Last month, United Way launched its annual fundraising campaign. Over the last 75 years, numerous community leaders in Monroe County have stood up to take a leadership role in helping raise funds for the most critical community services in Monroe County through United Way’s campaign. In recognition of United Way of Monroe County’s 75th anniversary this year, twenty past chairs of United Way’s campaigns have agreed to come together, as Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs for this year’s campaign. This includes: Janet Catina, Jane Cilurso, Dr. Matthew Connell, William B. Cramer, Esq., Coach Douds, Charles Hannig, Don Hannig, Virginia Kirkwood, Sharon Laverdure, Ralph Megliola, Chuck Niclaus, Dale Parker, Mary Frances Postupack, George and Connie Roberts, Patrick Ross, Trip Ruvane, Senator Mario Scavello, Paul Schuchman, Mathilda Sheptak, and Robert Uguccioni – all joining efforts to support the needs of our local community!

United Way solves complex problems by bringing people and organizations together to address a common goal. We then use community donations to fund the programs that work towards achieving this goal. Funds raised through the annual campaign support the many individuals and families that are struggling to make ends meet in our community through our three initiatives:

“Access to healthy food” partners with food pantries and providers across the county, increasing the access and quality of supplemental food in our community.

“Support for working families” works with early child care providers, school districts and youth-focused non-profits to increase availability of affordable child care and early education services, while expanding access to out-of-school-time activities. These activities support children’s growth, while also providing support for parents and families.

“Help when needed most” supports those who have fallen through the cracks. This initiative coordinates and funds multiple homeless shelters or transitional housing programs in the community, as well as some behavioral health programs and emergency services. This initiative also focuses on our community’s toll-free helpline, 2-1-1. This 24-hour, 7-days-a-week toll-free helpline is implemented in partnership with Pocono Alliance, Family Service Association of NEPA, and United Way of PA. Residents looking for community assistance can speak with a case worker to guide them through services available in our community by simply picking up their phones and dialing 2-1-1.

“We continue to see terrible tragedies across our country, and I encourage all of you to do what you can to support those affected by these disasters. But I also thank you for helping locally too,” said Albert to the 200 volunteers and community members present at the Campaign Kickoff. “Sadly, there are many people struggling around us, fighting daily crises, right here in our community who also need our help. United Way can’t do it alone. But neither can for-profits, individuals, our partners or the government. But together, we can combine our passion and dedication to bring about the change that can only happen when people are united in purpose.”

To make a donation to United Way’s annual campaign that supports the work of United Way, our three initiatives, and our partners, including AlliedServices, American Red Cross of the Pocono Mountains, Pocono Alliance, the Pocono Family YMCA, the Salvation Army of East Stroudsburg, the Boys Scouts of America – Minsi Trails Council, Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, the Center for Vision Loss, the Growing Place Child Care Centers, Second Harvest Food Bank, Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network, Family Promise, VALOR Clinic Foundation, Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH), Youth Employment Services, Pocono Services for Families and Children, Women’s Resources of Monroe County, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters of The Bridge, simply CLICK HERE.