Trumbull United Way hits century mark
100-year celebration recognizes volunteers, donors who have helped
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NILES -- Volunteers, donors and sponsors over 100 years have helped the United Way of Trumbull County achieve its goal of aiding families.
United Way, celebrating its 100-year milestone, recognized those individuals, businesses and organizations, during the combined annual meeting and awards luncheon Thursday at the Eastwood Event Centre.
Christine Cope, UW's executive director, said many in the community have provided support.
"When you invest in the United Way you are investing in your community. We couldn't have asked for a better and more supportive group of people than the many who were here with us today," Cope said.
Justine Bartko, UW's director of marketing and engagement, said the centennial committee planning events for the 100-year milestone has been busy since last October.
"Turning 100 makes this an exceptional year. It has been an amazing ride, but there is a lot still planned," Bartko said.
Lisa Taddei, outgoing UW board president, said the 100 years of service would not be possible without the volunteers.
She recalled the celebration held by the UW at the Robins Theater earlier this year.
Kristin Woods, a board member, said she and others enjoy going into the schools to read to children for Dr. Seuss Day and other events.
"I have done this several years now, and it is one of my fondest memories of being involved with the United Way," she said. "Their responses are fantastic and make you realize what their mind is doing at that age. You see the joy in their eyes when you interact with them while reading to them."
Mayor Doug Franklin recalled when he and others with UW went into the community to help people in need clean up their properties.
"As a public servant that has always been rewarding. It really goes to the United Way's mission," he said.
The guest speaker was Dr. Charisse Nixon, an associate professor of psychology at Penn State, who has done studies on depression and social-emotional issues among children and teens since the coronavirus pandemic, and on various forms of peer mistreatment.
"It is important that each child be given opportunities to reach their full potential. The United Way and many other organizations work a lot with at-risk kids, " Nixon said.
She said children ages 3 to 17 face a variety of problems with top issues for teens being anxiety, depression and suicide with causes of deaths for the teen groups being accidents, suicides and homicide.
Nixon said anxiety and depression increased, particularly among females, after COVID-19.
"We can help by creating options and opportunities for children. The United Way helps kids by the programs and opportunities given to them. This helps them discover their purposes, which helps them gain resiliency," she said.
Cope said the United Way will continue its focus on children with an initiative "United For Kids."
She said there also will be more focus on collaboration and fundraising.
New board members were named: Andy Bednar of Bednar, Baker, Snyder and Associates; Diane Sauer of Diane Sauer Chevrolet; Kristin Woods of Farmers Bank; Mike Sergi of PNC Bank; Ken Haidaris of Sunrise Entertainment; Matt Martin of Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership; and Kareem Maine of Ultium Cells.