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.