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Janet Lamkin Leads the Charge

October 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Janet Lamkin visits business owner Teena Johnson, a graduate of the Women’s Initiative, a United Way grantee

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.

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Nonprofits Adapt in Lean Times

October 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment
A long and growing food line at a neighborhood pantry

A long and growing food line at a neighborhood pantry

As a result of the recent economic downturn, the Novato Youth Center, one of Marin County’s largest childcare centers, saw a growing number of parents laid off or working reduced hours,increasing demand for its subsidized child-care slots and food program. United Way responded with a $10,000 Road to Recovery grant, which will enable the center to serve another 57,000 meals to children.

“United Way’s grant will help us ensure that the kids at our center get the nutritious meals they need to thrive in school and at play,” said Cheryl Paddack, the Center’s executive director. “At the same time, we’re relieving parents of the stress and economic strain of packing daily meals for their children.”

Adapting and expanding services to meet changing needs is a sign of the times for Bay Area nonprofits. Almost 32% of local nonprofits said they have added new services to address rising client needs, according to United Way’s 2009 Nonprofit Pulse Survey, conducted in April. Of those organizations, 44% now offer food, while 38% provide clothing and household-item support, and 35% offer employment assistance.

The weak economy has placed even more importance on collaboration among nonprofits, fostering creative solutions and partnerships: 26% said they have collaborated with another nonprofit during the last six months to provide services. “Nonprofits are working together more creatively and collaboratively, as we are increasingly called upon to do more with less,” says United Way of the Bay Area CEO, Anne Wilson. “This renewed energy around collaboration and partnership might be one positive emerging from these lean times.” She added, “While the findings from our survey are sobering, they motivate us to work even harder to find the most efficient and effective ways to serve.”

Nonprofit Challenges a snapshot of conditions at Bay Area nonprofits:

  • 33% of Bay Area nonprofits are concerned they may cease operations within the next year.
  • 34% report they have two or fewer months of operating expenses in reserves.
  • 42% report that revenue was down in 2008, with 27% experiencing a revenue drop greater than 10%.
  • 44% plan to dedicate more staff time to fundraising, meaning employees will have less time to deliver services.
  • 77% expect service demand to increase in 2009, with 45% expecting a “significant” increase.
  • 20% have laid-off staff during the last six months. Of those organizations,
  • 37% are considering further lay-offs.

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