New impact model is better

By Nancy Marmorella, South Jefferson coordinator, Good Shepherd Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, Charles Town

I feel I must respond to Richard Minard’s letter criticizing United Way of the Eastern Panhandle (UWEP).

Good Shepherd Caregivers is a United Way agency serving older or disabled Jefferson County residents.

I have witnessed the incorporation of two separate United Ways into one serving the entire Panhandle, a big change, as was the move toward United Way’s community impact model. Programs are now evaluated according to how they address community needs. This is in line with national trends in charitable giving; donors want to know their money is funding solutions to community problems. Every time our agency applies for a grant, we must show effectiveness and accountability.

Community impact goes beyond the important work of funding agencies. United Way’s Health and Human Services Collaborative (HHSC) brings together agencies and concerned citizens to address local needs (Mr. Minard can join this group if he so wishes). HHSC has been instrumental in establishing Warming Hands and Hearts (energy assistance), a local information and referral center and the Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic.

Change can be scary for an agency that’s been around as long as Good Shepherd has (17 years), but UWEP Executive Director Jan Callen and his staff have shown an outstanding level of caring and commitment as they have led us through this process, asking for agencies’ input at every step, and I believe their efforts are helping to make our agency stronger than ever.