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NCSS Board Member named United Way Campaign Chair
(September 2007)
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 Mike Curtis, who serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Northwestern Counseling & Support Services (NCSS) has been named as the 2007-2008 Campaign Chair for the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way. Mike has been a member of the NCSS Board of Directors since 2004.
As Campaign Chair, Mike welcomes the opportunity to ‘Do What Matters’ to ensure that local residents receive the numerous services that are provided by member agencies. Through the generous support of individuals and companies the United Way can continue to provide positive community impact while, in addition, addressing emerging needs as they develop.
Mike is currently serving his second term on the NCSS Board of Directors and as Vice President is also on the Executive Committee. NCSS has been providing caring, comprehensive, and professional services for the overall health and wellness of Franklin and Grand Isle County residents since 1958. Direct services supplied by the agency include Behavioral Health Services... Children, Youth & Family Services… and, Developmental Services. The involvement on the NCSS board has given Mike an in-depth perspective of the numerous programs and services that the agency provides that are so vital to a growing and caring community.
Currently, as the Vice President of Commercial Lending at Union Bank, Mike is also involved in numerous other civic organizations on a volunteer basis. NCSS is proud of its association with Mike Curtis, 2007-2008 Campaign Chair for the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way. |
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Jeff Moreau: United Way's Head Focues Skills to Make an Impact
(June 2007)
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 Jeffrey T. Moreau, 37, isn't a physician on call, or an EMT on the alert, or fireman set to jump into his boots any time day or night. But he has that compact and ready look. On a summer day, striped tie, shirt, jacket.
He might seem to be the person who, asked to be somewhere at noon, is there on the dot or to leave in two hours for London, is at the airport with minimum luggage and time to spare. He can also give credit where it is due, to Edna Chagnon, for example, whose shoes he had to fill when he became the United Way executive director in 2000.
In that role for 18 years, Chagnon's frankness and sense of fun helped move the organiztion into modern times.
Jeff Moreau is the local boy who has made good, graduating from BFA, Class of 1988, the yearbook telling of his desire to run a business of his own and finding at the United Way an example of that opportunity "where you work with a board and grow the product" and provide a service.
A graduate of its two-step degree progam, from associate's to bachelor's, he headed later programs at Champlain College for seven years following on the heels of his position as coordinator of all aspects of special event fundrasing for the American Diabetes Assn., Vermont Affiliate.
As a student at Champlain, he was recognized as the outstanding freshman as well as senior and was made a McClure Scholar for the highest academic averge in the business division..After leaving Champlain as a student and employee, Moreau was honored with the 2000 Leadership Award for Leadership and Community involvement.
His wife, Heather, is a senior paralegal for a law firm in Burlington. They have one child, Katelynn, 15.
So Jeff Moreau is that person and those are the qualities that endear him to his board members, the men and women who with his help set the direction of the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way.
But they can also rib him for the punctuality and speed and yet find in his smiling imperturbability a model for keeping your head under stress while those around you are losing theirs.
We talk this Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in another People of Franklin County on Channel 15 and I say, "Peter Drucker, the management guru, said one of the lacks in Western society are good managers. What is the art? What's it all about?"
There is a very short, and thoughtful, expiration of air as Moreau says, "Well," and then: "I kind of take it from two different approaches. One is that an individual I greatly admire is Peter Hofstetter (the CEO of Northwestern Medical Center) and if I ask Peter to do something, I can be sure that it's done that day. And if it's making five phone calls for the upcoming golf tournament campaign, Peter does it that day."
Moreau continues: "And I kind of get picked on if we have a meeting and I'm on their computer before they even get back to the office. But I think it's important to just get it done."
Moreau's skill, however, lies not in getting things done for the sake of getting them done. The secret is elsewhere, and during the hour we talk, he reveals that secret in many different ways, like a theme and its variations.
He makes the point at the outset, for following on "I think it's important to just get it done," he says immediately, "To keep moving forward I like to make sure that the 'i's are dotted and the 't's' are crossed. That's really, really important. Keep on top of things in that way."
In short, by "doing it now," he frees himself today from yesterday's unfinished tasks and puts his eyes on the future. The prize now is a change in strategy, on which the United Way is at work, from a United Way that simply raises money and hands it out to a United Way that puts limited resources where they make such a difference in people's lives that they can be measured.
It's called "community impact." Examples abound, but two very simple goals that can be measured illustrate the point: Make certain fewer that seniors fall and that more and more young people live happy and productive lives.
Moreau: "As we look forward to this new funding approach for United Way over the next three years or so, undoubtedly there will be some agencies that won't fit the bill," but the board is determined that "something we will not do as an organization is to just cut the cord."
And again: "So, as a system, they are trying very hard to move to impact, community impact . . .we're in the second phase of a three-year strategic plan, so we have worked very hard to, one, prepare our agencies to measure outcomes."
Each remark is that of a leader and an organization which, with eyes focused on fact, makes today a springboard for tomorrow.
To keep that momentum, Moreau notes later in the interview, the United Way is determined to " . . .help (our agencies) think strategically about what programs work and maybe ones that don't."
He continues: "And in that sense, I think we're just about there and we'll be moving into our second phase [to ask], "What's the right mix of agencies? What are the priorities in our community? And those are tough conversations, because when I came on, we had 31 member agencies and now we have 24 and sometimes those conversations are very difficult.".
Enter here another side of Jeffrey Moreau's personality and management skill. It has little to do with his promptness, his readiness to put the future into focus by freeing himself of the burden of unfinished tasks.
There is no better word for the trait than "diplomacy," which has a legitimate and honest language of its own. In one sense, it is doing what is painful with the least hurt. But in a broader sense, it is the talent for honesty and clarity, in order to see differences in people or organizations and yet be able to meet all their needs fairly.
One can argue that Jeff learned the art from his parents, Bernard (Bernie) and Margaret (Peggy) Fitzgerald Moreau, for I have just said, "Your mother and father must have been models for you in courage and facing a big problem. Do you have a memory when you were three or four years old about the need for courage?"
And Jeff Moreau goes beneath the question to a deeper reality.
"Nothing strikes me as a vast example," he replies. "But we came from modest means. My parents both worked very hard and they always found a way to make sure that we had what we needed. I told the story at my dad's funeral that my brother and I couldn't have been more different. I like sports - I played baseball - and my brother likes antiques.
"I'll never forget - one summer - I think my parents might have had two weeks vacation. Maybe it was one. But one year, sure enough, they said, 'Well, we're going to take Jeff to the Baseball Hall of Fame and we're going to let Scott do some antique stops."
He continued: "So those examples have taught me the part about, "There's a way." Again, we didn't have a lot of resources, but my parents made it happen. I'll never forget that trip."
And he applies that fairness and clarity in his own work.
Moreau: "We've taken the next three years with our agencies, to help them with a plan and find other resources if we are not able to fund them in the same way. While there are difficult conversations to be had there are ways to approach them to make them positive."
And Moreau puts it this way: "But with limited resources, and with limited ability to make that impact, we have to shuffle it down to where we can make the greatest impact. For the next three years, that's where we're going to be focused."
I ask Jeff if he can send one of his own photos of himself to the editor - and he does it, immediately, but not without a smile that tells me that though he's at another task he hasn't forgotten me.
- Nat Worman |
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Hole in One for the Community
(February 2007)
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Three local non-profit organizations form 'Community Partners Classic'  A hole in one is every golfers dream! For some an entire lifetime is spent outdoors in the scenic beauty to never accomplish this feat. For others, it may happen once or twice in a lifetime -- unless you have the letters "PGA Pro" after your name. Today, three organizations have come together to announce the combining of three popular golf tournaments in to one spectacular event called the "Community Partners Classic." This event provides an opportunity for local businesses to capture a hole in one by helping three organizations in one shot.
The tournament will take place at Champlain Country Club on Friday, June 22, 2007 to benefit Northwestern Medical Center (NMC), Northwestern Counseling and Support Services (NCSS), and the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way (FGIUW). According to United Way Executive Director Jeff Moreau, "With added fundraising competition and shrinking federal, state, and local community resources; we have been asking our member agencies and area organizations to be more collaborative in nature and this was a great opportunity for us to come together with a few partners with similar events to lead by example."
The event also provides a benefit to local community investors. "We also recognize the drain that numerous fundraising events can have on our community in terms of multiple sponsorships and time away from work for players to participate. We think we've found a way to do it better." notes Peter Hofstetter NMC CEO.
According to NCSS Executive Director Ted Mable, "By joining three of the most successful local tournaments into one, we hope to create the premier golf outing in northwestern Vermont—a true community celebration." Early plans for the day include two full flights with a full-fledged mid-day celebration for everyone to enjoy. A number of new contests with fantastic prizes will be sprinkled throughout the course, including a "beat the pro" longest drive contest.
The three partners in this event, NMC, FGIUW, and NCSS, often work together in various capacities to care for the wide range of health and human service needs of the people of northwestern Vermont. Northwestern Medical Center is a vibrant, not-for-profit, primary care hospital nestled at the top of Fairfield Street in St. Albans, Vermont. The small size of this community hospital brings a family feel to a modern facility with high-tech equipment. The Franklin-Grand Isle United Way is a voluntary human service organization focused on building community resources while addressing local needs. Additionally, United Way seeks to encourage volunteerism and inspire leadership. Northwestern Counseling and Support Services is a private, non-profit, human services agency serving Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. NCSS provides intervention and support to children, teens, and adults with emotional and behavioral problems, mental illness and developmental disabilities. For more information or to register, contact United Way at 527-7418. |
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Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Leads Way
(August 2006)
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Executive Director Jeff Moreau announced that the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way once again was one of the leaders in successfully completing all of the United Way of America membership requirements satisfactorily and on time. The requirements include: Membership Requirements Certification, Membership Investment, Income and Expense Survey and the Database 2 Survey of Total Resources Generated (a survey that captures the full extent of a community's resource development efforts during the year).
"The membership standards must be certified annually in order for us to remain a member of the United Way system," stated Moreau. "While our focus is what matters locally -- it is important for our entire system to ensure a high standard of accountability. This is part of the process to document that our operations are transparent and meet or exceed United Way membership criteria requirements."
The Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Board of Directors reviewed and approved the Membership Requirements Certification in May. The certification mandates completion of 13 requirements for United Way of America membership along with verification of the status of 40 indicators that demonstrate a United Way embodies the intent of the membership requirements.
"It is critically important that all United Ways meet the highest standards and verify on paper that they have conformed to the stringent requirements of membership in the United Way system," stated Brian Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way of America. "We applaud and congratulate the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way for demonstrating their commitment by completing the recertification process."
"The Franklin - Grand Isle United way collaborates with people and organizations in our community to identify and address our most critical local needs: If it requires fundraising, asking for extra help from our community, or just getting people to work together, that's what we do," says Moreau. "We improve the quality of our community by investing in programs and initiatives that will have the greatest possible impact on people's lives in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties."
The Franklin-Grand Isle United Way is part of a system of over 1,320 United Ways. Each local United Way must complete United Way of America's requirements annually in order to retain its United Way of America membership. |
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Leadership Matters
(July 2006)
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When Emerson Lynn called and offered the opportunity to write an editorial in his absence, I was delighted. Upon reflection, I felt it appropriate to recognize Emerson and the St. Albans Messenger for the incredible leadership that they exhibit every day in shaping action through their reporting on Franklin County and the State of Vermont. The paper not only reports the news, but sends consistent messages to the community about what truly matters - inspiring volunteerism and local leadership, promoting health and wellness, reporting on crime trends to better address local needs, discussing the economy and opportunities for environmentally friendly growth, and most importantly encouraging the community to use the Messenger and itownvt web pages to stayed informed and foster change.
Leadership happens in many ways! You can see it in people leading a company or a team. It is often witnessed in sports; it also happens in special ways such as those quiet consistent voices from people such as Jim Bashaw. I remember Jim bringing together resolution at a heated coaches meeting by boldly pointing out, "Just let the kids play." Some leaders simply command respect by their presence.
Last week, I sat in a District Leadership Team meeting with Pam McCarthy, Agency of Human Services Field Director, and several of our community partners. A consistent concern expressed by local organizations was the desperate need for board and volunteer leadership. Organizations currently looking for help included: Community Action, Samaritan House, Champlain Islands Parent Child Center, Voices Against Violence, and others. I reminded the group about L.E.A.D. (a local leadership training program designed specifically to help address this need) and offered to share these volunteer opportunities with graduates, but clearly a disturbing trend is developing that twenty L.E.A.D. graduates can not address alone.
It is not just local non-profits that are struggling to find volunteer leadership - the list also includes town government, local schools, state agencies, environmental organizations, civic groups, and so on. United Way too is challenged in our recruitment of volunteer leadership for our important loaned executive program and annual campaign. The upcoming L.E.A.D. program, with scholarships supported by the St. Albans Messenger in honor of Frank Lester Greene, remains 5 students shy of full enrollment.
Since I see and work with so many active and dedicated community volunteers and leaders on a daily basis, it is hard to believe that we do not have enough of our citizens engaged. As I reflect on the United Way Board and so many of our best volunteers - it quickly becomes evident that these dedicated individuals are involved in many other organizations as well. The old saying, "If you want something done ask a busy person," seems more apt than ever. In working with these leaders, I have made some terrific friendships and I honestly believe that the connections made in volunteering and getting involved is often underestimated. We all seem to be working more these days. Time with family and friends is also an important value to many of us. I wonder for those not involved if the reason relates to time, perhaps comfort level in taking on such a role, or simply that they have not been asked.
No matter, we all need to work together because too many local non-profits rely on leadership and volunteerism to be successful. With State and Federal dollars shrinking, we need engaged local citizens to ensure accountable and efficient program and service delivery. My challenge to our community is to please get involved. The “caring” part is easy as our community has already proven its financial generosity, but the “doing” part remains a bigger challenge. This October, United Way volunteers will organize our annual Day of Caring program. I hope our community members will come out in full force to help local agencies and perhaps, through this experience, find an organization that they can help on a long term basis. For those who wish to jump in immediately, I encourage you to call the United Way office to see what local volunteer opportunities are available.
Jeff Moreau is Executive Director of the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way and a founding member of the Franklin-Grand Isle L.E.A.D. Program.
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Governor Douglas Visits Vermont 2-1-1 Call Center
(May 10, 2006)
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Governor Jim Douglas visited the Vermont 2-1-1 call center last week before speaking to a crowd of hundreds at United Way of Chittenden County’s annual meeting later that evening. Douglas, who brought 2-1-1 to Vermont in February 2005 by awarding funding for the program, stated that the State’s contribution has been cost effective.
"The implementation of the 2-1-1 system in Vermont will save the state money in the long run by allowing consolidation of some toll-free numbers that state agencies operate," said Governor Douglas.
People who dial the three digit number may be referred to organizations that provide assistance with basic needs; such as food, clothing, affordable housing, to services such as family support, veteran’s benefits and computer classes. "The program is not just for people down on their luck or during difficult times," said MaryEllen Mendl program Director. "Vermont 2-1-1 gets calls from people looking to volunteer and donate items, as well as calls from professionals in the human service field to get access to information and services to best help the people they are helping.
"Vermont was the second state in New England to implement a 2-1-1 system," Douglas reported. 2-1-1 is a national initiative covering all or part of 38 states. Over 55% of the U.S. population has access to 2-1-1.
Features of the call center include access to translation services, call transfer capabilities to connect a caller directly to other services, follow-up services where appropriate and trained information and referral specialists who deliver professional Information & Referral (I&R). Those who prefer can also search Vermont 211's online database of community service organizations at www.vermont211.org. Vermont 2-1-1 is not yet accessible by all cell phone carriers. To reach the call center from a cell phone dial the toll free number in Vermont 866-652-4636 or the local number, 652-4636.
Need help finding help? Dialing 2-1-1 is your first step. Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Vermont, or visit our website at www.vermont211.org. Professional Information and Referral Specialists are available 8:00am to 8:00pm, Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 4:30pm, Friday.
About Us:
- Vermont 2-1-1 is a program of the United Ways of Vermont.
- 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities.
- 2-1-1 is confidential.
- 2-1-1 is a useful planning tool. A growing database of services and programs provides aggregate data about the types of calls that 211 receives in order to mobilize resources to meet changing needs of Vermont communities.
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Hofstetter Recognized for Community Impact by United Way
(April 12, 2006)
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Peter Hofstetter, Chief Executive Officer of Northwestern Medical Center (NMC) in St. Albans, Vermont, was presented the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Community Impact Award on Wednesday, April 12, at the Champlain Country Club as part of the United Way's Annual Meeting.
The Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Community Impact Award was established to recognize a community partner and or organization that has made a tremendous impact in the communities of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. This was the first annual presentation of this award by the United Way.
"When we think of community impact, Northwestern Medical Center immediately comes to mind," says Jeff Moreau, Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Executive Director. "But it's not just the organization-- it's the leader of an organization that provides vision, motivation, and encouragement to create such a remarkable difference, and Peter Hofstetter has done just that in our community."
Peter Hostetter has been at NMC in his role as CEO since 1994, and with Quorum Health Resources (QHR) since 1984. In addition to his role as Board Chair with the Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, Peter currently serves on the Vermont Regents Advisory Council for the American College of Healthcare Executives, as well as on the Regional Policy Board for the American Hospital Association. Locally, he currently serves on the Boards of the Franklin County Industrial Development Corporation, the Franklin County Workforce Investment Board, N.O.T.C.H., Grand Isle Court Diversion, the L.E.A.D. program, and serves as President of St. Albans for the Future. He is also a Past- Board Member for Delta Dental, and Past-President of the Boards of Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Franklin-Grand Isle Community Partnership, and Franklin-Grand Isle United Way. Peter and his wife, Christy, of Isle La Motte, have two daughters, Genevieve and Sarah.
Peter was presented his award by outgoing United Way Board President, John Casavant of Hackett, Valine and MacDonald. In his award presentation, John said, "Under Peter's leadership, NMC employees contributed over $17,000 as a Pacesetter to United Way this year, and the NMC Board of Directors contributed an additional $20,000 to help build our emerging needs fund, which they assisted in establishing the year prior with Deringer and Mylan."
"It's overwhelming… it’s embarrassing," said Peter, after receiving the award. "I’m really lucky. We have a team of 600 people who make it really easy to do this stuff."
Northwestern Medical Center is a vibrant, not-for-profit, primary care hospital nestled at the top of Fairfield Street in St. Albans, Vermont. NMC’s small size (licensed for 70 beds) brings a family feel to its modern facility and high-tech equipment. NMC exists to provide access to optimal healthcare in our community, with a vision of being at the center of the community’s efforts to be healthy. For more information on NMC, visit their website at www.northwesternmedicalcenter.org.
The Franklin-Grand Isle United Way is a voluntary human service organization focused on building community resources and problem solving. With its volunteer Board of Directors made up of a diverse group of nearly 30 local citizens, it works to see that much-needed health and human service programs are delivered efficiently and effectively in the two-county region. At this year's annual meeting, they celebrated their success in raising over $540,000 through their annual campaign. |
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FGI United Way has Surpassed It's Ambitious Fundraising Goal
(February 15, 2006)
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The Board of Directors of the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way announced today that the organization has surpassed it's ambitious fundraising goal, for the sixth consecutive year, raising over $540,000. According to John Casavant, President of the Board of Directors, "Hard work, optimism, and persistence were the keys to making this year's goal. We are especially grateful to Co-Chairs Leon Berthiaume and Joe Halko, who showed tremendous leadership and dedication throughout the campaign." Casavant credits Berthiaume and Halko for raising the profile of United Way consistently throughout the campaign with creative and positive approaches.
Click here to continue reading... |
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Good Sports for a Good Cause
(December 22, 2005)
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 United Way volunteers always go the extra mile to support their favorite cause, as can be seen in this photo. Our "mystery shoppers" spent time in downtown St. Albans on Thursday visiting local shops and sharing holiday treats with passers-by, while fulfilling a challenge levied to them in exchange for donations as part of the Deeds for Dough portion of the United Way's annual Radiothon, held in late November. The annual United Way fundraising campaign is starting to wind down, but there's still time for individuals and businesses to get involved in helping the organization reach it's $540,000 goal this year. For more information on the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way, call 527-7418 or visit www.fgiunitedway.org. |
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Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Committed to Improved Outcomes for Our Community
(December 21, 2005)
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With ever-increasing community needs in Franklin and Grand Isle counties in addition to the challenges facing all not-for-profit organizations in Vermont today, the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way has launched an initiative to continue to improve outcomes in the communities it so proudly serves.
With significant administrative cost savings garnered from delayed staff replacement earlier this year, the organization has begun a process to examine its operation and gather community feedback through four focus groups that will be held in January and February of 2006.
"The Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Board will have the benefit of both community feedback and external recommendations in time for our upcoming strategic planning retreat in March," says John Gasavant, Board President.
Casavant continued, "We believe we have been very successful over the past five years in making improvements in our business operation, our services, our community image, and our campaign growth; however, we recognize the need for continuous improvement and growth."
Highlights of the efforts made in the past five years include: increasing our campaign by over $100,000 a year for our community, establishing an improved allocations and agency review process, launching Vermont 211 (a comprehensive information referral system), assisting in the development of the local L.E.A.D. Leadership Training Program, establishing a volunteer center with nearly 100 volunteers for annual Day of Caring, partnering with area providers to deliver youth initiative grants, helping secure $65,000 in state grants for local agencies, providing technical assistance training to agencies, studying community issues such as alcohol and substance abuse, publishing a comprehensive community needs assessment, creating an emerging needs fund to support new initiatives in the community, contributing to the establishment of the Grand Isle Community Coalition, securing several grants to support our United Way programs and marketing, and developing a comprehensive strategic plan.
Assisting in this recently launched initiative is Bob Uerz of R. C. Uerz and Associates, LLC, a Jericho-based management consulting firm which works exclusively with not-for-profit organizations. "The Franklin-Grand Isle United Way has secured Bob's services to provide an objective external examination of our operation, to facilitate the four focus groups, and to provide recommendations based on both efforts to the Board at their strategic planning retreat," says Jeff Moreau, Executive Director. "Bob's twenty-five years in the not-for-profit sector in Vermont, Connecticut, and New York and his successful consultations with member agencies of the United Way of Chittenden County and of the United Way of Addison County made him the perfect choice to work with us in our organization's commitment to continued improvement."
The organization's Leadership Team overseeing this initiative with Executive Director Jeff Moreau are Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Board members Leon Berthiaume who is General Manager of the St. Albans Cooperaitive Creamery and St. Albans City School Principal Mary Lynn Riggs. |
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2005 Operation Happiness
(December 10, 2005)
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 This year's Operation Happiness was a great success. With over 500 volunteers the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way was able to help out almost 600 families. For more information about volunteering vist our volunteer page. Or contact Karin Berno at karin@fgiunitedway.org the volunteer coordinator. |
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Partnership Brings Technology to Kids
(October 26, 2005)
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 Local children in 10 area schools and pre-school programs now have improved access to computer learning opportunities, thanks to a partnership between IBM, Gifts-in-Kind, the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way, and the Franklin-Grand Isle Early Childhood Council.
"This partnership is exciting for us to be involved in," says Jeff Moreau, Executive Director of the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way. "With the generosity of IBM’s KidSmart Early Learning Grant Program and Gifts-in-Kind, we've been able to provide over 50 Young Explorer computer learning systems to schools and preschools in Franklin and Grand Isle counties in the past 5 years. With each system valued at over $2,500, along with additional in-kind equipment donations from IBM, we've helped bring a total of more than $300,000 worth of technology resources to local programs."
"Traditionally, people have thought of United Way as just a fundraiser. Although we are currently in the midst of our annual campaign, this is just one example of how our United Way brings important resources to our two county area throughout the entire year," adds Moreau.
Young Explorer computer learning centers are designed specifically for three- to seven-year olds, and include award-winning software by Riverdeep—The Learning Company, and teacher training. Each Young Explorer System includes a NetVista computer with special Kid Desk software pre-loaded, a Little Tikes Desk, 15" monitor, special keyboard, powerstrip, and speakers.
"Computers have become a part of our daily lives and computer programs designed for young children can create fun ways to learn early math, language, and general knowledge skills," says Meg Baker, Director, Franklin-Grand Isle Early Childhood Advisory Council. "Early exposure to these systems can benefit young children especially when supports and other activities are provided by adults around them. The use of computers must be balanced with other opportunities for children to learn through play and social experiences. Play is how children learn, and computers can enhance that learning."
"Our communities are very fortunate to have a strong business like IBM supporting early learning initiatives in our area," adds Moreau. "Fosgate Enterprizes was also instrumental in facilitating this donation, helping us with storage of these rather large systems before they could be delivered."
In the US by the end of 2005, IBM will have donated more than 28,000 Young Explorer early learning centers to more than 5,500 nonprofit child care centers. The program will reach 450 cities in all 50 states, serving more than two million children. Internationally, the program will have expanded to more than 50 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa. Click here for more information about IBM’s KidSmart Early Learning Grant Program. |
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Second L.E.A.D. Class Kicks Off with Enthusiasm
(October 7, 2005)
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The second class of the Franklin-Grand Isle L.E.A.D. Program kicked off today at the Grand Isle Lake House with 20 energized students in a boardroom style of any local agency with equally the same amount of nervousness and excitement of a new board member. The leadership initiative stands for Leadership, Education, Aptitude, and Development. The first session was lead by Ted Mable, Chair of the L.E.A.D. Board. According to Mable, "I am very excited about the level of participation and the types of questions this class has demonstrated.
"The L.E.A.D. program serves an important need in Franklin and Grand Isle counties for service to the people of our community," noted Gary Margolis, Chief of Police for the University of Vermont and Former Chair of the Leadership Champlain Board. Margolis presented an entertaining and interactive session on emotional intelligence a personality tool for
leaders to use in understanding how to motivate people.
Students spent time getting to know one another by using some of what they learned from Margolis as they prepare to tackle three community projects that they will work on throughout the 10-month program. Unlike last year, teams will choose their own projects. "These projects bring meaningful and real life examples of leadership home to the students who are taking part in this program," stated Mike Thibault - Chair of the Project Committee.
Future sessions will include topics such as: Education, Economic Development Community Leadership, Media Relations, Healthcare and so on. Lynn Daudelin, of Northwestern Counseling and Support Services states, "This program will not only provide participants with a terrific experience, but also help build some of our future community leaders." |
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Computers Being Put to Good Use
(October 7, 2005)
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 Northwestern Medical Center's staff and patients are not the only ones who will receive benefit from a recent computer upgrade at the hospital. On Friday, October 7, 2005, NMC made a donation of 6 complete computers -- right down to the keyboards and mice -- to the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way. While the computers are no longer able to handle the advancing technology at NMC, they are well equipped for traditional office or educational use in most settings. The United Way will disperse the computers to area agencies in need, including the St. Albans Teen Center and others. The United Way is currently in the midst of their annual fundraising campaign, this year striving to raise $540,000. For more information on the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way, please call 527-7418 |
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| 5th Annual Day of Caring |
(September 15, 2005)
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 Franklin-Grand Isle United Way is holding its 5th Annual Day of Caring on Thursday, September 15, 2005. Its purpose is to pull the community together and provide local non-profit agencies with much needed volunteer assistance.
The Day of Caring is also an effort to have the community become more aware of the ongoing and increasing volunteer needs within our community. This program is a hands-on volunteer event featuring a range of volunteer project requests from local non-profits. Because most non-profits never seem to have enough manpower and must constantly prioritize their many tasks, most of these projects will never be completed without the help of volunteers.
Volunteers have been requested for a wide range of projects such as carpentry work, painting, housework, gardening and cooking. An hour or two of one's time would be very valuable to our local non-profit organizations. It is a great way for individuals and groups to contribute and help make our community a better place.
Last year, over 18 projects were completed by local businesses as well as individuals who signed up on their own. It was a great success and seemed to be a rewarding experience for all who participated. The United Way is hoping that this program will continue to grow, making our 5th Annual Day of Caring the most successful yet.
Groups and individuals interested in participating, are encouraged to join the Campaign Kickoff Event, from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. on September, 15 at the Energizer plant in St. Albans. This will be an opportunity to rally with all the other volunteers, receive a T-shirt for participation and meet project coordinators. For more information, please contact Karin Berno at 527-7418 or email Karin Berno at karin@fgiunitedway.org. |
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IBM employees donate 1,179 back-to-school backpacks |
(August 25, 2005)
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 Employees at the IBM plant in Essex Junction, Vt., have responded to community need by donating 1,179 backpacks stocked with school supplies for children who would otherwise start the school year without them. The donation was funded entirely by employee donations of backpacks, supplies or cash.
The backpacks will be distributed by several human service agencies throughout northern Vermont. The agencies assessed the need and submitted their wish list for number of backpacks.
"We value education and want every child to succeed," said Steve Cabral, who coordinated the backpack drive at IBM. "Each year the need for these supplies increases, and our team always steps up to the challenge."
Agencies that received the backpacks are:
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Golfter Hits Hole In One at Charity Golf Tournament |
(August 8, 2005)
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 Barry Driscoll of Barre, Vermont joined an elite club of golfers on Monday, August 8, 2005, as he hit a hole in one while playing in the 9th Annual Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Golf Tournament, held at Champlain Country Club in the St. Albans area. Driscoll said that this was his first hole in one, though he came close once before. "We had a great time today," he said. "and obviously, United Way is a wonderful, wonderful cause."
The 9th Annual Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Golf Tournament raised over $25,000 to help the United Way kick-start it's fall annual campaign. This fall, the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way hopes to raise $540,000 to help support the health and human services needs in the two-county area. For more information about the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way, please call 527-7418. |
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Franklin-Grand Isle United Way
One of the First to Meet Membership Standards |
(July 20, 2005)
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 Jeff Moreau, Executive Director, announced that the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way has successfully completed all of the United Way of America membership requirements satisfactorily and on time. The requirements include: Membership Requirements Certification, Membership Investment, and the Database 2 Survey of Total Resources Generated (a survey that captures the full extent of a community's resource development efforts during the year).
"It is important for us to maintain a high standard of accountability and this is part of the process to document that our operations are transparent and meet or exceed United Way membership criteria requirements," stated Moreau. "The membership standards must be certified annually in order for us to remain a member of the United Way system."
"While each local United Way makes local community based decisions, United Way of America serves as a service organization to individual United Ways and this new standard is something we have been asking for, which only enhances the entire system," noted Moreau. "Unfortunately, if one of the 1,300 United Ways across the country make a mistake, we are often all painted with the same brush - nothing could be further from the truth. We are proud of our business operation and fortunate to have a strong board of directors, which attend to their oversight responsibilities with thoroughness and attention to detail."
The Franklin-Grand Isle United Way board of directors reviewed and approved the Membership Requirements Certification in May. The certification mandates completion of 13 requirements for United Way of America membership along with verification of the status of 44 indicators that demonstrate a United Way embodies the intent of the membership requirements.
"It is critically important that all United Ways meet the highest standards and verify on paper that they have conformed to the stringent requirements of membership in the United Way system," stated Brian Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way of America. "We applaud and congratulate the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way for demonstrating their commitment to the mission and ideals of United Way by completing the recertification process."
The Franklin-Grand Isle United Way is part of a system of over 1,300 United Ways. Each local United Way must complete United Way of America's requirements annually in order to retain its United Way of America membership. |
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