United Way exceeds goal;
raises over $2.5 million
The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley announced in late January that the organization has exceeded its 2009 campaign goal of $2.5 million.
The annual campaign raised $2,500,113 for the community. There are several highlights contributing to the success of the 2009 campaign. Over $80,000 was raised in new dollars this year including 42 new leadership donors each giving $1,000 or more. The new money raised also represents over 20 new donors in the professional division, and 23 new corporate and/or workplace campaigns through local businesses. The largest new corporate gift was from Knoll Run Golf Course and the largest new workplace campaign was Turning Technologies.
The United Way also launched a 100x100 Campaign in which they asked local businesses to donate $100 for the first time. Approximately 75 businesses contributed in this campaign.
“Many companies and individuals gave generously this year, and we thank them for their sacrifices to help their neighbors in need,” said Bob Hannon, president and chief professional officer, United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “For this community to raise $2.5 million to support those less fortunate, in this economy, speaks volumes about this Valley. I see a lot of momentum with our volunteers and donors as United Way moves forward in putting the community first, and funding programs that advance the common good, as well addressing the greatest needs.”
“We set an aggressive goal of $2.5 million this year,” said John Donahoe, General Motors Lordstown Complex and 2009 campaign chairman. “Because we knew so many would be facing some significant challenges this economy, I am very proud of the more than $150,000 raised by local United Auto Workers in collaboration with General Motors Corp. I am also so appreciative of all the people and communities that support the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley in these difficult times. This money will be invested in fantastic programs right here in the Mahoning Valley.”
For the 2009 campaign, the largest corporate gift was made by PNC Bank, the largest workplace campaign was General Motors Lordstown Complex, the second largest workplace campaign was Youngstown State University, and the largest gift made by a foundation was The Youngstown Foundation.
There have also been the following increases among last year’s donors:
Workplace campaigns at the following companies had a 10 percent or more increase: AIM NationaLease Co.; Allen’s Pharmaserv; AT&T; Austintown Local Schools; Belmont Pines; Burdman Group; Canfield Local Schools; Family Service Agency; Farmers National Bank; FirstEnergy; Fred Martin Ford; Help Hotline Crisis Center, Inc.; Hill, Barth & King LLC; Lubrizol Corporation; Mahoning County Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic; New Vision TV; Potential Development Program; Sam’s Club; South Range Local Schools; Steel City Corp.; Target Department Stores; Turning Point Counseling Service; US Bank; V&M Star; Walmart; Wells Fargo Advisors; Wells Fargo Insurance; WFMJ Television and Youngstown State University.
Corporate gifts made by the following companies had a 10 percent or more increase: AFL-CIO Community Services; Canfield Metal Coating; Huntington National Bank; JCPenney ; King’s Company; Lake Park Cemetery Association; Ohio Machinery Company and Operating Engineers Local 66.
Both workplace campaigns and corporate gifts made by the following companies had a 10 percent or more increase: Allstate Insurance Co.; Eli Lilly; and Nationwide Insurance Co.
In existence since 1919, the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley is a non-profit organization that raises and distributes funds to over 70 programs of 27 local health and service agencies. Each year, approximately one out of every four people in the Mahoning Valley receives services from a United Way-funded agency. The mission of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the Mahoning Valley.
Gates grants Public Library
$44,850 for computers
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County will receive $44,850 from a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Online Opportunity Grant through the State Library of Ohio to increase the availability of public computers in the library. Local support played a large role in securing the required matching funds so that this grant could become a reality.
The purpose of grant is two-fold. First, it provides public access computers in eight of the library system’s branches identified by the Gates Foundation. Second, the grant provides a means to increase local community support for access to computers.
The Gates Foundation required the Library to raise 25 percent in matching funds to be able to secure the $44,850 in foundation funding. The community met the challenge to provide the match needed to complete grant requirements. Donations for this grant came from The Youngstown Foundation, $7,000; Friends of PLYMC, $5,000; Friends of Poland Library, $1,000; Friends of Boardman Library, $1,000 and Friends of Austintown Library, $1,000.
“These organizations clearly recognize the importance of providing access to computers within our community and the significance of ongoing financial support of libraries in an era when many of our residents have only one available source for Internet and computer access – their local library,” said Carlton Sears, Library director.
“The Youngstown Foundation, the Friends of the Library and the Gates Foundation came to our aid at a critical time. As all levels of government and many commercial firms move services to the Internet to be more efficient, they are doing so with no regard for how people will obtain access to the Internet. More and more, people must rely on the Library for a computer on which to perform essential functions, such as search for a job, fill out online job applications, submit resumes and apply for benefits.
This grant will aid thousands of local residents by providing additional computer access. The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County currently has public access computers in all of its 15 branches, as well as a large computer center in Main Library, for a total of 134 computers dedicated to public use. Demand for use of a limited number of computers is constant – and growing.
The Library is also eligible to receive an additional $24,700 from the Gates Foundation in 2010. To secure this grant, the library must raise a like amount, $24,700, in matching funds and will again rely on the support of the local community to secure the additional grant, allowing he The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to continue and improve the important service of providing public access to computers and the Internet.
Bishop’s Appeal pledges
surpass $3.6 million goal
The Catholic Diocese of Youngstown’s 2009 Bishop’s Appeal for Catholic Charities and Church has surpassed its $3.6 million goal. Pledges received from 25,500 Catholic households totaled $3,625,000. The annual Bishop’s Appeal is the primary funding source for the work of Catholic Charities in the six-county Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
In the past year, there has been a 35 percent increase in the number of individuals and families coming to the agencies of Catholic Charities for help. “People come to Catholic Charities as a last resort seeking the basic necessities of life,” said Brian Corbin, executive director. “Thanks to the generous response to the 2009 Bishop’s Appeal, we can continue providing our traditional services, but it will be an ongoing struggle to meet the needs of the growing numbers at our doors.”
“I am most grateful to our Catholic people for sharing with others in these difficult economic times. Despite concerns about their own economic well-being, they responded in faith . . . giving hope to those less fortunate,” said Bishop George V. Murry, S.J.
For more information, contact Pat Palombo, director of Development & Stewardship, at 330-744-8451 or ppalombo@youngstowndiocese.org.
Meeting to discuss heritage district for Western Reserve
• A meeting to discuss the national heritage district idea will occur from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at Kent State Trumbull Campus, 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW in Champion. The meeting occurs in Lecture Hall A.
In 1796, surveyors arrived in Ohio and began preparing the wilderness for settlement. Those now living and working in the area known as the Western Reserve have the opportunity to decide if working as a region toward resource conservation and economic development could be the next chapter in this region’s history.
A feasibility study for designating the Western Reserve as a National Heritage Area has been requested by Congress and is currently under the coordination of the National Park Service. The feasibility study includes an evaluation of the region’s unique historical natural, recreation, and cultural resources to determine their national significance, as well as an examination of local support and ability to coordinate a national heritage area should designation be approved by Congress.
A local steering committee of more than 20 regional community planners, economic development specialists, preservation experts, and resource managers is providing study assistance. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail/Ohio Sea Grant, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition and the Ohio Historical Society are helping the National Park Service conduct the study.
As originally charted by surveyors hired by the Connecticut Land Company, the study area for the Western Reserve Heritage Area includes all or portions of present-day counties of Trumbull, Mahoning, Ashtabula, Portage, Geauga, Lake, Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Huron, Lorain, Erie, Ottawa and Ashland. Town Hall Gatherings are being held to present information about national heritage areas and the feasibility study, as well as to hear comments from those within the study area.
“The Town Hall Gatherings are the most important components of the feasibility study,” said Rory Robinson, study team leader with the National Park Service. “We look forward to listening to the citizens of the Western Reserve and learning about their stories, resources, and cultural traditions.”
Town Hall Gatherings are scheduled throughout the Western Reserve region from Jan. 27-Feb. 25. These informal meetings will be held 4 to 8 p.m. and include presentations by the National Park Service at 4:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
National Park Service staff and members of a Western Reserve Heritage Feasibility Steering Committee will be on-hand to answer questions. These gatherings will provide opportunities for the public to provide input.
A local meeting will occur on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at Kent State Trumbull Campus, Lecture Hall A, 4314 Mahoning Ave. NW in Champion. Participants can offer input from 4-8 p.m.
There are currently 49 national heritage areas in the United States, including two within the State of Ohio: Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area in northeast Ohio and the National Aviation Heritage Area in southwest Ohio.
Each national heritage area has a local organization responsible for working with local communities in setting and implementing activities and goals.
To learn more about the Western Reserve Heritage Area Feasibility Study, visit http://westernreserve.ning.com, or call Robinson with the National Park Service at 330-657-2951.
Hands on Volunteer Network offers opportunities for participation
The Hands On Volunteer Network of the Valley offers a variety of support and volunteer opportunities in the region. The organization is headquarted at 5500 Market St., Suite 106, Boardman, but has offices in Trumbull County and on the campus of Youngstown State University. The main office’s phone number is 330-782-5877 and the organization’s Web site is www.hovn.org. The Metro Monthly recently contacted the agency to help publicize their efforts. Current volunteer opportunities appear below. Call the Hands on Volunteer Network for more information.
Hospice Volunteers – Celtic Healthcare is seeking volunteers to serve one to three hours a week as hospice volunteers to enhance the quality of life for patients and families facing end-of-life issues. Hospice volunteers need to attend a two-day training program and will be asked to provide services including companionship, caregiver respite, meal preparation, emotional support, light housekeeping, and errand services. Hospice opportunities are available in various locations.
For additional information, contact Beth Massaro at 330-884-2509.
Volunteer In Your Pajamas – If you are interested in volunteering, but would like to work from home the Hands on Volunteer Network has opportunities available. The Ohio Department of Aging needs volunteers to contact local businesses and verify information regarding their involvement with the Golden Buckeye discount program for seniors. The Volunteer Network will provide volunteers with contact information, questionnaires, and training. Volunteers can work according to their own schedule from the comfort of their own home while still making a big impact. Contact Corrie at 330-782-5877 or cadams@hovn.org for more information.
Project Be Somebody fundraiser – Project Be Somebody will be holding a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the playground at the LaBrae Sports Complex. Volunteers are needed to help with setup, meal service, and cleanup. The event will be held at LaBrae High School cafeteria from 4-6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. If you would like to help, contact Kristen at 330-502-0102.
Junior Achievement Classroom Volunteers – Volunteers are needed to work in partnership with a classroom teacher and present six 45-minute Junior Achievement lessons to middle and high school students in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. Junior Achievement provides lesson plans, program materials and training (60 minutes) for all volunteers. For more information or to get involved, call 330-539-5268.
Youth Think Tank – In response to a community conversation held in October of 2008, the Youngstown Office on Minority Health (YOMH) is looking to establish a Youth Advisory Council to work with YOMH to develop a comprehensive youth plan to be presented to the YOMH Advisory Council, City Council, and the mayor. The YOMH Youth Advisory Council is an opportunity for young people in Youngstown to have a voice and to help put and end to health disparity. For more information, contact Felicia Alexander at 330-743-3333 ext. 238 or 235.
‘Social butterflies’ wanted – If you are an outgoing, friendly conversationalist who has a bit of free time every now then, the Hands on Volunteer is looking for you. HOVN is searching for some folks to travel around the community and collect stories from community volunteers. This opportunity is flexible and can be done around your schedule. The Hands on Volunteer Network’s social butterfly team will schedule appointments with local volunteers, sit down and record volunteer stories, and submit stories to HOVN for its Web site, e-newsletter, and national reports. Call 330-782-5877 or e-mail cadams@hovn.org for information.
Meal Delivery Assistance – Help Trumbull Mobile Meals deliver to individuals and families in need. Meals are ready for delivery at 11 a.m., Monday throughFriday. Delivery routes take approximately two hours. If you are able to help deliver meals to those who might not otherwise have one, contact Kristen Gallagher at HOVN at 330-393-4254.
For more information about these or any other opportunities, contact HOVN's office at 330-782-5877, or visit the organization on the Web at www.hovn.org.
