United Way to make changes

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United Way article

September 30, 2010

By Courtney Williamson

            The United Way of the River Cities is making changes for the better, two representatives said Tuesday.

            Professor Burnis Morris’ JMC 201 class at Marshall University invited representatives to give a presentation on the United Way and its objectives.  

Laura Gilliam, executive director, said, “The United Way of the River Cities wants to transition from the ‘transactional’ approach to addressing the root problems in the community and prevent crisis in the future.”

The work now focuses on ensuring a safety-net of services, while also remembering the “No money, no mission” idea.

“United Way measures success by how many lives are improved in the area,” Gilliam said.

Last year, $1.4 million in fundraising went towards various organizations in hopes of impacting citizens.

This year, a new goal was been set.

“We want to see an increase of 15 percent in donors and measure success that way,” Cassey Bowden, director of resource development and marketing, said.

The United Way is looking to raise $1.25 million to address issues regarding drop-out rates, childhood obesity and substance abuse.

“It’s not about the money; we want lives to change for the better,” Bowden said.

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