United Way at a Glance

Mission:
To increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another in a voluntary, community-wide effort. This shall be done through expanding volunteerism, fundraising programs, as well as planning, supporting, providing and monitoring services sensitive to the current and emerging needs of the people of Etowah County.

Vision:
We see a safe community with strong families working together, successful children moving toward becoming productive citizens, and a community where the disabled are reaching their potential & senior citizens can maintain their independence. We recognize a community of diverse people with a shared vision of caring for one another.

County & Communities:
Etowah County, Cities of Altoona, Attalla, Gadsden, Glencoe, Hokes Bluff, Mountainboro, Rainbow City, Reece City, Ridgeville, Sardis City, Southside & Walnut Grove

Community Building:
Thousands of people's lives in Etowah County were changed in the past year through the United Way funded services. Working in partnership with 27 member-agencies, various programs, local business and government, United Way and its donors together are building a healthy and safe community in four goal areas: Strong Families and Individuals; Successful Children and Youth; Lifelong Health and Independent Living; and Community Partnerships.

Voluntary Effort:
United Way of Etowah County is a volunteer-driven organization that involves community leaders and professionals in every aspect of our business. Thousands of volunteers lend their time and expertise in assisting United Way staff with organization management; fundraising, marketing and technology, as well as carefully

United Way Services:

• United Way's 2-1-1 / First Call For Help, 546-4357, is a confidential and free information and referral service providing help in locating services for the people of Etowah County with problems and needs. Other programs provided: "Resources 101," "United Way at Work," and clearinghouse for YMCA scholorships.


• Success By 6, a children's initiative to discover ways to ensure all children are prepared and ready to succeed as they enter first grade. Elements of this program are "Brain Train," "Parents As Teachers ", H.O.M.E. (Helping Our Mothers Excel) and Better Beginnings.

• Etowah County Long-Term Recovery Committee (ECLTRC) is a group of volunteer organizations involved in rebuilding lives of people affected by disasters. United Way of Etowah County facilitates the coordinated effort of moving victims of disasters toward the long-range goal of self-sufficiency.

2008 Board of Directors

Executive Committee
President
Kendall Lowe Hamilton
Secretary
Valerie Richardson
Treasurer
Mike Yother
Immediate Past President
Doug DeGraaf
Vice President
Wilbur Masters
Vice President
Glen Porter
Vice President
Marguaretta Singleton
Vice President
Doug DeGraaf
Vice President
Dr. Jean Pugliese
Campaign Chairperson
Matt Hayes
Campaign Vice-Chair
Todd Edmondson
Campaign Vice-Chair
Todd Hindsman

Members at Large
Mike Bailey
Chief Steve Carroll
Jon Costa
Jim Davis
Walter Duke
The Reverend James Elliott, Jr.
Dr. William Haller III
Mark Hamilton
David Hayes
Mark Hilderbrant
Ralph Lane
John Lopez
Willie Maise
Devon Maness
Emily McLain
Mariella McNair
Iva Nelson
Linda Parker
Emily Hawk Raley
Alie Renfrow
Donald Rhea
Paul Skeleton
Ray Smith
Pastor Willie Smith
Lisa Thacker
Michael Thompson
Jenny Tunstall
Amelia Woffard


United Way Staff:
Joanne Hightower, Executive Director
Donna Clark Rodgers, Finance Manager, Campaign Specialist
Pat Presley, Executive Assistant
Frances Core, Office Assistant +
Betty Cantrell, Office Assistant +

2-1-1/First Call for Help
Susan Carter, Director
Jean Bearden, I & R Specialist
Jada Weiler , I & R Specialist

Success By 6
Tracey Webb , Director
Jane Hicks, Better Beginnings Coordinator
Doretha White, Parent Educator
# funded by Children Trust Fund grant

Etowah County Long-Term Recovery
Staffed As Needed

Volunteer Solutions
Jada Weiler, Coordinator