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Man tells how United Way is helping him to recover from brain injury
John E. Donahoe, GM Lordstown Complex plant manager. is United Way’s 2009 financial campaign chairman.
YOUNGSTOWN — People who attended United Way’s Community Corp.’s annual meeting were urged to put a real face on United Way agency recipients.
For many, Jeffrey T. Gue is now that “face.”
Gue, 27, was the main speaker at Thursday’s annual meeting of Community Corp., parent of the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way, at the D.D. and Velma Davis Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park.
A graduate of Wilson High School, Gue told the compelling story of his ongoing recovery from traumatic brain injury in a sometimes halting voice, but with an ever-present smile and infectious sense of humor that drew laughter and applause from his audience.
Gue, of Youngstown, was severely injured in a fall five years ago from the balcony of the vacant State Theatre in downtown Youngstown. It was 18 hours after the fall before he was found.
Doctors said he might never walk or talk again.
“But, surprisingly, I do both,” he said.
His connection with United Way-affiliated agencies began when his doctor recommended he start volunteering as part of his therapy. In 2006, he began helping with bulk mailings at HandsOn Volunteer Network.
“The best things are everyone is real nice, and I don’t have to come early in the morning. I’m not a morning person,” he said, laughing.
In August 2007, Gue started vocational training and classes at Goodwill Industries, and in November of that year he got a job as a dishwasher at Cafe Cimmento in Youngstown, which he still has. He went on to be named 2008 Goodwill Graduate of the Year.
“Because of HandsOn and Goodwill, I have done more than the doctors ever thought I would,” he said.
“In three years, I went from using a cane to driving my own car; from being told I was too quiet at Hands- On to giving a speech before a large crowd for the first time,” he continued.
“My advice is to never give up, the door will open, even if it is hard, and it will put you on the right path. I’d also tell people to help United Way, because its agencies help not only people with injuries, but everyone in the community.”
Ohio Sen. Joseph Schiavoni of Canfield, D-33rd, said respect of and service to others is something that was drummed into him from an early age by his grandfather, who he said “practiced what he preached.”
“United Way helps the most vulnerable in our community, people who have no place else to turn,” he said.
During the Community Corp.’s business meeting, William J. Bresnahan was elected chairman and chief volunteer, and John E. Donahoe, Lordstown General Motors Complex plant manager, was announced as chairman of United Way’s 2009 financial campaign. Robert P. Hannon is president and chief professional officer.
Donahoe predicted that, despite challenging economic times, Lordstown GM would “come back and come back strong” and that the United Way would “raise lots of money.”
The 2008 campaign raised $2,270,000, or about 78.3 percent of its $2.9 million goal.
Also at Thursday’s meeting, other officers and trustees were elected, and the largest campaign contributors were recognized: Largest foundation gift, The Youngstown Foundation; largest employee gift, GM Lordstown Complex and United Autoworkers Locals 1112 and 1714; and largest corporate gift, Altronic.
alcorn@vindy.com