United Way met with County Commissioners

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – United Way met with the Muskingum County Commissioners February 2, 2017 to explain how United Way partners with the community in different ways.

Director of Resource Development, Katie McNeil from United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties brought in two community partners to help show some of the ways they work with the community. Barbara Gierard came to represent her fitness success with the Healthy Outcomes Program between Starlight and Muskingum Recreation Center.

“[Barbara Gierard] is a great example in health of a success story and these success stories and many people may be familiar with [Barbara Gierard], but these success stories are happening right here in the community each and every single day,” said McNeil.

Gierard lost about 44 pounds through the ‘HOPS’ program and has taken on a healthier lifestyle, thanks to United Way. The other community partner invited was Troy McCollister the Director of Muskingum County Job and Family Services and he represented the partnership between United Way, Salvation Army, and Job and Family Services.

“He is a current board member and has worked with United Way, to partner and help people not only save on utilities, but also get the assistance that they need,” said McNeil.

This income based partnership helped to provide for those who needed assistance paying for their utilities last year.

The Muskingum County Commissioners were also informed that the last two years all the donations given to United Way went into community support.

“Each and every contribution that people make to the United Way 100% of those donor dollars went to programs, resources, and initiatives, right here in our community,” McNeil said. “We’re so very excited to share that news with everyone.”

United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties hopes to possibly meet with the Muskingum County Commissioners at a later date in regards to their organization plans.