TRUMBULL COUNTY UW sets sights on broader goals

The organization will also work to meet prioritized needs of the county.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- After decades of name changes, annual campaigns and fund-raising efforts, the United Way of Trumbull County is looking toward a new way of doing business.
Now in its 80th year, United Way of Trumbull County is currently conducting its annual campaign to raise money to help fund more than 140 programs through 29 health and human service agencies in the county.
While there is a goal to surpass the $2.46 million raised last year, United Way officials say they are also looking to improve the way the agency gets and distributes that money.
"We are working on broadening our scope," said Thomas J. Krysiek, president and chief professional officer of United Way of Trumbull County. "We are looking at meeting the prioritized needs of the community."
Following in the footsteps of the national United Way organization, the local affiliate has revised its vision, mission and values statements to reflect a conscious move to invest in the priorities of the community, rather than simply gather money.
No national affiliation
Because United Way of Trumbull County is not a chapter of a parent organization, the local office can direct its efforts on impacting the local needs, explained Christopher J. Malanga, director of communications.
"We do not have a national office telling us what to do or how to do it," Malanga said. "We can maintain a sense of independence and community."
One of the biggest changes in the agency's attitudes, the men said, is moving from just being a fund-raising organization to one that will work with the community and other agencies to make sure everyone in Trumbull County is cared for.
Other changes, Krysiek pointed out, include:
UMoving from solely focusing on funding needs and program outcomes to focusing on community outcomes.
UChanging from being just locally oriented to both locally and system-oriented.
UChanging from only funding the programs and services of affiliate agencies to investing in strategies for community change.
"We want to focus our attention on much tighter objectives," Krysiek said, noting the changes in United Way's focus will help the agency serve several more decades in the county.
Group's history
United Way of Trumbull County traces its roots back to the Warren Community Fund, created in 1923, said Malanga. The brainchild of prominent Warren industrialist John B. Estabrook, the organization was the successor to the Warren War Chest, created during World War I.
The group's name was changed to the Warren Community Chest in 1946 in an effort to show unity with similar organizations throughout the country. In 1958, the Community Chest joined forces with the Red Cross to start the United Appeal, which served as a fund-raising effort for both groups.
Continued growth in the areas of need and giving helped the group expand its services again in 1970, when it combined with the Niles Community Chest and was renamed the Trumbull County Community Chest. Also that year, the group used the United Way logo and name for the first time in its quest to raise more than $1 million for the first time.
Finally, in 1984, the Trumbull County Community Chest and the United Way Committee joined forces to become the sole agency responsible for soliciting and distributing contributions to agencies in need.
Change in focus
Krysiek said for many years, United Way would screen applicant agencies for their funding needs, and try to avoid duplicating services provided by its affiliate agencies. With the move away from strictly funding and toward more community-based concerns, Krysiek said United Way of Trumbull County and its volunteers will work to create awareness of the needs in the community and make sure they are met.
"This year's campaign is probably as important as any in recent history," he said.
slshaulis@vindy.com