A fundamental shift has occurred in the strategic direction at United Way of Pierce County. The shift, explained to business and community leaders at the United Way annual meeting Wednesday, April 27, will transform the county's oldest human service nonprofit from simply funding programs to partnering to resolve the toughest issues in Pierce County.

Over 500 volunteers and donors celebrated the community's success in raising over $10.2 million to protect the safety net of services and address the toughest issues in Pierce County through United Way.

In 2004, United Way of Pierce County partnered with organizations throughout the community to achieve success. In 2005, our community's goals include:

• Increase housing for people who are homeless or unable to afford permanent shelter.
• Ensure that Pierce County's children are ready to learn upon entering school and that youth have organized and constructive activities at safe and secure locations after school.
• Help ensure the public's ability to access healthcare in our community.
• Continue to protect the community safety net by helping fund over 100 programs in Pierce County.

Tacoma Public Utilities was honored with , the highest honor bestowed upon an organization by United Way of Pierce County, the Spirit of Pierce County Award. This award recognizes the year-long community involvement and campaign excellence demonstrated by an organization.

United Way of Pierce County is proud to introduce the campaign chair for 2005, Tacoma City Manager Jim Walton.

Mr. Walton was appointed Tacoma's City Manager in July of 2003. As City Manager, he is the chief administrator of the City, overseeing City departments, and serving the Tacoma City Council. Mr. Walton served as Human Rights Director and Assistant City Manager, prior to being appointed Deputy City Manager in 1990 and has 31 years of public administration experience and public service. Mr. Walton is a past United Way of Pierce County Board Member.