As we reflect on the past year, we are pleased to report that 2007 was a productive year filled with important accomplishments for the United Way of Southwest AlabamaI

n April 2007, we launched the United Way 2-1-1 initiative. United Way 2-1-1 consists of a database of 550 programs and services that are available in our community from which trained call center specialists make referrals. To date, over 9,400 referrals have been made to area agencies. United Way of Southwest Alabama contracts with Lifelines Family Counseling Center to host United Way 2-1-1.

United Way of Southwest Alabama and the Mobile County Emergency Management Agency signed a memorandum of understanding to allow United Way 2-1-1 to be of greater service to our community in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Disaster relief information will be available to citizens by calling 2-1-1.

In 2008, we will be seeking partners to help expand the database and the United Way 2-1-1 service area.

A special thank you goes to Rick Russell, our Community Planning Committee Chair. Rick played a key role in getting United Way 2-1-1 launched.

United Way welcomed four new partner agencies. In Mobile County, Habitat for Humanity and Victory Health Partners are new members. In Clarke County, Alpha Pregnancy Testing Center Sav-A-Life and Community Action Agency were accepted into the United Way family. Each new partner agency expands the scope of services United Way agencies provide and will enhance our visibility.

This year we re-evaluated Project Blueprint, a signature initiative of United Way for more than twenty years. From the start, Project Blueprint was designed to help United Way, our partner agencies and other nonprofits become more inclusive. We are pleased to announce that the 2008 class will be our most diverse class ever—celebrating the true meaning of diversity while recognizing the significant strides that have been made over the years.

Under the leadership of Sidney King and his team of volunteers, the fall campaign raised $5.7 million. New businesses joined with our longstanding partners to make the campaign a success. As we move into a year-round campaign cycle, we will continue to identify new places and new ways to raise the funds necessary to meet the needs of the community.

The fiscal stewardship of United Way remains strong. For the third consecutive year, there has been no increase in the budget for internal operations. Strong fiscal accountability by members of the Board of Trustees and the United Way staff kept the organization under budget, making it possible to increase the funds available to partner agencies.

We would be remiss if we did not recognize Mrs. Lynne B. Lancaster. After 36 years of dedicated service to United Way of Southwest Alabama, Lynne announced her retirement effective in March 2008. Over the years, Lynne has served in every key capacity at United Way of Southwest Alabama, including Interim Executive Director. Our community, our local United Way and the entire United Way movement are much better because of Lynne’s outstanding service, professionalism and dedication.

Thank you to the Board of Trustees, partner agencies, volunteers, donors and community stakeholders for making it possible to help more than 125,000 local people in 2007. Your support demonstrates how genuine you are in your care and concern for others.

Most importantly, we thank you. Because you believe that a strong and vibrant United Way contributes to the overall quality of life that we enjoy in southwest Alabama, we are able to continue our legacy of creating lasting, positive change. Have a blessed and prosperous year.