Category: Press Release

FORT WAYNE (July 30, 2022) – A lot has changed over the last two years, including the critical community needs facing our Allen County neighbors. That is why United Way of Allen County has partnered with the Community Research Institute of Purdue University Fort Wayne to gather data on critical community needs to position United Way to transition to a new strategic direction.

In the past, United Way has been an organization that has told the community what our priorities are. The goal for this strategic planning process was to listen to the people in our community, gather data, share data with county wide experts, gain subject matter experts’ input, consider lived experience, and end up with a distilled and clear course forward with community members’ needs at the forefront. Through 32 Community Conversations conducted by United Way staff, a statistically valid Allen County wide Community Insights Survey done by the Community Research Institute, and by gathering of data from multiple other public resources – in March 2020, a Strategic Taskforce was formed with 18 field experts in various industries in Allen County to review the data and determine the critical community needs of Allen County. These experts spent over a thousand hours combined reviewing qualitative data, community needs assessments, hearing from subject matter experts, and participated in a decision-making process with Gensyn Design. The taskforce was able to prioritize root cause issues our community is facing. The top critical community needs identified were Education, Public Health, and Mental Health.

United Way of Allen County then looked through a brand lens, gathered input from the internal team, reviewed with various United Way Volunteer Committees, and received final approval from the Board of Directors on what United Way of Allen County’s priorities should be moving forward.

United Way of Allen County’s new strategic focus has four priorities: Educational Opportunities, Food Security, Housing Stability, and Mental Health Access. Over the past six to eight months, United Way has determined strategies to address needs within these four areas. Then, they will work collaboratively with partners in the community to boldly impact these identified critical community issues.

Please note that fundraising for agency allocations will continue through the current funded partner cycle that ends on June 30, 2022. On July 1, 2022, fundraising efforts will be focused on United Way’s aforementioned four strategic priorities.

FORT WAYNE (March 21, 2022) – United Way of Allen County announces that Matthew Purkey has formally resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Allen County after accepting an opportunity to become Vice President of Regional Operations with The Mission Continues, a national nonprofit that connects military veterans with new missions in under-resourced communities.

Matthew has been a great asset to the United Way of Allen County team and a passionate community advocate with whom the organization has surpassed unprecedented milestones. He successfully led the recent community needs assessment and strategic planning process that produced UWAC’s new priorities of educational opportunities, mental health access, food security, and housing stability. Purkey also convened and facilitated United Way of Allen County’s Emergency Relief Fund raising an additional $5M+ to aid community members and organizations in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Longtime volunteer and current United Way of Allen County Chief Financial Officer Greg Johnson will assume the position of interim Chief Executive Officer until a permanent replacement is identified. Don Cates, Chairman of the Board, will lead the nationwide hiring search. Mr. Cates commented that “Matthew, a seasoned nonprofit professional, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran himself, has been offered a once in a lifetime role that aligns perfectly with his passion, skillsets, experience, and expertise. On behalf of the Board, we thank Matthew for his contributions to United Way of Allen County and wish him well in his future endeavors”.

Purkey’s last day is April 1st.

FORT WAYNE, IND. (December 1, 2021) – United Way of Allen County is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative called Strong Neighborhoods. This new initiative will focus on creating collaborations and building resources at a neighborhood level. United Way is partnering with Bridge of Grace Compassionate Ministries and the Pettit-Rudisill Neighborhood Association to pilot this new initiative in the Pettit-Rudisill neighborhood.

“We are grateful that United Way of Allen County has chosen our neighborhood for their Strong Neighborhoods initiative, and we are excited about the prospect of connecting with our residents more effectively,” says Laurie Hapner, Board Member of the Pettit-Rudisill Neighborhood Association.

Through Strong Neighborhoods, United Way will strive to build relationships and collaborate with residents, utilize individuals’ strengths and talents to help neighbors, convene available community assets, identify potential growth opportunities, and remove barriers for people to improve the overall well-being of themselves and their community.

Javier Mondragon, Founder & CEO of Bridge of Grace, states “we are excited to partner with United Way and the Pettit-Rudisill neighborhood to share our knowledge, lived experience, and work together to gather the strengths and voices of residents so they may gain ownership and participate in the revitalization of their own community.”

Healthy neighborhoods are the backbone of a thriving community. A strong community is made up of residents who actively participate and are a key part of the decision and implementation process of change and development occurring in their own neighborhoods, which is what Strong Neighborhoods is working to do.

In 2016 United Way of Allen County conducted Community Conversations and heard from over 500 area residents. There was a resounding confirmation that people in Allen County wanted to live in safe neighborhoods that foster a healthy lifestyle and a sense of belonging, where they can feel connected to each other and the resources in their community. We conducted another round of Community Conversations in 2020 and the message continued to ring clear – Allen County residents want to live in a community where they have a sense of belonging and feel safe, connected, and accepted.

“United Way of Allen County exists to boldly impact critical community issues. Strong Neighborhoods allows us to tackle community issues at a grassroots level” explains Matthew Purkey, President & CEO of United Way of Allen County.

“We will strategically and intentionally address issues identified by the neighborhood residents and look for opportunities that could align with our four priority areas of educational opportunities, food security, housing stability, and mental health access,” he continues. Ultimately, it is about connecting people to each other and their community.

For more information please contact Ruthie Hall, Director of Community Initiatives, at rhall@uwacin.org.

FORT WAYNE (November 24, 2021) – United Way of Allen County will be kicking off its GivingTuesday efforts once again, on Tuesday, November 30th. GivingTuesday is a global movement that reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and radical generosity. This year, United Way of Allen County’s goal is to further Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in Allen County by supporting our Equity and Diversity Fund. It is our desire to actively address inequities related to infrastructure, funding networks, data, and metrics by investing in solutions that increase opportunities for underrepresented people groups. We will create a better future by equitably leveraging the support needed for each person to succeed in all aspects of life. United Way of Allen County is not only a fundraiser – we dynamically address problems, take on community challenges, and never shy away from the needs of all individuals in our community.

To date, through United Way of Allen County’s Equity and Diversity Fund, Amani Family Services, Bigger Than Us Inc., Building A Stronger Family Inc., Fort Wayne Urban League, The Financial Semester Inc., and The League have been awarded a total of $50,000 in grants.

Join in giving by visiting our #GivingTuesday MobileCause site or text UWEQUITY to 41444.

For more information, contact Tiffany Bailey, Vice President of Community Impact at Tiffany.Bailey@uwacin.org.

The following is a release from United Way of Allen County:

FORT WAYNE (March 27, 2020) – United Way of Allen County has formed the Emergency Relief Fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Emergency Relief Fund Advisory Committee that consists of community members and donors, met for the first time this week to approve the first four agencies to receive grants in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County, Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Community Transportation Network, and YMCA Renaissance Pointe will each be receiving $20,000 to assist with their efforts of serving our community during the pandemic.

“The agencies selected for the first round of funding consistently provide for our community’s highest needs and COVID-19 has not stopped that. We are looking for organizations that have the highest capacity to support our community during this time by meeting immediate needs that our neighbors are searching for” said Tiffany Bailey, VP of Community Impact at United Way of Allen County.

“It has been a real inspiration watching Allen County citizens, neighbors, organizations and philanthropy come together for the common goal of supporting those most in need during this time of uncertainty. The compassion shown has not gone unnoticed. By joining together, we are working hard to make sure Allen County residents have what they need during this pandemic and beyond” said Brad Little, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne.

APPLICATION PROCESS | Grants will fund nonprofit organizations that have strong experience working to provide support for immediate basic needs and economic stability.

Eligible organizations must meet the following requirements:

501c3 nonprofit

Serve Allen County residents

Provide either their latest financial audit or most recent board approved financial statement (if not already a United Way of Allen County funded agency)

Able to expend/distribute funds to immediately respond to the individuals and families impacted by COVID-19

Able to document and agree to report on how funds are used to meet the identified need(s) within 30-45 days of receiving funds

Initial funding priorities will specifically aim to increase:

Food distribution

Food support for seniors and those with disabilities (i.e. meal or grocery delivery)

Emergency housing and shelter support

Medical support services such as translation and transportation

Please email impact@uwacin.org if you are interested in applying for funding.

FORT WAYNE (November 17, 2022) – United Way of Allen County is pleased to announce Robert Haworth, Ph.D. as President, and CEO effective January 3, 2023.

Haworth brings a wealth of experience in executive and nonprofit leadership. Most recently, Haworth served as an executive in several Indiana school corporations.

“Haworth is a proven leader with significant experience in increasing educational access and building unique collaborations to benefit families and communities. We know he will help lead the United Way of Allen County the future.” stated John Court, Chairman of UWAC Board of Directors.

Haworth was selected by the board of directors following a national search. The board received hundreds of applications from a wide range of diversified and qualified candidates.

The United Way’s goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of problems by boldly impacting critical community issues addressing educational opportunities, food insecurity, housing stability and mental health.

“I am humbled by the Board of Directors’ decision and look forward to helping the United Way of Allen County begin its second century of impact.” Haworth said.

Haworth is a committed educator and leader with a bachelor’s degree from Greenville College, master’s degree from Indiana University Southeast as well as a doctoral degree from Indiana State University.

Haworth will follow Interim Chief Executive Officer/Chief Financial Officer Greg Johnson.

FORT WAYNE (May 3, 2023) – United Way of Allen County is pleased to announce the promotion of three staff members as it strives to effectively transform Allen County through measurable impact.

 

“These changes to our operational design are mission-critical if the United Way of Allen County intends to boldly impact critical community issues,” stated President & CEO Dr. Robert Haworth.

 

As part of the operational design changes, the United Way of Allen County is promoting Brandi Buck to Chief Operating Officer. Kirby Cool will assume the duties of Campaign & Events Manager, and Ta Gay Htoo will now serve as Community Impact Manager.

 

“A strong staff combined with a strong board will continue to propel the United Way forward. Last year, we celebrated 100 years of serving Allen County. This strategic restructuring of personnel will only strengthen our culture of service as we move into our second century,” stated Haworth.

 

Although maintaining her same title, Ruthie Hall is a key part of these design changes. Ruthie, who has served the United Way with distinction for 10 years as Director of Community Initiatives, will now provide greater oversight to volunteer engagement.

 

With regard to the promotions, Haworth stated, “Brandi has all the critical skills needed to be a successful Chief Operating Officer. She is detail-oriented, organized, goal-driven, and leads with integrity. Ruthie has become a force for positive change as she continues to lead a number of community initiatives. Kirby, prior to joining the United Way of Allen County, served as Community Impact Coordinator and Interim Executive Director for United Way of DeKalb County, and her experience and leadership will significantly impact the organization’s fundraising efforts. In only six months, Ta Gay has distinguished herself as an up-and-coming leader in the area of community impact.”

 

In 2021, United Way of Allen County partnered with the Community Research Institute of Purdue University Fort Wayne to gather data on critical community needs to position United Way to transition to a new strategic direction. This led to the announcement of the four new strategic priorities: Educational Opportunities, Food Security, Housing Stability, and Mental Health Access. These organizational changes will allow United Way to continue to work efficiently and collaboratively with partners in the community to boldly impact these identified critical community issues.

 

###

About United Way of Allen County

Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County is a not-for-profit organization that unites our community’s time, talent, and treasure to cultivate and advance community solutions that address the most critical issues around basic needs, education, financial stability, and healthy lives. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.

FORT WAYNE (February 14, 2024) – United Way of Allen County is hosting its 4^th annual Community Food Drive from February 19 – March 5, 2024. This event is sponsored by Ron & Kathy Turpin, Meijer, PHP, Do It Best & the Do It Best Foundation, Rea Magnet Wire, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Electric Works & Union Street Market, and Fort Wayne Newspapers.

Three local organizations will benefit from this event: Associated Churches of Fort Wayne and Allen County, Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, and Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry. With the cost of basic needs continuing to rise, more and more households are struggling. This annual food drive is one of the many ways United Way is helping relieve some of the barriers being faced regarding food security, and it wouldn’t be possible without the help of our community.

United Way of Allen County is grateful to bring everyone together to benefit these great organizations in a time of need. Robert Haworth, President & CEO of United Way of Allen County states, “After the holiday season, many food banks experience a lull in donations. Our community food drive is an initiative that works to bridge that gap and provide food to our friends, family, and neighbors in Allen County when they need it most.”

United Way is proud to partner with 32 community partner organizations that are collecting internally and 12 local Starbucks locations open for public donations, for a total of 96 collection bins across Allen County! Last year, we collected over 5,000 pounds of food, and we hope the community will help us top that during this year’s food drive.

You can drop off your food donations at any of these participating Starbucks locations:

• Jefferson & Fairfield – 502 W. JEFFERSON BLVD.
• Coliseum & Coldwater – 301 E. COLISEUM BLVD.
• Lima & Ludwig – 6403 LIMA ROAD
• Lima & Dupont – 10030 LIMA ROAD
• Dupont & Auburn – 2132 E. DUPONT ROAD
• Maysville & Meijer – 10104 MAYSVILLE ROAD
• State & Coliseum – 3905 E. STATE BLVD.
• US 27 & Tillman – 7755 SOUTHTOWN CROSSING
• Illinois & Thomas – 4716 ILLINOIS ROAD STE 103
• Scott and Illinois – 9801 ILLINOIS ROAD
• Jefferson & Mallard Cove – 6801 W. JEFFERSON
• Jefferson & I-69 – 5723 COVENTRY LANE

Food donations needed are canned meat/protein, peanut butter, canned beans, boxed dinners, rice, pasta, and cereal. These items must be unopened, non-perishable, not homemade, not expired, and not in glass containers. You can also make a monetary donation to the Community Food Drive by visiting www.unitedwayallencounty.org/food-drive or by texting FOOD24 to 41444. If you have any questions, please email volunteer@uwacin.org.

###

About United Way of Allen County

Established in 1922, United Way of Allen County is a not-for-profit organization that unites our community’s time, talent, and treasure to cultivate and advance community solutions that address the most critical issues around basic needs, education, financial stability, and healthy lives. For more information, please visit www.unitedwayallencounty.org.