Wishing everyone a safe New Year's Eve Celebration, and a Happy, prosperous 2012. I hope you find many ways next year to LIVE UNITED.

Wishing a blessed Hanukkah to all our friends of the Jewish faith. "a lichtigin Chanukah"

Docs Who Rock DVDs from the 2011 show are almost completed. They should be edited & delivered before New Year. To order yours, visit: http://ow.ly/80I6D

United Way is seeking long-term solutions to problems like poverty & illiteracy. Join us to make our community a better place. http://ow.ly/7ZhDa #unitedway

Thanks to Mark Price and the Beacon Journal for this heartwarming story. More proof of how generous people here are. http://ow.ly/7XZrR

To all our donors, advocates and volunteers: check out our end-of-the-year 'Thank You' video on our YouTube channel: http://ow.ly/7TlT9 We're so grateful for your support in our efforts to improve lives here in Summit County. And we look forward to bigger and better things as we move into 2012!

Good news for the Akron area - Top 10 in the nation in job generation. http://ow.ly/7QuME

When children live in poverty, they often do poorly in school, and even their health suffers. This is why United Way attacks problems systemically - In so many ways, Education, Income & Health are interconnected. When you give to United Way, you help make a better community for all. LIVE UNITED. http://ow.ly/7P1vR

Thank you, and congratulations, to our own James Merklin. He's being honored at SBN's Pillar Awards http://ow.ly/7LsZc That's how to LIVE UNITED

Thanks to our friends and partners at the Cleveland Browns, we have tickets for this Sunday's Browns/Ravens game. Contact me if you'd like to get some tickets. Weather is supposed to be tolerable (upper 40s) so that's no excuse. Go Browns!

Your United Way seeks collaboration to reduce expenses and improve results. Here's our current list: http://ow.ly/7IpdP #liveunited

Volunteers are needed during the holidays and all year round. The Volunteer Center can match you with the right opportunities. http://ow.ly/7Hu7I

Congratulations to UWSC Board member Christine Mayer on her new role at GAR Foundation. http://ow.ly/7GYDG

We have much for which to be thankful - living in a community filled with generous people who understand what it means to LIVE UNITED.

Don't forget to check out the United Way Halftime show during Thursday's Lions-Packers game. Plus, it'll probably be a GREAT game! http://ow.ly/7CX9K

Thanks to Michael Starks & the Summit Lake Community Center for their generosity. Many will have a better Thanksgiving because of you. http://ow.ly/7DhbB

Thank you to Leo Johnson for being such a great example on how to LIVE UNITED. Read his heartwarming story here: http://ow.ly/7APrh

United Way is grateful for Nickleback's participation, generosity around halftime performance at Lions' Thanksgiving game. LIVE UNITED http://ow.ly/7APaE

Join United Way and Nickleback on Thanksgiving for the Lions/Packers. Register for a chance to win the trip, meet & greet. http://ow.ly/7xOHn #unitedway

Thanks to Children's Hospital for seeking more potential bone marrow donors. Sign up & you might save someone's life! http://ow.ly/7vrrt

Thanks to Children's Hospital for seeking more potential bone marrow donors. Sign up & you might save someone's life! http://ow.ly/7vrrt

Congratulations to John Blickle, an outstanding businessman, philanthropist and community leader. http://ow.ly/7uCCN

Thank you to all military veterans who sacrificed so much to keep us all safe. Home of the Free, because of the Brave!

Mark your calendars now for the 2nd annual RideUNITED bike event - Cle2Akr4United Way - June 24, 2012. http://ow.ly/7pExn

Before you exercise your right to complain about how things are, you need to perform your responsibility and vote.

United Way works with the Felony Reentry Program to help the thousands of felons returning to Summit County each year. http://ow.ly/7ldAI

Andrea Metzler named Director of Volunteer Center

           Andrea S. Metzler has been named Director of Volunteer Services for United Way of Summit County’s Volunteer Center.

            She comes to United Way of Summit County after serving in several capacities, including most recently as Executive Director, for Cascade Locks Park Association.  Andrea had previously taken on roles with increasing managerial responsibility with Habitat For Humanity of Summit County.

      Bob Kulinski, United Way of Summit County President and CEO, said, “Andrea Metzler is a rising star in the world of Summit County non-profit management, and she’s exactly the right person to continue growing the vital work of our Volunteer Center.  United Way of Summit County works hard to add value to our corporate and workplace donors beyond facilitating the annual fund raising campaign, and the services provided by the volunteer center are some of ways we accomplish that.”

Andrea received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and a Master’s degree from Regis University.  She lives in Firestone Park with her husband Scott and their two children.

 United Way of Summit County’s Volunteer Center provides essential programs and services at no cost to individuals, non-profit organizations and the business community, such as:

·         Free one-on-one volunteer referral and placement, Done-in-a-Day projects for small groups of employees, and the annual Day of Action, enrolling more than 1,100 volunteers in a wide range of community projects,

·         Planning and execution of Summit County’s only community-wide celebration of volunteerism, coordination of Corporate Volunteer Council activities, and educational training programs and volunteer management workshops,

·         Project Blueprint, which has graduated ten classes of minority men and women who are committed to helping community agencies become more inclusive, responsive and reflective of our culturally diverse community. The program provides training, guidance, placement opportunities and networking related to being on a nonprofit Board,

·         The Neighborhood Leadership Institute partnership, which recently graduated its third class of men and women who have been trained to increase grassroots leadership engagement. Project Blueprint and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute are important components of the leadership development continuum in Summit County,

·         With our Project Blueprint database, our association with community groups such as Torchbearers and Leadership Akron, and our knowledge of community agencies and their volunteer requirements, we help employers access appointments to Boards and committees that may interest their employees.

With today’s economic realities – non-profits seeing greater demand for their services while simultaneously facing shrinking budgets, and business leaders seeking new ways to be engaged in their communities – the value of The Volunteer Center will continue to grow for the people of Summit County.

           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, explore our website at www.uwsummit.org, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

New study disputes Fed's poverty numbers. http://ow.ly/7j712 Whichever figures you believe, there are TOO many people (esp. kids) living in poverty.

Thanks to our good friends at Myers Industries for the great United Way campaign and for sharing the story on their blog: http://ow.ly/7i5OK LIVE UNITED!

United Way makes the community better in the areas of Education, Income & Health - the building blocks to a better life.That's how we LIVE UNITED

Thanks Jewell Cardwell for her coverage of the Docs Who Rock winners. Read all about it here: http://ow.ly/7gwag . Order your DVD - 330-643-5502

Thanks to all the companies running United Way campaigns. You're helping to build a better community and showing all how to LIVE UNITED

There's still time to get tickets for tomorrow's 8th Annual Docs Who Rock show, 7 pm at EJ Thomas Hall. You've gotta see it! http://ow.ly/d/mX4

This Saturday, Roctober 22, 7:00 pm at EJ Thomas Hall, United Way of Summit County's Docs Who Rock. Get your tickets at the box office now. http://ow.ly/6ZqlZ

Thursday is the Docs Who Rock media tour. Catch us on WQMX at 7:50. WAKR at 8:05, WONE at 8:40 and WNIR at 9:30. http://ow.ly/6Zo11

Laughter is the best medicine, so come see Dr. Terry Gordon at Docs Who Rock this Saturday. It's the cure for what ails you. http://ow.ly/6ZnP9

Docs Who Rock is this Saturday. If you don't have your tickets yet, there's still time. Visit Ticketmaster.com the EJ Thomas box office.

Volunteer Center Remains Part of United Way of Summit County

A public announcement regarding the merger of Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU) and the Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) created some confusion regarding the role and program home of the United Way of Summit County Volunteer Center. The Volunteer Center remains a program of United Way of Summit County, providing free one-on-one volunteer referral and placement, Done-in-a-Day projects for small groups of employees, and our annual Day of Action, enrolling more than 1,100 volunteers in a wide range of community projects.

United Way of Summit County continues to add value to our corporate and workplace donors beyond facilitating the annual fund raising campaign. We have served Summit County residents and employees for 95 years, and will continue to be a year-round community resource. As such we will continue to provide essential programs and services such as:

• Our Volunteer Center also provides Summit County’s only community-wide celebration of volunteerism, coordinates Corporate Volunteer Council activities, and provides educational training programs and volunteer management workshops,

• United Way’s Project Blueprint has just graduated our tenth class of Minority men and women who are committed to helping community agencies become more inclusive, responsive and reflective of our culturally diverse community. The program provides training, guidance, placement opportunities and networking related to being on a nonprofit Board,

• Our Neighborhood Leadership Institute partnership has just graduated its third class of men and women who have been trained to increase grassroots leadership engagement. Project Blueprint and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute are important components of the leadership development continuum in Summit County,

• With our Project Blueprint database, our association with community groups such as Torchbearers and Leadership Akron, and our knowledge of community agencies and their volunteer requirements we help employers access appointments to Boards and committees that may interest their employees.

Bob Kulinski, president of United Way of Summit County said, “United Way of Summit County encourages and supports programs that increase the service capacity of non-profit organizations, especially during these challenging economic conditions. Center for Non Profit Excellence has been one of Summit County’s leading capacity-building organizations, and we count on the new BVU: Center for Nonprofit Excellence as well as other organizations – including United Way of Summit County – to actively engage in this important work.”

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, explore our website at www.uwsummit.org, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

United Way volunteers are the best anywhere. This morning's meeting of the Business Model Task Force was thoughtful and insightful. Thanks!

United Way's 9th Power of the Purse Luncheon to be held June 21

The Women’s Leadership Council of the United Way of Summit County is hosting its annual Power of the Purse Luncheon on June 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Quaker Station located at the intersection of Broadway and Mill Streets in Downtown Akron. The cost is $25 per person or $190 dollars for a table for eight.

The 2011 Power of the Purse will commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Families of Flight 93, a local remembrance of the community outreach through the Greater Akron Fire Truck Fund, and the presentation of the ‘Barbara Mathews Woman Philanthropist of the Year’ award.

The keynote speaker is Deborah Borza, the executive board member and treasurer of Families of Flight 93, a non-profit organization which has vied for the construction of a memorial at the crash site of Flight 93. Her daughter, Deora Frances Bodley, was the youngest female passenger on Flight 93, the fourth airliner hijacked on September 11, 2001. The passengers overpowered the hijackers, and the plane crashed in Shanksville, PA, no doubt saving hundreds of lives in Washington, D.C., most likely the terrorists’ intended target.

Following the death of her daughter, Ms. Borza led the charge for a Flight 93 memorial and co-founded Families for Flight 93. She is committed to a promise for the world, where all people know themselves for the difference that they make. She makes sure that her daughter Deora’s life is a catalyst for Peace. Debby is planning to have a book written about Deora’s life experiences for all to relate to and creating a foundation that promotes world peace among all people, especially utilizing youth from around the world, making a difference regardless of cultural, religious and geopolitical diversity.

The topic of her address for the Power of the Purse luncheon will be ‘Your Choices Change Lives.’

The luncheon will also feature the presentation of the ‘Barbara Mathews Woman Philanthropist of the Year’ award, which since 2004 has been be given to one woman in recognition of her outstanding philanthropic activities. This year’s recipient is Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio.

Judge Teodosio has shown a great enthusiasm for children and advancing their best interests. She has worked alongside agencies that help serve abused and neglected children such as the Summit County Children Services, the local Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board, as well as schools and counseling agencies.

Recently, Judge Teodosio acted as a key figure in the development and implementation of the inaugural “Summit for Kids” forum. The two-day event featured professional workshops, medical, dental, and mental health resources and family entertainment and drew an audience of more than 8,000.

Judge Teodosio has also been involved with the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program/ Guardian ad Litem Program (CASA/ GAL) of Summit County since entering office in 2004. The CASA/GAL program has since grown to over 300 volunteers, making it the largest such program in the state. The program trains community volunteers to serve 1,200 abused and neglected children annually.

Another highlight of the event will be a drawing for a Coach designer handbag donated by Dillard’s at Summit Mall. Deadline for reservations is June 14, 2011. To RSVP call Andi at United Way (330.643.5502) or email areed@uwsummit.org.

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 www.uwsummit.org, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

United Way of Summit County Seeks Musical Acts for Docs Who Rock 8

United Way of Summit County’s annual Docs Who RockTM physician talent show will be held at The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall on Saturday, ‘Roctober’ 22, 2011 beginning at 7:00 pm. Docs Who Rock has become an entertainment and philanthropic phenomenon, providing local doctors an opportunity to showcase their musical talents and men and women a chance to see their physicians in a whole new light.

Because of growing interest from the region’s many talented musicians and singers, musical acts will be asked to submit an application and support materials by June 24, 2011 to United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect Street, Akron, OH 44304. A committee of musical experts, led by Docs Who Rock co-founder Dr. Terry Gordon, will select participating artists based on the information and materials available to them, so the applications should contain as much of the following as possible: current CD, audio and/or video tapes; press reviews/articles; posters/flyers; and a one-paragraph description of the group or artist.

As in the past, musical acts must have at least one member who is a Doctor (M.D. or D.O.) and who lives or practices in Summit County. Solo acts are also welcome, and all musical styles are encouraged to apply

United Way of Summit County President Bob Kulinski said, “This show continues to evolved and improve each year. Last year’s winning act was Dr. Todd Beyer and Meleah Backhaus, who performed a beautiful classical piano piece. They certainly expanded the definition of what it means to ‘Rock,’ just like seeing their doctors in this very different setting has helped many people redefine their doctor/patient relationship.”

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 www.uwsummit.org, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

Summit Dislocated Workers meet again

The second meeting of the Summit County Dislocated Worker Support Group was held on Thursday, May 12, 2011, from 12 noon to 2:00 pm, at United Way of Summit County, 90 N. Prospect Street, This support group was been organized by United Way of Summit County, Tri-County Labor Council, Rapid Response and The Job Center of Summit County.

The group is open to all unemployed men and women, not just Union members. Representatives from The Job Center, Goodwill Industries, Department of Job and Family Services and local unions spoke on the current job situation and services available through their respective organizations. Additionally, there was a presentation on the unique employment struggles of ex-offenders. Attendees had the chance to ask questions and network with presenters and each other.

Refreshments were provided courtesy United Way of Summit County. All those in attendance were entered in a drawing for a $50 gasoline gift card.

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 www.uwsummit.org, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

WAKR Radio and AkronNewsNow.com covered the event. A link to that coverage is avilable here: http://www.akronnewsnow.com/news/itemdetail.asp?ID=45349§ion=news&subsection=localnews&title=AUDIO_Support_Group_Formed_For_Area_Jobless

United Way's Annual Meeting

The United Way of Summit County (UWSC) held its 93rd Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 26, at the Sheraton Suites, to a capacity crowd of 370. In the Annual Meeting, the organization recognized its community activists who act as Superheroes, sometimes unknowingly, through their commitment to giving, advocating, and volunteering.
The Board of Directors elected nine new members: William L. Caplan, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs; David C. Jennings, Akron-Summit County Public Library; Christine Amer Mayer, The GAR Foundation; Russell M. Pry, Summit County Executive; Richard J. Noechel, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.; Mark Scheffler, Leadership Akron; Thomas M. Welsh, TM Welsh Consulting; Bernett L. Williams, Akron Children’s Hospital; and Henry C. Zelman, Rubber City Radio Group. The Board also re-elected nine members for a second three-year term: Philip J. Cajka, Audio-Technica, U.S.; William H. Feth, AESCO Electronics; Valerie A. Geiger, PNC Bank; Dennis L. Gladin, GOJO Industries; Jay T. Griffith, ExxonMobil Chemical; Randy S. Katz, City Scrap & Salvage; James J. Keeslar, BCG & Company; Brian J. Moore, Roetzel & Andress; and Jeff Rovnak, Wells Fargo Advisors.
New officers for the Board will be: Chair, Theresa Carter, OMNOVA Solutions; Vice Chair, William R. Feth, AESCO Electronics; Treasurer, James J. Keeslar, BCG & Company; and Secretary, Margaret Williams, AT&T Ohio.
This year’s program included the presentation of the Distinguished Service Award (DSA). Since 1959, this award has been presented annually to individuals who consistently demonstrate the highest degree of interest, personal dedication and service in a volunteer capacity to the improvement of education, income, and health in Summit County.
The 2011 Distinguished Service Award recipient is David A. Brockman, who has volunteered his time and talents to the United Way for more than 20 years, including a term as chairman on the board, and the chair of the Regional United Way Task Force. He also served in leader roles with United Disability Services, Portage Country Club, Rockynol Retirement Community, Weathervane Community Playhouse, Akron City Club and others.
Also at its Annual Meeting, United Way presented the Lois A. Foster Community Builder Award to recipient Ethel L. Chambers. Ms. Chambers has served for 15 years on the community investment/allocations teams. She has shown outstanding dedication to the betterment of the community through a variety of projects, including the Perkins Street Area Action Group, the rebuilding of Lane Field, and the rehabilitation of Grace Park. Ms. Chambers retired from the U.S. Employment Service and the U.S. Postal service after 31 years. Now, she continues her trail of activism through her participation in the Neighborhood Leadership Institute.
Each year, the Young Leaders Society of UWSC recognizes an individual who is 40 or younger and embodies the spirit of philanthropy through charitable giving to United Way and also volunteer service to non-profit organizations in the area. This year’s Young Philanthropist of the Year Award was presented to Mark Krohn, who has taken on executive leadership roles for United Disability Services, Habitat for Humanity, and the Rotary Camp. His fundraising abilities and support for the Rotary Camp through the annual Chili Open helped to raise more than $1,000.000 over the past few years. Along with his wife Lori, Mark is a member of the Tocqueville Society.
The United Way of Summit County Annually honors a local company that exhibits exceptional and ongoing corporate community support with the Spirit of Caring Award. This year’s recipient is Myers Industries, Inc. The drive of this company shows to our community that they are dedicated to improving the life of Summit County. Myers Industries employees participate in Day of Action, the Corporate Volunteer Council, and annually hold some of the most entertaining and fun campaign events anywhere. From special guests like Indians mascot Slider, and Cavs mascot Moondog, to informative quizzes to test employees’ knowledge of Akron history, Myers is always looking for fun ways to promote the betterment of the community.
The Lorry Vishnia Staff Excellence Award is named after a United Way staff member whose work ethic and character were a shining example for all with whom she came in contact. After her death in February 2004, this award was established to honor a staff member who best exemplifies the attributes most admired in Lorry. The winner of the 2011 award is Brian Duchon. Brian is an energetic young leader who has not only strives to do his job very well , but he is also constantly on the lookout for ways to make United Way a better organization and make our community a better place to live, work and raise a family. Two years ago, while working full-time and pursuing his Masters degree, Brian created the Student United Way chapter at the University of Akron. For three years, he led teams of college students from Summit County to devastated communities in the Gulf Coast region still struggling to recover from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Recently, Brian has joined 25 other participants from around the world in the United Way’s Global Resident Fellows Program, just another way that he has displayed his motivational drive and talents as a young professional in the United Way.
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, explore our website at www.uwsummit.org, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

United Way of Summit County Exceeds Campaign Goal

United Way of Summit County announced today that individual, corporate and foundation contributions for fiscal year 2010-11 totaled $11,175,000, surpassing the United Way/Red Cross Campaign goal of $11,100,000.

Despite what at best could be described as uncertain economic conditions, the organization was able to raise approximately 2% more than the 2009 campaign ($10,955,000). More than 200 businesses increased total donations to United Way, including an impressive $74,182 gain at Roetzel & Andress, and $41,739 more raised at Myers Industries. In addition, 35 companies ran United Way campaigns for the first-time, raising more than $75,000.

Campaign Chair William Feth, President & CEO of AESCO Electronics, said, “Throughout the campaign, I said ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ And at every turn, I was impressed with the generosity people showed. When we were given the chance to articulate the mission of United Way – to improve lives and advance the common good –those were the campaigns where we saw the best results.”

The Tocqueville Society, consisting of donors who contribute more than $10,000 annually, experienced another record-setting year. The Society has grown to 167 individuals and couples, including 35 new members. The previous record for member expansion was 24 new members in 2004. These generous 167 community leaders contributed $2,270,366, or nearly 20% of the campaign total.

United Way of Summit County President Bob Kulinski said, "The people of Summit County once again stepped up and show that when the needs are greatest, the altruistic spirit of our community is at its best. The hard-working men and women who volunteered in this campaign, including Bill Feth and Tocqueville Society campaign chair Jim Merklin, were committed to achieving this successful result. The combination of great leadership, dedicated volunteers, our outstanding United Way staff, and a generous community assured that we’d reach this goal.”

Distribution of funds to non-profit organizations will be announced later in April after approval by the United Way’s Board of Directors.

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, explore our website at www.uwsummit.org, or visit our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

Summit County Dislocated Workers Support Group Meeting March 24

The first meeting of the Summit County Dislocated Worker Support Group will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2011, from 12 noon to 2:00 pm, at the Laborers #894 Hall, 720 Wolf Ledges Parkway, (across the Main Post Office). The initial meeting has been organized by United Way of Summit County, Tri-County Labor Council, Rapid Response and Summit County Department of Job and Family Services.

The event is open to all unemployed men and women, not just Union members. Topics to be addressed at the meeting include ‘The Purpose of the Support Group,’ ‘Bridging the Gap – When Unemployment Benefits Run Out,’ and ‘The Struggle of Survival.’

Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Omar Banks, Stagehands Local #B-149 and the Akron Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau. All those in attendance will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gasoline gift card.

Bob Kulinski, President of United Way of Summit County, said “With unemployment still between 9 and 10 percent in our community, it’s imperative that our unemployed friends and neighbors know that they’re not alone in their search for meaningful employment. In addition to helping with the establishment of this support group, United Way has met with large groups of people being displaced from their jobs at several employers already this year.”

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 www.uwsummit.org, or come to our offices at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

FEDERAL FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY FOOD, SHELTER MAY BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH UNITED WAY

United Way of Summit County will oversee distribution of federal monies that may be designated for our region. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials have instructed United Way to seek grant requests from eligible agencies in Summit County.

Unlike previous years, FEMA’s fiscal year 2011 appropriation, which is included in the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) appropriations bill, has not been enacted. Although the National Board of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) does not know when or if a fiscal year 2011 budget will be enacted, both the House of Representatives and the Senate versions of the draft DHS appropriations bill have some level of funding for the EFSP. So, the National Board is working to ensure they are ready to issue grants when and if funding becomes available for the program.

The funds would be used by eligible local service agencies to supplement and expand the capacity of existing emergency food and shelter programs in Summit County. Funds are not to be used for creating new programs. The Summit County Emergency Food and Shelter Local Board, consisting of representatives from voluntary, governmental, and religious sectors will determine how to allocate the funds that might be awarded to Summit County.

Under terms of the grant, local organizations receiving funds must (1) be private, voluntary nonprofit or units of government; (2) have an accounting system and conduct an annual audit by an independent accountant depending on the award amount; (3) practice non-discrimination; (4) operate an ongoing program that has demonstrated capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs; and (5) have a voluntary board, if a private, voluntary organization. The Summit County local board has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter Funds previously to 29 participating agencies, which provided more than 172,000 meals, 3,100 nights of shelter, paid 270 utility bills and provided 390 units of rent/mortgage assistance.

Eligible organizations interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact the United Way of Summit County, Community Impact Division, at 330-643-5509. The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. March 21, 2011.

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 www.uwsummit.org, or come to our office at 90 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio.

Are you saving enough money for retirement and emergency expenses? Learn how to build personal wealth: www.americasaves.org LIVE UNITED

Looking forward to this morning's UWSC Communications Committee meeting. I always learn so much from these august professionals!

Thanks to those who go out & count our community's homeless. Knowing the scope of the problem allows us to battle it. http://ow.ly/3Jo4k

Local nonprofit organizations can apply for development funding thru United Way of Summit County. Read requirements here: http://ow.ly/3BSTh

USA Today's story includes a quote from our own Pam Beals. Tough times are even effecting volunteer recruitment. http://ow.ly/3zold