2016-05-16T12:40:36-05:00 2015-06-30 942679966 SPINARDI & JONES 478 E YOSEMITE AVE STE A MERCED CA 95340 990 2014-07-01 942633265 UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY INC UNIT 2093834242 658 W MAIN STREET MERCED CA 953404718 CAROL BOWMAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 2093834242 2016-05-10 1 EDWARD C SPINARDI II P00112080 2097227429 2016-05-10 2014 2016-08-17 19:52:53Z CAROL BOWMAN 658 W MAIN STREET MERCED CA 953404718 1893070 0 X WWW.UNITEDWAYMERCED.ORG X 1954 CA IMPROVING LIVES BY MOBILIZING THE CARING POWER OF THE COMMUNITY TO CREATE LASTING CHANGES. 10 15 51 0 0 0 931481 1073746 717863 789112 -13086 1219 8592 15674 1644850 1879751 137766 150607 0 0 967396 1189453 0 0 40602 419210 468701 1524372 1808761 120478 70990 1261080 1334653 764831 763093 496249 571560 X OUR MISSION IS TO IMPROVE LIVES BY MOBILIZING THE CARING POWER OF THE COMMUNITY. WE STRIVE TO IMPROVE THE COMMON GOOD BY COLLABORATING WITH OTHER NON-PROFIT CHARITIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND FAITH BASED GROUPS TO RESOLVE SOCIAL ISSUES IN THE COMMUNITY. 0 0 176625 125168 1556 EACH YEAR NON-PROFIT CHARITIES APPLY FOR FUNDING FOR ONE OF THEIR PROGRAMS. THE APPLICATIONS ARE REVIEWED BY AN ALL-VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COMMITTEE (CIC). AFTER HEARING ORAL ARGUMENTS FROM EACH APPLICANT, THE CIC RECOMMENDS AN AMOUNT FOR EACH PROGRAM. THE TOTAL OF ALL AWARDS AGREES TO THE BUDGETED AMOUNT SET BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. NON-PROFIT CHARITIES ALSO RECEIVE FUNDS FROM DONORS WHO HAVE DESIGNATED THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO GO TO A SPECIFIC AGENCY. THESE FUNDS ARE NOT CONSIDERED A PART OF THE AWARD DESCRIBED ABOVE. NON-PROFIT CHARITIES MAY ALSO RECEIVE A MINI-GRANT FOR SMALL PROJECTS FROM THE UNITED WAY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER THAT HE OR SHE BELIEVES WILL BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY. 629630 693332 TWENTY-FIVE BILINGUAL STAFF MEMBERS PROVIDE INTERPRETING SERVICES TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL, CLINICS AND EMERGENCY ROOM VIA THE LANGUAGE CARE PROGRAM. INTERPRETING SERVICE IS PROVIDED 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK WITH FACE-TO-FACE INTERPRETERS IN SIX LANGUAGES. A CONTRACT WITH DIGNITY HEALTH ASSISTS THEM WITH DELIVERING THE HIGHEST PROFESSIONAL LEVELS OF MEDICAL INTERPRETING TO COMPLEMENT THEIR EFFORTS IN PROVIDING THE FIRST LINE OF HEALTHCARE DEFENSE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE COUNTY OF MERCED. THE LANGUAGE CARE PROGRAM HELPS TO ENSURE THAT NON-ENGLISH SPEAKING PATIENTS RECEIVE THE SAME LEVEL OF SERVICE AND ARE ACCORDED THE SAME RIGHTS TO HEALTH CARE AS ENGLISH SPEAKING PATIENTS. UNITED WAYS MISSION OF IMPROVING LIVES EXTENDS TO ALL PERSONS 442183 18135 48349 FOUR STAFF MEMBERS HIRED WITH FUNDS FROM A GRANT BY THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT, SUPPORT THE BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES (BHC) PROJECT. BHC FOCUSES ON IMPOVERISHED LOCATIONS WITHIN MERCED COUNTY (PLANADA, LE GRAND, BEACHWOOD, AND SOUTH MERCED). THE PROJECT WAS ESTABLISHED TO IMPROVE HEALTH CONDITIONS IN THE IDENTIFIED LOCATIONS. EMPLOYEES PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THE ALL-VOLUNTEER PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE. STAFF WORKS WITH YOUTH TO IDENTIFY AND CORRECT UNHEALTHY CONDITIONS IN THE IDENTIFIED LOCATIONS. THEY ALSO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS ABOUT LIVING HEALTHY USING SOCIAL MEDIA AND DEMONSTRATIONS/PRESENTATIONS AT COMMUNITY EVENTS. 303947 7304 49892 STAFF AND RESOURCES ARE USED TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMS SPONSORED BY OTHER NON-PROFIT AND GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES WITHIN MERCED COUNTY. EACH OF THE ACTIVITIES MUST CONFORM TO OUR MISSION STATEMENT, "TO IMPROVE LIVES BY MOBILIZING THE CARING POWER OF THE COMMUNITY". 303947 7304 49892 1552385 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 28 0 1 51 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 10 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 CA X X X MILLY YANG 2093834242 658 WEST MAIN STREET MERCED CA 95340 DIANA SHAVAR PAST PRESIDENT 1.00 X 0 0 0 STUART SPENCER DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 SANDY LEMAS DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MARY MILLER DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 ANDRE URQUIDEZ DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 MALKIAT SAMRA DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 JENNIFER CARTER DIRECTOR 1.00 X 0 0 0 BOB HARMON PRESIDENT 1.00 X 0 0 0 CRYSTAL FLOYD TREASURER 1.00 X 0 0 0 NIKKO DA PAZ VICE PRESIDENT 1.00 X 0 0 0 CAROL BOWMAN C.E.O. 40.00 X 60577 0 0 60577 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 108875 964871 1008 1073746 LANGUAGE CARE INTERPRE 624100 693112 693112 PLEDGE AND AGENCY PROC 900099 86837 86837 ROOT SOCIAL MEDIA SERV 541800 9163 9163 789112 1219 1219 24976 13319 11657 11657 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME 900099 4017 4017 4017 1879751 793129 0 12876 X 150607 150607 60577 23477 37100 976168 839201 109701 27266 58577 51501 6701 375 94131 78340 13009 2782 19846 19846 191113 190113 1000 12604 10407 2197 41258 32139 5914 3205 106496 83291 19111 4094 15852 15579 72 201 42803 41627 1121 55 5067 5067 10311 8558 1444 309 1452 1205 203 44 MISCELLAENOUS 20060 19605 411 44 STORAGE 1008 837 141 30 DUES, FEES & SUBSCRIPTI 831 831 1808761 1552385 215774 40602 822977 914855 311321 309128 26752 25490 73209 34152 44000 39057 0 0 56030 46123 1261080 1334653 66136 76001 47997 34219 594668 606750 56030 46123 764831 763093 X 496249 571560 496249 571560 1261080 1334653 X 70990 4321 X X 0 1 X 1 0 X 748837 1082381 1008851 931481 1073746 4845296 748837 1082381 1008851 931481 1073746 4845296 1375363 3469933 573 322 210 143 1219 2467 4847763 0.71580 0.79940 X RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED 0 1 1047 244 803 72162 33908 38254 39057 1837805 0 1837805 41946 41946 1879751 1766815 0 1766815 41946 41946 1808761 PART IV, LINE 1B: UNITED WAY OF MERCED ACTS AS AN AGENT FOR OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WHOSE PURPOSES MUST CONFORM TO OUR MISSION STATEMENT, "TO IMPROVE LIVES BY MOBILIZING THE CARING POWER OF THE COMMUNITY." AMOUNTS HELD ON BEHALF OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS ARE ACCOUNTED FOR IN SEPARATE BANK ACCOUNTS AND REPORTED AS LIABILITIES BY UNITED WAY OF MERCED. DURING THE YEAR RECEIPTS TOTALED $55,453; DISBURSEMENTS TOTALED $65,360; AND ENDING CASH TOTALED $46,123. PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: DONOR DESIGNATIONS TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: DONOR DESIGNATIONS TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS PEDAL MERCED 9976 9976 7052 DIAMOND JUBILEE 11623 11623 4779 3377 3377 1488 24976 24976 13319 13319 11657 1 VALLEY CRISIS CENTER - MERCED COUNTY PO BOX 2075 MARIPOSA CA 95338 770272319 501(C)(3) 7500 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND ACCESS TO AVAILABLE SERVICES DOS PALOS YOUTH CRISIS & OUTREACH PO BOX 113 DOS PALOS CA 93620 061643746 501(C)(3) 10429 PROVIDE EMERGENCY NUTRITIONAL FOOD TO FAMILIES IN POVERTY MERCED COUNTY FOOD BANK 2000 W OLIVE MERCED CA 95348 800093563 501(C)(3) 11472 FEED THOSE IN NEED, REDUCE FOOS WASTE AND EDUCATE OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT HUNGER ISSUES. BETHEL COMMUNITY CHURCH 415 I STREET LOS BANOS CA 93635 440612817 501(C)(3) 7975 PROVIDE FOOD PANTRY FOR INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILIES TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE. PART I, LINE 2: TO RECEIVE FUNDING, NON-PROFIT CHARITIES OPERATING IN MERCED COUNTY FIRST SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT THAT ALLOWS US TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING. IF THEY ARE, THEY ARE PROVIDED AN APPLICATION WHICH REQUIRES SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM FOR WHICH THEY WANT FUNDING. IF APPROVED, THE AGENCY MUST AGREE TO A MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING THAT SPELLS OUT WHAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO DO, INCLUDING A QUARTERLY REPORT ON PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WHEN PROMPTED BY INFORMATION IN THEIR REPORT OR AN INQUIRY OR COMPLAINT FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE, WE WILL DO AN AUDIT OF THEIR FINANCES AND OPERATION. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH OUR REQUIREMENTS WILL CAUSE THEM TO LOSE THEIR AWARD. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11 THE FORM 990 AND ALL ATTACHMENTS ARE PROVIDED TO EACH BOARD MEMBER VIA EMAIL AND DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD PRIOR TO BEING FILED. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C TO RECEIVE FUNDING, NON-PROFIT CHARITIES OPERATING IN MERCED COUNTY FIRST SUBMIT A LETTER OF INTENT THAT ALLOWS US TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING. IF THEY ARE, THEY ARE PROVIDED AN APPLICATION WHICH REQUIRES SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM FOR WHICH THEY WANT FUNDING. IF APPROVED, THE AGENCY MUST AGREE TO A MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING THAT SPELLS OUT WHAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO DO, INCLUDING A QUARTERLY REPORT ON PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS. WHEN PROMPTED BY INFORMATION IN THEIR REPORT OR AN INQUIRY OR COMPLAINT FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE, WE WILL DO AN AUDIT OF THEIR FINANCES AND OPERATION. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH OUR REQUIREMENTS WILL CAUSE THEM TO LOSE THEIR AWARD. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER'S SALARY IS REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ANNUALLY. COMPARABILITY DATA IS OBTAINED FOR SIMILAR POSITIONS IN SIMILAR SIZED ORGANIZATIONS IN SIMILAR SIZED GEOGRAPHIC AREAS. THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS IS INCLUDED IN BOARD MEETING MINUTES. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT THEIR OFFICE, LOCATED AT 658 WEST MAIN STREET, MERCED, CA 95340. FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 11G EVALUATION AND LEARNING SPECIALIST: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 37,405. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 37,405. INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 4,760. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 4,760. PROJECTS BRANDING & PROMOTION: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 7,700. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 7,700. PROGRAM ADVICE & LEADERSHIP: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 49,979. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 49,979. COMMUNITY & INTERNSHIP LIAISON: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 25,075. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 25,075. EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION RECORDS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 699. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 699. FACILITATORS & TRAINERS: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 34,495. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 34,495. OUTSIDE SERVICES-CONTRACT LABOR: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 0. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 1,000. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 1,000. VIDEO DEVELOPMENT: PROGRAM SERVICE EXPENSES 30,000. MANAGEMENT AND GENERAL EXPENSES 0. FUNDRAISING EXPENSES 0. TOTAL EXPENSES 30,000. FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9: CAPITALIZED EQUIPMENT PURCHASED WITH GRANT FUNDS 4,321. FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C THE ORGANIZATION DID NOT CHANGE ITS OVERSIGHT PROCESS OR SELECTION PROCESS DURING THE TAX YEAR. FORM 990, PART VI SECTION B, LINE 12C: EACH BOARD MEMBER SUBMITS AN ANNUAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST FORM THAT DISCLOSES ANY POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST, OR ATTESTS THAT THERE ARE NO SUCH CONFLICTS. FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1 PART 1, QUESTION 1 SUMMARY OF OUR MISSION AND ACTIVITIES: OUR MISSION IS TO IMPROVE LIVES BY MOBILIZING THE CARING POWER OF THE COMMUNITY. WE DO THIS BY MANY MEANS, ONLY ONE OF WHICH IS SOLICITING DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS OF NON-PROFIT CHARITIES AND STAFF TO RUN PROGRAMS BENEFITING NON-PROFIT CHARITIES.WE COLLABORATE AND PARTNER WITH OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS,GOVERNMENT, EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS, FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS TO DEVELOP INITIATIVES THAT ADDRESS PRESSING SOCIAL ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY. OUR EFFORTS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: -PROVIDE TRAINING AND GUIDANCE TO NON-PROFIT AGENCIES: IN PRODUCING PROGRAMS THAT ACTUALLY IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE WHO PARTAKE OF THEIR PROGRAMS; AND THAT SUPPORT BOARD DEVELOPMENT AND INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION. -WE ARE A PARTNER IN THE MERCED COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION TASK FORCE (COMVIP) THAT IS MADE UP OF LOCAL AGENCIES, INDIVIDUALS, FATH-BASED, AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WORKING COLLABORATIVELY TO REDUCE VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY. -WE ARE A MEMBER OF THE BUSINESS EDUCATION ALLIANCE OF MERCED COUNTY (B.E.A.M.), A PARTNERSHIP OF COMMITTED BUSINESS, EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO SUPPORT EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY CHILD CARE THAT LEADS TO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN MERCED COUNTY. WE ALSO SERVE AS THE FISCAL AGENT FOR THIS ORGANIZATION. -WE CHAIR THE LOCAL BOARD OF THE EMERGENCY FOOD AND SHELTER NATIONAL BOARD PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES FEDERAL FUNDING TO LOCAL AGENCIES WHO PROVIDE EMERGENCY FOOD AND/OR SHELTER TO THOSE LESS FORTUNATE. -WE ARE A MEMBER OF THE "COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP ALLIANCE", A COMMUNITY LED, MULTI-ETHNIC INITIATIVE TO CREATE, LEVERAGE, AND PROMOTE CHANGE THAT MAXIMIZES THE EDUCATIONAL AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY OF OUR MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY. -WE CONDUCT A FAMILY FUN DAY CALLED "PEDAL MERCED" THAT HAS FAMILIES PARTICIPATING IN A 10 MILE BICYCLE RIDE THAT INCLUDES STOPS AT SEVERAL PARKS TO COMPETE IN FUN AND GAMES AND COLLECT A STAMP ON THEIR 'PASSPORT' WHICH WILL ENTER THEM INTO A DRAWING AT THE END. THEY ARE THEN TREATED TO A BARBEQUE LUNCH. PARTICIPANTS CLAIM IT TO BE THE BEST FAMILY FUN EVENT IN MERCED. -WE SPONSOR A COMMUNITY 'DAY OF ACTION' IN WHICH VOLUNTEERS MAKE REPAIRS FOR NON-PROFIT AGENCIES,SORT DONATED NON-PERISHABLE FOOD FOR THE FOOD BANK AND PERFORM CLEAN-UP FOR NON-PROFIT AND PUBLIC FACILITIES, ETC. -WE WORK WITH THE NATIONAL FAMILYWIZE ORGANIZATION TO PROVIDE PRESCRIPTION DRUG DISCOUNT CARDS TO THOSE WHO HAVE NO INSURANCE COVERAGE OR WHOSE PLAN DOES NOT COVER THE DRUG THEY WERE PRESCRIBED. -SUPPORT THE GREATER MERCED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE "LEADERSHIP MERCED" PROGRAM THAT HELPS COMMUNITY MEMBERS ASSUME LEADERSHIP ROLES IN A COMMUNITY. -IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MERCED COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY AND LIFELINE COMMUNITY CENTER IN WINTON, UNITED WAY OF MERCED COUNTY ESTABLISHED SITES FOR LOW INCOME FAMILITES AND INDIVIDUALS TO GET HELP PREPARING AND FILING THEIR TAX RETURNS. VOLUNTEERS WERE TRAINED TO HELP OVER 600 PEOPLE TO FILE THEIR TAX RETURNS RESULTING IN OVER $800,000 IN REFUNDS. -IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CITI COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, WE DEVELOPED THE ROOT SOCIAL PROGRAM DESIGNED TO BOOST SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN MERCED COUNTY THROUGH THE NETWORKING POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA. -COVERED CALIFORNIA - AN INITIATVE TO CONDUCT EDUCATION OUTREACH ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT FOR THOSE NOT ALREADY INSURED. IN ADDITION TO OUTREACH, ENROLLMENT COUNSELING IS PROVIDED TO ENSURE THAT ALL RESIDENTS ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENROLL IN AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE. - ROOT SOCIAL MERCED IS A SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN MERCED OFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF MARKETING, TRAINING, AND SOCIAL MEDIA SERVICES TO SMALL BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS AND NONPROFITS AT A REDUCED RATE. ROOT SOCIAL MERCED WORKS WITH LOW TO MODERATE INCOME (LMI) BUSINESSES, PROFESSIONALS, ENTREPRENEURS AND NONPROFITS. OUR WORK INCLUDES DESIGNING ART FOR BRANDING, IDENTITY, DIGITAL MEDIA, WEBSITES, ADVERTISING, AND ENVIRONMENTAL OUTREACH. SOME OF OUR SERVICES INCLUDE LOGO CREATION, WEBSITE CREATION, MAINTENANCE, PRINT MARKETING, BROCHURES, SIGNS, EVENT FLYERS, EMAIL CAMPAIGNS AND ANNUAL REPORTS. ROOT SOCIAL ALSO PROVIDES TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH TECHNICAL COACHING, ENTREPRENEURIAL WORKSHOPS AND ITS WIDE NETWORK OF PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES. ROOT SOCIAL MERCED IS A DIGITAL MARKETING INITIATIVE FOCUSED ON CREATIVE AND RESULTS-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS TO BENEFIT MERCED AND MARIPOSA COUNTY BUSINESSES. OUR COMMITMENT TO HELPING THESE BUSINESSES SUCCEED IS PROPELLING AN EXTENSIVE ECOSYSTEM OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN OUR COMMUNITY. OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS ROOT SOCIAL MERCED HAS RECEIVED 96 APPLICATIONS TO BE INCLUDED INTO THE PROGRAM AND HAS HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH AND PROMOTING 76% OF THOSE LOCAL MERCED COUNTY BUSINESSES. ROOT SOCIAL MERCED IS NOW HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES WITH MORE THAN JUST SOCIAL MEDIA. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ADDRESS TECHNOLOGICAL DEFICIENCIES THAT BUSINESSES ARE FACING SUCH AS LACK OF A COMPUTER FOR ONE AND BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING FOR OTHERS. ROOT SOCIAL MERCED HAS NOT ONLY SHOWN THE OWNERS HOW TO USE SUCH TECHNOLOGIES BUT ALSO THEIR STAFF. - CCROPP - THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA REGIONAL OBESITY PREVENTION PROGRAM (CCROPP) IS A PROGRAM TO HELP OUR COMMUNITIES LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES. SOME OF OUR RESIDENTS CAN'T EASILY BUY HEALTHLY FOOD, SUCH A FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. IN ADDITION, OUR NEIGHBORHOODS ARE SOMETIMES DESIGNED IN WAYS THAT MAKE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY UNSAFE OR NOT CONVENIENT. THIS FOUR YEAR PROJECT IS FOCUSED ON CHANGING OUR CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTS TO MAKE IT EASIER TO EAT HEALTHY FOOD AND GET REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT HAS FUNDED THIS SIX-COUNTY PROJECT. CITIES AND TOWNS ARE NOT BEING DESIGNED FOR WALKING OR BIKING TO STORES OR SCHOOLS. WE HAVE TAKEN EXERCISE OUR OF OUR LIVES. DRIVE-THRU RESTAURANTS KEEP PEOPLE IN THEIR CARS. CABLE AND SATELLITE TV, AS WELL AS VIDEO GAMES KEEP PEOPLE ON THE COUCH. INCREASING LEVELS OF CRIME KEEP PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES. FINDING AFFORDABLE NUTRITIOUS FOOD IS ALSO DIFFICULT. IT CAN BE HARDER AND MORE EXPENSIVE TO BUY FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THAN SALTY AND SWEETENED SNACKS. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR COMMUNITIES THAT LACK SUPER MARKETS. EDUCATING PEOPLE ABOUT EATING HEALTHY AND BEING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE ARE KEY STEPS IN PREVENTING OBESITY. WE ALSO NEED TO SUPPORT THEIR ABILITY TO MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY WILL NOT HAPPEN IF THERE ARE NO SAFE PLACES FOR IT. HEALTHY EATING WON'T HAPPEN IF THERE ARE NO PLACES FOR PEOPLE TO BUY HEALTHY FOODS, WHICH THEY CAN AFFORD. WE WANT ENVIRONMENTS WHERE THE HEALTHY CHOICE IS THE EASIEST CHOICE TO MAKE. CREATING HEALTHY EATING AND ACTIVITY ENVIRONMENTS IS GOING TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE LIVING HERE TO BE HEALTHIER. IT WILL BE EASIER TO BUY AND EAT HEALTHY FOOD. IT WILL BE EASIER TO WALK AND PLAY. CREATING COMMUNITIES WHERE IT'S EASIER TO EAT BETTER AND MOVE MORE WILL HELP ALL OF US AVOID CHRONIC DISEASE, FEEL BETTER AND LIVE LONGER. - DOS/MOJO - MOJO WAS ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE ALIENATED YOUTH AN OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME PRODUCTIVE, CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF SOCIETY. THERE ARE AT LEAST 2.3 MILLION LOW-INCOME 16-24 YEAR OLDS IN THE UNITED STATES WHO ARE NEITHER IN SCHOOL NOR EMPLOYED. GLOBALLY, OVER 200 MILLION YOUTH ARE WORKING POOR AND EARNING LESS THAN $2.00 A DAY. ALL ARE IN URGENT NEED OF PATHWAYS TO JOBS, EDUCATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES LEADING TO PRODUCTIVE AND CONTRIBUTING LIVELIHOODS. MOJO RECOGNIZED THESE TRENDS IN MERCED COUNTY AND HAS WORKED DILIGENTLY TO PROVIDE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT TO YOUTH IN CRISIS, WHETHER DUE TO DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY SITUATIONS, CRIMINAL ACTIONS THAT RESULTED IN IMPRISONMENT AND PROBATION, OR SIMPLY LACK OF PARENTAL SUPPORT AND DIRECTION. MOJO HAS FOCUSED ON RE-SOCIALIZATION OF YOUTH THROUGH ONE-ON-ONE MENTORING. THEY ARE TAUGHT WORK RESPONSIBILITY SKILLS THROUGH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COMMUNITY. THEY ARE GIVEN A SAFE PLACE TO BE THEMSELVES, TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE CARES ABOUT THEM AND THEIR FUTURE AND TO EXPERIENCE SUCCESS THROUGH COMPLETION OF PROJECTS AND TASKS. THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE THEIR HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION OR EARN A GED AND TO FIND GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT. MANY MOJO YOUTH HAVE OBTAINED EMPLOYMENT AND OFTEN SEEN IN THE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING FOR EVENTS AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS. FORM 990, PART I, LINE 1 -MOUNTAIN VALLEY 2-1-1 - DURING THE LATTER PART OF 2014, UNITED WAY BEGAN PLANNING FOR AN IMPLEMENTATION OF 211 FOR MERCED AND MARIPOSA COUNTIES BY OCTOBER, 2015. 2-1-1 IS AN EASY TO REMEMBER PHONE NUMBER LINKING CALLERS IN NEED TO AVAILABLE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAMS. CURRENTLY, THERE ARE 2-1-1 SYSTEMS OPERATING IN 46 STATES REACHING ROUGHLY MORE THAN 240 MILLION AMERICANS OR APPROXIMATELY 80% OF THE US POPULATION. LOCATING BASIC RESOURCES SUCH AS FOOD, SHELTER, EMPLOYMENT, OR HEALTH CARE MAY MEAN CALLING DOZENS OF PHONE NUMBERS, THEN STRUGGLING THROUGH A MAZE OF AGENCIES AND SERVICES TO MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS. 2-1-1 BRINGS TOGETHER ORGANIZATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY TO BETTER SERVE THE RESIDENTS OF MERCED & MARIPOSA COUNTIES. KEY ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTING DIFFERENT PROFESSIONALS, DEMOGRAPHICS, AND CAUSES ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE 2-1-1 DATABASE TO BETTER SERVE THEIR CLIENTS. 2-1-1 IS A HELPFUL STARTING POINT FOR A COUNTY WITH SMALL FRAGMENTED RUAL COMMUNITIES THAT MAY NOT BE AS CONNECTED AS BIGGER CITIES. UNDER A SIMPLE, EASY TO REMEMBER, THREE DIGIT PHONE NUMBER, UPDATED INFORMATION IS KEPT UNDER NATIONAL STANDARDS, THE CALL IS FREE AND AVAILABLE 24/7, AND THE COMMUNITY ALSO HAS A NEW TOOL IN DEALING WITH DISASTERS IN THE AREA. - CONTINUUM OF CARE - DURING THIS PAST FISCAL YEAR, UNITED WAY JOINED THE MERCED COUNTY CONTINUMM OF CARE (COC) FOR THE PURPOSE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE COUNTY-WIDE EFFORTS TO END HOMELESSNESS. FOLLOWING THAT, WE ASSUMED THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT GROUP AND THEN BECAME A MEMBER OF THE COC BOARD. THE MERCED COUNTY COC SERVES AS THE HUD-DESIGNATED PRIMARY DECISION-MAKING GROUP WHOSE PRIMARY PURPOSE AND SCOPE IS TO IMPLEMENT THE CONTINUUM OF CARE PROGRAM WHICH IS AUTHORIZED BY SUBTITLE C OF TITLE IV OF THE MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT.