What Have We Achieved in the Community?

Thanks to the contributions made by the workforce campaigns run by our Corporate Partners, the United Way of Central Jersey (UWCJ) has made significant improvements in the lives of our community residents. The work done to create a lasting impact in the lives of young children is just one example.

“There are some areas of clear agreement between market economists and child development researchers. The time has come to invest in young children and there are substantial gains to be made from these investments if they are made wisely.”

Jack Shonkoff, Dean
The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University ,
Co-editor of From Neurons to Neighborhoods, 2003

The United Way of Central Jersey has determined that high quality, affordable day care programs for the “working poor” families in Middlesex County are of critical importance . UWCJ created Born Learning: Nurturing Our Young Children as one of its four key Impact Areas. UWCJ did this because it is well documented that quality pre-school education leads to greater school and social success (which in turn leads to greater economic and personal self-sufficiency as an adult).

The Quality Initiative was created in response to the question, “How can we best invest our resources to create a lasting impact in the lives of young children in Middlesex County ” This initiative provides direct expert assistance to non-profit day care centers so they can become accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Accreditation is a quality improvement process involving all stakeholders in the child care center. To become accredited, a center must demonstrate that it consistently meets or exceeds the stringent national standards of NAEYC.

Management Support and Leadership Giver Recognition increased understanding of what United Way achieves. There are few opportunities to reach busy, top executives with a report of what has been achieved by the United Way of Central Jersey . A management meeting provides the chance to present results, explain community needs and answer questions.

Days of Caring helped to generate better campaign results by helping participants to understand why giving is important. Companies that encourage their employees to volunteer in the community develop awareness of community needs. Projects included painting, yard work, food preparation and working with the elderly or people with disabilities. Several teams worked at the Delaney Apartments in Perth Amboy to prepare for the arrival of Katrina victims, and many companies ran food and clothing drives. Volunteers feel a sense of achievement while contributing to the success of a community program.

Sharing the Burden of campaign implementation improved results. Increased numbers of employees involved in canvassing helps to increase participation. Campaign committee representatives from various departments or locations within a company can provoke idea-sharing and generate fun activities that build awareness among more employees.

Speakers from United Way help employees understand better the need for community service and investment and the critical analysis and review undertaken by United Way staff. One of the critical points: United Way of Central Jersey supports programs with measurable results, so donors know what their investment achieves.

eWay adds convenience and reporting benefits and, when integrated with other campaign strategies, can improve results. However, eWay is not a substitute for personal interaction during the campaign. For example, one bank uses electronic pledging on their intranet system, since all employees across multiple locations have access via computer terminals. Results declined when last year’s incentive (a day off) was eliminated. While remaining committed to eWay because of its efficiencies, electronic pledging is only one part of a mix of successful campaign strategies.

JCPenney 100% Participation
For the second year in a row, every one of 220 employees participated in the annual United Way campaign at JC Penney in Woodbridge . Manager Tim McCarthy’s performance in 2004 led to his chairmanship of the 2005 NJ State Campaign. Other JC Penney locations were challenged to match the Woodbridge store’s performance, and one other location in New Jersey met the goal. Congratulations.

American Standard Companies
The campaign exceeded its revenue target of 10% more than the prior year to achieve a spectacular increase of 20% in 2005. Participation reached 72% of employees with the average per capita giving amount of $500 (plus company match!) - one of the highest ever. Several innovative ideas increased the overall results including an online auction that offered bidders items like iPod Nanos, a Spa day, and a mile high glider flight. Events included a jeans day for campaign participants and a Leadership Giver recognition reception hosted by the CEO Mr. Fred Poses. Mr. Poses' leadership was one of the critical elements that made the campaign successful.

Bristol-Myers Squibb
In a difficult environment, BMS conducted a powerful campaign that resulted in higher revenue with fewer employees participating. The campaign kick-off was a major event involving senior management presentations and a custom video that featured employees engaged in charitable activities during the prior year including Days of Caring and Gifts in Kind. Participation incentives included raffles for those who qualified by meeting date and dollar requirements. A Leadership Giving incentive helped to encourage participants to reach for a significant contribution amount.

Johnson & Johnson
The J&J campaign was led by a dedicated group committed to increasing awareness of United Way ’s work to all employees. The campaign kick-off included speakers from the United Way and a service program called the Nurse-Family Partnership that helps low-income, first-time mothers. A key element of the campaign’s success was the large number of canvassers (70-80 canvassers for 2700 employees) and the canvasser training available from United Way of Central Jersey . Pledge incentives included prizes for pledge completion by an early deadline and increased chances to win raffles depending on increased dollar contributions.

Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems
The J&J HCS campaign started with a small committee of experienced campaigners who divided responsibilities and agreed timelines. A weekly meeting helped to keep the organization on track and decision-making simple. A review of prior campaign results helped goal setting, and prior campaign events and incentives provided the basis for innovation. The campaign kick-off included a speaker from United Way of Central Jersey and from Elijah’s Promise – a supported service agency involved with feeding low income families and with training in culinary arts. In addition to an Agency Fair, the campaign included a “sponsored Fun Run” and incentives for participation like a Jeans Day. Results included an increase of 10% in revenue and 80% participation!

C&S Wholesale Grocers
With three shifts at each of six different locations, this campaign took a lot of organization and commitment from the campaign chairman, Mr. John Yost. Mr. Yost spoke to employees at presentations to explain the role of the United Way in the community. A personalized pledge form was developed that included name, address and prior contribution amount for each employee. At each shift, operations were closed down for employees to come off the floor for the presentation. Incentives included gift cards for raffle winners and, for the first time, a dollar for dollar corporate match. Results were impressive - over 165% higher than last year.

Remember that if you do not see your organization mentioned here, you just need to contact the United Way of Central Jersey, so we can arrange an event.

Target: Share-a-Tree
The children’s faces lit up as brightly as the lights on the tree donated by Target Stores two days before Christmas. Target donates the artificial trees used for displays at the end of their season to the United Way in their local community. The United Way of Central Jersey delivered six trees to a homeless women’s shelter, and three more went to families referred by Catholic Charities. As we lugged the 6 foot tree upstairs to one tiny apartment, three kids gathered around and squealed with delight as the lights went on. Thank you Target.

Days of Caring:
United Way of Central Jersey focuses resources - including volunteers - in four areas to achieve significant impact:

• Born Learning: Nurturing our Young Children
• Building Brighter Futures: Investing in our Youth
• Protecting and Empowering People: Strengthening Adults, Families and Seniors
• Health and Rehabilitation: Promoting Physical and Emotional Health and Wellness

The Volunteer Center can arrange opportunities for employees to contribute a “Day of Caring” in each of these areas. A major focus was placed on one supported agency that provides sleep-away camp for low-income children: Kidde Keep Well Camp. As a result, several groups of corporate volunteers made a significant impact - saving the camp thousands of dollars and rehabilitating camp facilities.

A selection of corporate employee volunteering:

• Bristol-Myers Squibb: 2000 volunteer hours including at Elijah’s promise, Cerebral Palsy Association, Girl Scouts and with seniors
• J&J: Volunteers worked to serve lunch at Elijah’s Promise and painted at Kidde Keep Well Camp
• Cadbury Schweppes: Operations were closed and 150 employees volunteered at Kidde Keep Well Camp to paint and repair the facilities
• Wells Fargo : Kidde Keep Well Camp also saw about 20 volunteers from Wells Fargo paint sheds, fences, etc.
• Alcoa: Volunteers worked to serve lunch at Elijah’s Promise and painted at Kidde Keep Well Camp as well as helped renovate a garden and much more.

Adopt-a-Family
Almost 1,000 residents of Middlesex County had a more joyful Christmas day because of the help of employees at 38 area companies and 8 union organizations. Each donor was supplied a list of family members and their wish list for gifts each with a value under $35 to help ensure age and gender-appropriate gifts. Recipients were referred by 25 Human Service Agencies who identified families in need. Valued at over $94,000, the United Way of Central Jersey helped to collect gifts from donors, wrap and distribute to families.

One family on assistance with 5 children received practical gifts like pots and pans as well as toys for the kids. They weren’t going to have any Christmas this year but when Pat Desiderio, Program Coordinator from the United Way, arrived to deliver the donors’ contributions she had tears in her eyes when she saw the kids’ excitement. Thanks to the participants in the Adopt-a-Family program.

Companies Benefit From Community Service
Corporations can benefit by encouraging community service. Research shows that consumers prefer products and services provided from corporations with a reputation for investing in philanthropic causes. The United Way of Central Jersey can provide a full range of engagement possibilities including Gifts in Kind, Volunteer Experiences, Agency Tours and Event Sponsorships. Please contact: Gloria Aftanski, President at 732 247-3727 for further information.