June 2008

Dear Friends and Supporters:

"Giving to United Way is a true investment in humanity."

One of our longtime donors, who feels her life was turned around years ago by Big Brothers/Big Sisters and other United Way-funded programs, told us that not long ago. We agree.

In the last year, United Way of Missoula County has continued to invest your donated dollars in programs providing food, shelter, health care, counseling, clothing, supportive services and hope to thousands of our neighbors in need. An analysis of the impact of our funded programs revealed that United Way touches the lives of an estimated 32,000 people - roughly one-third of Missoula County residents.

We are deeply grateful to Campaign Chair Carol Williams of Worden Thane PC, and to our hardworking cadre of volunteer campaigners, our Campaign Cabinet, staff, and thousands of contributors who supported our successful and recordbreaking 2007 campaign. These collective efforts raised $1.45 million, $75,000 more than our goal. This success will enable United Way of Missoula County, and the programs and initiatives we support, to continue making a measurable, long-lasting difference in the lives of people who face grim realities every day: hunger, homelessness, poverty, lack of health care, lack of hope.

In addition to a successful campaign, highlights of the last year include the launch of Missoula Kids Matter^TM, a new United Way of Missoula County-sponsored initiative to reduce child abuse and neglect by strengthening families. The first grants under this new community partnership will be awarded in the coming year, helping to ensure that children in our community grow up safe, healthy and able to reach their full potential.

Over the last year, we continued to invest in the work of more than 30 of Missoula's most effective nonprofit safety net and prevention programs. We also supported a variety of other community-building efforts.

Internally at United Way of Missoula County, we updated our bylaws; strengthened our internal operations, and restructured board committees, redefining their responsibilities and adding talented new members from our board and from the community.

While it has been an exciting and rewarding year, we are well aware of the many challenges ahead. Too many of our neighbors struggle every day to provide the very basics for themselves and their families. With your help, we make life safer, brighter and more fulfilling for thousands of people right here at home.

Thank you for supporting United Way of Missoula County. Thank you for investing in humanity.