“The heightened awareness and compassion of our donors, both individual and corporate, for the county-wide critical missions of LCUW program partners drove the success of this campaign,” said Virgil Probasco, LCUW 2011 campaign chair. “The people of Lycoming County understand the growing needs of the human service programs and trust United Way to be a good steward of their investments. We are very pleased with these results and we want to thank each and every donor who participated in the campaign.”    

 United Way provides funding for more than 40 programs in Lycoming County that meet the community’s most critical needs nurturing children, caring for people in crisis, strengthening families, supporting seniors, and serving those with special needs. LCUW officials point out that 97% of funds raised stay in Lycoming County.

“This opportunity to serve as campaign chair has been a humbling, yet rewarding experience. We are indebted to the hundreds of volunteers who gave of their time and talents to assist us; and to the thousands who contributed to the campaign. Their efforts and support will truly make a positive difference in the lives of their neighbors all across the county,” added Probasco.

“With each year’s campaign, new stories reflecting the generosity and caring spirit of Lycoming County residents are exhibited. This year, in the face of some difficult times, that heart-warming compassion reached new levels,” said LCUW executive director Scott N. Lowery. “This campaign’s achievement exceeded the amount raised in any previous campaign. That is a remarkable effort that would not have been possible without Virgil’s leadership and the tremendous effort of our volunteer network.”         

 While the amount raised is the largest amount in the organization’s history, LCUW officials point out it is likely still not enough to meet the needs of the programs partner’s requests.

“Last year we looked at the amount we had to allocate to our partners and the amount they had requested. The amount we needed to be able to fulfill their requests was $1,708,168 and while we are pleased to have had a campaign increase of about 7% over last year, we will likely still not have enough to meet every program’s request,” explained Lowery. “All programs that receive LCUW funding must demonstrate measureable results. Our volunteers are very thoughtful in how the dollars are allocated. They meet with every program partner to learn about the programs and ensure that the money is invested addressing the most pressing community needs through proven programs. It is never a simple process and we appreciate the volunteers’ efforts in making difficult decisions.”

“Plus, our United Way mission extends beyond the needs of our program partners. Recent community needs assessment surveys have identified areas of concern that we are addressing though our Impact Funding Initiative,” added Lowery. 

“When Virgil Probasco announced to our board that Lycoming County United Way raised $1,531,967, there was a sense of both great accomplishment as well as immense relief. That’s because our campaign raised a record amount in a year marked by economic uncertainty and wide-spread flooding,” stated John Brunette, LCUW board president. “This positive campaign outcome speaks volumes about the character of Lycoming County residents. Just about every division in the campaign increased total giving over last year. This includes the geographic areas which were flooded most severely. It’s almost as if the flood served as a real life example that each of us may need a hand up when situations, beyond our control, affect our lives and also exceed our personal resources. The increase in generosity we experienced seems to coincide with the lessons we learned from the flood. Indeed, this is the mission of the United Way; neighbor helping neighbor and in doing so raising the quality of life for everyone. While the needs of our community vary greatly, the metaphor illustrated by the flood points out that life can take twists and turns which are unexpected and carry devastating consequences. These are the occasions when United Way supported services can make a difference by filling needs for which there are no other resources available.”

 “I don’t have the appropriate words to thank Virgil Probasco for the tenacity and spirit with which he led the campaign volunteers to this year’s success. He did an amazing job. As board president, I also want to recognize the efforts of our staff. They are the glue that keeps the operation together. Day in and day out it is the Lycoming County United Way staff which carry through on the organization’s goals,” concluded Brunette. “Our board is fortunate to have these dedicated folks. So now for the second year in a row we have exceeded our all time campaign achievements. This is a trend we want to keep going.” 

In April, community volunteers will review presentations made by program partners and allocate the funds available.

 To make a contribution, for more information, or to volunteer for funds distribution, contact Lycoming County United Way, One West Third Street, Suite 208; Williamsport, PA 17701, call 323-9448, visit www.lcuw.org or look for the organization on Facebook .

 Throughout the year, there will be local events supporting the One Book, Every Young Child including author and illustrator visits at select locations across the state, special library and museum programming for families, as well as activities for parents, early childcare providers.

The Local Education and Resource Network (LEARN) Team has begun to schedule reading sessions for children throughout Lycoming County.  The program provides opportunities for community and business leaders, educators and other volunteers to read aloud to the children at state childcare facilities, Head Start programs, licensed preschools and kindergartens throughout our region.  Each child will receive a copy of the book to take home and share with their family.  The book that has been selected for this year’s program is Stop Snoring Bernard! by Pennsylvania author & illustrator Zachariah OHora. 

 The One Book, Every Young Child program goes far beyond just giving parents and caregivers a book to read to preschoolers.  The program’s design is based on studies showing that simply reading a book is not enough.  Adults must find ways to engage children in activities like talking about a book’s cover and illustrations, discussing the actions in the book and favorite parts, pretend play related to the book and more.

This year more than 3,300 books will be distributed to children throughout Lycoming County.  Each classroom needs a reader, so we are inviting you to be a volunteer!  Your time commitment would be approximately one hour in the morning or afternoon based on your availability. Reading sessions will be scheduled mid-March through the end of April.  If you would like to volunteer to read, please email Bethany and Amy at learn@lcuw.org. We will work with you at that time to schedule a date and location.

Adrienne Wertz

Lycoming County United Way has announced the appointment of Adrienne Wertz as the organization’s Director of Funds Distribution and Community Building, effective February 1. Wertz has previously served as the Assistant Lifestyle editor at the Williamsport Sun-Gazette.

In her new position, Wertz will direct United Way’s annual allocation process distributing funding to county human service organizations, serve as the liaison with the 43 Program Partners operating under the local United Way umbrella, work with and develop collaborative efforts with human service and community organizations, assist with the annual campaign and participate in trainings for the many volunteers assisting with United Way led projects.

“My work at the Sun-Gazette put me right in the heart of a community that is full of life and hope, but also one that houses individuals who suffer greatly and are in need of assistance. I am excited to take a step deeper into that community and serve with the Lycoming County United Way to understand and help eliminate the hardships of our neighbors,” Wertz stated.

“My work as an In-House Campaign manager for the Sun-Gazette’s annual United Way employee campaign opened my eyes to what a vital organization the United Way is for the community. Having worked with many of the Program Partners receiving United Way funding, I have grown to appreciate how important the support of these non-profit groups are to our community members across the board – the young and old, rich and poor. It is with great pleasure and excitement that I begin my work with United Way.”

Wertz, who resides in South Williamsport with her husband and two children, was with the Sun-Gazette for ten years. While there she was instrumental in significantly increasing the company’s United Way campaign. She has also served in volunteer capacities for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the American Cancer Society and recently with Favors Forward, helping to deliver food to those in need.

Wertz replaces Rosann Pelleschi, who will end an 11-year United Way career with her retirement on January 31.

“Operating with a small staff, which must be responsive to the changing human service needs of the Lycoming County community, the Funds Distribution and Community Building role is vitally important. The search process we undertook was detailed and deliberate, aimed at locating a person with energy, understanding, drive and commitment. Our search committee was convinced that Adrienne possesses the capabilities and desire to both continue and grow the positive leadership role our United Way has developed in the community,” said Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director. “We welcome Adrienne to our team and look forward to working with her.”

Left to right, Tracy Haas, Marty Muggleton, and Jackie Travelpiece were honored as Valiant Volunteers

On Tuesday, December 6, Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) thanked the countless volunteers who have been diligently working on the annual campaign this fall. More than 100 LCUW supporters gathered at the Holiday Inn for the event hosted by George & Olga Tsunis to honor the volunteers and celebrate the campaign efforts.

 “We are fortunate to live in a community where neighbors care about one another and will pitch in a helping hand to someone in need,” said Virgil Probasco, volunteer chair of the 2011 LCUW campaign and executive vice president of Wirerope Works. “We could not fund the most critical human service needs here in Lycoming County without the support we receive from residents and business leaders. Tonight, we honor and thank the volunteers who do the heavy lifting and help make it all come together.”

LCUW handed out a number of awards to outstanding volunteers throughout the evening’s program.

“Volunteers are the driving force behind the success of our United Way team. Our volunteers come to us from a variety of backgrounds, with a variety of skill sets,” explained Probasco. “This diversity provides a vast talent pool and expertise that would be impossible to obtain if it had to be paid for. The common bond they all possess is the desire to help others and make this community a better place for all of us to live, work, and play.”

Among the volunteers honored were:

 “Contributions have picked up in the last few weeks,” said Virgil Probasco, LCUW volunteer chair of the 2011 campaign. “It is heartwarming to see our friends and neighbors donate to United Way to help one another. Their generosity is showing through each week as the campaign progresses and grows.”

 “The upswing in contributions is encouraging but the human service programs we support throughout the year need more funds than we have collected so far,” Probasco added. “The people of Lycoming County understand that there are critical needs for quality human service programs and they trust United Way to invest their gifts wisely in proven programs that are meeting the most pressing needs right here in our community. We thank those who have already given and ask those who have not donated yet to do so now.”

 97% of funds raised stay here in Lycoming County and are used to help support 43 vital human service programs throughout Lycoming County. In the past year, 42,747 county residents have been helped by an LCUW-funded program.

“We have been especially pleased with many of the employee workplace results we have seen the last few weeks,” explained Probasco. “The majority of our gifts come through workplace giving and as local companies complete their in-house campaigns, many are reporting increased giving over last year. For example, employee giving at AutoTrakk is up 86%, Kellogg’s 28%, Wirerope Works 23%, and M & T Bank 20%.”

 In addition, individual leadership giving has shown positive increases this year, according to Probasco .

 “Not only are more people giving, but many of the donors that have participated in the past are increasing their gifts over last year,” said Probasco. “It makes me proud to be a part of our community and a part of our United Way to see such compassion for others in Lycoming County.”

“LCUW has a solid network of dedicated and experienced volunteers who are working diligently on this campaign. We are extremely grateful for their time and the enthusiasm they are showing towards this campaign. We all believe in these programs and we are working hard to raise the funds to help meet their needs. Every dollar we raise helps,” added LCUW executive director Scott N. Lowery.

Probasco and Lowery remind donors that while contributions are welcomed throughout the year, individuals who have not yet contributed are encouraged to make their donation now.

To make a contribution or for more information, contact Lycoming County United Way, One West Third Street, Suite 208, Williamsport, PA 17701, call 570-323-9448, or visit www.lcuw.org.

 “Our community has always found a way to be there for one another when it mattered most,” said Virgil Probasco, Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) volunteer campaign chair. “Just as a variety of flood relief efforts were being established to help with the most immediate needs, our United Way launched the annual campaign to sustain the funding for the 43 local human service programs that depend upon United Way contributions on a year-round basis,” explained Probasco. “Our campaign typically runs September through November. Out of respect for those urgent community needs due to the flood, we delayed some of our early campaign efforts but the multitude of human service needs in this county did not go away. They were there before the flood and they will remain after it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 12 months a year.”

 In the past year there were 42,747 county residents whose lives were improved because the 43 human service programs operating under the United Way umbrella were there for them. LCUW officials calculate $1,708, 168 is needed this year to ensure the residents who need help have access to it and to keep local human service programs functioning. 

 To date, $389,104 of the $1,708,168 need has been raised for the campaign.

 “Most of the feedback we are getting is very positive,” said Probasco. “Because of the delay in our timeline, we simply do not have the donations today that we did at the same point last year in the campaign. We have a long way to go to meet the need and we’re extremely proud of the diligence of our volunteers and the generous support from county residents and businesses. If you’ve already donated this year, we thank you. If you haven’t yet, now is the time,” Probasco concluded.

  For more information on how to contribute, contact the LCUW office at One West Third Street, Suite 208, Williamsport; call 323-9448; or log on to lcuw.org. LCUW is also on Facebook.

“We have been optimistic throughout the early planning process and the beginning weeks of the campaign,” said Virgil Probasco, LCUW volunteer 2011 campaign chair. “We’re happy to be making progress and seeing the donation totals increase week to week. We understand this year is still far from ‘business as usual’ for many families and small businesses and we are genuinely pleased to see the people of Lycoming County supporting one another and giving a helping hand to those in need.”

 “We are continuing to ask for every citizen’s consideration to do what they can to contribute to this critical campaign,” explained Probasco. “Although we gladly accept donations any day of the year, our primary focus is September through November so that we can accurately allocate funds to our programs next spring. We want to thank those who have already contributed and encourage those who have not yet done so to make their donations by the end of November.”

 While the majority of campaign contributions come through workplace giving, several local volunteers and businesses are planning special events open to the public to further support the campaign, according to LCUW.

 “The employees of Albright LIFE have partnered with several local nursing homes to host a dessert-tasting on Friday, November 4 from 12:00 noon to 2:00pm where anyone with a sweet tooth can enjoy an array of delicious desserts for just a $5 donation. This is the third year for the unique event at Albright LIFE on Memorial Avenue,” said Kate Pacacha, director of resource development and communications for LCUW. “Then on Sunday, November 6, there will be a basket bingo at Old Lycoming Township Fire Hall at 1:00pm. Longaberger Basket fans who attended previously know the baskets are filled with all kinds of added goods and merchandise, plus this year volunteer Diane Stine has created a ‘super bingo’ with one prize worth more than $1,200.”

United Way encourages and welcomes anyone who might be interested in developing a special event for the cause. Some organizations host dress down days, hold raffles or bake sales, or whatever suits the people involved. It can be a simple and fun way to raise funds and awareness for United Way.

“Past events even included employees purchasing whipped cream pies to throw at their bosses or making a donation to have the boss kiss a pig,” Pacacha added. “We are happy to see volunteers coordinate these extra efforts with such creativity and a sense of humor for a good cause.”

“There are more people in need of human service programs this year as well as increasing costs to operate the programs and less government funding. We’re very appreciative of the support our community is providing for our neighbors and we will remain diligent in our efforts to raise the funds so vital to keep 43 local human service programs functioning for Lycoming County residents,” concluded Pacacha.

This year’s campaign runs through November 30. To make a contribution or for more information, contact Lycoming County United Way, One West Third Street, Suite 208, Williamsport, PA 17701, call 570-323-9448, or visit www.lcuw.org.

 “Due to many weather related difficulties so many people encountered last month, our campaign got off to a slower start than normal, but we have seen steady improvement since then with more than a quarter million dollars collected to date,” said LCUW campaign chair Virgil Probasco.

 “The $257,641 raised so far has largely been generated from earlier mailings to our Leadership and residential donors. The larger employee workplace campaigns are for the most part just getting organized. Our volunteers have seen some encouraging signs and several workplace locations have reported their campaigns are running well ahead of last year’s pace.”

Those early returns are led by employee contributions at Wirerope Works and the South Williamsport Area School District, where both locations have reached their all time giving highs.

The Wirerope campaign achieved a 22% increase over last year featuring a marked increase in both employee participation and leadership giving. The South Williamsport campaign topped last year’s previous giving high by 9%.

 “What has been achieved this year at both Wirerope and South Williamsport has been the results of dedicated volunteers and an increased awareness regarding the United Way mission in our community and how many people are helped by those human service programs working under our umbrella. We are most grateful for the support they have provided and are indebted to the workplace volunteers who have worked so hard on our behalf,” added Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director.

 Contributions received by Lycoming County United Way are allocated to 43 human service programs operating in Lycoming County. These programs encompass five identified impact areas including, nurturing our children, serving those with special needs, caring for people in crisis, supporting our seniors and strengthening our families. During the past year 42,747 county residents were served by these various programs.

 Individuals interested in making contribution to the campaign effort may do so by contacting the Lycoming County United Way office at One West Third Street, Suite 208; by calling 323-9448, or logging on to lcuw.org.

 “The first two weeks of the campaign have seen some very encouraging developments,” said Virgil Probasco, Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) 2011 volunteer campaign chair and executive vice-president of Wirerope Works. “We are pleased that our first report shows a positive response from the community. Many of the employee workplace campaigns are just getting started and that is traditionally where the bulk of the donations occur so we are looking forward to increased growth as the campaign continues.”

 “For the past few months, our network of dedicated volunteers put a great deal of effort into laying the ground work for a successful campaign,” explained Probasco. “We thoroughly evaluated the human service needs in the county and set a monetary goal in July. With the recent flooding disaster, we adapted and developed a way for donors to support local flood relief efforts as well as the pre-existing and ongoing community needs of the programs United Way funds. We are working diligently to meet the community’s human service needs both today and down the road.”

 “The flood occurred in a few days and will take a few months or longer to complete the cleanup. During the flood, the multitude of human service needs in this county did not go away. They were there before the flood and they will remain after it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 12 months a year,” added Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director. “In the past year there were 42,747 county residents whose lives were improved because the 43 human service programs operating under our United Way umbrella were there for them. That is why this year’s campaign is even more important than last years. The flood washed away so many important things. But, unfortunately, it didn’t wash away the daily challenges present in so many people’s lives.”

 United Way supporters clearly understand the importance of the campaign’s success to the overall well-being of the quality of life county-wide, according to Probasco. “We appreciate the loyalty and support residents and businesses have given United Way over the years. It is a tribute to the compassion and kindness of the people of Lycoming County and their willingness to help others facing difficult times. If you have already sent your contribution, we thank you. If you haven’t sent it yet, now is the time. Every donation is greatly appreciated.”

 LCUW is focused on five needs areas as identified by community survey: nurturing our children, serving those with special needs, caring for people in crisis, supporting our seniors, and strengthening our families.

 Proceeds from the United Way campaign help support 43 vital human service programs county wide. Last year alone these services were used more than 42,000 times by county residents.

 This year’s campaign runs through November 30. To make a contribution or for more information, visit lcuw.org or contact Lycoming County United Way, One West Third Street, Suite 208, Williamsport, PA 17701, or call 570-323-9448. LCUW is also now on Facebook.

 HS diploma to equivalent required.  Bachelor’s degree is preferred.  Minimum of 2 years experience in human services/non-profit field required.

 Skills required:

• Knowledge of Lycoming County human service agencies and other community organizations
• Ability to work with and interpret financial and statistical data
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability working with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds
• Proficient in all MS Office applications
• Previous experience training others desired
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work with and motivate volunteers

 Interested candidates should either mail or email your resume and three letters of recommendation by October 28, 2011 to:  No phone inquiries will be accepted.

 Lycoming County United Way

One West Third Street, Suite 208

Williamsport, PA 17701

Attention: Scott Lowery

executivedirector@lcuw.org.

The LCUW is an equal opportunity employer