February 1, 2006 Hello [first_name], and thank you for your support of United Way of Greater Cleveland. It is not too late to make a difference in the United Way Campaign! Learn about the journey of Patrina Nickson, from being a recipient of assistance from a United Way-funded program to finding success and becoming a United Way donor. Having both experiences has enhanced her understanding of the critical role United Way plays in our community. As of Friday, January 27, 2006 the United Way of Greater Cleveland's campaign has raised $41,653,441, which is 95.8% percent of our goal of $43,500,000. February is the last month of the campaign, and we need your help to meet our community's health and human service needs and reach United Way's goal. Your donation makes a difference! Please give now. IN THIS ISSUE: Core Services Planning Community Dialogue, 2/15 Cleveland Clinic raises $1 million United Way's Annual Meeting is March 10 The Human Services Institute is March 24 Meet Steven How United Way Cares Agency Profile: Merrick House February 3 is National Wear Red Day

Core Services Planning Community Dialogue, February 15th You are invited to attend a community meeting where you will hear an introduction to the research on the health and human service needs in our community that has been gathered over the past year. This meeting is the beginning of planning for our community's future needs. Go to meeting details and online RSVP. Learn more about Core Services Planning.

Congratulations! Cleveland Clinic raises $1 million for United Way The Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF) employees have generously donated over $1 million to fund the health and human services programs provided by United Way of Greater Cleveland. This is a 13 percent increase over last year's CCF campaign. United Way is grateful to the Cleveland Clinic for their hard work, dedication and commitment to our community. Learn more about the Cleveland Clinic's campaign.

United Way's Annual Meeting, March 10 United Way's Annual Meeting is right around the corner! It is not too late to become a sponsor or to register for this important event. The Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to learn about the year's achievements and to hear from and meet our region's leaders in philanthropy. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities or reserve seats for this event.

The Center for Community Solutions Human Services Institute, March 24 The Center for Community Solutions will hold their 64th Annual Human Services Institute Friday, March 24 at the Cleveland Convention Center. This day-long professional development and continuing education opportunity includes 14 sessions focused on health and human services and keynote speakers Alan Krueger, PhD of Princeton University and Julianne Malveaux, PhD of Last Word Productions. Approximately 100 nonprofit organizations serving Northeastern Ohio will display exhibits. Learn more about this event or register now.

Success Story: Steven Kyman, Achievement Centers for Children "It's not about the disabilities...it is about making the most of the abilities you have," Steven Kyman says about maximizing life's opportunities. Read his story about how your donation to United Way has made a difference by helping him become all he can be.

How United Way Cares Capacity Building, the Last of Six Parts United Way provides critical assistance to programs that promote a vibrant and healthy community. By understanding United Way's community investment structure, you will understand how your contribution to United Way makes a difference in our community every day. Learn more about how Capacity Building increases the effectiveness and efficiency of the investments United Way makes in the health and social service community.

Agency Profile: Merrick House Settlement houses and neighborhood centers are at the core of what makes communities strong. Each one is different and Merrick House, which serves the Stockyards, Tremont, Clark/Fulton and Archwood/Denison neighborhoods, is a special place, providing daycare, community organizing, social and senior services to thousands each year. Learn more about this special United Way partner agency.

Friday, February 3, is National Wear Red Day Heart disease doesn't care what you wear, but on February 3, Americans nationwide are asked to wear red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness. Learn more from the American Heart Association, a United Way partner agency. Ideas for getting your workplace involved Learn how to lower your risk of heart disease

Check Community-Wide Needs for the Greatest Impact on Our Community By designating Community-Wide Needs with your pledge, you authorize our trained volunteers to decide how your donations, and those of countless others, can target the greatest needs of our community. It might be to deliver meals to homebound seniors, train daycare providers to provide the best possible educational preparation for children or any of the nearly 180 programs provided by our community partners, or initiatives of the Community Vision Council. Here is how to pledge confidentially online.

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