What makes a leader? Most of us think about this during an election season. But leadership is a quality that extends far beyond elections. We are all justifiably proud of the leadership role Johns Hopkins University has played in defining and advancing higher education in America. At the most fundamental level, leaders show the way and look out for others. And that's why we can be equally proud of the leadership role Johns Hopkins plays in our community as well. Individually, but working together, we have donated millions of dollars in support of our neighbors and communities through our annual United Way campaign over the years. This money flows through United Way of Central Maryland and the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund. In these difficult times, now more than ever, these efforts deserve our support. United Way of Central Maryland focuses not on one program or one solution, but assists many social services by receiving and distributing support from individuals throughout the area. Agencies supported by United Way are located across central Maryland. Many people, each giving a little, makes a lot of difference. It is that strength through numbers that is captured in United Way’s national "Live United" movement. In a similar way, the Johns Hopkins Neighborhood Fund specifically targets communities surrounding the Johns Hopkins campuses for special attention. Some of the organizations that received grants through the Neighborhood Fund last year include Children of the World Co-op, Civic Works, Heart's Place Shelter and Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition. The money we gave helped support after school programs, community beautification projects, a homeless shelter and other important community efforts. Traditionally, United Way has acted as a "safety net" for health and human service needs in Central Maryland. After careful planning, United Way has identified and chosen to focus on specific societal challenges. Together, we will concentrate on these three areas that will lay the foundation for change in people's lives: education, income, and health and safety. By focusing its efforts, United Way will create concrete, widespread, and lasting changes in our broader community. Please help your neighbors and your community by donating to this year's campaign. Now, in these challenging times, leadership counts. May we count on you? Sincerely, William R. Brody Nicholas Jones
President Chair, United Way Campaign
Johns Hopkins University Dean, Whiting School of Engineering
Johns Hopkins University | 
