TOGETHER WE CHANGE LIVES.
The 2020 Community Impact Report highlights the finances and activities
for the period July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020.
VISION
Communities where all individuals and families have the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
MISSION
Unite resources to understand and address priority community issues.
President’s Message
Dear Friends, Investors, and Partners,
Wow! What a year it has been! The end of 2019 was rockin’ with the GIT UP United challenge, a fabulous Day of Caring, and a strong campaign led by Dr. James Porter – all while whispers of a mysterious virus began circulating the globe. The new year brought an uneasiness as the world collectively wondered what was on the horizon and how we would cope.
In March, as the impact of the coronavirus became more evident, local funding partners gathered to create a cross-sector, regional response to the growing economic impact – the COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund of the Greater Evansville Region. I’m proud to say that United Way of Southwestern Indiana was chosen as a highly capable and trusted partner to serve as the Fiscal Sponsor of the Fund. I am still humbled and moved by the swift, compassionate, and generous response of our community. The pandemic has truly illustrated what it means to LIVE UNITED as thousands of people donated to the Crisis Response Fund and the United Way Campaign; untold individuals reached out to help neighbors and vulnerable populations; and nonprofits broke down barriers to work together to meet critical needs.
I beam with pride when I think of the “all-hands-on-deck” attitude our United Way staff, our nonprofit agencies, and our greater community has maintained. But now, we’re at a crossroads. “Normal” wasn’t working for everyone before the pandemic. It’s a new day and a new opportunity to rethink, reevaluate, and reimagine what our community can look like and aspire to. It’s time to get to work creating a better “normal” than before. We can do it; but it will take all of us. Join us. Let’s LIVE UNITED!
Board & Committee Members
- Deb Anderson – Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
- Serita Cabell – Memorial Community Development Corp.
- Steve Crow – Alcoa-Retired
- Heidi Dunniway – Ascension St. Vincent
- Scott Evernham – Old National Bank
- Tina Farring – Old National Bank
- Anna Hargis – Merrill Lynch & Company
- Richard Leger – CenterPoint Energy
- Lynn Lingafelter – Deaconess Health System
- Jaren McIntosh – Fifth Third Bank
- Ryan McRoberts – International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- Kim McWilliams, Jr – Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
- David Milligan – Heritage Federal Credit Union
- Peter Paradossi – Evansville Regional Business Committee
- Lee Riddle – F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors
- Mark Samila – Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn
- Lindsay Schmitt – George Koch Sons, LLC
- Sherry Shen – Alcoa
- Edward Stratton – Berry Global
- Matthew Theby – Lensing Building Specialties
- Phillip Wahl – Atlas World Group
- Johnathan Weinzapfel – Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
- Brent Wilson – DWW Strategies
Committee Members
| EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE | FINANCE COMITTEE | FOCUS AREA CABINET | SELF SUFFICIENCY |
| Matt Theby – Chair | Scott Evernham, Chair | Brent Wilson – Chair | Matt Theby – Chair |
| Lindsay Schmitt – Vice Chair | Phil Wahl | Anna Hargis | Tina Farrington |
| Scott Evernham – Treasurer | David Milligan | Ross Chapman | Lynn Lingafelter |
| Ed Stratton – Secretary | Len Wininger | Ben Joergens | Stephanie Roland |
| Jeff Wilmes | Dr. Ann White | Jeff Gorman | |
| Carly Eason | Heidi Dunniway | ||
| Derek Adams |
| BOARD GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE | STRATEGIC FOCUS COMMITTEE | MARKETING |
| Lindsay Schmitt | Tina Farrington – Chair | Chase Kelley – Chair |
| Lee Riddle | Steve Crow | Pam Hight |
| Jonathan Weinzapfel | Anna Hargis | Erika Liddle |
| Tricia Hollander Henning | Jim Muehlbauer | Andrea Pollard |
| Mark Samila | Matt Theby | Kathy Schoettlin |
| Brad Ellsworth | Jonathan Weinzapfel | Patti Wittgen |
| Tricia Hollander Henning |
Committee Members
Executive Committee
- Matt Theby – Chair
- Lindsay Schmitt – Vice Chair
- Scott Evernham – Treasurer
- Ed Stratton – Secretary
Finance Committee
- Scott Evernham, Chair
- Phil Wahl
- David Millian
- Len Wininger
- Jeff Wilmes
- Carly Eason
- Derek Adams
Focus Area Cabinet
- Brent Wilson – Chair
- Anna Hargis
- Ross Chapman
- Ben Joergens
- Dr. Ann White
- Heidi Dunniway
Self Sufficiency
- Matt Theby – Chair
- Tina Farrington
- Lynn Lingafelter
- Stephanie Roland
- Jeff Gorman
Board Governance Committee
- Lindsay Schmitt
- Lee Riddle
- Johnathan Weinzapfel
- Tricia Hollander Henning
- Mark Samila
- Brad Ellsworth
Strategic Focus Committee
- Tina Farrington – Chair
- Steve Crow
- Anna Hargis
- Jim Muehblauer
- Matt Theby
- Johnathan Weinzapfel
- Tricia Hollander Henning
Marketing Committee
- Chase Kelley – Chair
- Pam Hight
- Erika Liddle
- Andrea Pollard
- Kathy Schoettlin
- Patti Wittgen
92%
of children served met critical developmental milestones
Community Impact Areas
Childhood Success
Childhood Success
why it's important
Early childhood development is critical to long-term success. Evidence from long-term studies suggests that childhood development can affect high-school graduation, years of education completed, earnings, and reduced crime.¹ According to Wafaie Fawzi, a Harvard Chan School professor, “Achieving optimal early child health and development is critical for attaining success in school, and has significant lifelong implications for the health and economic wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities.”s
Funded Programs
- Carver Early Learning Center – Carver Community Organization
- AARP Experience Corps Evansville – Carver Community Organization
- Early Childhood Education and Care - St. Vincent Early Learning Center
- Child Life Center – The Arc of Evansville
- Warrick County Y-Read – YMCA of Southwestern Indiana
Community Impact Areas
Youth Success
Youth Success
why it's important
Funded Programs
- After School Program Integrating Recreation & Education (ASPIRE) – YMCA of Southwestern Indiana
- Carver Youth Program – Carver Community Organization
- Live Y’ers – YWCA of Evansville
93%
of youth served passed core academic classes
82%
of individuals served increased disposable income by accessing benefits or reducing costs
Community Impact Areas
Economic Mobility
Economic Mobility
why it's important
Empowering individuals to access available benefits or reduce excess costs helps families better manage their money, handle emergencies and/or unexpected expenses, and save for the future. When individuals and families develop financial literacy skills, it supports long-term stability goals such as owning a home, obtaining higher education, or investing.
Funded Programs
- 4 Work – Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville
- Comprehensive Emergency Assistance Program – Christian Resource Center
- Emergency Financial Assistance – Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville
- Family Case Management - Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville
- Domestic Violence Shelter and Children’s Program – Albion Fellows Bacon Center
- Homeless Outreach Team – Aurora
- Legal Services – Legal Aid Society of Evansville
- Neighbor to Neighbor - Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville
- Pathway of Hope – The Salvation Army
- Re-entry Program – Aurora
- YES! Residential Recovery Program – YWCA of Evansville
Community Impact Areas
Health
Health
why it's important
Individuals with access to healthcare services and support, have better health outcomes, fewer health disparities, and lower costs. People without health insurance are less likely to have a primary care provider and are more likely to go without care because of cost. When access to healthcare is limited, it can lead to poor health outcomes, and unnecessary complications, including premature death.
74%
of individuals served accessed quality health care and improved health indicators
Funded Programs
- Caldwell Community Outreach Center – YMCA of Southwestern Indiana
- Case Management Program – ECHO Community Health Center
- Community Action Program (Y-CAP) – YMCA of Southwestern Indiana
- Community Service Program – Lampion Center
- Connections for Life – The Arc of Evansville
- Counseling Program – Lampion Center
- Cub Scouts – Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Trace Council
- Day Services for Adults – The Arc of Evansville
- Dental Services Program – Evansville Christian Life Center
- Domestic Violence and Emergency Shelter – YWCA of Evansville
- Family Counseling Service – Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville
- Girl Scout Leadership Experience – Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana
- Healthy Habits – Boys and Girls Club of Evansville
- Hospice and Bereavement Services – Spencer County Hospice
- Medical Rehabilitation – Easterseals Rehabilitation Center
- Prenatal & Pediatric Program – ECHO Community Health Center
- Prevention Program (Spencer County Schools) – Crisis Connection
- Primary Prevention Education – Albion Fellows Bacon Center
- One-on-One Youth Mentoring – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana
- Outreach – Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Trace Council
- School Counseling Program – Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville
- Supplemental Medication Assistance Program – Mental Health America of Vanderburgh County
- Support Groups & Community Education – Mental Health America of Vanderburgh County
- Transportation Program – Spencer County Council on Aging
- Venturing and Exploring – Boy Scouts of America Buffalo Trace Council
- Victim Advocacy Program – Crisis Connection
61,419
individuals received essential services
Community Impact Areas
Essential Services
Essential Services
why it's important
Essential services serve our community’s most vulnerable populations to ensure they have adequate access to resources, especially in times of crisis. Essential services programs provide a better quality of life – hope, security, emotional support – both now and for the future.
Funded Programs
- Biomedical Services – American Red Cross of Southwestern Indiana
- Daily Feeding Program – The Salvation Army
- Disaster Services – American Red Cross of Southwestern Indiana
- Emergency Food Pantry – The Salvation Army
- High Risk for Abuse & Neglect Crisis Care Program – ARK Crisis Child Care Center
- Homemaker Program – Spencer County Council on Aging
- Long-term Ombudsman Program – VOICES
- Services to Armed Forces – American Red Cross of Southwestern Indiana
- Volunteer-Based Child Advocate Program – Vanderburgh County CASA
- Working Parents Program – ARK Crisis Child Care Center
UWSWI Programs
UNITED WAY VITA PROGRAM
(Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)
United Way utilizes trained, IRS certified volunteers to offer free tax preparation and e-filing services to individuals and families with an annual household income at or below $56,000. Although we were forced to go virtual in 2020 due to the pandemic, 1,054 returns were filed, with 864 receiving refunds. 49% of those receiving refunds said they planned to use it to pay bills.
UWSWI Programs
United way KCAMP
K-Camp is United Way’s free four-week program that helps children with little or no preschool experience prepare for their new roles as kindergartners. In 2020, the pandemic prevented students from attending in-person. We quickly pivoted, capped capacity at 20, and offered the program virtually. When the students began the program, 65% tested below average on the Ready to Read assessment. At the end of the program, 82% of campers tested at or above average! Scores improved an average of 31%.
Strategic plan/listening session
In 2018, the United Way of Southwestern Indiana embarked on the implementation of a three-year strategic plan. During the summer of 2019, we conducted a series of seven community conversations across Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Spencer counties to understand, prioritize, and formulate a response to community issues. These listening sessions, facilitated by certified Harwood Institute Coaches, provided community leaders and residents, donors, agency representatives, and volunteers the opportunity to share their concerns, as well as aspirations of how to strengthen our communities. Click here to see an overview of the issues that were brought forth during these sessions.
day of caring
The annual Day of Caring is our community at its finest. More than 1,200 people joined together at Bosse Field on Friday, September 13th for an inspirational breakfast before setting out to help nonprofit organizations in Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Spencer Counties. Flanked by community leaders, advocates, and a few local mascots, the talented Gina Moore sang the national anthem and Mayor Lloyd Winnecke thanked the volunteers for offering their time to give back to our community.
2019 Campaign Chair, Dr. James Porter, kicked off United Way’s annual campaign, announcing that over $900,000 had already been raised by our fabulous Pacesetter organizations. The program ended with the announcement of Philip Smith, from the Evansville Police Department, as the winner of the Git Up UNITED Challenge. It was great fun and the perfect start to a day of volunteering!
Git Up UNITED Challenge
Who doesn’t love to see our community leaders and residents hamming it up for a great cause? Our Git Up UNITED Challenge, the brain-child of Campaign Chair, Dr. James Porter, created a lot of excitement for the Day of Caring and the campaign. Twenty-five organizations and individuals accepted the challenge by posting a video on Facebook.
At the Day of Caring breakfast, Philip Smith from the Evansville Police Department was announced the winner. His video had more than 3,000 likes, over 3,100 shares and surpassed 145,000 views! You can find all the videos on our Facebook page (@unitedwayswi) by searching Git Up UNITED.
YLU/Benefit Battle
YLU is United Way’s Young Leaders – an energetic group of young professionals, ages 40 and under, who give of their time and treasure to support our community. YLU’s signature fundraising event, the Benefit Battle Dodgeball Tournament, enjoyed great success in October 2019. Thirty-one teams took to the court to raise more than $13,000 to fund early education programs. Great things – and great fun – happen when young professionals unite!
Campaign
WORKPLACE CAMPAIGNS
Without a doubt, the United Way workplace campaign is the most highly recognized United Way fundraising activity across the nation. Each year, more than 130 organizations partner with us to support the campaign. It’s an easy and effective way to invite employees into the work of solving our community’s most critical issues. United Way leverages the contributions by combining them with others and strategically investing in results-driven programs and initiatives to maximize the impact. Employee campaigns are a fun opportunity to engage employees, build a spirit of teamwork, and increase morale all while helping transform our community.
Campaign
$10,000 Change Lives Here Donor Incentive
United Way was fortunate to have Heritage Federal Credit Union partner with us again in 2019 to offer a $10,000 Donor Incentive cash prize. Donors who increased their pledge by $50 or more, or new donors of at least $50, were eligible for the drawing. More than 3,500 donors qualified for the drawing, which took place in February 2020. Carol Anderson, an employee of Evansville-Vanderburgh Central Dispatch was the winner of the $10,000 “Change Lives Here” drawing.
Campaign
Celebration of Impact
Each year the United Way celebrates the corporate partners and campaign volunteers whose tireless efforts made the campaign’s success possible and, more importantly, whose work enabled United Way to invest in our community during one of its most challenging times. These exceptional volunteers truly embody the meaning of servant leadership.
- Dr. James Porter
- Pete Mogavero
- Koch Foundation
Campaign
Revenue
Campaign Revenue (2019-2020)
$3,626,136 (95%)
Restricted Revenue:
$37,503 (1%)
Other Revenue:
$163,394 (4%)
TOTAL REVENUE: $3,827,033
Campaign
Expenses
Impact Investments
$2,737,732 (71%)
Health: $716,882 (26%)
Childhood Success: $389,605 (14%)
Youth Success: $634,406 (23%)
Financial Stability: $542,510 (20%)
Essential Services: $357,059 (13%)
Spencer County: $97,270 (4%)
Outreach & Engagement:
$299,154 (8%)
Administration/Fundraising:
$641,806 (16%)
Uncollectible:
$181,306 (5%)
TOTAL EXPENSES: $3,859,998
1 Investing In our Future: The Evidence Base on Preschool Education
2 Everyone Graduates Center