United Way of Franklin County began 2019 filled with promise and hope. It was a busy year as the local organization in 2019 mobilized the caring power of Franklin County.
January
United Way held its Annual Meeting with over 80 community members in attendance. The event celebrated the important work of our 29 Program Partners from the past year.
Guest speaker Kristen Rotz, of United Way of Pennsylvania, provided a preview of the new ALICE report in Franklin County. The report was officially released in June.
February
United Way hosted the Winter Food Drive, working with local businesses to collect and distribute more than 2,315 lbs of food. Food, personal care items, and books collected at more than 75 locations across Franklin County went to 20 local food pantries.
March
In March United Way connected families with young children to information and resources at Learn & Play Day with United Way. This year’s community event gathered over 500 people, nearly triple the attendance from previous years, to enjoy free family-friendly activities.
April
The Bravo! Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon celebrated the amazing impact of 200+ volunteers and 2,700+ donors through the United Way. The 2018 campaign closed, raising over $825,000 from individuals and businesses across the community.
May
Sixteen teams volunteered for 18 projects at local nonprofit agencies during May of Caring. Volunteers helped improve facilities and services that are accessed by the local community every day.
June
In June, United Ways across the state launched the Pennsylvania ALICE® Report. The local ALICE report tells the story of community members who work but are still struggling to survive, through a standardized methodology that assesses the cost of living in every county.
The release of the report initiated a variety of community outreach initiatives to raise awareness for ALICE and the realities they face in Franklin County; work that will continue and evolve over the next few years.
July
All 28 of United Way’s Program Partners reported outcomes of their UW funded programs for the year to date. This reporting system provides stronger accountability to donors on program outcomes and their alignment with UW’s overarching goals.
August
August
UWFC collected over $20,765 worth of school supplies for Stuff the Bus. Those supplies went to five local school districts for use in classrooms across Franklin County During the 2019-20 school year.
More than 80 businesses and organizations helped collect donations from community members.
September
United Way kicked-off its 2019 Community Campaign, announcing a goal of raising $850,000 for community programs serving early learning, financial stability, and healthy living.
The campaign launched having reached 40% of that goal, thanks to 17 Pacesetter Companies, the businesses that run high-energy employee campaigns before kick-off.
October
United Way held two Days of Caring in the fall. One day connected volunteers to local child care centers to help with cleaning in preparation for cold and flu season.
The second day dispatched leaf brigades to local nonprofits to provide yard work before the winter season. Over 50 volunteers visited 12 project sites to spend their time helping the community.
November
Thanks to support from local businesses through Education Improvement Tax Credits (EITC), UWFC distributed $34,963 in scholarships during the last program year to place children in quality pre-K programs in Franklin County.
The programs offer education that aligns with the curriculum of local school districts to prepare the children for kindergarten.
December
In 2019, United Way focused on expanding its workforce training program, Stepping Forward Works, including the addition of a new coordinator, Traci Spearly.
The Essential Skills courses were built out, which provide comprehensive training on topics like conflict resolution and financial literacy to help clients develop important, desired skills for success on-the-job and in life.
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