Whatever holiday you're celebrating at this time of year, it's a great opportunity to LIVE UNITED. United Way of SC wishes all a great 2010.

In times of hardship, a United Way of service

By William Lowery

Published in the Akron Beacon Journal on Thursday, Dec 10, 2009

National news reports have been anticipating the end of the current recession. But for so many of our family members, our friends and neighbors, the reality seems decidedly less rosy. With unemployment nearly double 2007 levels and numerous employees facing reduced wages or benefits, many families are turning to United Way-supported programs for the first time.

These agencies and programs are facing a ''triple whammy'' in these turbulent times. More people need help while donations and funding sources have decreased and social service agencies have been forced to reduce staff and program capacity.

What's missing from so many of our conversations is a sense of hope. We seem to forget that whenever tragedy strikes, our country — and our community in particular — generously responds. Here in Summit County, giving to our annual United Way/Red Cross campaigns has always spiked during times of economic upheaval, tragedy and war.

That's because a contribution to the United Way/Red Cross Campaign remains the best way to make the biggest difference in the lives of so many people in our community. When you give to United Way, we can continue our support of the many agencies and organizations that are providing the programs and services to those who need them the most during tough economic times.

There is no doubt that the problems we face are daunting. Our food pantries, our crisis counseling agencies, our homeless shelters are reporting increases in requests for assistance — increases of up to 30 percent or more. And many of those people who are seeking help are having to do so for the first time ever. These people who, until recently, were giving to those in need are now the ones asking for a helping hand.

And even those of us fortunate enough to be in a position to give may have less discretionary money available than we have in years past. That's why a gift to the United Way/Red Cross Campaign makes the most sense.

No matter what you can afford to give, you can be assured that your contribution is joined with thousands of others and will make a measurable difference in the lives of real people, helping to fund programs throughout our community that maintain our basic safety net of services and provide vital support in the areas of health, early education and financial stability for families.

That's what many of our friends and neighbors have decided. Early returns to United Way/Red Cross Campaign here in Summit County have been very encouraging. Fully 48 percent of those who have donated so far during this campaign are contributing for the first time or are increasing their gift over last year. That's a positive trend, but we still need everyone to step up and join us if we're to reach our aggressive community goal of $11,303,526.

I have been honored to serve as this year's chair of the United Way/Red Cross Campaign of Summit County. It's been inspiring to watch the incredible work of the professional staff and the hundreds of volunteers in our community raising this money in difficult circumstances. I'm also in awe of the dedicated, talented men and women who work day in and day out on the front line, providing critical social services to our grateful community.

You can donate through our Web site at www.uwsummit.org. We hope you'll join us as we strive to LIVE UNITED and advance the common good. Our community deserves nothing less than our best effort.

Lowery is the chair of the 2009 United Way of Summit County Campaign.

UWSC President Bob Kulinski was interviewed on WAKR radio about the local economy and non-profit issues. http://tinyurl.com/y8wcmg7.

We recently recorded our 1 millionth visitor to docswhorock.com. Does that include you? Great pics from our event & you can order a show DVD

United Way of Summit County is helping Lean Six Sigma candidates and local non-profits. Read about it: http://tinyurl.com/yc42e4t.

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR SECOND CLASS

United Way of Summit County’s (UWSC) Neighborhood Leadership Institute is seeking participants for the second class which kicks off at the end of February, 2010. The Institute – coordinated by Devoe Johnson, UWSC’s Senior Manager of Community Impact – is a community collaborative designed to increase grassroots leadership engagement in the community. The goal is to train and empower local residents and community leaders, allowing them to promote positive changes in their own community.

Up to 24 men and women from neighborhoods throughout Summit County will be chosen to participate in the program. The cost for the program is $550, and scholarships may be available for individuals who can show need.

The Institute begins with an overnight retreat hosted by the University of Akron on Friday and Saturday, February 26 and 27, 2010. The Institute also offers a Saturday tour of community neighborhoods and nine classes from 5 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays between March 4 and May 6. Applications are now available at http://www.uwsummit.org/.

UWSC’s Attaining Independence Impact Council, chaired by Bruce Rowland, created the Neighborhood Leadership Institute. This Institute is based on models from Cleveland and all across the country to show a commitment to the betterment of Summit County neighborhoods. The classes offered will cover a variety of topics, ranging from criminal justice to communication and engagement. By participating in these classes, leaders will learn a wide variety of skills, including how to serve as an advocate for their families and communities, how to find and utilize resources, and how to work with government agencies and social service providers. Participants will also gain insight on community development, coalition building, how to assess their neighborhood, and their own potential as leaders.

Other organizations partnering in the development of the program are: Akron Area YMCA; Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority; Akron-Summit Community Action, Inc.; Akron Urban League; City of Akron; East Akron Community House; Leadership Akron; Perkins Street Area Action Group; Summit 2010: Quality of Life Project; County of Summit Executive’s Office; Summit County Department of Job & Family Services; The University of Akron; University Park Alliance; and University Park Development Corporation.

As participants go through the ten-week seminar, the skills that were introduced in their sessions begin to develop and strengthen. Once they begin to identify the areas in their communities that need improvement, participants can then go about setting a plan and utilizing resources to fix those areas. The end result of the program is not only more experienced and skilled individuals, it is also safer, more beautiful, and more empowered neighborhoods. This program is at the root of strengthening and uniting our communities.

United Way of Summit County encourages everyone to LIVE UNITED. Each of us has the power to improve lives and advance the common good when we give, advocate and volunteer. For more information on how to give now, on programs and services in our community, or to volunteer, call your United Way of Summit County at (330) 762-7601, visit our website at http://www.uwsummit.org/, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.