Press Releases
These are the latest press releases issued from United Way of San Diego County.
August 18, 2010
Project 25, Home Again’s Frequent User Initiative for the Chronically Homeless
Request for proposal Seeks Qualified NonProfits
to Provide Permanent Housing to
25 Chronically Homeless People
SAN DIEGO (August 18, 2010) Home Again, United Way of San Diego County’s public engagement campaign to end chronic homelessness in San Diego County, has announced the launch of “Project 25, Home Again’s Frequent User Initiative.” The initiative is the first of its kind in the county, involving multiple partnerships.
Based on the proven “Housing First” model, Project 25 will provide permanent housing in partnership with the San Diego Housing Commission. The initiative will also provide supportive services and a comprehensive discharge plan to at least 25 of San Diego County’s chronically homeless who are some of the most frequent users of public resources. Home Again has issued an RFP seeking qualified nonprofit organizations to submit proposals to implement Project 25. read more>>
August 10,2010
Better dads, better kids!
Growing Great Dads: United Way Announces Funding to Empower Fathers
San Diego, CA (August 6, 2010) — United Way of San Diego County announced funding for a new program to empower fathers, Better Dads, Better Kids. Four local agencies will receive funding to serve low-income Latino fathers, those involved with Child Welfare Services, those who are currently in an alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility, and fathers in the military. Funded agencies include Healthy Start Military Family Cluster, a program of SAY San Diego; North County Lifeline; Vista Community Clinic; and YMCA of San Diego County. read more>>
May 11, 2010
United Way & Promises2Kids Collect 1,800 Pieces of Sports Equipment for San Diego’s Abused and Neglected Children
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – May 6, 2010 – San Diegans showed their support for the health and well-being of thousands of area abused and neglected children by donating more than 1,800 new items of sporting equipment during United Way’s third annual “Stuff the Bus!” sports equipment drive. The community collection effort which benefits Promises2Kids, culminated in a live drive at the Westfield Mission Valley Sport Chalet in, where donors stuffed a 40-foot yellow school bus full of equipment including basketballs, footballs, baseball bats, and more. Promises2Kids will distribute the donations to more than 40 community-based organizations such as Casa de Amparo, Walden Family Services and San Diego Center for Children.
read more>>
May 7, 2010
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LETTER CARRIERS
"stamp out hunger" annual food drIVE MAY 8
United Way coordinates local efforts to collect donations for food drive
SAN DIEGO (May 8, 2010): For the 18th year in a row, San Diego letter carriers will collect food donations from homes throughout San Diego for their annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive on Saturday, May 8, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and co-sponsored by United Way Worldwide and its local United Ways and the AFL-CIO.
December 15, 2009
United Way’s Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (PTECH) Reports Progress; Launches Public Awareness Campaign
SAN DIEGO (Dec. l0, 2009): Who says you can’t go home again? You can, says United Way of San Diego County’s PTECH, or, Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.
Today, PTECH Commissioner Brian Maienschein announced the initial results of the program’s first grant funding and unveiled “Home Again,” PTECH’s public awareness campaign. September 21, 2009
MORE THAN A MILLION MARKS THE START OF 2009-2010 UNITED WAY/CHAD CAMPAIGN
SAN DIEGO — September 21, 2009 — United Way of San Diego County’s workplace donors continue to step up campaign contributions in a year that finds many San Diego companies and individuals challenged to make ends meet. “That’s what this campaign and United Way are all about,” said United Way President & CEO Doug Sawyer. “Together, we can accomplish more than any single group can on its own.”
August 5, 2009
UNITED WAY ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2009-2010
San Diego, CA (August 5, 2009) — To assist United Way of San Diego County’s strategic efforts in the community, seven local businessmen and businesswomen have joined the Board of Directors. New officers include Marla Black (Poway), Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, Union Bank of California; Richard Bregman (Pt. Loma), Senior Vice President, Bank of America; Allen Goodall (Escondido), Division Manager, United Parcel Service; Linda Katz (Del Mar), Community Volunteer; Richard Krumvieda (Del Cerro), SDG&E (retired) and Combined Health Agencies Board Chair; Robert Smith (El Cajon), Vice President of Finance & CFO, General Dynamics NASSCO; and Bill Trumpfheller (La Mesa), President of Nuffer Smith Tucker, Inc.
July 31, 2009
UNITED WAY FUNDING RESPONDS TO THE RISING DEMAND FOR BASIC NEEDS
San Diego, CA (July 31, 2009) — In response to our community’s overwhelming need for basic services, including food and shelter, United Way of San Diego County has made a funding opportunity available on a one-time basis to address this increased demand. Nine agencies—Access to Independence, Alliance for African Assistance, Community Resource Center, Crisis House, HomeStart, Interfaith Community Services, Salvation Army, South Bay Community Services, and Veterans Village—have received a total of $550,000.
July 9, 2009
UNITED WAY FUNDS FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAMS FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTH
San Diego, CA (July 9, 2009) — How do you handle the basics of money management when you don’t speak the language? How do you apply for a job without a home address? Money issues are challenging at any age, let alone as a teenager who’s homeless or a newcomer to this country. To respond to this marginalized population, United Way has announced nearly $650,000 in funding to support financial education for formerly homeless, refugee, and economically disadvantaged youth, ages 13-24, and those leaving foster care.
July 7, 2009
NBC 7/39 AND UNITED WAY ASK SAN DIEGANS TO "GIVE 7"
SAN DIEGO (July 7, 2009) Helping friends in tough times. That’s why NBC 7/39 and the United Way of San Diego County are teaming up starting today for Give7, an unprecedented collaboration joining San Diegans who need a helping hand with volunteers who have the time or resources to help. Maybe you know a senior citizen who needs help getting to a doctor? Or someone who needs help painting a fence? Or a young child who needs a tutor? NBC 7/39 and the United Way invite San Diegans to nominate struggling neighbors by visiting NBCSandiego.com. Each week, NBC 7/39 News will profile one of these inspiring stories.
May 14, 2009
UNITED WAY PILOT PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE PERMANENT HOUSING & SERVICES FOR MORE THAN 500 CHRONICALLY HOMELESS
Nearly $800,000 in Funding Marks United Way’s Progress on the 10-Year Plan
San Diego, CA (May 14, 2009) — An estimated 1,400 chronically homeless individuals live on San Diego County streets. Nearly all of them need permanent housing as well as the necessary support services to ensure they stay off the streets. Thanks to United Way funding, they’re a step closer to that success story.
April 22, 2009
NEW IDs FOR AN OLD PROBLEM
SAN DIEGO — (April 22, 2009) — What could be worse than being homeless? Being homeless without identification. With no way to apply for jobs, housing, or even government benefits, the cycle of homelessness compounds. For hundreds of chronically homeless individuals in San Diego, that’s about to change.
April 9, 2009
United Way Announces Advocacy-Focused Women’s Philanthropy Initiative
SAN DIEGO – April 9, 2009 – United Way’s newly established Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) has taken to heart the national call to action. Leading the charge is WLC Chair Kathleen Sellick, CEO and President of Rady’s Children’s Hospital. With a steering committee of 20 businesswomen...
February 2, 2009
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED NONPROFIT EXPERT
TO VISIT SAN DIEGO AND ASSIST LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
February 2, 2009 – Their mission is to transform the way nonprofits are managed and led so that they have a more powerful impact on society. This Thursday, La Piana Associates, Inc. will arrive in San Diego to address organizational sustainability in this tough economic climate.
January 23, 2009
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY TO HELP LOCALS CLAIM MILLIONS IN AVAILABLE TAX CREDITS
SAN DIEGO – Jan. 23, 2009 – As many San Diegans continue to cope with a struggling economy, the United Way of San Diego County and the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition (EITC) are teaming up to help low-income residents receive much-needed money through federal tax credits they may not have known existed.
January 14, 2009
BRIAN MAIENSCHEIN IS NAMED COMMISSIONER, PLAN TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
SAN DIEGO — Jan. 14, 2009 — Almost 1,400 individuals living on the streets of San Diego County are considered chronically homeless and are absorbing nearly 50 percent of the region’s homeless resources.
To help these individuals move from the streets to permanent housing, former San Diego City Council member Brian Maienschein is signing on as commissioner of United Way of San Diego County’s Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.
December 23, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
SAN DIEGO – Dec. 23, 2008 – United Way of San Diego County is nationally recognized for its work in protecting children from abuse and neglect.
December 17, 2008
THE SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION AND UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY ANNOUNCE RESPONSE TO ECONOMIC RECESSION
The economic recession is felt by everyone, including the thousands of nonprofits that provide vital services to keep our San Diego communities strong. Despite a challenging time of decreased contributions and increased demand for services, the region’s nonprofit organizations remain committed to providing the highest level of programs. The new Nonprofit Economic Recovery Initiative announced today by The San Diego Foundation and United Way of San Diego County will help them succeed.
November 20, 2008
ALLIANCE FOR REGIONAL SOLUTIONS TO OPEN
WINTER HOMELESS SHELTERS IN NORTH COUNTY
United Way, North County Communities
Partner to Fund Shelters, Supportive Services
SAN DIEGO — Nov. 20, 2008 — Working to move San Diego’s homeless individuals from the streets to self-sufficiency, the Alliance for Regional Solutions, United Way of San Diego County and North County city officials announce today the kick off of the 2008-2009 Regional Winter Transitional Shelter system.
The shelter system, which is in its second year of operation, will open six winter homeless shelters throughout North County San Diego and provide 239 beds from Dec. 1, 2008, through March 31, 2009. The shelters can serve up to 700 men, women and children during the winter shelter season.
“The shelters will provide homeless individuals and families in North County with not only a safe haven during the winter months, but also the tools and motivation necessary to assist them to move toward self-sufficiency,” said Mel Takahara, system administrator, Alliance for Regional Solutions, the organization that manages the regional shelter system. “Our goal is to help individuals transition from homelessness to permanent housing.”
United Way of San Diego County will provide $70,000 to fund the shelters with $184,400 in funding to come from cities throughout North County, including Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, Poway, San Marcos, Solana Beach and Vista. An additional $192,759 will be provided by the shelter provider agencies, in-kind donors and FEMA, for a total system budget of $447,159.
City funding will support the general operation of the shelters in the respective communities, while funds provided by United Way will be directed toward system-wide wraparound services, which focus on the individual and the family and prevent more costly institutionalization through community-based supportive and treatment services. Such services include intensive case management, medical screening and preventive medicine, sobering services, transportation assistance, literacy training, and recreational activities
Last year’s use of wraparound services showed positive results. For example, 72 percent of chronically homeless clients found more stable housing, ranging from independent or shared housing to subsidized or veterans housing.
“Our involvement with the winter shelters directly supports United Way’s charge to end chronic homelessness in San Diego County,” said Doug Sawyer, United Way of San Diego, president and CEO. “Considering 24 percent of the people who stayed in the shelters last year were chronically homeless and 100 percent of clients were deemed at risk for long-term homelessness, this is the right place for a part our donor dollars to be directed.”
Representatives from the Alliance, United Way, North County cities and shelter provider agencies that will run the individual shelters gathered today at the San Marcos City Hall to finalize the details for the official opening of the shelters.
Shelter provider agencies involved include ICS-ECSS, The Fellowship Center, Catholic Charities, Bread of Life, Operation Hope, Brother Bennos, The Salvation Army, Interfaith Community Services, Escondido Community Sobering Services, Community Resource Center, Interfaith Shelter Network, By His Grace Homeless Ministry and North County Health Services.
For more information on the 2008-2009 Regional Winter Transitional Shelter system, visit www.regionalsolutions.net
November 19, 2008
UNITED WAY/CHAD CAMPAIGN UP IN SPITE OF DOWN ECONOMY
SAN DIEGO — Nov. 17, 2008 — Making sure funds continue to be distributed to those in need, despite the challenging climate, United Way of San Diego County is announcing a 35 percent increase in this year’s “Pacesetter” campaign, bringing the total to $756,562.
November 18, 2008
UNITED WAYS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SET UP FIRE FUND TO HELP COMMUNITIES WITH LONG TERM RECOVERY EFFORTS
LOS ANGELES, November 17, 2008 – United Way of Greater Los Angeles along with regional United Way organizations have set up the Southern California Fire Fund to help the victims of the recent devastating wildfires.
October 14, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY HELPS LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS OBTAIN MILLIONS IN EARNED-INCOME TAX CREDITS
End of 2008 Tax Season Reports 30 Percent Increase in Earned-Income Tax Credit Dollars
SAN DIEGO — Oct. 11, 2008 — United Way of San Diego County and the San Diego Countywide Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition close the 2008 tax season with more than $7.2 million in earned-income tax credit funds returned to low-income residents struggling to hold on to their dollars.
October 6, 2008
United Way of San Diego County Distributes More Than $1 Million To Help Wildfire Victims
SAN DIEGO – Sept. 25, 2008 – Nearly one year after wildfires ravaged parts of San Diego County, organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Salvation Army — working with funds from the United Way of San Diego County — will be building and purchasing new homes to rebuild hope for deserving families.
September 11, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY LAUNCHES 2008-2009 CAMPAIGN
SAN DIEGO — Sept. 9, 2008 — United Way of San Diego County’s donors have increased their donations, despite rising unemployment rates and a slowing economy, showing support for the Community Impact model and building momentum for the 2008-2009 United Way/CHAD campaign set to kick off today
September 4, 2008
CAMP CONNECT BRINGS SEPARATED SIBLINGS TOGETHER
County Health and Human Services Agency, United Way of San Diego County and Child Abuse Prevention Foundation Provide Foster Youth a Weekend of Family Connections
Sharing birthday cake. Family vacations. Even something as simple as fighting over who gets to watch television. These are all things most siblings take for granted. But for some youth in foster care their reality doesn’t include these things – at least not with their brothers or sisters.
August 11, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY HELPS LOCAL AGENCY
MORE ACCURATELY ESTIMATE HOMELESS POPULATION
Regional Task Force on the Homeless Receives $50,000 in United Way Funding
SAN DIEGO – Aug. 11, 2008 – It is known as America’s Finest City for its miles of beaches, ideal climate, and nearby mountains and deserts, but San Diego has a serious issue draining community resources, such as law enforcement and healthcare — chronic homelessness.
August 6, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY RANCHO BERNARDO BUSINESS LEADER AS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
SAN DIEGO – Aug. 6, 2008 – She is a human resources director, an active member of her church and various charities, and she finds time to play golf and attend the theater – all while helping to solve community-wide problems through her work with United Way.
August 6, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY HONORS TWO COMMUNITY LEADERS FOR DEDICATED SERVICE
SAN DIEGO – Aug. 6, 2008 – United Way of San Diego County is recognizing two business leaders for their outstanding creative leadership in the health and human service field and dedication to solving community-wide problems to help improve the lives of individuals and families throughout the region.
June 16, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY HELPS THE WORKING POOR
SAVE FOR FINANCIAL ASSETS
SAN DIEGO – June 16, 2008 – The American Dream could soon come true for low-income families struggling to make ends meet.
United Way of San Diego County is investing $100,000 in the San Diego Housing Commission and $65,000 in the International Rescue Committee to support programs for individual development accounts – matched savings accounts that enable low-income families and individuals to save money and build financial assets, such as a house – to help the working poor become financially self-sufficient and obtain assets. Individual development accounts can be matched by the government or private companies.
June 9, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY HELPS EASE THE PAIN
FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN IN THE REGION ON ITS ‘DAY OF ACTION’
Organization to Collect and Distribute 10,000 Stuffed Toys for Abused and Neglected Children
SAN DIEGO – June 9, 2008 – Being taken out of one’s home can be terrifying for a child – even if the child’s parents are abusive – and a teddy bear or stuffed animal can provide much-needed comfort and security.
May 2, 2008
UNITED WAY FUNDS AGENCIES TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH MONEY
SAN DIEGO – April 30, 2008 – Across San Diego County thousands of individuals and families find themselves in deep financial trouble because they never learned the basic skills of handling money — like saving, budgeting, managing credit and handling their taxes.
United Way of San Diego County is helping many of these people avoid more serious financial problems — including bankruptcy — by funding financial education training that will teach them everything from how to open a checking account and paying bills on time, to avoiding credit card overspending and saving for retirement.
United Way announced it will fund six local agencies through its Community Impact focus area, Promoting Financial Stability and Independence, to conduct financial education classes for various populations across the region that struggle to properly handle money.
April 21, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY FUNDS PROGRAM TO STOP SHAKEN-BABY SYNDROME
SAN DIEGO — April 21, 2008 — Inconsolable crying and the frustration it elicits for some parents is the primary reason infants are shaken, and teaching caretakers how to handle this frustration through a new educational program — called the Period of PURPLE Crying® — can reduce the rate of shaken baby syndrome.
April 3, 2008
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY FUNDS SAFECARE
TO HELP STOP CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT
SAN DIEGO — April 3, 2008 — United Way of San Diego County is funding the implementation of SafeCare, an in-home visitation program to provide parent training to families, to help reduce the high rate of child abuse and neglect in the region.
March 17, 2008
United Way of San Diego County Announces Plans for Initial Wildfire Funds Distribution
SAN DIEGO — March 13, 2008 — United Way of San Diego County is distributing $287,390 from the United Way of San Diego County 2007 Fire Fund to meet the immediate needs of wildfire victims.
“At the forefront of the wildfires, our donors were asking how they could help victims and the communities affected,” said Doug Sawyer, president and CEO of United Way of San Diego County. “San Diegans are showing how powerful they can be when working together to benefit the community, and this initial distribution is a part of the recovery and rebuilding process.”
United Way of San Diego County Named Among San Diego's Best Places to Work
SAN DIEGO – March 14, 2008 – United Way of San Diego County, recognized for its comprehensive employee training program and its strong organizational culture, is one of San Diego’s Best Places to Work in 2008, as selected by The San Diego Business Journal.
February 22, 2008
United Way Leaders Discuss Progress in Changing Lives
SAN DIEGO – January 31, 2008 – United Way of San Diego County is making excellent progress in addressing child abuse and neglect, chronic homelessness and financial stability, United Way leaders said in an interview aired on SignOn Radio.
Four representatives of United Way were interviewed on SignOn Radio’s U-T in the Community show Tuesday and gave updates on how United Way is working to improve lives through its three focus areas, as well as helping raise and distribute money for local and regional United Way wildfire recovery funds.
read more >>
January 11, 2008
Millions in EITC Tax Credits Available for San Diego County Residents
List of tax preparation sites available at http://www.uwsd.org/our-focus/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc/eitc-locations-by-region
SAN DIEGO – January 11, 2008 – With tax season underway, United Way of San Diego County and the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition are helping low-income residents qualify for millions of dollars in federal tax credits.
Last year, the coalition helped county residents obtain more than $5.6 million in EITC refunds by offering free tax-preparation services. Beginning Jan. 15, the coalition will operate 88 tax-preparation sites throughout the county. A full list of the sites is available at http://www.uwsd.org/our-focus/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc/eitc-locations-by-region.
December 28, 2007
United Way of San Diego County Receives $1 Million Pledge from Solar Turbines' United Way/CHAD Campaign
SAN DIEGO — Dec. 3, 2007 — The employees of Solar Turbines are showing how powerful San Diegans can be when they work together for the greater good, according to United Way of San Diego County’s Campaign Chair, Mark Leslie.
United Way, County of San Diego Say Partnership Will Promote Financial Stability and Independence
SAN DIEGO - Nov. 15, 2007 – Officials of United Way of San Diego County and the county of San Diego Tuesday, Nov. 13 said a community partnership they are leading has developed a financial measurement tool that will help residents gain economic self-sufficiency and stability.
November 9, 2007
Caterpillar Foundation Donates $300,000 for California Wildfire Relief
SAN DIEGO – November 9, 2007 – To provide assistance to the relief efforts associated with the California wildfires, the Caterpillar Foundation is making an initial gift of $300,000 to be split between two organizations. The United Way of Southern California Wildfires Recovery Fund will receive $100,000 and the Salvation Army's California Wildfire Relief Fund will receive $200,000.
November 1, 2007
California Bank & Trust Donates $150,000 to San Diego Wildfire Relief Efforts
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -. California Bank & Trust announced today that it is donating $100,000 to the United Way of San Diego County and an additional $50,000 for local relief efforts to help victims of the San Diego wildfires. The bank also will be accepting donations to the United Way at all of its branch offices statewide.
October 25, 2007
United Ways Join Together to Respond to Southern California Wildfires
United Ways in Southern California are responding to the devastating wildfires in two key ways: ensuring the strength of the 2-1-1 phone number for people who need help and launching the regional United Way Southern California Wildfires Recovery Fund.
October 9, 2007
United Way of San Diego County Funds North County Emergency Winter Shelters
As part of its focus on eliminating homelessness in the region, United Way of San Diego County will make a one-time contribution of up to $70,000 to fund winter shelters in North San Diego County this year.
September 20, 2007
The New United Way of San Diego County 2007-2008 Campaign is Underway
United Way of San Diego County is launching the 2007-2008 United Way/CHAD campaign with the proven and effective Community Impact model, and donors are already showing positive support.
September 12, 2007
The New United Way of San Diego County Launches 2007-2008 Campaign
United Way of San Diego County will launch the 2007-2008 United Way/CHAD campaign at a public celebration Sept. 18.
Jun 22, 2007
United Way of San Diego County Funds Winter Homeless Shelter
San Diego's homeless will have a roof over their heads this winter, thanks in part to United Way of San Diego County's decision to provide funds to help keep an emergency winter homeless shelter open.
Jun 13, 2007
United Way of San Diego County Announces Plans to Implement Bold Shift Toward New 'Community Impact' Model
United Way of San Diego County is making a bold and dynamic shift to a new Community Impact business model to significantly improve the lives of individuals and families in the region.
