United Way of Vinton County Investments

PRESS RELEASE

May 13, 2012

United Way of Vinton County Invests $18,000 in Local Organizations

          The United Way of Vinton County distributed $18,000 in investments to local non-profit partners in April, 2012—an increase of $6,000 over 2011. Applications were received from eight groups; seven received investments, according to UWVC Director Joy Dickerson. “Our United Way Board had to make some hard decisions, not just about which groups to invest in, but also how much each partner would receive out of our limited funds.” A subcommittee of the board reviewed all of the applications and then made recommendations to the full board. The recommendations were ratified after much discussion at a meeting of the entire board. “Every board member showed up for the investment meeting—it’s that important.”

          The following groups received funding this year: Care United Methodist Outreach, Truth Food Pantry, Shepherd’s House, Vinton County Senior Citizens, R.S.V.P., the American Red Cross of Southeast Ohio, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Ohio. “The Red Cross and Big Brothers/Big Sisters are located in Athens, but they provide direct service to Vinton Countians.” Dickerson noted that the American Red Cross of Southeast Ohio provided assistance to many county residents following the heavy rains that fell in the area in the last two weeks, a reflection of United Way of Vinton County’s funding at work right here. The investment in Big Brothers/Big Sisters supports a student mentoring program that has been operating without funding for the past year. “We’re so happy to assist that program. Mentoring helps the mentor as well as the person being mentored—everybody wins with mentoring.”

Board members Jeff Griffiths and Emmett Joy work the United Way booth at the recent Wild Turkey Festival--in all,
six of eight board members worked the festival; a board member was present for almost every hour of the event.
This is a Commoner Journal photo--see more pix at thecommonerjournal.com. 

          The United Way of Vinton County continues to focus investment on the most basic needs of our community—food, clothing, shelter, and safety. “Our investments in the community were higher this year than in the past, but not as high as I wanted,” board member Linda Donahoe said. “I hope that as people learn more about the United Way of Vinton County, donations will increase and we can fund a wider range of activities,” she added. The recent Split-the-Pot fundraiser at the Wild Turkey Festival was an effort to increase people’s awareness of the United Way. “We made a small sum from the split-the-pot, and the winner went home happy, but the most important thing was that we met and spoke with so many people about the role of the United Way of Vinton County in the community, Donahoe said.

          Dickerson is happy with this year’s investment decisions, but hopes to increase community involvement next year. “Next year, I hope we can invite some people from the community to participate in making investment decisions.” Dickerson would be glad to speak with anyone who has questions about the United Way of Vinton County and how it works. She can be reached at 740-596-9811 (leave a message) or by email at united_way_of_vinton_county@yahoo.com.