On June 30th, United Way of Greater Lorain County wrapped up its fiscal year with a social media campaign celebrating the work of the agency’s collaborative partners and the support of donors, volunteers, and corporate partners.
As part of the campaign, the local United Way shared successes of its 10 Community Collaboratives and five impact initiatives which cover the areas of health, education, financial stability, and transportation. The agency shared virtual content produced in the past year, including a series of Community Chats and interviews with local leaders.
“We are proud of how our collaborative partners leveraged their networks and worked together to continue services and fill gaps this past year,” said United Way of Greater Lorain County president & CEO Ryan Aroney. “Our collaborative approach to community impact built the foundation that has allowed us and our partners to continuously improve and innovate through the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.”
Additionally, the agency announced winners of workplace and volunteer awards.
The Live United Award is United Way’s highest honor for a local organization and its employees. It recognizes exemplary organizational leadership, dedication, and community involvement that betters lives throughout Greater Lorain County. This year’s recipient was Cleveland Clinic. Marilyn Alejandro-Rodriguez, research coordinator, serves on the agency’s board and Dr. Chris Babiuch, family medicine physician, serves on the agency’s Campaign Cabinet.
The Trifecta Award is given to a small, medium, and large sized workplace in recognition of their engagement in three ways: as an organization, through employee giving, and year-round. Community Foundation of Lorain County, RW Beckett Corporation, and Avient Corporation were this year’s winners.
The Values Awards recognize workplaces and volunteers demonstrating collaboration, innovation, initiative, or leadership. The campaign team at Invacare was recognized for collaboration, Lorain County Community College for innovation, Tanya de Almeida of Ford Motor Company for initiative, and Debbie Davis of Avient Corporation for leadership.
Two volunteers were also recognized for their contributions to the Free Tax Preparation initiative, Christine Grieves and Jacqueline Steel.
Winners attended one of United Way’s virtual Impact & Idea Exchanges during which they heard directly from two mothers involved in the OberlinKids Community Collaborative and the 231 Go! Community Collaborative. Attendees also shared successful events and strategies to engage their teams and networks to fundraise, recruit volunteers, and increase awareness of services.
“It is powerful to think about how the investment of our donors, volunteers, and corporate partners in our collaborative model empower over 150 organizations to work together in support of the health, education, financial stability, and transportation needs of low-income families in Greater Lorain County,” said board chair Hallie Smith-Petee. “I would encourage anyone who is interested in giving back to reach out to the United Way team to learn more about how to get involved.”
The local United Way announced the total amount raised through fundraising and leveraged funds for community impact. The year’s total was $2,890,137.
To see highlights from this year’s virtual Celebration of Community Impact, visit uwloraincounty.org/2021celebration or follow United Way of Greater Lorain County on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
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United Way of Greater Lorain County leads community-wide innovation to tackle problems that most people say can’t be solved. In unforgiving cities, overlooked townships, and seemingly docile suburbs. We find every dollar we can to address them. But we are more than the fundraisers. United Way brings together over 150 organizations to power 10 community collaboratives. Together, we fight for the health, education, and financial stability of low-income working families who need our help in Greater Lorain County. We have one life. To live better, we must Live United. Learn more at uwloraincounty.org or by calling 440-277-6530.
