Most agencies funded by United Way of Washington County over the years have dealt with issues related to improving lives through education, income, and health.
Now, thanks to "Live United," a new United Way campaign about to be kicked off nationally and locally, the spotlight will be focused specifically on those areas so critical to a community's quality of life: education, income, and health. Live United is an invitation to our community to join our movement and advance the common good, by focusing on education, income, and health.
"Our philosophy is that by all working together we can get a lot more accomplished.
We are trying to get people to give, be advocates, and volunteer," said Dan Miller, chairman of the all-volunteer 40-member board of directors.
Miller said while agencies focusing on education, income, and health will have a better chance of being funded, most agencies funded by United Way of Washington County already deal with these issues.
"These agencies help people reach their potential - it is not a give away program. Hopefully, the end result is affecting peoples' lives," said Miller.
"Affecting peoples' lives in your neighborhood is what United Way is all about," said Miller.
United Way of Washington County started in the 1920s as the Community Fund of Washington County founded by Washington's Chamber of Commerce.
Contributors can direct all or part of their United Way gift to a specific community need, a specific nonprofit, or United Way. The choice allows contributors to direct their money to an area they feel strongly about - whether it be a specific need, health and human service agency, or a specific United Way.
Those funds are allocated by trained community volunteers who form the board and allocation committees. Their decisions are based on agency and community needs, and contributors' wishes.
Volunteers also make sure the funded agencies are well managed, have an annual independent financial audit, and maintain policies which make services available to all segments of the community
Other kinds of volunteers comprise the heart of United Way as well, said Miller.
Volunteering just a few hours a month with an at-risk youth can prevent the youngster from dropping out of school or turning to drugs and alcohol. Spending time with a senior citizen in an adult day care program can add years to lives. Tutoring an adult who cannot read can improve their quality of life and help them gain self confidence.
"The greatest thing about United Way is that it touches so many lives throughout the county through the agencies it works with. It is local; the money is given local and it stays local," said Miller.
This year, United Way of Washington County is helping fund 54 programs at 33 agencies.
"Live United" is not all that United Way of Washington County has to be excited about.
The organization has a new president, John Swallow, and a new campaign manager, Barbara Murphy, as it continually strives to enhance its profile and increase visibility in the community.
For that same reason, the United Way of Washington County moved into new offices the first week of February at 590 Washington Rd., Suite 200, located in the Huntington Bank Building on route 19. Feel free to stop by and find out what neighbors helping neighbors is all about and begin to LIVE UNITED.
If you or someone you know needs help of any kind, call HelpLine, an information and referral center, at 724-225-9052.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, or would like to donate, call 724-225-3310, or visit www.unitedwaywashco.org . You can make a difference.