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
Friday, May 13, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
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.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
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.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, March 4, 2011
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 Emerg
ency 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.
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 Emerg
ency 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.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
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