LIVE UNITEDGIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.

Newsletter | Winter 2014

UNITED WAY EXCEEDS 2013 CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISING GOAL

UNIVERSAL FIBERS HONORS LATE CEO WITH CONTRIBUTION TO UNITED WAY

United Way Virginia Highlands officials announced on January 15th that they exceeded their 2013 campaign goal. UWVH raised $1,511,000, exceeding their goal by $11,000. The 2013 campaign was made possible by the thousands of supporters who are truly committed to bettering their community.

“It was a team effort with campaign team volunteers from around the region, United Way staff and employee campaign representatives, but most of all; it was the generosity of businesses, organizations and individuals that made the 2013 campaign successful,” said Alan Jones Jr., United Way Virginia Highlands, Board Chairman. “Reaching our fundraising goal not only means we will be able to complete the work we have set out to accomplish, but it demonstrates the power of working together; that every gift matters no matter the amount.” Top employee giving campaigns for the campaign were Alpha Natural Resources, Food City, Mountain States Health Alliance, and Utility Trailer. “Leadership Givers are our organization’s strongest individual contributors”, remarked Alison Hicks, Director of Resource Development at United Way. “In conjunction with our 50th anniversary, in 2013 we launched a number of activities that have truly engaged them in our impact and in response they really showed their support. We are so blessed to have such a committed group of donors.”

Now that the 2013 campaign has concluded, Untied Way Virginia Highlands will commence in the allocations process. “Now we’re ready to do the real work: investing the dollars back into the communities in which they were raised,” remarked Travis Staton, President and CEO of United Way Virginia Highlands. “That’s the real purpose of the United Way, to garner community support so we can invest in long-term community change”. In early February 2014, UWVH held an Offerer’s Conference for all organizations interested in applying for 2013 funds. The application process will close March 28th, 2014 and funds will begin being invested back into the community as early as July 1, 2014.

On January 27th, 2014 United Way Virginia Highlands joined Universal Fibers in the celebration of life of former CEO Art Roth. Roth was a long-time supporter and advocate for the United Way. Even though he’d only been in the area for a short time, recalled Art’s wife, Mrs. Cheryl Roth, he eagerly reached out to businesses to participate in the campaign. He didn’t know why anyone would not want to support such a great organization.

Joined by Mrs. Cheryl Roth, friends and colleagues, Universal Fibers honored his life and continued his legacy with a contribution to United Way Virginia Highlands. Universal Fibers was a leading factor in taking the UWVH campaign over the top, exceeding their goal in a historic year. United Way Virginia Highlands thanks the Roth family and Universal Fibers for their unwavering commitment to the community.

Advancing the common good is about changing the system to help all of us; we are all connected and interdependent. We all win when a child succeeds in school, when families are financially stable, and when people in our community are healthy. United Way’s goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of these problems. LIVING UNITED means being a part of the change. It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future.

Alan Jones Jr., United Way Virginia Highlands’ board chairman, announced that the goal of $1.5 million had been reached for UWVH’s 2013 campaign.

GIVE ADVOCATE VOLUNTEER

Travis Staton, Mrs. Cheryl Roth, and Universal Fibers CEO, Marc Ammen

UNITED WAY VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS BEGINS TO SERVE BUCHANAN, BLAND AND TAZEWELL COUNTIES

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SMART BEGINNINGS SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA FORMS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Recently, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce presented its Blueprint for Virginia. This economic plan took a year to develop and involved input from approximately 7,000 business people and over 300 organizations from across the state. This extensive plan has been designed to provide business leadership, direction and long-range economic planning for Virginia. The plan included important suggestions about improving the state’s transportation system, the business climate, workforce development, energy use, etc. Yet on the very first page of the plan, the Chamber highlighted the importance of early childhood education. Their suggestions indicated the wisdom of investing in high quality, early learning. The Chamber called for Virginia to improve access to high quality, early childhood education. They pointed out that this is a key determinant of both school readiness and the important measure of third grade reading attainment.

With its Blueprint for Virginia, the Chamber recognized that a workforce prepared for the 21st Century demands a world class educational system. And, that system must include supports for families so their young children arrive at school ready to learn. As the Economics Nobel Laureate James Heckman has pointed out, the most efficient and cost effective investment in education is the earliest. Both intelligence and social skills are set at a very early age; 85% of a child’s brain development occurs before that child enters school. Even so, less than 5% of our

educational resources go toward early childhood. This message is even more important in Southwest Virginia. Currently, Virginia’s PALS tests given to incoming Kindergarten students show that 16% of our children are unprepared. Our region’s failure rate is 25% higher than the state average. Because of this, our schools struggle to prepare these children for success in reading and math. Statistics show that these children will suffer from higher dropout rates and other related teenage and early adult problems.

Research shows that children who attend quality preschool programs and quality child care programs perform better when they enter Kindergarten and they are better prepared for success throughout their lives. Unfortunately, as important as Head Start and the Virginia Preschool Initiative are, children who need these programs are turned away for lack of funding. Recently, the new Smart Beginnings Coalitions began bringing leaders together to discuss improved access to quality preschool services. Action is needed, but it will require money. As the Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of early childhood development to a thriving economy, likewise does the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Please lend your support to this very important endeavor. Our children need it. Our economy needs it.

United Way Virginia Highland’s Board of Directors announced in December that the organization will now serve Buchanan, Bland and Tazewell Counties in Southwest Virginia. The move came at the behest of United Way Worldwide, who approached United Way Virginia Highlands about including Buchanan, Bland and Tazewell Counties in their service area as they are positioned to address the critical issues facing those communities. These counties were previously served by the United Way of the Virginia’s which has closed its doors. “We’re delighted we can help serve our neighboring counties in this way,” said Alan Jones Jr., Senior Vice President and Controller, Alpha Natural Resources, and Board Chairman of United Way Virginia Highlands. “We currently have relationships with many non-profits serving these counties as well as numerous corporate ties with locations in these counties.”

United Way Virginia Highlands previously served Carroll, Grayson, Russell, Smyth, and Washington Counties and the City of Galax, Virginia, representing a demographic reach of about 168,000 people.

With the inclusion of Buchanan, Bland and Tazewell Counties that number will increase to nearly 250,000. The monies raised through annual campaigns will continue to be used to serve the communities from which the monies were raised.

“I am confident in the work that will be done regionally and believe that it will only be strengthened by this decision,” said Travis Staton, Chief Executive Officer for United Way Virginia Highlands. “We are excited to come together and build on our region’s strengths to create a lasting impact.” United Way Virginia Highlands now encompasses 34 towns, 8 counties and one city, serving approximately 250,000 residents, and covering nearly 4,000 square miles which includes Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Grayson, Russell, Smyth, Tazewell, and Washington Counties and the City of Galax, Virginia.

Are you a resident of Buchanan, Bland or Tazewell Counties and would like to regularly receive this newsletter or our e-newsletter? If so, email info@uwvh.org or visit www.UWVH.org to sign up!

The Washington County Chamber officially recognized the importance of investing in early childhood to improve the economy of Southwest Virginia. Thanks to Tony Miller and Mary Begley for developing this statement. 20

13City of Bristol

City of Norton

What it is:National studies have shown that food deprived children are more likely to become sick, have a decreased attention span and lack of enthusiasm to learn because they are concentrating on hunger more than learning. United Way Virginia Highlands founded Backpacks Unite for children who are at risk of going hungry over the weekends. This program is operated in partnership with local school systems, faith-based organizations, along with business and community groups. Backpacks are filled with nutritious foods to keep children from going hungry throughout the weekend.

How it works:Volunteers sort and separate food into individual bags for each student and storage bins will be labeled by school and by week. United Way volunteers deliver the storage containers to the appropriate school at the beginning of each month. Schools will receive plastic storage bins each month and students will be receiving food from those bins each week.

How can I help fund a school in the program?United Way is excited about this initiative and is ready to take action against child hunger in our communities. For more information about this exciting new program, please contact the United Way office at (276) 628-2160.

UNITED WAY VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS BEGINS TO SERVE BUCHANAN, BLAND AND TAZEWELL COUNTIES

BACKPACKS UNITE: WHAT IT IS AND HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED!

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educational resources go toward early childhood. This message is even more important in Southwest Virginia. Currently, Virginia’s PALS tests given to incoming Kindergarten students show that 16% of our children are unprepared. Our region’s failure rate is 25% higher than the state average. Because of this, our schools struggle to prepare these children for success in reading and math. Statistics show that these children will suffer from higher dropout rates and other related teenage and early adult problems.

Research shows that children who attend quality preschool programs and quality child care programs perform better when they enter Kindergarten and they are better prepared for success throughout their lives. Unfortunately, as important as Head Start and the Virginia Preschool Initiative are, children who need these programs are turned away for lack of funding. Recently, the new Smart Beginnings Coalitions began bringing leaders together to discuss improved access to quality preschool services. Action is needed, but it will require money. As the Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognizes the importance of early childhood development to a thriving economy, likewise does the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Please lend your support to this very important endeavor. Our children need it. Our economy needs it.

With the inclusion of Buchanan, Bland and Tazewell Counties that number will increase to nearly 250,000. The monies raised through annual campaigns will continue to be used to serve the communities from which the monies were raised.

“I am confident in the work that will be done regionally and believe that it will only be strengthened by this decision,” said Travis Staton, Chief Executive Officer for United Way Virginia Highlands. “We are excited to come together and build on our region’s strengths to create a lasting impact.” United Way Virginia Highlands now encompasses 34 towns, 8 counties and one city, serving approximately 250,000 residents, and covering nearly 4,000 square miles which includes Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Grayson, Russell, Smyth, Tazewell, and Washington Counties and the City of Galax, Virginia.

The Washington County Chamber officially recognized the importance of investing in early childhood to improve the economy of Southwest Virginia. Thanks to Tony Miller and Mary Begley for developing this statement.

United Way Virginia Highlands’ 2013 Campaign Awards recognize the nonprofits and individuals driving social change through outstanding achievements impacting our communities. Honorees are celebrated at United Way’s Awards Banquet where they receive public accolades for their work and impact in our community.

Alpha Natural ResourcesAnthony’s Desserts

Bristol Herald CourierCarroll County Middle School

Castlewood High SchoolChilhowie Elementary School

E.B. Stanley Middle School

Ecumenical Faith in ActionFood City

Fries School Galax City High School

Joanna GoldeMountain States Health Alliance

Reverend Barbara Farmer

Steve SmithSusan Kilby

UPSUtility Trailer

Universal FibersWCYB TV

WZVA & WOLD Radio Stations

2013CAMPAIGN AWARD

WINNERS & HONOREES

BACK

PACKS

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City of Bristol

City of Norton

PACKING DATE PACKING LOCATION PREP CREW PACKING CREW

Monday, February 24, 2014 Pleasant View UMC 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Wash. Co. Rotary Club

Friday, March 28, 2014 Pleasant View UMC Washington County 4-H Washington County 4-H

Monday, April, 28, 2014 Pleasant View UMC 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Wash. Co. Rotary Club

What it is:National studies have shown that food deprived children are more likely to become sick, have a decreased attention span and lack of enthusiasm to learn because they are concentrating on hunger more than learning. United Way Virginia Highlands founded Backpacks Unite for children who are at risk of going hungry over the weekends. This program is operated in partnership with local school systems, faith-based organizations, along with business and community groups. Backpacks are filled with nutritious foods to keep children from going hungry throughout the weekend.

How it works:Volunteers sort and separate food into individual bags for each student and storage bins will be labeled by school and by week. United Way volunteers deliver the storage containers to the appropriate school at the beginning of each month. Schools will receive plastic storage bins each month and students will be receiving food from those bins each week.

How can I help fund a school in the program?United Way is excited about this initiative and is ready to take action against child hunger in our communities. For more information about this exciting new program, please contact the United Way office at (276) 628-2160.

Emory & Henry College has accepted United Way Virginia Highlands as a permanent host site accepting placement of Emory & Henry College students as interns. Beginning in January 2014, at least three interns will be placed at United Way to conduct research on Community Impact areas of Education, Health and Income. As an Emory & Henry student and United Way intern, Joanna Golde has been very effective in assisting in the development of this formalized relationship. Her work includes the development of a career exploration and work experience program in partnership with the Future Business Leaders of America Chapter at Castlewood High School. This relationship between Emory & Henry College and United Way Virginia Highlands will greatly benefit the students, the community and both organizations.

NEW PARTNERSHIP OPENS DOORS FOR E&H STUDENTS

ABINGDON OFFICE:Ph: (276)-628-2160Fax: (276)-628-8484UWVH.ORG

GALAX OFFICE:Ph: (276)-628-2160Fax: (276)-628-8484UWVH.ORG

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P.O. Box 644Abingdon, VA 24212

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YOU’RE INVITED TO CELEBRATE A HISTORIC YEAR FOR SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA AT OUR ANNUAL CAMPAIGN AWARDS DINNER

Southwest VirginiaHigher Education Center

Abingdon, Virginia

Register online atwww.uwvhawards.eventbrite.com or call276.628.2160

Tuesday, March 4, 20146:30p.m. awards banquet

*$15 Person / $20 at the Door Sponsored Tables: $150 table of 8 with event recognition

*online registration closes February 24