WARREN – The United Way of Trumbull County celebrated 100 years of serving the community in 2023 by honoring its history while advancing its mission of helping children and families thrive.
Through the United “4” Kids umbrella initiative, the UWTC supports students through a variety of programs and services. These include Reading Great by 8, kindergarten readiness, support for English language learning students, the Imagination Library, school pantries and addressing basic needs.
“Our goal is to help develop the whole child, which is the foundation of the child’s intellectual and social development, to become fully engaged in learning and school,” says Christine Cope, UWTC president and CEO.
The organization will expand its programming in 2024 “to further address kids’ needs with the support of ARPA funds made possible by the Trumbull County commissioners.
“We will partner with Lakeview Local Schools to help at-risk students receive direct assistance with educational and/or social-emotional support. A secondary objective will be to provide STEM and Career Readiness opportunities,” Cope says.
In 2023, UWTC laid the groundwork for a new financial wellness at work program that it will pilot early this year.
Also in 2023, the organization introduced United Way Works, aimed at helping employees, individuals and families with assistance when no other help is available.
“We may provide something as simple as a gas card or school clothes, but it makes a huge difference for those in need,” Cope says. “We would like to thank Lordstown Energy for supporting this program in 2024. Under this initiative is our United Way @ Work program to provide yard work and help with outdoor projects for seniors, veterans and those physically or financially unable to do the work.”
UWTC continues to partner with and fund local nonprofits. In 2023 the organization provided one-time funding to help them overcome the challenges created by the pandemic.
The organization added a new recognition category to its awards ceremony and honored two legacy supporters: Diane Sauer of Diane Sauer Chevrolet and John Taylor of Paige and Byrnes. Sauer and Taylor have supported UWTC for four decades by serving on the board and leading campaigns.
“We would be unable to fulfill our mission without the support of our donors and volunteers,” Cope says.
The organization’s largest campaigns in 2023 were 717 Credit Union and Warren City Schools under the leadership of Gary Soukenik and Steve Chairo. “We would be remiss if we didn’t thank the Cafaro Foundation and Premier Bank for being the presenting sponsors of our centennial year,” Cope adds. “It was an amazing year, and we could not have done it without their support.”