About Us
Mission Statement
Introduction
History & Overview
United Way Structure & Governance
2007 - 2008 United Way Board of Trustees
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mission Statement
The mission of the United Way is to improve the lives of the people of Santa Cruz County by convening the community to identify and seek solutions to their needs and by efficiently raising funds for the human care programs we support.
We are an organization of community based volunteers, and we carry out our mission guided by the following principles:
- Excellence. We are accountable to the Santa Cruz County community for excellence in our practices. This accountability is assured by the community volunteers who direct every aspect of our activities. The community services we support are carefully chosen based on the urgency of the needs they serve, the high quality of their programs, and the cost-effectiveness of their operations. We commit to our donors that their donations are being directed in accordance with their wishes.
- Empowerment. We support human services that empower people to retain their dignity and self-sufficiency.
- Leadership. We lead the people of the county in identifying needs and responding creatively and effectively with solutions. We ensure that efforts are not duplicated or resources wasted. We educate the community to be aware of human needs as they emerge and of the opportunity to bring solutions to them.
- Equal Opportunity. We celebrate the diversity of Santa Cruz County and are committed to equal opportunity for all and the elimination of injustice, prejudice or indifference that denies or delays its attainment.
- Partnership. We base our relationships on the principles of openness, honesty and mutual respect. We are partners with our member agencies, our donors and the community in bringing help and comfort to our neighbors in need.
Introduction
Each of the 33 Member Agencies that receive United Way funding are charged with achieving measurable results that are monitored by a local allocations committee. These non-profit health and human services agencies work for children at risk, isolated seniors, families in need, and individuals faced with mental and physical illness. A donation to United Way of Santa Cruz County ensures that this network of critical health and human care services is available in Santa Cruz County.
In addition, the Community Assessment Project was launched by the United Way of Santa Cruz County in 1994 to mobilize business and community resources to address the county's health and social concerns. Many community partnerships and projects have grown out of this effort.
History & Overview
The United Way of Santa Cruz County is an independent non-profit organization that has operated for over 65 years in Santa Cruz County. In efforts to meet the goals of our mission, United Way raises and invests $1.3 million dollars a year from individual givers and corporations in the thirty-three (33) health & human service organizations and in other non-profit organizations chosen by our donors. We work to build stronger communities by convening leaders throughout the county to seek solutions to problems.
United Way Structure & Governance
The United Way of Santa Cruz County manages its programs under the direction of a 29 member Board of Trustees, a staff of 15 and with well over 300 volunteers assisting with the annual campaign, fund distribution and other voluteer-led projects.
2007-2008 United Way Board of Trustees
Fred Caiocca
Martin Chemers, Ph.D, President
May Kuangchi Chen
Ceil Cirillo, Executive Committee
Karen Delaney
Greg Diehl, Treasurer
Kristin Ditlevsen, Agency Relations
Laurie Fried
Ron Galonsky
Matthew Howard
Donna Jones Odryna
Michael Machado
Chris Maffia, Resource Development
Raquel Mariscal
Ginny Solari Mazry
Don Miller
Ric Nichols
Kelly Nicholson
Martina O'Sullivan
Gary Peters
James Quist
Felix Robles
Bettye Saxon, Secretary
Ana Ventura-Phares, Executive Committee
Michael Watkins
Kathy Zwart, Executive Committee
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What area is served and supported by your organization?
Our organization serves Santa Cruz County, which includes all of the areas and zip codes listed below:
- Aptos
--Street: 95003
--P.O. Box: 95001
- Ben Lomond
--Street: 95005
- Boulder Creek
--Street: 95006
- Brookdale
--Street: 95007
- Capitola
--Street: 95010
- Davenport
--Street: 95017
- Felton
--Street: 95018
- Freedom
--Street: 95019
- Mount Herman
--Street: 95041
- Santa Cruz
--Street: 95060, 95062, 95063, 95064, 95065
--P.O. Box: 95061
- Scotts Valley
--Street: 95066
--P.O. Box: 95067
- Soquel
--Street: 95073
- Watsonville
--Street: 95076
--P.O. Box: 95077
Who oversees your organization's spending?
We have a member volunteer Board of Trustees that meets every other month. In the months in-between, committees of the Board meet including: the executive committee, finance committee, personnel committee, and development committee. We are audited by a CPA firm every summer and always pass with flying colors.
Who really decides where the money raised goes?
Volunteers like yourselves from more than 30 local businesses and organizations. They complete agency site visits and conduct budget hearings with the member agencies. It is a very through and just process which is truly volunteer driven. The volunteers recommend to our Board of Trustees the allocations for the agencies.
The money you donate addresses critical issues in the Santa Cruz County community. It is distributed as pictured below:
How does my non-profit become a United Way Member Agency?
The United Way of Santa Cruz County’s Fund Distribution policy is based on a three year funding cycle. Every three years, our Agency Relations committee reviews our funding strategy and with the assistance of the Santa Cruz County Community Assessment Project (www.santacruzcountycap.org), they determine in which of our Community Goal areas they would like focus more resources. At this point, organizations are both recruited as well as solicited through an RFP process for possible funding.
Our five goal areas are:
1. Our Elders will lead independent and healthy lives.
2. Our Youth will succeed in school and are successfully prepared for their futures.
3. Our Families will be strong, nurturing and healthy.
4. Our Homeless Families will become self-sufficient and live in stable housing.
5. Our Disabled community members will live healthy and empowered lives.
Currently we are in our second year of funding, thus we are neither seeking nor accepting applications for funding at this time. Organizations however are encouraged to send a packet of information about their program to our offices for review by our Executive Director and additionally, the front desk staff will familiarize themselves with the services offered so that when appropriate we can refer persons to your organization.
When I designatate my gift in September, why don't I get a thank you letter from the agency until the next July?
Our campaign season ends officiallly on March 31st. After all campaign results are in countywide, the donor choice slips are processed through June 30th and the agencies are sent a letter to acknowledge the donor designations. This saves money, processing time and postage to mail the donor choice designations just once.
Some United Way Member Agencies charge for services. Why should I give?
United Way funding is only one of a variety of funding sources our agencies have to utilize. Maintaining professional staff such as counselors, social workers, nurses, etc. costs money so fees are sometimes necessary. Our Member Agencies that do charge fees usually have a sliding fee scale so that your donations go toward helping those individuals who cannot pay the usual fee. Thus your gift helps make sure that no one has to go without services because of financial difficulties.
Why do you give money to religious organizations?
Our bylaws prohibit us from directly funding any religious organization. If you are refering to Catholic Charities, or Salvation Army, they both provide services to anyone needing help regardless of their religious affilitation.
Why do you not support the environment?
Our mission is to fund health and human service organizations. But if you would like to direct your gift to an environmental organization you can do so through our donor choice pledge form.
Do you have a question that was not answered here? Please direct any general questions to uwstaff@unitedwaysc.org.
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