New Stanton, PA (January 3, 2012) The United Way of Westmoreland County announces Gary Stanczak, Package Car Driver for UPS and resident of North Huntingdon, as the winner of the Grand Prize – a new car! This year’s winner was not able to attend the December 16 United Way 2011 Campaign Incentive Luncheon held at the Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, because he was delivering packages to homes and businesses during the busy holiday season.  Finally, at a special ceremony held at the UPS facility in New Stanton, Gary, accompanied by with his wife and two children, accepted the prize of a new car donated by Hillview Motors, Sendell Motors, Smail Auto Group or Toyota-Scion of Greensburg. These four local dealerships, along with Best Buy of Greensburg and Dominion Transmission, have contributed various items for United Way’s Annual Incentive Giving Program.

Also at the December 16 United Way 2011 Campaign Incentive Luncheon, the second prize, a Samsung 46” HDTV, donated by Best Buy of Greensburg, was awarded to Patricia Koos from FirstEnergy.  Additionally, Elaine Stevens from Erie Insurance, Inc. received third prize, a deluxe model gas grill with a grilling kit provided by Dominion Transmission. Consolation prizes were awarded to the remaining seven finalists: Amy Capozzi of Kennametal Inc.; Candice Hindman of Norwin School District; Charles Kemerer of the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County; Dean Matanin of Excela Health; Patricia Martin of Hamill Manufacturing Company; Richard Mock of Elliott Company; and, Larry Peperato of Powerex, Inc.
 


Chuck Urtin, board member of the United Way of Westmoreland County, thanked the Grand Prize sponsors, as well as the Step-Up sponsors, Ray Charley of the Charley Family of Shop’n Save Stores and OMNOVA Solutions Inc.  He encouraged all to spread the word that United Way still needs support to reach more families in need in these tough times.
 
To be a part of the United Way of Westmoreland County’s Incentive Giving Program, these individuals donated $3 or more each week to United Way.  Additionally, if the donation was designated to the Community Impact Fund, their name was entered twice for the drawing!  
 


The United Way of Westmoreland County is a nonprofit organization that invests its resources in efforts that solve critical community problems with measurable results.  Covering Westmoreland and Fayette Counties and a portion of Armstrong County, over 90,000 people are served through partnerships in three targeted areas: Helping children attain Success in Learning and Life; Supporting the Basic Needs and Financial Stability for the community; and, Ensuring Health Access and Independence for our neighbors. 
If you are interested in learning more about the Incentive Giving Program, sponsorships or the Community Impact Fund, please contact Vinnie Baird at: 724.834.7170, wecare@unitedway4u.org or visit www.unitedway4u.org .

Latrobe, PA (November 2, 2011) Lindsay Hyde, founder and president of Strong Women, Strong Girls was the keynote speaker for the sixth annual “Women of Influence” Breakfast hosted by the United Way of Westmoreland County Women’s Leadership Council on November 2 at Fred Rogers Center on the campus of Saint Vincent College. This event is designed to celebrate the success of the Women’s Leadership Council’s support of Faith in Action expansion serving nearly 1000 seniors.

Lindsay Hyde, founder and president of Strong Women, Strong Girls Inc., encourages members
and guests of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council to ignite a spark on behalf of our
community at the 6th Annual “Women of Influence” breakfast held on November 2.

At the “Women of Influence” breakfast, Ms. Hyde spoke on how creating social change begins small by finding a challenge and inviting others to join.  She shared stories on how eight-year-olds in Miami identified a need and built a movement keeping schools clean by decorating trashcans in whimsical ways.  She encouraged all by saying, “If eight-year-olds can do it, we as adults can do it.”  

Strong Women, Strong Girls is a nationally recognized mentoring program that engages college undergraduate women as mentors to low-income girls in grades 3-5. Under Lindsay’s leadership, Strong Women, Strong Girls has grown from a small undergraduate group at Harvard to a program with an annual budget of over $1.5 million in philanthropic support. The program serves over 2,000 girls each year in Miami, Boston, and Pittsburgh and locations in Qatar and Israel.

Following Lindsay, Bobbi Watt Geer, president and CEO of United Way of Westmoreland County, presented the benefits of WLC’s investment for seniors, families and the community as reaching $18 million since inception in 2006.  With 499 volunteers providing over 38,000 hours for 958 seniors in their homes, the community gains nearly $600,000 in services that leverage additional huge savings by helping seniors delay the costs of higher-level care for years.

Betsy Krisher, vice president at Maher Duessel CPAs and co-chair of the Women’s Leadership Council, opened the morning with an overview of how WLC chapters have grown by 12% in the past year and are making a huge difference in their respective communities.  Since 2006, the United Way Women’s Leadership Council locally has targeted its fundraising to help the frail elderly remain at home safe and secure. Many women talk about their role as caretaker for an elderly family member – its stressors on money, career and family. The typical caregiver is a 46 year-old female with some college experience who provides 20 hours of care each week to her parent(s) (April 2005 AARP Public Policy Fact Sheet). WLC’s investments have already allowed the establishment of four new Faith in Action sites in the Alle-Kiski, Murrysville, Irwin-North Huntingdon and Scottdale areas.  

Women’s Leadership Council members, Mary Ann Gawelek, Sondra Lettrich  and
Rhonda Laughlin, reconnect at the “Women of Influence” breakfast held at the
Fred Rogers Center on the campus of Saint Vincent College. 

Faith in Action is a community and interfaith volunteer effort that mobilizes, trains and supervises a volunteer corps who provide services such as escorts to doctor appointments, telephone reassurance calls, grocery shopping and referrals to other programs that assist older adults, often in concert with home health services or services from family members.

The Women’s Leadership Council efforts in United Ways across the nation have been very effective at providing a forum that women want and need to become more active in philanthropy.  Both in large and small group social settings, through hands-on volunteer experiences and regular communications, members become involved in changing community conditions. Locally, the goal of the Women’s Leadership Council is to promote leadership through philanthropy and engagement among women in our region. Women join the Council by pledging $1,000.  Since its inception in the spring of 2006, WLC membership has grown from 11 founding givers to over 100 members. This year’s breakfast was made possible thanks to the generous supported of the Eden Hall Foundation, a sustaining partner of WLC for the last four years.

The United Way of Westmoreland County is a nonprofit organization that invests its resources in efforts that solve critical community problems with measurable results.  Covering Westmoreland and Fayette Counties and a portion of Armstrong County, we serve over 90,000 people through partnerships in three targeted areas: Helping children attain Success in Learning and Life; Supporting the Basic Needs and Financial Stability for the community; and, Ensuring Health Access and Independence for our neighbors.

For more information, please contact us at (724) 834-7170 or www.unitedway4u.org.

Greensburg, PA • September 14, 2011: In many communities of Westmoreland and Fayette Counties, you could find blue and white Day of Caring signs as over 800 volunteers participated in United Way of Westmoreland County’s Annual Day of Caring.  Employees from more than 40 area companies worked on projects ranging from painting and landscaping to spending quality time with the clients of local nonprofits.  Company teams worked on a variety of projects that included UPS employees building a ramp for a senior in Mt. Pleasant, Kennametal staff insulating a hall at Boy Scout Camp Twin Echo in New Florence, and First National Bank representatives spreading tons of mulch for Sewickley Library’s garden.  More than 70 projects were scheduled throughout the Westmoreland and Fayette region.
Every year after the projects are completed, participants gather at Twin Lakes Park to share in great food, win prizes and celebrate this growing community effort. 

David McDonald, 2011 Day of Caring Chair, along with Cyndi Philips of United Way thanks the volunteers for their work.

At the picnic, David McDonald, Regional President of WestPennPower Company of FirstEnergy, and United Way 2011 Day of Caring Chair, commended all of the volunteers for participating on the Day of Caring and being “true heroes for the community,” the theme for this year’s volunteer event.  President and CEO of United Way, Bobbi Watt Geer, thanked everyone for helping United Way raise $3.9 Million in 2010 and encouraged all to continue to support our programs as United Way is looking to increase its goal by 10% this year.

First Commonwealth Bank heros at Day of Caring picnic for 2011

This one day of volunteerism leveraged over $80,000 worth of service to our communities.  The day would not have been possible without the generous sponsorship of the Kennametal Foundation, Peoples Natural Gas, ABB Inc, FirstEnergy Foundation and Westinghouse Electric Company LLC. Special thanks goes to PPG for their immense contribution of hundreds of gallons of paint, rollers, brushes and pans for our projects, even though their distribution facility was compromised due to recent flooding.

United Way of Westmoreland County is a nonprofit organization that invests its resources in efforts that solve critical community problems with measurable results.  Covering Westmoreland and Fayette and portions of Armstrong County, we serve over 90,000 people through partnerships in three targeted areas: Success in Learning and Life; Basic Needs and Financial Stablity and Health Access and Independence.  For more information, please contact us at (724) 834-7170 or www.unitedway4u.org.

Did you know that what children learn before kindergarten affects their success in school and in life? The first five years are absolutely essential to brain development and shaping literacy, math and social skills – we cannot recreate this opportunity later in life. When it comes to early learning, there are no “do-overs.”

Talking, reading and playing with children from birth builds the language, math and social skills they need to be ready for kindergarten.

Choosing quality early learning programs like Keystone STARS, Pre-K Counts, Head Start, Early Intervention, Nurse-Family Partnership and Parent-Child Home Program provides children with good teachers and learning activities that spark creativity and a love for learning so they can grow and develop.
This October, celebrate quality early education in Pennsylvania and the families, teachers and leaders that help our young children reach their promise every day!
Visit www.papromiseforchildren.com for many ways you can celebrate PA’s Promise for Children Month:

•    Get the facts and spread the word – check out some of the key research that reinforces why quality early education is key to our children’s future
•    Help young children learn at home – find simple tips and activities you can do year-round with children from infancy through kindergarten to help them grow and develop
•    Choose quality early learning programs – whether it’s child care, Head Start, or preschool, your child’s early learning program matters. Find out what programs are available in your area and key questions to ask when you are looking for an early learning program
•    How does your county measure up? – In Pennsylvania, only about one-third of Pennsylvania’s young children have access to publicly-funded quality early learning programs. Check out your county’s page to see how many children in your area participate in these programs.
•    Find out about local events – there are dozens of events taking place across Pennsylvania during the month for families – check out your county’s page for events in your area. 

Let’s help make quality early education a priority for Pennsylvania, because every child is Pennsylvania’s future. For more information, contact Jan Gebicki, Director of Education, United Way of Westmoreland County at 724.834.7170  ext. 19 or jan@unitedway4u.org.

Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children is a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of providing Pennsylvania’s young children with access to quality early learning opportunities. Sponsored by the PA Build Initiative, Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality, The Grable Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and William Penn Foundation, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).

Latrobe, PA (August 25, 2011) At the Latrobe Country Club, Kennametal managers, along with representatives from over 40 suppliers from around the country, tackled the historic golf course of Arnold Palmer to raise funds for United Way of Westmoreland County’s Community IMPACT Fund, American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.  Under threatening skies, teams tested their skills in pursuit of prizes, which included two Harley Davidson motorcycles, while supporting philanthropy for the community.

After the afternoon scramble, Chairman, President and CEO of Kennametal Inc., Carlos Cardoso, introduced Rocky Bleier, celebrity speaker for the evening festivities and dinner. Steeler legend, Bleier, shared how the Steelers grew as a team and how leadership made the difference in generating Superbowl Championships.

Following Mr. Bleier, Mr. Cardoso presented a check for $135,000 to Bobbi Watt Geer, CEO and President of United Way of Westmoreland County.  Prizes of flag pennants, signed by Arnold Palmer, were awarded for a wide range of categories including, best score, closest to the pin and longest drive.  During dinner, participants bid for sports gear autographed by players from the Pirates and the Penguins.

This year’s event was fully booked as 32 teams from all parts of the country gathered to tackle the Arnie’s famous course.  Adding to the energy of the day, Rocky Bleier, joined the scramble with the team from Aggressive Grinding Services, Inc. of Latrobe. Within each foursome, a host from Kennametal set the pace of the game for each team.  Thanks to Kennametal’s effort, funds raised for this event will make a significant difference for our neighbors and communities in need.


The United Way of Westmoreland County is a nonprofit organization that invests its resources in efforts that solve critical community problems with measurable results.  Covering Westmoreland, Fayette and portions of Armstrong counties, we serve over 80,000 people through partnerships in three targeted areas: Success in Learning and Life; Basic Needs and Financial Stability and Health Access and Independence.  For more information, please contact us at (724) 834-7170 or www.unitedway4u.org.

United Way Announces $105 Million in Aid Available to Pennsylvania Homeowners Facing Foreclosure and the Launch of PA 2-1-1 Southwest.

On Monday, July 11, United Way of Allegheny County hosted a press conference to announce the availability of over $100 million in foreclosure aid for Pennsylvania through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP), and the launch of PA 2-1-1 Southwest.

Michael Dear, board president, Action Housing; Brian A. Hudson Sr., executive director and CEO, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA); Dan Onorato, Allegheny County Executive; and Julie DeSeyn, Director Pennsylvania 2-1-1- Southwest spoke to the media and conference attendees about the intricacies of the EHLP funds, and PA 2-1-1 Southwest which has just launched in Allegheny County to connect residents with social, health and government services.

EHLP funds are available to qualified homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgages and are in danger of foreclosure due to the loss of a job, an involuntary reduction in work hours, or a medical issue. The program pledges to pay up to 24 months of mortgage payments capped at $50,000 for eligible homeowners.

As of last week, 30 loans for $944,296 had been approved for Allegheny County residents, and statewide, 755 loans at $27.3 million had been approved. The deadline for applying to EHLP funds is September 30, so United Way and PHFA are working together to spread the word about EHLP and to get the remainder of the funds to homeowners in need.

Brian A. Hudson Sr. said that he is lobbying to extend the program's deadline, but if they are unable to get an extension, does not plan to leave any money on the table.

"The name of the game is to try to reach as many homeowners as possible," Mr. Hudson said.

PA 2-1-1 Southwest will provide an easy way for residents to get connected to this funding, and to other vital human services. PA 2-1-1 Southwest is launching in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Residents located outside of the service area should dial 1-800-552-4171 to reach a 2-1-1 representative.

"Just remember one number, 2-1-1. If you have a problem or think you’re going to be foreclosed on, call that number and they’ll be able to send you in the right direction,” said County Executive Onorato.

Greensburg, PA (April 6, 2011) Over 240 community investors, company partners and leaders gathered at United Way of Westmoreland County’s (UWWC) Annual Campaign Celebration on Wednesday, April 6 at Ferrante’s Lakeview Restaurant, Greensburg. Chris Reinbold, Vice President and General Manager of ABB Inc., and the 2010 Campaign Chair thanked everyone for their outstanding efforts to help United Way exceed a projected $3.9 million goal. Chris and ABB Inc. are strong supporters of volunteerism and funding to help make a significant impact in the community during these challenging times. Jim Lokay of KDKA-TV, who served as Master of Ceremonies, brought his energy to the event, highlighting the great successes shared by UWWC partner agencies and corporate partners.  

Chris Reinbold, Senior Vice President and General Manager, ABB Inc.

Thanks the attendees of the celebration for thier support and making goal for 2010.

Over 50 companies and organizations were honored.  Agencies and companies receiving special recognition at the event include accessAbilities Inc., Allegheny Energy, Elliott Company, Excela Health, Greensburg Salem School District, Kennametal Inc., Southmoreland School District, UPS Laurel Mountain District, Valley Points Family YMCA, and Westinghouse Electric Company.

Jim Lokay, reporter for KDKA-TV, served as master of ceremonies for

United Way Annual Campaign Celebration at Lakeview in Greensburg

Three of the highest awards, the Chair of the Board, President's and Westmoreland Awards were given to companies and individuals who served as significant leaders and contributors for the 2010 Campaign. The President’s Award went to Kennametal Inc. and was accepted by Marti Bailey, Vice President Finance and Corporate Controller, for Kennametal's exceptional efforts to build strong involvement within the company at all levels. 

Sharon Wise of Allegheny Energy (left) accepted the Chair of the Board

Award from Bobbi Watt Geer, President and CEO of UWWC .

Sharon was also the 2010 Westmoreland Award recipeint.

Bobbi Watt Geer, President and CEO of UWWC, presented the Chair of the Board Award to Allegheny Energy for its extraordinary growth in its campaign. Under the leadership of employee campaign chair, Sharon Wise, Allegheny Energy's campaign raised over $1 million dollars corporate-wide, a first for both Allegheny Energy and United Way of Westmoreland County. This great result was made possible by Paul Evanson, Chairman, President & CEO, increasing the corporate match of 75 cents on every dollar donated in 2010. The Westmoreland Award was presented to Sharon Wise, Director, Building Services at Allegheny Energy, to honor her as the volunteer and campaign chair who exhibited outstanding ability and performance for United Way in 2010.

In the area of community service and impact, Dr. Ron Sheba received the Children’s Champion Award for his lifetime of work as superintendent of the Laurel Highlands School District and Education and Workforce Development Manager for Fay-Penn Economic Council in promoting education and development of children and young adults. 

The United Way of Westmoreland County is a nonprofit organization that invests its resources in efforts that solve critical community problems with measurable results.  Covering Westmoreland and Fayette Counties and a portion of Armstrong County, it serves over 80,000 people through partnerships in three targeted areas: Helping children attain success in learning and life; Supporting the basic needs and financial stability for the community; and, Ensuring Health Access and Independence for all individuals.

 The hearts and minds of the United Way movement around the world are with the people of Japan. With communications disrupted by the disaster, we were finally successful on Saturday in connecting with Central Community Chest of Japan. They are safe, but they have not been able to contact all of the local Community Chests in disaster-stricken areas. Central Community Chest of Japan is convening local Community Chests to create one central fund and are collaborating with government, local businesses and other NGOs to coordinate response on the ground.

As soon as we have solid information about the central fund, we will immediately provide this information to the United Way network. We are not activating the United Way Worldwide disaster fund but will direct to the local fund. The Community Chest of Korea has already committed $500,000.

Here are the ways we are helping now:

·      Until we have an electronic link to the local disaster fund, individuals or organizations wanting to make donations to disaster efforts of greater than $5,000 can donate to United Way’s International Donor Advised Giving (IDAG) program – http://worldwide.unitedway.org/IDAG

·      As there are hidden costs and complications associated with contributions of goods or services, we discourage unsolicited product donations

To Donate -

Link to blog for more information: http://liveunited.org/blog/entry/you-can-make-a-difference.-support-the-people-of-japan  and  http://unitedway.org/worldwide/ 

Below is a link to a variety of agencies mobilized to support the needs of communities and individuals affected by the disaster in Japan.

http://www.interaction.org/crisis-list/interaction-members-support-japan-earthquake-response
 

To Locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan - 

·      Those trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan are directed to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizen Services toll free from within the U.S. at +1.888.407.4747, from outside the U.S. at +1.202.647.5225 or on their website – http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html

For restoring links to family members in the area, you can utilize the Family Links service run by the International Red Cross by going to the following Link : http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/Web/doc/siterfl0.nsf/htmlall/fl_home.

'Investing in Our Communities' initiative rolls out to regions

across the firm as part of a $1 million in funding for basic needs 

St. Louis, January 28, 2011, Wells Fargo Advisors announced today a $3,500 grant to the United Way of Westmoreland County to help fund Faith in Action.  In Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, the firm’s grant will help local Faith in Action (FIA) programs provide support for hundreds of seniors.   
 

Bobbi Watt Geer, CEO of United Way of Westmoreland County, receives a $3,500 grant to
support seniors in our community from (left - right) Jim Hergenroeder, First Vice President – 


Investment Officer, and Rich Acita, Financial Advisor, of Wells Fargo Advisors in Greensburg.
 
Faith in Action is a volunteer network that provides basic and necessary services for seniors to help them remain safe and secure in their homes.  Hundreds of volunteers provide free services such as transportation to medical appointments, home safety checks or help with light chores, regardless of income level.  United Way of Westmoreland County has established four new Faith in Action sites in the communities of Alle-Kiski, Irwin, Murrysville and Mt. Pleasant/Scottdale and funds two other sites, one in Latrobe and another in Connellsville.  To date, the four centers alone have provided over 8,000 hours of service to hundreds of seniors.  Rich Acita, Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors Greensburg office and board member of the United Way of Westmoreland County, says, “This grant is reflective of our commitment to supporting seniors and families of our local community.”

“As a leader in our industry, we recognize that investing in our communities is a responsibility we have as a result of doing business there, and we understand that our firm is only as strong as the communities where we are located,” said Danny Ludeman, president & CEO of Wells Fargo Advisors. “To that end, through our team members’ volunteer efforts, corporate philanthropy and community involvement, Wells Fargo Advisors is committed to building strong and vibrant communities, improving quality of life, and making a positive difference where we live and work.” 
 
The grant is one of nearly three hundred basic needs grants being made throughout the U.S. by Wells Fargo Advisors as part of the firm’s Investing in Our Communities initiative.  Wells Fargo & Company has a strong legacy of giving to the community.  In 2009, the combined company contributed more than $200 million in grants and sponsorships to nonprofit organizations and 1.4 million team member hours volunteering in communities across the United States.
 
United Way of Westmoreland County is a nonprofit organization that invests its resources in efforts that solve critical community problems with measurable results.  Covering Westmoreland, Fayette and portions of Armstrong counties, we serve over 80,000 people through partnerships in three targeted areas: Helping Children & Youth Succeed; Building Strong Neighborhoods & Communities and Supporting Vulnerable & Aging Populations.  For more information, please contact us at (724) 834-7170 or www.unitedway4u.org.
 
 
About Wells Fargo Advisors
With more than $1.1 trillion in client assets as of Sept. 30, 2010, Wells Fargo’s brokerage businesses comprise more than 15,000 full-service financial advisors and 4,500 licensed bankers. This vast network of advisors, one of the nation’s largest, serves clients through offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and in Latin America. Wells Fargo Advisors is the trade name used by two separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company: Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (members SIPC). Statistics include other broker-dealers of Wells Fargo & Company. www.wellsfargoadvisors.com
 
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.2 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With more than 278,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America.  Wells Fargo & Company was ranked #19 on Fortune’s 2009 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.   
 
Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC.

At the upcoming E-Magnify “Women’s Entrepreneurial Symposium” set for Tuesday, March 8th, The Status of Women in Westmoreland County has teamed up with E-Magnify to present a special educational presentation and conversation – “Impacting Commerce and Community.”  This year's event focuses on highlighting and creating more opportunities for women in building the health and economic strength of our community.

In the context of the current economic climate, now more than ever, this country needs the vision, talent and leadership that women offer.  Research has shown when women are present in significant numbers, the bottom line increases, as well as the quality and scope of decision-making.  In addition, it has been documented that women operating higher grossing businesses contribute significantly to economic growth. Further, when women participate more fully in the public sphere, policy discussions and actions more broadly achieve the common good.

What are the strategies and solutions that can be developed to increase the growth of women-owned businesses to achieve full representation in leadership, in both the private and public sectors, and to ensure long-term impact for commerce and communities?

Register today to be part of this important discussion!

Because United Way of Westmoreland County is a program partner for the event, you are eligible to register at a discounted rate.  Here's the direct link for the discounted registration for program partners:
 
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e36sg032e06ad799&oseq <https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e36sg032e06ad799&oseq> =
 
If you are interested in participating, you must use this link to receive the discounted registration.  When you click on the link, you will be taken to the program partner page, and you will need to enter your email address twice.  From there, you will be able to proceed through the registration process.
 
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Bobbi Watt Geer at 724.834.7170, ext. 30, or contact Joanna Markle of E-Magnify at 724.830.4625.  

2-1-1 is an easy to remember three digit phone number designated by the Federal Communications Commission to provide assistance to consumers on where to call with a question about accessing health and/or human services.  For too long, Pennsylvania has been one of three states (the others are Wyoming & Arizona) where the service is unavailable.  

Last year, on February 11th, the Pennsylvania Utility Commission, at the request of the United Way of Pennsylvania and more than 150 other organizations and legislators, awarded the 211 designation to PA211, the new non-profit established to implement the service for Pennsylvania.  

“Having a fully functional 2-1-1 system in Pennsylvania plays an important role in more effectively coordinating our government-related services by providing a single phone number that individuals may call when they are seeking information about assistance in paying their utility bills and weatherization services, as well as information on unemployment compensation, food banks, educational seminars, and other available services,” said Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy. “While we have made great strides in the last year to provide our citizens with easier access to information about our many available assistance programs, more work needs to be done.  Feb. 11, 2011, is a good day to update our status and recommit everyone to achieving these goals.”

On this special date, PA211 is proud to provide this progress report on the status of its implementation.  The most exciting news is that 2-1-1 has begun to roll out across the state and will continue throughout the year beginning with the first region, a limited pilot in the Philadelphia/SE region.  This pilot is possible through the efforts of the United Ways in the Greater Philadelphia region and NJ2-1-1 which has been providing service in New Jersey for more than 5 years.  211 SE PA is in the process of finding a local philanthropic champion to support a full public launch later this year.   

PA211 has awarded provisional status to an additional five organizations who will serve as regional centers across the state.  A seventh, for the northwest region has not yet been awarded.  The role of these regional centers is to provide help to families and individuals both online as well as by phone where call specialists can connect PA residents to local health and human service resources in their community.  These centers will ultimately be tied into a statewide coordinated database and call monitoring software system so that 2-1-1 calls can be answered throughout the state from any community on a 24/7 basis. These centers are at various stages of implementation, with several who will receive the “go ahead” from PA211 within the next few months.

As the 211 system expands in Pennsylvania there are several other services, most notably, the ability to partner with 9-1-1 in times of disasters so that 9-1-1 can dedicate itself to “First Responders," leaving 2-1-1 to provide answers to “urgent” but not “emergency” calls.   

PA211 is a nonprofit organization developed through a partnership between the United Way of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Association of Information and Referral Services (PAIRS).   A copy of its business plan, board members and regional center information is available at its website PA211.org.

For more information contact: Nancy Kukovich 412.999.6015

Greensburg, PA - January 31, 2011. On February 1, Bobbi Watt Geer assumes the role as the new Chief Executive Officer at the United Way of Westmoreland County.  Calvin McCutcheon (McCutcheon Enterprises), Chair of the Board of Directors, made the announcement following a board meeting held January 31^st during which the Board also accepted the resignation of Nancy E. Kukovich after ten years at the helm.  Mr. McCutcheon said, “We reluctantly accept Nancy’s resignation and will miss her very much; the passion she has brought to her work at the United Way has fueled our achievements making it possible to do more for our community.  And, we are so fortunate to have Bobbi at the ready.  She and Nancy have been at the center of an effective team at the United Way.”    

Dr. Watt Geer has been a member of the United Way staff for three years; first, as a consultant while finishing her doctoral studies in public administration and public policy and then as Chief Operating Officer.  As Chief Operating Officer, she provided management of agency operations, focusing primarily on campaign and the expansion of the Faith in Action program.  In addition, Dr. Watt Geer provided critical leadership on the merger of the Westmoreland and Fayette United Ways and on establishing the United Way’s planned giving endowment, “The Legacy Impact Fund.”  Prior to her work at United Way, Dr. Watt Geer was the President of the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County.  She is also a graduate of Apollo-Ridge High School, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Robert Morris University.  She and her family reside in Murrysville.

“Bobbi is a terrific asset in our community; and, with her appointment, the Board is assuring that there will be continued forward progress for the United Way in the community,” said Ms. Kukovich.  “My husband, my daughter and I look forward to our new status, as ‘active’ United Way volunteers.”

Ms. Kukovich will continue her role in our community as the Executive Vice President of Finance and Business Development at Adelphoi, USA (Latrobe), where she has served on the board for nine years.  She begins her position there the beginning of April and will continue to work at the United Way until then to ensure a smooth transition.

In accepting the position, Dr. Watt Geer said, “I enthusiastically accept this appointment and the responsibilities that go with it.  The United Way plays an important role in our community by maintaining and building connections across all sectors; it is our strength, and I am convinced that together we can make things happen.  I appreciate the Board’s vote of confidence.”

For most residents, noises from the basement are not welcome, but recently for two North Huntingdon seniors, the pounding from below means new warmth as the team of technicians from Donahue’s Inc. Heating and Cooling, brought in a new energy efficient furnace.  Thanks to the generosity of Regis “Butch” Donahue and GBG Supply of Youngwood, two homes of seniors received new Amana 95 gas heating systems. 

A year ago, Barry Radel, Comfort Consultant of Donahue’s, Inc., came up with the idea of helping seniors in need.  With most seniors operating at a survival level in income and support, a major systems overhaul is a big challenge and usually financially impossible. Each installation is valued at $3,000 to $3,500 and will translate into tremendous savings as the new furnaces are 95% efficient. “Seeing the smiles on their faces and knowing that they will have great comfort this winter with lower costs gives me the best feeling,” says Barry.

A new furnace is installed in a Faith in Action

recipient Margaret Achtzehn in Irwin 

Charles and Wilma White, 90 plus years young, are so appreciative of the installation of a new furnace. He says that he is looking forward to feeling ever more secure in his home as his old Janitrol system was more than 20 years old.  The other recipient, Margaret Achtzehn is thrilled with her new system as Donahue’s technician corrected some issues with her exhaust and chimney and replaced her 25-year-old furnace.  These, North Huntingdon seniors were selected from a pool of hundreds of seniors that depend on Faith in Action services.

Charles and Wilma White are surrounded by the Donahue Team

of Regis Donahue and Barry Radel of Donahue Inc. and CJ Cameron

of GBG Supply of Youngwood. 

Faith in Action programs are volunteer networks that provide basic and necessary services for seniors to help them remain safe and secure in their homes. In North Huntingdon and Irwin, Brush Creek Area Trail Faith in Action provides free services such as trips to medical appointments, homes safety checks or help in light chores regardless of income level.  This programs, along with five others in the area, serve hundreds of seniors and are supported or funded by United Way of Westmoreland County.

Last year, two Faith in Action seniors, one in Export and another in Latrobe, benefited from the installation of new furnaces.    Butch says, “This is a team effort…we could not deliver this technology without the generosity of our supplier GBG Supply of Youngwood and Barry’s enthusiasm for helping the community.”  This is the second year that Donahue and GBG Supply to benefit area seniors.

United Way of Westmoreland County is a nonprofit organization that invests its resources in efforts that solve critical community problems with measurable results.  Covering Westmoreland, Fayette and portions of Armstrong counties, we serve over 80,000 people through partnerships in three targeted areas: Helping Children & Youth Succeed; Building Strong Neighborhoods & Communities and Supporting Vulnerable & Aging Populations.  For more information, please contact us at (724) 834-7170 or www.unitedway4u.org.

Greensburg, PA – September 30, 2010. For our region, one of the most far-reaching negative impacts facing our communities is the challenge of ensuring our students graduate from school.  Students, who drop out, translate to loss of skilled employees, economic vitality and financial stability. Also, high drop-out rates lead to higher crime rates, greater dependency on government and agency services and loss of revenue for municipalities.  More importantly, the potential of a child can be lost forever and with it, hope for a bright future for their family and themselves. 

This year the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has adopted a new formula for analyzing drop-out rates for our schools. In anticipation of the new data and statistics due in December, United Way and State Farm Insurance are taking the first step by conducting a Fayette/Westmoreland Drop-Out Summit. This event will be held October 13, 2010 at Westmoreland County Community College at Founders Hall from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM.  All school districts and career and technology centers from Westmoreland and Fayette counties have been invited to hear the stories behind drop out rates for our region.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn from various experts on this topic such as: Mr. William Bartle of PA Partnerships for Children; Mr. Ron Cowell, president of The Education Policy and Leadership Center; and Ms. Jennifer Waltz, Special Advisor to the Education Department Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education.  All will have a chance to share and network best practices among districts and have critical questions regarding  the new formula and protocols around the calculation of drop-out rates answered.

As no single person or entity can combat a community’s drop-out crisis, United Way is mobilizing committed support of many – community-, school- and district-based educators,

parents, students, citizens, business executives, university and community

college leaders, non-profit and faith-based organization leaders and policymakers.

Research shows that the more support youth have, both inside and outside the classroom, the more likely they are to stay in school. We must invest in the whole child, which requires

finding solutions that involve the family, the school, and the community.  For more information on the conference, please contact Jan Fox at 724.834.7170, ext.32.