Annual Report

Message from the President of the Board

Through 2007, your United Way has been hard at work focusing on what matters most.We began the year with two of our long-term member agencies in crisis. As stewards of each donor dollar, one of the United Way of the Wabash Valley's (UWWV) most important roles is to ensure that the member agencies to whom we distribute funds can reliably account for the way they invest in funded programs. In this role, UWWV volunteers helped launch a recovery of one agency (that demonstrated a commitment to improvement) and expelled another (that was unwilling to honor accountability requirements).

With these actions, donors can enjoy continued confidence that our United Way is monitoring the fund distribution process to ensure that investments are made in programs where they will help the most.

As the sixth county under our umbrella, we welcomed our neighbors in Clay County into our organization with this season's campaign. That is a significant milestone for the United Way of the Wabash Valley (UWWV), and it is important for Clay County as well. Beginning now, and for generations to come, we intend to help the people of Clay County raise more funds and provide stronger support for the health and human service programs supporting the people of this Wabash Valley community.

The uncertainty at Pfizer has certainly had an impact on the year under review. At the time this report goes to press, we wait with baited breath along with the Pfizer employees and the rest of the community to learn the fate of UWWV's largest annual contributor. Whatever the outcome, we will face it together, and the United Way will be part of the solution.

The UWWV Board of Directors is comprised of members from a diverse cross-section of our community who dedicate significant time and energy to provide guidance for this organization. They debate important issues with earnest to arrive at reasoned policy decisions, and it is my pleasure to serve with these committed volunteers. I know I speak for each of them when I say it is also a pleasure to serve with our dedicated staff members who keep our mission alive day in and day out.

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to each donor and volunteer. By pulling together all of your collective generosity, an important difference continues to be made in the lives of those who really need a hand up. You are helping where it matters most.

Nicholas J. Mahurin
President

Click here to download 2007 Annual Report.