenterCivil Air PatrolThe ColonnadeCommunities That CareCommunity Intervention CenterCommunity Services for ChildrenConsumer Credit Counseling of NEPACriminal Justice Task ForceDay Nursery Association*Delta MedixDevereux Pocono CenterDiocese of Scranton SchoolsDomestic Violence Task ForceDunmore School DistrictEOTC/Family MattersFamily Advisory CouncilFamily-WizeFriends of the PoorFriendship HouseGirl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania*Greater Carbondale YMCA & Preschool*Greater Scranton YMCA & Preschool*Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

of NEPA*United Way of PennsylvaniaValley Community LibraryValley View School DistrictVoluntary Action Center of NEPA*Wachovia Arena at Casey PlazaWayne County Chamber of CommerceWayne County Public LibraryWayne County YMCAWomen’s Resource Center*Victim’s Intervention Program

* Denotes partner agency.

Margo OpsasnickCEO

Delta Medix, PC

NE HIV-AIDS CoalitionNortheastern Child Care ServicesOld Forge School DistrictPartnership for Prescription AssistancePA Career LinkPA DCEDPA Department of HealthPA Department of Labor and IndustryPA Department of TreasuryPegasus Child Advocacy CenterPNC BankRiverside School DistrictRobert Y. Moffat Family Charitable TrustSafety Net MinistrySaint Frances of Assisi KitchenSaint Joseph’s Center*The Salvation Army*Schautz Family FoundationScranton Area Family CenterScranton Area FoundationScranton Building Trades CouncilScranton Central Labor UnionScranton Counseling CenterScranton Lackawanna Human Development AgencyScranton Primary Health Care Center*Scranton School DistrictScranton Wilkes-Barre YankeesSenior WaveServing Seniors, Inc.*Taylor Community LibraryTelespond Senior Services*University of ScrantonUnited Cerebral Palsy of NEPA*

United Neighborhood Centers

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Our MissionTo improve the quality of life of the people of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties and surrounding communities by serving as a catalyst for community problem solving and by conducting an efficient, encompassing volunteer fundraising effort to positively impact the community’s most compelling social problems.

2008 Board of DirectorsChairPatricia LynettCommunity Leader

Senior Vice Chair

Manager, Briggs Corporation

Vice Chair, Community Service DevelopmentSandy ChickelettiVice President, M & T Bank

Vice Chair,Resource DevelopmentSteve AckmannPresident & CEO,Fidelity Deposit & Discount Bank

Vice Chair, Community Impact MarketingRandy WilliamsOperations Manager, WBRE/Nexstar Broadcasting

SecretaryDr. Ann PipinskiPresident, Johnson College

TreasurerJohn CanavanCommunity Leader

Honorary Lifetime MemberRichard Marquardt

Immediate Past ChairmanDavid TresslerRegional Director,The Quandel Group, Inc.

Campaign ChairRichard S. Bishop, Esq.

Harold Anderson

Harold W. Baillie, Ph.D.

Joseph Collins

Philip Condron

L. Peter Frieder, III

Judith Graziano

Jeffrey Haudenschield

Ann Hawk

Doug Henry

Noelle Lynett

James Manley

Patrick McMahon

Rabbi Joseph Mendelsohn

John Nalavenko

Joseph Palumbo

Mark Paradise

David Raven

Ann Salerno

Robert Schwartz

John J. Tighe

Marilyn Vitali Flynn

Kevin Washo

Dr. Anthony Yanni

Cynthia Yevich

Elizabeth Zygmunt

Gary W. DrapekPresident and

Chief Executive Officer

Jack R. EvansSenior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

John J. OrbinVice President,

Resource Development/Campaign

Thomas J. ColemanVice President, Community Services

Vice President,

Community Impact Marketing

Stig B. FrommManager, Community Services

Director of Grants

and Special Initiatives

William E. Cockerill, Jr.AFL/CIO Comm. Services Liaison

Elaine ErricoDirector, Success By 6

Daniel NowakowskiManager, Campaign

United Way StaffMichael NeffManager, Campaign

Manager, Operational Systems

Manager, Office Services

UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING WE ARE, UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING WE DO, WE ARE ALL PEOPLE. CONNECTED, I N T E R D E P E N D E N T, U N I T E D . A N D WHEN WE REACH OUT A HAND TO ONEWE INFLUENCE THE CONDITION OF ALL.

LIVE UNITED™

United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties

www.uwlc.net