2021-2022 Annual Report
Dear United Way donors, partners and friends –
On June 7, I officially pass the gavel to my esteemed colleague, Deborah Daniels, and become United Way of Central Indiana’s past board chair.
Past.
Looking back on two years as the leader of United Way, I pause with wonder, awe and pride at what this organization has achieved and endured. In my first year, I took the gavel from Bryan Mills at the cusp of an unknown virus attacking our health, shaking our economy and upending our everyday lives. With extraordinary will, perseverance and an amazing community of supportive donors, partners and foundations, we fought through the hardship and created so much hope for thousands of Central Indiana families through the Central Indiana COVID-19 Economic Relief Fund.
Then, we stayed true to course and re-imagined our purpose for the recovery of our community. As you will read about and see in this 2021-2022 annual report, United Way invested millions in grant funding to human service organizations through our basic needs, family opportunity, social innovation and sector support initiatives. We added new accredited partners to our network and strengthened our commitment to supporting organizations that are serving more diverse populations. We have created events to expand community-wide support and volunteerism. We have celebrated 15 years of the tried-and-true literacy program, ReadUP, while forming a new way for parents to have a voice in our programs through the Parent Advisory Council. As is the United Way spirit, we are purposeful in honoring our rich history while never losing sight of where we might – and could – make a significant impact on our community in the future.
Future.
There is much change – and excitement – on the horizon for United Way. With a new strategic plan in the works and a search underway for a new president and CEO to replace our beloved Ann Murtlow, I am almost envious of what Deborah Daniels and the board will inherit with this next chapter of United Way of Central Indiana. But my purpose now is clear as I step aside from my leadership role – staying active in and immensely supportive of United Way’s mission.
Thank you, United Way donors, partners, volunteers and advocates. Our work is not possible without you. Your passions fuel our purpose, and that’s what makes impact possible.
Sincerely,
Rafael Sanchez
United Way of Central Indiana, Board Chair