Living United: April/May 2011

April - May 2011

April is Healthy DelawareansToday & Tomorrow Month.Look inside for upcoming

health events!

Headquarters and Wilmington Office

Dover Office

Georgetown Office

AFL-CIO Community Services AboutUnited Wayof Delaware

A message from Michelle A. Taylor

Dear Friends,In February, Delaware lost a venerated

community champion with the passingof Muriel Gilman.

Muriel was a tireless advocate for theunderserved, particularly for our mostvulnerable – our children. While deeplydedicated to her husband, children andgrandchi ldren, she considered a l lDelawareans to be her extended family.

She felt a responsibility for her adopted state, and in herquietly confident style, she spearheaded communitychange. Muriel truly represented what it means to LiveUnited.

Although Muriel’s compassionate legacy is inimitable,everyone can be a community champion by Giving, Advocatingor Volunteering. Give to a program you believe in.Advocate for a cause you support. Volunteer for anagency providing necessary services.

If you’re looking to get involved, this is a good time tostart! April is Healthy Delawareans Today & TomorrowMonth, dedicated to raising awareness and accessibilityof healthcare services for thousands of uninsured peoplein Delaware, particularly aging adults and those withdisabilities. Healthy Delawareans Today & Tomorrow, acoalition of health partners convened by United Way ofDelaware with support from AstraZeneca, is participatingin a range of community health events during this monthand year-round. Check out the calendar on page 5. Weinvite you to join us at these events, to volunteer and tobe part of the discussion regarding access to healthcareand other critical community needs.

Join us and begin your journey as a communitychampion! Visit our website at www.uwde.org or call usat 573-3700 to learn more.

Warmly,

Michelle A. Taylor

President and Chief Executive Officer,United Way of Delaware

There are more than 1,200 United Ways in the UnitedStates. But ours is one of only two statewide United Ways.(The other is in Rhode Island.)

United Way of Delaware (UWD) supports hundredsof health and human service programs statewide. Wehave offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover andGeorgetown. We have a statewide Board of Directors,but we also depend on input from a variety of engagedcommittees, including our Kent County Committee

and Sussex County Committee.We believe in creating opportunities for a good

quality of life for all Delawareans – in all threecounties, and in each town and city. And we do

this by focusing on meaningful, measurableimprovements in the areas of Education,

Income and Health.To learn more about UWD,

which has been servingDelawareans for 65 years, visitour website at www.uwde.orgor call (302) 573-3700.

Did youknow?

Sussex County

Kent County

New CastleCounty

population:538,479*

population:162,310*

population:197,145*

UW2 United Way of Delaware April - May 2011 www.uwde.org

*Population according tothe 2010 Census

www.uwde.org April - May 2011 United Way of Delaware UW3

Born Muriel Edelstein, she grew up in Brooklyn, New York. After earninga bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Muriel went on to NYU, where shereceived a master’s degree in Public Administration

In 1965, Muriel moved to Delaware with her husband Marvin and theirtwo children, Peter and Martha. The next year, she joined UWD as the firstfemale professional on staff.

She retired 22 years later as Executive Vice President. During her tenure, UWD’s fundraising campaign grew from $5 million to

$15 million, and the allocation process was completely revamped. Muriel focusedon government relations and volunteer recruitment and management andimplemented programs designed to meet basic needs. She was a primarysponsor of Leadership Delaware, a program originally housed in UWD totrain and place community leaders in roles on nonprofit boards.

Her commitment to the community was surpassed only by her devotion toher family. She had a loving and supportive relationship with her husband,Marvin, who was also a lifelong advocate of community development.Though Marvin and Muriel lived separate professional lives, “their hearts andminds were one,” says her daughter, Martha.

When Muriel retired in 1988, she said “I’m retiring from United Way, notfrom the community. I assure you that I will be active in this community onboth a professional and volunteer level.”

She could not have been more right. Thank you, Muriel, for your passion,commitment and enduring legacy. We will miss you.

Muriel GilmanA tribute to a lifelongcommunity advocate

Muriel E. Gilman believed in making everyday count. And she spent the majority ofher 87 years doing just that – workingtirelessly to improve her community. Atthe time of her passing, Muriel activelyserved on the boards and committees ofmore than a dozen philanthropic agencies,including United Way of Delaware,Delaware Community Foundation, Children& Families First, Girls, Inc. and the YWCAof Delaware. Her memorial service paidhomage to a spirited and loving lady,whose many friends and admirers includedthe Governor and First Lady of Delawareand the Vice President of the United States.


Workshops and one-time counseling sessions arehelpful, but they’re not enough. Many people need anongoing, holistic personal approach in order tomanage financial challenges and to chart a path tofinancial security.

$tand by MeTM, a program sponsored by theDelaware Financial Empowerment Partnership, willlaunch in April at the Floyd I. Hudson State ServiceCenter in Newark. This program, which will be managedby West End Neighborhood House, provides a one-stop shop for financial services. Instead of one-timeworkshops, clients will meet with a financial coach,who will provide ongoing support.

Coaches will help clients develop financial plansand household budgets. Once the foundation is built,coaches will assist with understanding and managingcredit, tax credits and funding for post-secondaryeducation. The goals are to help clients reduce theanxiety of living paycheck to paycheck, increase theirability to prepare for unexpected financial challenges,and work toward long-term financial goals, such ascontinuing education and homeownership.

The Delaware Financial Empowerment Partnershipwas founded by the State of Delaware and United Wayof Delaware. Additional partners include educationalinstitutions, banks, credit unions and nonprofits thatpromote financial independence.

$tand by MeTM is unique because of its focus onclient strengths, not weaknesses. The philosophy ofthe program is that every person knows what theywant and can get it for themselves. The role of thecoach is to provide support along the way.

“For those who can afford it, financial advisors help

with investments and financial plans,” says MaryDupont, Director of Financial Empowerment for theState of Delaware. “In the past, people who couldn’tafford these services were stuck trying to figure thingsout on their own. That’s why we created $tand by MeTM.”

$tand by MeTM will be replicated in communitycenters, libraries and schools statewide to reach more

clients, says Karen Matteson, Community ImpactManager for Income at UWD. The goal is to openfive centers by December 2013 to reach more than8,000 clients.

“This is a fresh new approach that will meet peoplewhere they are, financially, and help them get wherethey want to go,” Matteson says.

New Program Builds Financial Savvy and Confidence

One of UWD’s five-year goals is to increase the number of Delawareans in specific census tracts living abovethe BESTTM income guidelines. (The BESTTM income guidelines detail how much income it takes for a familyto be self-sufficient and financially stable. Unlike previous measures, they take a variety of complex factorsinto account, such as healthcare expenses, local cost of living and long-term asset-building needs, such assaving for education.)

Live United 2015 check-up

by Pam George

The road to financial empowerment istough to navigate, especially for thosewho are new to the “language.” Interest

rates, savings bonds and tax credits can beconfusing to understand, much less, apply.


Some of HDDT’s coalition partners at the kickoff of last year’s HDTT Month: Jim Thornton,Claymont Community Center; Paulette Austin, Generations Home Care; David Nicoli,AstraZeneca; Heather Bittner-Fagan, M.D., Christiana Care Health System; Dr. JamesNewman, Chief Medical Officer, Christiana Care Health System; Michelle A. Taylor, UnitedWay of Delaware; then Congressman Mike Castle; Rich Fante, President, AstraZeneca U.S.and George Guido, AstraZeneca.

Help for Uninsured Delawareans

April Volunteer Health EventsCheck out www.delawareonline.com/getinvolved for a full list of opportunities and how to get involved!

April 7Girls Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council – Inaugural Thin Mint Run/WalkDravo Plaza, Wilmington Riverfront, 6:30 p.m.

Christiana Care – No Heart Left Behind 5K Run/Walk Glasgow Park, 6:30 p.m.

April 9Walk for Autism 2 mile Bellevue State Park, 11 a.m.

April 10MS Walk – University of DelawarePerkins Student Center on Academy Street, Newark, 10 a.m.

April 11 – April 15 is National Service Week, whichwill kick off with a book drive at Barclays on theWilmington Riverfront.

April 14S.A.F.E. (Shelter Advocacy Freedom & Empowerment)Drive to support domestic violence survivorsWesley College, Dover, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

April 16MS Walk – Wilmington Riverfront Wilmington Riverfront, 9 a.m.

MS Walk – Historic Dover Legislative Ave, in front of the Tatnall Building, 10 a.m.

April 23Ronald McDonald House of Delaware 5K Run/WalkWilmington Riverfront, by the Big Fish Grill, 9 a.m.

April 28AIDS Delaware – Dining Out for Life Visit www.aidsdelaware.org for details and to see the listof participating restaurants.

April 29St. Francis Hospital – Health Screenings for theUninsured St. Francis Hospital, 2nd Floor, Medical Office Building,Wilmington, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.Pre-registration is required. Call (302) 421-4284.

MS Walk – Twilight at Heritage Shores (Bridgeville)Heritage Shores Country Club Clubhouse, 6 p.m.

April 30NAMI-DE 5K WalkWilmington Riverfront, 10 a.m.

More than 1 in 10 Delawareans are uninsured and face obstaclesto receiving basic healthcare services. Healthy Delawareans Today &Tomorrow (HDTT) is a coalition, convened by United Way ofDelaware with support from AstraZeneca that promotes awarenessand accessibility of local free and reduced-cost healthcare services.

April is the second annual Healthy Delawareans Today & TomorrowMonth, which recognizes the services provided by HDTT’s coalitionof community partners, which includes government agencies,hospitals, low- and no-cost clinics and faith-based organizations.

HDTT partners help uninsured Delawareans access criticalservices, including:

• Free or low-cost healthcare services• Prescription medication assistance• Transportation to and from medical appointments

Since HDTT was formed four years ago, the coalition has linkedmore than 38,000 uninsured Delawareans to healthcare services.

Throughout the month of April, HDTT partners will support avariety of health-related events, including a “Happy Healthy Kids”outing at the Wilmington Blue Rocks on April 20.

For a current list of events and how to get involved, please visitwww.delawareonline.com/getinvolved. To connect with localhealthcare services – including the ones listed above – call theDelaware Helpline by dialing 2-1-1.

April 20Happy Healthy Kids Day at Wilmington Blue Rocks11:05 a.m.FREE tickets are available to this daygame, presented byHealthy DelawareansToday & Tomorrow. Visitthe community healthfair at the game, with facepainting and fun, healthyactivities for the kids andhealth screenings and information for adults. Call(302) 888-5357 and mentionHealthy Delawareans Today & Tomorrow to reserve your tickets!


Priming Preschoolers to Succeed

An occasional tantrum in a preschool classroom is not unusual. But in someclassrooms, misbehavior can be the norm, rather than the exception. “It can besevere all day,” says Dara Boger, deputy director of Hilltop Lutheran NeighborhoodCenter in Wilmington.

These behaviors, ranging from scuffles to flipping desks, can disrupt thelearning process for every child in the classroom.

Though discipline is needed, it’s important to seek out the reason behind thebehaviors, says Carl Chenkin, Clinical Director for Delaware Guidance Servicesfor Children & Youth.

Some children have experienced a death in the family. Some have caregiverswho are incarcerated or who are struggling with substance abuse and mentalhealth issues, which can interfere with their nurturing abilities.

“These early disruptions or developmental traumas affect the way children’sbrains develop,” says Chenkin. “They also affect the child’s capacity to learn skillsthat will enable them to be successful in relationships and in academics.”

Since these children often can’t control their emotions — anxiety, anger, sadness —they easily slide into out-of-control behavior. Teachers need strategies to deal with

these behaviors. “These are children who frequently distrust adults,” Chenkin says. To address the problem, Delaware Guidance Services launched an Early

Childhood Behavioral Health Project. JPMorgan Chase funded the pilot throughUnited Way of Delaware’s Strong Neighborhoods initiative. The pilot wasconducted at Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center and targeted 3- and 4-year-olds exhibiting specific behaviors.

Through this project, led by licensed clinical social worker Elizabeth Clapham,teachers at Hilltop Lutheran were taught to address misbehavior issues byforming attachments with the child. “The motto we use is ‘Connection thenCorrection,’” Chenkin says. “Each intervention must begin with [the adult]demonstrating caring, curiosity, understanding and appreciation of the childbefore proceeding to the necessary limits.

The teachers were also taught about children’s behavioral development, skillschildren need to succeed in school, and how stress can impede children’sprogress. Knowing what is driving the behavior helps teachers become moretolerant, Boger says.

“Preschool is the best time to make these connections with children to ensurelong-term success,” says Maryann Younger, Community Impact Manager forEducation at United Way of Delaware.

Pilot Program Addresses Early Behavioral Issuesby Pam George

Delaware River & Bay Authority donation

On March 5, United Way ofDelaware (UWD) hosted “United Faithfor the Dream” – an inspirational,faith-filled event in honor of BlackHistory, held at Wilmington University’sNew Castle campus. The event,themed around the legacy of Dr. MartinLuther King, Jr., included music,dance and remarks from faith andnonprofit leaders from across the state.

Elder Lonnie Harris, a member ofUWD’s Sussex County Committee,closed out the program by showingthe similarities between the missionsof many faith-based organizations andUWD’s mission, which is to maximizethe community’s resources to improvethe quality of life for all Delawareans.

UWD sponsored the event inpartnership with Revive the Village: Back to the Basics, UWD’s African American Initiative.

The newly formed group supports UWD’s mission by tackling the vast disparities that exist withinthe state’s African-American communities in the areas of Education, Income and Health. Led byRegina Allen-Sharpe of Wilmington University and La’Shawn Carter of Bank of America, the group’sgoals are to create a membership of 100 people statewide; to raise $50,000 to support UWD’s work;and to provide networking, volunteer and philanthropic opportunities for the state’s African-American community.


The 2010 State Employees’ Charitable Campaign (SECC) raised nearly$600,000 for UWD! Pictured are John Moore, UWD; Lt. Governor MattDenn; Bonnie Whaley, Office of Highway Safety; Suzan Lamb, Office of theSecretary; John Campanella, Delaware State Police and Ann Visalli, Office ofManagement and Budget.

Living United, with Faith

State employees run a generous campaign

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The Delaware River & Bay Authority matched their employees’ gifts andcontributed a total of $12,406 to UWD’s 2010 Campaign. Pictured are: AnnaMarie Gonnella Rosato (front), Frank Minor and William E. Lowe III fromDRBA, Reginald T. Coston from UWD, and Rev. Samuel E. Lathem, James T.Johnson, Jr. and Kenneth B. Hynson from DRBA.

Revive the Village: Back to the Basicsis looking for 100

ambassadors across the state. Call 302-573-3724 or

e-mail [email protected] for moreinformation.

Sign up today!The Calvary Baptist Church Choir performs at the UnitedFaith For the Dream Event, held at Wilmington University.

United Way of DelawareThe Linden Building, Third Floor625 North Orange StreetWilmington, DE 19801

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit #194

Wilmington, DE


AFL-CIO Community Services698 Old Baltimore PikeNewark, DE 19702

Sussex County Office206 Academy StreetSuite #2Georgetown, DE 19947

Kent County OfficeGreater Dover Foundation Community BuildingSuite #2B101 West Loockerman StreetDover, DE 19904

Beach Clean UpSaturday, April 30, 20119 a.m. – 11 a.m.Delaware Seashore State Park in LewesThis volunteer opportunity is being coordinated by UWD’s Sussex CountyCommittee. Join us to help keep the beach safe and clean for Delaware’sfamilies! To sign up or for more information, contact UWD’s Michael Shockleyat (302) 856-7884 or [email protected] NOW!

8th Annual “Giving on the Greens” Golf TournamentMonday, June 13, 20117:30 a.m. registration9 a.m. shot-gun startThe DuPont Country Club, Championship Golf Course1001 Rockland Road, WilmingtonProceeds will support health and human service programs statewide. Formore information or to register, contact UWD’s Sandi Bowe at (302) 573-3726or [email protected] NOW!

UWD’s Annual Get-TogetherWednesday, June 22, 20115 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.The Carriage House at Rockwood Park4671 Washington StreetWilmington

Monday, June 27, 20115 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.Dover Downs1131 North DuPont HighwayDover

16th Annual AFL-CIO Community Services Golf ClassicFriday, September 9, 2011 Back Creek Golf Club101 Back Creek DriveMiddletownThis tournament kicks off the UWD fundraising campaign for Delaware unionsand Delaware companies that employ a union workforce. For more information,contact UWD’s Robin Lichtenfels at [email protected] or (302) 573-3769.REGISTER NOW!

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Living United: April/May 2011

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