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United Way president says “magic” is happening in the program
POLAND
The success of Success After 6 was the focus of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s annual meeting Thursday at the Lake Club.
Success After 6, United Way’s after-school wrap-around program for students grades K-3 at the Youngstown Community School, is a blueprint for other schools in Youngstown and beyond.
“I think there is magic going on there,” said Robert Hannon, president of the local United Way.
Success After 6 establishes a strong educational and social skills, but it is also a provider of basic needs, said Brenda Scott, program coordinator.
“It gives a voice to students and parents that they don’t always have and the kids get to go on field trips to places they likely wouldn’t otherwise get to go. Because of our commitment and what we do and how we do it, the students and children have tremendous trust in us,” Scott said.
The keynote speaker for the event was Shannon Stamp, who works at The Center for Women in Canfield and volunteers Tuesdays at Success After 6.
“I have a passion for this program. Every Tuesday I leave the school full of emotion. These kids are amazing. I realized it wasn’t just helping with homework that I was there. I realized I was there to teach them human kindness and love,” said Stamp, who was presented the new Volunteer Excellence Award.
Seven of the Success After 6 students gave their own testimony by holding cards and reciting the Success After 6 pledge. They said: “I am strong. I am talented. I am beautiful. I am disciplined. I am happy. I am smart. I am healthy.”
The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley raised $2,957,115 during its 2015 financial campaign which had a goal of $2.6 million.
Dave Coy, of WKBN/WYTV/WYFX, said he was “humbled and honored” to serve as chairman of the 2015 financial campaign.
“Tonight is a celebration of reaching goals,” said Coy, who thanked donors, and congratulated the United Way staff for not only for raising money and changing the focus of the United Way to more directly impact people.
While the campaign goal has not been announced, Gary Small, president and chief executive officer of Home Savings & Loan and 2016 United Way campaign chairman, predicted the goal “will be something with a 3 in it,” hinting that it might be $3 million or more.
“I defy anybody to visit the Success After 6 program and not be drawn in,” Small said.
After being in the community for just two years, he said he has learned that it is a “very generous and caring community,” and urged everybody to get involved with United Way.
Several awards were presented at the meeting.
These are: Impact Leadership Award, Ed and Chris Muransky, The Muransky Companies; Labor Leadership Award, Tony DiTommaso, Carpenters Local 171; Campaign Service Award, Ryan Pastore of PNC and Alicia Miller of Talmer Bank and Trust; Dedicated Service Award, Transit Service Inc.; and Campaign Chair Award, Dave Coy.
Campaign awards are: Award of Excellence, General Motors Lordstown Complex and United Auto Workers Locals 1112 and 1714; Top Workplace Campaigns, Dearing Compressor & Pump Co., Altronic LLC, Compco Industries, and First Energy and UWUA 118; Top Foundation Gift, Frank and Pearl Gelbman Charitable Foundation; and Top New Workplace Campaign, Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course.