United Way of Greater Stark County – Certstaffix Training’s Charitable Partners

Posted on 08/16/2020 by Niko Venev

In its efforts of helping local communities, Certstaffix Training has partnered with different organizations that make a difference. For our second “Certstaffix Training’s Charitable Partners” blog post, we would like to introduce you to “United Way of Greater Stark County.”

United Way of Greater Stark County (UWGSC) seeks to improve the quality of life in our communities by leading in the development of solutions to critical social issues in the areas of health, education and financial stability. UWGSC focuses its attention on the root causes of these issues through their focus on programs that target health, education and financial stability. UWGSC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to energize the community to care for one another by addressing human needs with measurable results. UWGSC was founded by the Alliance Area United Way, the United Way of Central Stark County and the United Way of Western Stark County and serves all of Stark County and parts of Carrol County. United Way of Greater Stark County serves a population of more than 380,000 and funds programs and services that address the critical health and human service needs of our community.

Here is a short interview with the Vice President of Resource Development of United Way of Greater Stark County – Angela Perisic

What is the mission/goal of your organization?

United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.

What audience or population does your organization service or benefit?

United Way serves all people. The programs we fund target populations that are living at or below 200% of poverty.

What is the history of your organization? How did it start?

United Way has a long history in the greater Stark County area. The current United Way of Greater Stark County is one of more than 1,350 community-based organizations of the United Way nationwide. United Way of Greater Stark County was founded by the Alliance Area United Way, the United Way of Central Stark County and the United Way of Western Stark County and serves all of Stark County and parts of Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning and Wayne Counties.

Central Stark County United Way, 1922-2004

The Canton Community Chest grew out of the War Chest of World War I and the post-war situation. William R. Timken suggested to Paul Belden that he go up to Cleveland and investigate the Community Chest which had recently been organized there—one of the first in the United States. A one-day investigation by Mr. Belden led to a more extended investigation, which was made by Mr. H.C. Pontius at the request of Mr. Timken. At that time there were about 40 community chests in the country.

Mr. Pontius drew up a constitution and by-laws based upon the experience of the chests already in operation. A cardinal principle insisted on by Mr. Timken in a matter where there was much difference of opinion and practice was that under no circumstances was the community chest to assume responsibility or direction of operation of the agencies.

The first community campaign was held in May 1922. The quota for the first campaign was $321,879. Agencies which participated in this first chest were the American Red Cross, Aultman Home, Aultman Hospital, Boy Scouts, Goodwill Mission, K of C Boys’ Department, Mercy Hospital, Salvation Army, Social Service Exchange which was organized during 1922, Urban League, Visiting Nurse Society, YMCA, YWCA, Bethshan Home, Briar Brae Home, Ann Day Nursery, and Recreation Council.

Today, the United Way of Greater Stark County—founded by the Alliance Area United Way, the United Way of Central Stark County and the United Way of Western Stark County—is as relevant as it was in 1922.

What is a recent project or work that you are excited about?

Earlier this summer our Young Leaders Society awarded two scholarships to local students going on to college. The scholarship is specifically to cover the cost of books for one year, and the scholarship is renewable for three more years. The funding for the scholarships came from an event called Canton Prom that that takes place in the spring. Couples are elected to be on the prom court, and the couple that raises the most money receives the honor of being prom royalty for the year.

How can people help your organization the most? What is your biggest need currently?

The best way to support United Way is by donating. Donations allow us to fund almost 100 programs throughout Stark County. We are also always looking for volunteers to serve on committees that make funding decisions, assist with fundraising or plan special events.

What is your organization’s website or the best way to contact?

Our website is www.uwstark.org.