A Year in Review - 2011

A Message from Marcia Chioffi, Volunteer President, United Way Board of Directors

 United Way of Rutland County has been keeping our communities strong since 1943.  In this year of tremendous local devastation and economic uncertainty, United Way donors and volunteers remained steadfast in their dedication to the principle of neighbor helping neighbor.  Through the amazing efforts of volunteers, United Way of Rutland County is close to reaching our community campaign goal of $565,000.  Reaching the campaign goal is critically important this year, ensuring that services of partner agencies remain strong throughout Rutland County.

 Much appreciation for United Way’s county-wide presence and success this year goes to our local media for continually keeping United Way activities visible in our community.  The Rutland Herald, Sam’s Good News, The Rutland Business Journal, The Mountain Times, Tree Frog Studio, LMW Design, Catamount Radio, Comcast, PEG TV, WPTZ News Channel 5 and Westview Digital Video & Design kept our community informed of United Way and United Way partner agency activities.  We extend special thanks to Phil Alderman and Andrew and Stephanie Wilson for enabling our 2011 “Local Faces” video which helped to provide information to our donors and local residents about the impact of the United Way and our partner agencies in Rutland County.

 Through the United Way Allocation process, we are able to help fund 31 non-profit health and human service organizations operating in support of our community.  These partner organizations assist our friends and neighbors in the areas of basic needs and housing, alcohol and drug problems, children’s services, family services, youth services, general health services, elderly services and rehabilitation.  Last year, more than 26,100 people in Rutland County received vital services through United Way partner agencies.  In addition, Vermont 2-1-1, a service of United Ways of Vermont, provides Rutland County residents access to an information hotline that includes valuable resources and contact information for available community services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 Finally, I would like to thank the many volunteers in our community who make up the United Way of Rutland County.  From our dedicated Board of Directors to our Allocations and Campaign volunteers, a heartfelt thank you for giving your time, your talent and your resources to support United Way.  For more than 68 years, residents in our community have been able to count on United Way funded agencies when family and friends need support and assistance. 

 In a year of increased needs and regional devastation, residents needed the support of United Way agencies more than ever before.  Together, our donors and volunteers met the challenges we faced this year and can feel proud that through their support of United Way our community will remain strong and able to respond to those in need.   Thank you for helping to make our community a better place to live, work and play through United Way of Rutland County.