June 2013 

PRESIDENT/CEO SAYS GOODBYE:  

This is my last newsletter to the important people in the tri-state area, YOU, the donors.  Donors to River Cities United Way know what a lasting gift to the community can do to change lives, change minds, and ultimately the community they live in.  You care about whose life can be changed for the better, how we can feed people, keep people in their homes, keep kids involved to create their own futures, and those of the people around them. Donors want to help, they really have a community mind set and they know that we ensure the dollars raised gets into the hands of those who do the daily work to take care of the community's needs.  RCUW is thorough and accountable as proven by our Community Impact Process and our yearly financial audits.

I have had the privilege of leading this organization for the last 5 years. It has been very rewarding as well as hectic; even frustrating at times when others didn't see the needed I so clearly did, sometimes caring about themselves rather than the community. Ultimately the visionary people of the tri-state area knew what had to be done and did it.

I have worked with wonderful volunteers from Lake Havasu, Kingman, Bullhead, Laughlin, Parker, Needles and the surrounding areas that gave their time, talents and treasure. I could not have accomplished great things without their dedication to others, and to the communities they live in. I'm very proud to have served alongside them.

I am retiring at the end of June after 18 years with United Way which followed my 26 years in the United States Air Force. My parents guided me and my 9 siblings to serve the community you live in and to always do the right thing, a motto that I have always followed. It was hard at times, but always worth it.

I will miss River Cities United Way and the great staff and volunteers I have worked with. I am staying in the community and will help in any way I can to continue serving the communities I care about. I hope we will meet again, so I can tell you thank you one more time!

"If you can't fly, then run, if you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."

-Martin Luther King Jr.

A young man from Parker was diagnosed with a non-epileptic seizure disorder in his late teenage years as well as some other mental health issues. After investigating the claim it was determined that the young man's appear for SSI benefits had little chance of prevailing based on the disorders and disabilities.

A very supportive statement from the client's psychiatrist resulted in a fully favorable decision being reached for the client following a video hearing held in August of 2012. The client was awarded a monthly benefit of $608, and back benefits of $19,368.

In 2012 -- Community Legal Services, Inc. reported handling 873 cases within La Paz County, Kingman, Bullhead, Lake Havasu City, and their surrounding areas.  Their areas of success include Family Law (keeping families safe from Domestic Violence), Housing Law (prevention of homelessness and loss of housing), Consumer Law (protection against fraudulent consumers), Income Stability (helping clients protect their already limited income against illegal denials of benefits, healthcare, etc.) and Juvenile/Education.  2,034 family members (individuals) have been directly impacted as a result of their assistance.

As my year is coming to an end, I look back and realize how much River Cities United Way does for all our communities.  It's been a good year for River Cities United Way, meeting our financial goals and more importantly reaching out to assist our partner agencies and individuals that need help.  The Kids Bright and Healthy Program continues to be a major success in Lake Havasu City and this year it was expanded to Kingman and was well received.  The Bullhead City advisory committee will be introducing the program to it's community next year and I know it will be a success.   We added some new partner agencies as well as new campaigns this year. The Delta Dental grant was increased from $5,000 to $10,000 and helped many families that were able to utilize the program.   Bullhead City staff now has a new office they can call home thanks to the generosity of Mohave Electric Cooperative, it's a great place that allows us to continue working in the community.

I want to thank a great and cohesive board that cares about the community, the advisory committees in all of our communities that do so much to make things happen and to Gene and his amazing staff that do so much everyday and touch so many lives in a positive way.  However, none of what we do would be possible without the support of the individuals and businesses  that contribute and volunteer "to  make a difference in the communities we serve".  Thank You!!  

The employees at Havasu Regional Medical Center support RCUW with payroll deduction.  

 Mike Bonney

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome and congratulate Lyn Demaret on her appointment as President/CEO of River Cities United Way. I have worked with Lyn for over 4 years and am  confident she will fulfill her new duties with professionalism, dedication and respect.

I would also like to wish Gene Appedaile the very best retirement possible. Gene's dedication to RCUW has had a positive effect on all of Mohave County, Parker, Laughlin and Needles. Gene devoted countless hours to RCUW and it always came from his heart. Thank you, Gene!

I am looking forward to working alongside the River Cities Board of Directors and Executive Committee as this year's Chair. We have many challenges ahead in our efforts to serve the needs of our residents along the Colorado River and Kingman. I truly believe the Board of Directors and staff are committed to providing the assistance to our partner agencies that are so needed in these times. We will continue to strive to meet or beat our goals of raising more dollars for our partners and delivering cost effective services.

Without the continued support of our donors we would not continue to be as successful as we are. Our donors, Partners and Board of Directors are truly "UNITED". That's what makes "River Cities United Way"! Thank you to all of you!

UniSource 

Harrah's 

Bank of America 

American Graphics 

Mohave State Bank

Campbell Redi Mix  

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