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Newsletter | Spring 2013

United Way’s Merge to Create a Regionalized Focus

United Way Virginia Highlands

United Way Virginia Highlands and Twin County United Way announced today that they will merge to form one organization committed to improving lives and creating lasting community-level change across the region. The combined organization will operate under the title United Way Virginia Highlands and will continue to serve all five counties of Carroll, Grayson, Russell, Smyth, Washington and the City of Galax, Virginia. Moving forward, United Way Virginia Highlands will have a greater capacity to engage donors, advocates, and volunteers to address the critical issues facing our local communities.

Travis Staton, President and CEO of United Way Virginia Highlands will continue to serve as President and CEO of the growing organization. “By coming together and sharing our talent, resources and best practices, we will be able to deliver greater impact to those who need us most in our communities across the region,” said Staton. “While for-profit mergers are often about increasing shareholder value, non-profit mergers are about amplifying mission. As an organization, United Way Virginia Highlands believes in the power of collaboration and partnerships to solve problems because we know the whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts.”  The process was led by a team comprised of dedicated staff and volunteer leaders from each organization, who spent time exploring the opportunity and working together to ensure the combined United Way is positioned for success. “This has been a thorough and thoughtful process. We are excited to come together and build on one another’s strengths to create a lasting impact for the region,” said Alan Jones Jr., Senior Vice President and Controller, Alpha Natural Resources, and Board Chairman of United Way Virginia Highlands. 

The monies raised through the annual campaign will continue to be used to serve the communities from which the monies are raised. A Board of Directors made up of individuals from each of the six localities will manage the governance of the new regional

organization. Members joining the board from the Twin County region are Larry Bolt, Commissioner of Revenue, representing Grayson County, Franklin Jett, of Mt. Rogers Carroll Counseling Center, representing Carroll County, and Dana Olson, also from Mt. Rogers Carroll Counseling Center, representing the City of Galax. United Way Virginia Highlands will maintain an office in Galax which will serve as a base for Twin County related operations and as a convenience to the general public, leaders and workers in the Twin County Region.

“This merger is the product of hard work and diligence on the part of the Board of Directors of both Twin County United Way and United Way Virginia Highlands,” said Ron Passmore, past Board Chairman of Twin County United Way. “I am confident in the work that will be done regionally and believe that it will only be strengthened by this decision.” The newly merged entity will encompass more than 28 towns and one city, serving over 168,000 residents, covering nearly 2,500 square miles and will continue to serve as one of the largest non-government health and human services funders in Southwest Virginia. United Way Virginia Highlands currently supports more than 70 non-profit agencies across Carroll, Grayson, Russell, Smyth and Washington Counties and the City of Galax, Virginia.

In 1963 a group of local citizens formed the United Way of Washington County. In August 2009, United Way of Washington County grew to encompass Russell County and was incorporated into United Way of Russell and Washington Counties. On September 4, 2012, United Way of Russell and Washington Counties merged with Smyth County United Way, and the organization’s name was changed to United Way Virginia Highlands. United Way Virginia Highlands is a volunteer organization providing support and visibility through tools, partners, advocacy, and other resources to advance the common good. For more information visit the United Way’s website at UWVH.ORG

Ron Passmore, Galax/Grayson Emergency Medical ServicePhoto provided by the Galax Gazette

City of Bristol

City of Norton

Community Impact – Your Dollars at Work

Teach a Child to Save with Tru-Point Bank

Merger Q&A

Read Across America DayRussell County Drug CourtOn March 12th, United Way, along with Russell County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Brian Patton announced the contribution of a $10,000 grant to assist in the continuation of the Russell County Adult Drug Court.

“These graduates have regained much of who they were prior to being affected so seriously by substance abuse and with the contribution from United Way, we can continue this service,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Brian Patton. Participants are required to take part in therapy programs with specific goals to help enable them to maintain a job, care for dependents, and pass drug screening tests. The participant is required to appear before the judge weekly to review his or her behavior.

Russell County resident and United Way Virginia Highlands Board Member, Marie Appleby-Breimann spoke to the cause in saying, “It is truly moving to know these individuals have put their lives back together and that this service will be able continue for others to have the opportunity to do the same.” On average, the program will last 12 months for each participant.

From far off Fadoo, to the halls of Highpoint Elementary, to the sidewalks of Van Pelt, Read Across America Day 2013, was a total success in the Virginia Highlands region.

Smart Beginnings Virginia Highlands partnering with VDOT and United Way Virginia

Highlands was able to provide close to 2,500 books to all of our local Pre-K and Kindergarten students in 23 schools from Bristol, Washington, Russell, and Smyth Counties.

In addition to the books, students were able to spend some time with some local celebrities who brought the book “Oh the Things That are Good for You” to life, and movement activities were added to the day’s events to address the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Smart Beginnings works to improve the accessibility of resources for children and their families birth to five. For more information about Smart Beginnings Virginia Highlands, email, dstarnes@sbvh.org, or call 276-628-2160 and ask to speak to Danielle Starnes.

Mike Ohlson, Dickenson-Russell Coal Co., LLCPictured: Travis Staton, Marie Appleby-Breimann, Brian Patton & Sheriff Steve Dye

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When: Friday, June 7th Where: Harry L. Coomes Center in Abingdon, VA Time: 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

For more information visit UWVH.org!

This year's campaign kick-off is proudly presented by the Town of Abingdon and sponsored by Mountain States Health Alliance.

Q: What does the United Way hope to accomplish?The merging of Twin County United Way and the United Way Virginia Highlands will allow a regional approach to local solutions in order to ensure that the needs of our communities and residents are met more efficiently.

Q: How will this affect the campaign?There will be a more comprehensive and personal approach in engaging volunteers and key community stakeholders, creating a more enhanced donor experience with a more local presence. Multiple partners will be involved with new approaches to identify and seize new opportunities to mobilize the communities’ resources.

Q: How will the money raised be used?The monies raised in local community campaigns throughout the regions will continue to be used to serve the local communities from which the monies were raised. Example: Twin County monies will fund Twin County agencies.

Q: Will there be individuals from Twin County serving on the board?Yes, 3 members from the Twin County region have been added. The Twin County region board members are as follows: Larry Bolt, representing Grayson County, Franklin Jett, representing Carroll County, and Dana Olson, representing the City of Galax.

TruPoint Bank Teaches Children to SaveAbingdon Elementary School kindergarteners had a visit from TruPoint Bank AVP, Michael Davis and United Way Resource Development Manager, Crystal Breeding to share information on Teach A Child To Save. “Teaching children the value of saving is so important. It’s information they can and will use for a lifetime,” said Michael Davis. The students were read a story called “Sam’s Silly Saving Spots” which tells the story about safe places to keep money. Crystal Breeding said, “As a mother, I know how important is is to teach our children the value of a dollar and I am so proud to have been a part of this program!” The story was followed up with an activity and discussion regarding coins and their value.

Awards BanquetUnited Way Virginia Highlands celebrated yet another successful year with awards and applause at the annual Awards Banquet held Thursday February 21, 2013. The banquet was held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center with more than 150 local supporters in attendance.

Campaign Chairs Sean McMurray, CEO of Johnston Memorial Hospital, and Lindy White, CEO of Smyth County Community Hospital presented more than a dozen awards to individuals and companies who went above and beyond during the 2012 campaign. UWVH Board Chair and BVU CFO, Stacey Pomrenke was honored for her service to the organization with a gift to the Bristol Children’s Advocacy Center. At the close of the event, UWVH CEO Travis Staton unveiled the 50th Anniversary logo recognizing Alberta Copenhaver, one of the founders of the United Way in 1963.

KennaMetal in Chilhowie Wins Warmest Heart AwardOn March 27, 2013, KennaMetal was awarded the 2012 Warmest Heart Award from their Corporate Office. This is the second consecutive year the plant in Chilhowie, Virginia has received the award. “We have some of the most giving employees and I am very proud to work with them,” states Angela Wolford, Plant Manager. A presentation was made in front of the employees by representatives of KennaMetal’s Corporate Offices. The facility has 130 employees and is one of the smallest plants out of 22 facilities. They were also recognized recently at the 2012 Annual United Way Virginia Highlands Awards Banquet as the Top Giver in Smyth County. This designation was determined by the highest cumulative giving by an organization within the county.

Have a cup of Joe while supporting your community!United Way Virginia Highlands partners with Abingdon-based Anthony’s Desserts and Raleigh Coffee Company of Raleigh, North Carolina for Coffee for a Cause. Coffee For a Cause provides that for every bag of Anthony’s Roast purchased, $2 will be donated to the work of United Way Virginia Highlands. “We are proud and excited to partner with United Way Virginia Highlands,” says Anthony of Anthony’s Desserts. “We hope to make a difference in the community through a common cup.”

“This partnership demonstrates how our local small businesses can collaborate with us in creative ways to create real, long-term change,” reports Alison Hicks, Director of Resource Development. “Through this partnership, we have the ability to drink our daily coffee for a cause.” Anthony’s Roast is a blend specially created to pair with Anthony’s Desserts and can be purchased for $12 at Anthony’s Desserts located at 284 W. Main St. Abingdon, VA.

Campaign Updates

Teach a Child to Save with Tru-Point Bank

Alberta Copenhaver, Cindy Jones , Lindy White

Pete Dragich, Maynard Grieves, Angela Wolford, Travis Staton, Rick Marzoff

Lights, Camera,

ACTION!

When: Friday, June 7th Where: Harry L. Coomes Center in Abingdon, VA Time: 11:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

For more information visit UWVH.org!

This year's campaign kick-off is proudly presented by the Town of Abingdon and sponsored by Mountain States Health Alliance.

for the2013 Campaign Kick-Off

Save the Date

BACKPACKS

uniteThe LAST Backpacking Session for this school year will be held April 29th. There will be two volunteer opportunities with this backpacking session.

Morning Session9 a.m. - Prep and sort food items

Evening Session5:00 p.m. - Pack food bags

If you have any questions, or would like to volunteer for either of these sessions, please email info@uwvh.org or call 276-628-2160.

United Way Virginia Highlands

201 Preston St.

P.O. Box 644

Abingdon, VA 24212

Ph: (276)-628-2160

Fax: (276)-628-8484

UWVH.ORG

Corporate Partners

April 26thRoots of Recovery,Glade Spring, VAEmail Meghan Kitten at mkitten@uwvh.org for more information and to sign up!

April 29thBackpacks Unite,Abingdon, VAOpen to the public. This is the last Backpacking session until school starts next year! Call the UWVH office for more information.

May 18th Human Race 5K,Lebanon, VA Email info@uwvh.org for more info, and don’t forget about the Kid’s Fun Run and the PRIZES!

May 18th & 19th Smart Beginnings Basketball Tournament, Emory, VA$20 per player, 8 players minimum per team. Email Danielle at dstarnes@sbvh.org for more information and to get your registration form.

May 25thPlumb Alley Day Yard Sale, Abingdon, VACall Kim Kingsley with the Town of Abingdon at 276-492-2149 to make arrangements to drop off your unwanted or gently used items or make pick-up arrangements for larger items.

May 25th20th Annual Memories on Main Car Show, Galax, VASponsored by Twin County Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America & Grayson National Bank. For more info, call Dr. Tom Littrell at 276-236-6197

NONPROFITORG.

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This newsletter is proudly sponsored by Optima Health.For more information on how you can sponsor our newsletter,

call 276-628-2160 or email info@UWVH.org

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