Donald Tretola (left) presents PSE&G's check to United Way of Greater Mercer County President and CEO Craig Lafferty (right).

In March, United Way of Greater Mercer County had the honor of accepting a grant check for $30,000 from PSE&G to help fund programs dedicated to youth en- richment in Mercer County.

“The grant will enable us to continue providing critical programs and services to families and children in our county,” said Craig Lafferty, President and CEO of UWGMC.

Donald M. Tretola, Regional Public Affairs Manager from PSE&G made a personal visit to present the check. “PSE&G is proud of our partnership with United Way of Greater Mercer County. Their educational programs are truly in line with our philanthropic vision on children’s issues. When you invest in our youth, you invest in the future. Our partnerships can make a difference in the communities we serve.”

For more than twenty years, PSE&G has been contributing to this region’s United Way endeavors to help make the greater Mercer County community a better place. This has been done in the form of grants as well as through a workplace giving campaign.

Continuing PSE&G’s long history and tradition of supporting communities throughout New Jersey, in 2003, more than $3.4 million was given in charitable contributions. Of that amount, more than $380,000 was given to Mercer County organizations.

For more information on PSE&G’s philanthropic activities, please visit their website at www.pseg.com/community.

We are pleased to welcome Patrick Cacacie who in March, joined United Way of Greater Mercer County staff as Vice President of Resource Investment. Pat comes to us with a rich history of social service and an expertise and passion in mental health guidance. Pat’s thoughts on joining United Way: “I came to United Way because of its new emphasis on standards of excellence and community impact. Having worked in Mercer County for 17 years, and in NJ for 27 years, I know what the issues are, and how important it is to focus on real collaboration and creating effective, lasting partnerships.” We are excited to have Pat with us and we look forward to his many positive contributions to our community. Welcome aboard Pat!

Some Pat-trivia (for entertainment purposes only):

• sang in Glee Club
• taught English Composition/Literature at Purdue U.
• has worked as a Probation Officer
• has a Masters in Social Work from UPenn
• used to play racquetball before his knees gave out
• enjoys golf, travel, sports, sailing, and reading

Back to Top

In May I will graduate from the University of Texas in Austin with a Masters Degree in Social Work. With an emphasis in Community and Administration Leadership, I chose to complete my final semester with United Way of Greater Mercer County because of United Way’s reputation for providing students with valuable real world experiences.

My focus has been creating and implementing a study of the 651 recipients of Emergency Assistance funds in 2004. The Emergency Assistance program provides financial assistance in the form of one month’s payment for back rent, mortgage, security deposit, or utility costs. The goal of the program is to provide stability for individuals and families threatened by homelessness. United Way of Greater Mercer County was awarded the contract to become the County Administrator of the program in 2004.

In an initial attempt to gauge the effectiveness of the Emergency Assistance program, I created an interview process to determine the current living situation of recipients, their needs at the time they received assistance, the effectiveness of the program in meeting these needs, and the recipients’ perceptions of the program’s effectiveness.

Based on a favorable response rate of 23% from the interview/survey, I was able to analyze the results and then provide recommendations to strengthen the program. The report I have prepared will be presented to the Mercer County Health and Human Service Advisory Council.

It is my hope that the report will create momentum and dialogue to constructively refine some of the EA program guidelines. This internship has really taught me the importance of taking a community approach in solving the problems and needs of the community. This will be a valuable stepping stone as I prepare to begin my professional career.

A special thanks to Annie for contributing so much of her skills and hard work to Mercer County and for her outstanding level of professionalism and kindness here in UWGMC’s office. Congratulations on your graduation. We will miss you!

Back to Top

In April 2005, the Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness held the first in a series of trainings for caseworkers in Mercer’s non-profit organizations and governmental agencies. These frontline workers, who work directly with Mercer’s homeless and at risk, welcomed the session entitled Help Your Client Avoid Eviction and Foreclosure. “We aim to create a more effective safety net by filling in information gaps that can help prevent homelessness,” said Mary Ellen Marino, Executive Director. “Preventing homelessness is much less costly than experiencing homelessness and its long term consequences.”


The Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness is a collaboration of more than 150 non-profit organizations, elected officials, government agencies, corporations, congregations, community groups, and individuals who came together to end homelessness and develop a Ten Year Plan. Launched to address the root causes of homelessness in a coordinated manner, the overall mission is to ensure by 2014 that every resident of Mercer County has access to permanent, safe, and affordable housing and the ability to maintain it.

Incorporated in August 2004, the Mercer Alliance to End Homelessness moved to donated office space at United Way of Greater Mercer County in October and became a tax-exempt 501 c (3) the following month. United Way President and CEO, Craig Lafferty, became the Interim Chairman of the Board. Tarry Truitt joined Mary Ellen Marino, the Executive Director in January 2005 to help organize and move the Alliance forward.

The Alliance is pleased that its advocacy not only helped bring additional funds to Mercer County organizations, but also to low income and working poor families through support for a new state rental assistance program with $25 million in funding and the recently signed increase in the state minimum wage to $7.15 over the next two years.

Back to Top

At the end of May, United Way of Greater Mercer County will be saying farewell to Janice A. Carson and Kimberly Shores. Janice will begin her well deserved retirement and Kim will take time to celebrate her 2nd child.

Janice has dedicated 17 years of distinguished service to United Way as a fundraiser, marketer, and most recently, as Senior VP of Leadership Development. “My work here has been profoundly satisfying....at the end of each day, you’ve helped make a positive impact on someone’s life. As I reflect on the last 17 years, I am amazed that over $80 million was raised for our community through the teams I led! My colleagues and volunteers inspired me with their talent, dedication, and compassion.”

Asked what she’ll do for her retirement, “I’ll be raising flowers instead of dollars. And I’ll have many wonderful memories to help nourish my new life.”

	From left to right: Rebecca Dodson, Susan O'Brien, Janice Carson, Kim Shores, Laura Jarvie
	From left to right: Eta Yager, Janice Carson, Debbie Moses

Kim Shores will be leaving United Way of Greater Mercer County as the VP of Brand Management and Communications. While working at United Way for 7 years, she has kept true to the seemingly impossible task of maintaining all of United Way’s marketing initiatives. When asked what she will miss most of all, she replied, “The hardest thing about this departure is saying goodbye to all of my wonderful friends here at United Way. You all do such extraordinary work and I am so honored to have had the opportunity to work with all of you.”

Both Janice and Kim’s dedication, loyalty, and ebullience will be missed. We wish Janice happy gardening and Kim the best of health and the successful delivery of her 2nd child.

Left to right: husband Brian, their son Mason, and Kim

Back to Top

Don’t miss out on our Annual Golf Outing this year! It will take place on July 26, at Mercer Oaks, East Golf Course. To register and/or to become a sponsor, please contact Jesse Starks at 609.637.4906 or jesse.starks@uwgmc.org. We are also accepting prize donations.