Volunteer Comments | United Way of Muskingum, Perry & Morgan Counties

Volunteer #1
Q - How has your involvement with United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties affected your life?
A - Being involved with the United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties has affected me by stretching my comfort zone to areas I would normally avoid. I have become more comfortable talking to a group of people. Also, I have become familiar with the services offered by the United Way agencies. Before becoming a Loaned Executive, I didn't know what purpose the United Way served. I couldn't name a United Way agency because I didn't know the United Way had agencies. At my previous employer, I did make a pledge to the United Way, but only because the employer offered something in return. I didn't have a clue what was being done with my money. Now I am an informed employee who can make a pledge based on my knowledge and belief in the United Way mission to help make our community a better place for all who live here. I believe more people would support United Way through pledges if they too were informed by their employer.

Q - What do you think about the new direction of United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties; i.e. Community Impact, 2-1-1, and Financial Stability Partnership?
A - I think the new direction of "our" United Way is right on target. Focusing on education, income, and health are key issues that, if improved, can benefit our entire community. Even those who may not benefit directly by the efforts of the United Way agencies certainly do benefit indirectly.

Q - What would you tell others who were thinking of getting involved with or donating to the United Way?
A - Definitely get involved with the United Way and its agencies. Volunteer your time and be proud of being a part of the improvement in our community. Learning about the United Way and understanding the goals is the first step toward having the desire to donate. I know that from my own involvement and positive experience as a Loaned Executive.

Volunteer #2
Q - How has your involvement with United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties affected your life?
A - I have met some great people that I would otherwise not know. It has also opened up the door for me to feel more comfortable to volunteer in other capacities and organizations in the community.

Q - What do you think about the new direction of United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties; i.e. Community Impact, 2-1-1, and Financial Stability Partnership?
A - I think the organization is right on track with this one. While helping those currently in need will always be necessary and important, the focus should be on stopping the problems before they even start. This will lessen the need for assistance in the future. United Way has done a great job in identifying these problem areas and starting programs to impact these areas.

Q - What would you tell others who were thinking of getting involved with or donating to United Way?
A - It is definitely a fulfilling and important investment. We need to give to our community, to help others and maybe even ourselves someday. I think most people would gain great satisfaction in knowing they have helped, through time or money, the United Way in improving our community.

Volunteer #3
Q - What is the best part of being an LE or Division Chair?
A - Seeing more in-depth how UW impacts our community and also meeting new people.

Q - How has your involvement with United Way affected your life?
A - Knowing I have made a small impact makes me feel like I am making a difference.

Q - What do you think about the new direction of United Way, i.e. Community Impact, 2-1-1, and Financial Stability Partnership?
A - I think it is wonderful, being proactive is always better than reactive. Providing tools to make people self-sufficient makes for a more stable and productive community.

Volunteer #4
Q - How has your involvement with United Way affected your life?
A - Even though it is time consuming it makes you feel good about the time and effort you put forth knowing that you are doing it all for such a good cause.

Q - What do you think about the new direction of United Way, i.e. Community Impact, 2-1-1, and Financial Stability Partnership?
A - I think with the new direction, it reaches out to more people in our community, because now these new programs can directly help each and every person in our community.

Q - What would you tell others who were thinking of getting involved with or donating to United Way?
A - It's a very feel-good volunteer job because of how many different areas United Way helps in the community. And as for donating, if you or your friends or family had a crisis, it feels great to know that the money you donated in the past is now helping someone that you know personally. Who know, you could be the one who has a house fire and needs help from the Red Cross, or with the economy the way it is right now, maybe you need help on learning how to re-budget your funds, or have a child who needs that extra special attention that you can't give that mentors from United Way agencies can be there for.

Volunteer #5
Q - How has your involvement with United Way affected your life?
A - It has brought a more complete understanding of what individuals do to better their communities, the individual sacrifice to help another. Also, being a part of UW has shown me instances and stories have been told/heard that I would never have if not for my involvement.