United Way of Venango County has been named the Venango Chamber’s 2021 Partner in Business.
The United Way of Venango County has always focused on the areas of health, education, and income.
Executive Director Will Price shares: “We have a long history of working with community partners, providing support to those who align with our areas of focus. In recent years, the United Way has also identified gaps in the community, where there are unmet needs. We have thoughtfully and strategically created programs to meet these needs, without reducing funding to existing partner agencies.”
Currently United Way is funding 23 programs throughout 15 different agencies, as well as eight programs of their own. 99% of raised funds stay within the community. 1 in 3 Venango County residents are touched in some way by United Way dollars.
In 2021, the United Way provided over $300,000 to support partner agencies and United Way programs. An additional $100,000 was provided for support, as well as direct oversight, of programs such as Northwest 211, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Learning Hubs, and Success by 6. These programs help young children to succeed in school, and their Career Counselor position works in our local schools, to assist in providing the resources and programs our local youth need for academic and career success. The United Way also played an active role in making sure all residents are able to receive their COVID-19 Vaccine.
In addition to Will, the United Way employs Mallory Spence, (Resource Specialist), Molly Warrington, (Career Counselor), and Jennifer Taylor, (Volunteer Coordinator). The staff, along with an active Board of Directors and Annual Campaign Chairs, build community connections that help them identify needs and continue to set and meet bold goals to serve the residents of Venango County.
The United Way found unique and impactful ways to respond during the pandemic. Working with Bridge Builders Community Foundations, a fund was set up to assist non-profits who were affected by the pandemic. They also worked with a community donor to shepherd funding to individuals who were dealing with COVID specific problems.
The creation of the Learning Hubs made available several locations throughout Venango County, where students could go in-person and use computers, have internet access and adults to assist with school work.
Chamber President Susan Williams remarks: “The United Way has continued to be leaders in identifying where there is community need and how to most effectively address them, in a timely and respectful way. They are always responsive when asked for help, uniting the community around caring for one another. We are proud to recognize the United Way of Venango County as our 2021 Partner of the Year.”
Visit unitedwayofvenangocounty.org to learn more about the United Way and their programs.
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s February 2022 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.