Janet Lamkin visits business owner Teena Johnson, a graduate of the Women’s Initiative, a United Way grantee

Following her successful term as vice-chair during the 2008/9 fundraising year, Janet Lamkin, president of Bank of America California, takes the helm as chair of United Way’s 2009/10 Bay Area fundraising campaign.

“This is a critical time for the nonprofit organizations that United Way supports,” Janet says. “Contributions are down at precisely the time when the need for vital services is at an all time high. No organization is better equipped than United Way to meet this challenge and ensure the continued vitality and sustainability of our communities.”

Janet is working with United Way to create brighter futures for Bay Area families. United Way creates pathways to prosperity, promoting long-term recovery and self-sufficiency for people in need in our community. People like Teena Johnson and her family.

A graduate of the Women’s Initiative, mother of-three Teena Johnson went from a frustrated, food-services worker to a proud owner of a successful lunch counter in downtown Oakland, “Catered to You.” Not only did the program offer her the business training she needed, but it also provided a positive environment,and support

The Women’s Initiative is one of several partners in United Way’s SparkPoint Oakland Center. SparkPoint brings together nonprofit organizations that promote financial stability and
business ownership for low-income individuals and their families.

Teena is now living her dream of running and growing a business, while also giving back to the community. Last year, she distributed Christmas dinners to 148 families in need, partnering with neighboring businesses to prepare food, solicit financial donations and organize volunteers. She hopes to expand the program to feed more families this year.

For Janet Lamkin, as it is for all of us at United Way, stories like Teena’s are the reason why we love what we do, and why, especially in these trying economic times, we are motivated to push harder and reach higher in our fundraising goals.