Merger Plans for Eastern Panhandle United Ways Move Forward
United Way of the Eastern Panhandle

by Jan Callen

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - The United Way of Jefferson County and United Way of Berkeley and Morgan Counties entered into an official agreement today to establish the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle (UWEP) to become fully operational by July 1, 2006.

The organizations established an United Way of the Eastern Panhandle interim board of directors by combining both organization’s board of directors. The UWEP interim board of directors (the combined UWBMC and UWJC boards) will oversee the establishment of the new entity.

The interim board elected Teresa McCabe as president; Herald “Chip” Bennett, vice-president; Rob Abruzzino, treasurer; and Alice Barkus, secretary. They will serve as the interim officers until June 30, 2006.

The UWEP interim board appointed planning committees for completing an implementation plan. The planning committees have until March 31 to present plans for the organization’s governance, resource development, funds distribution, personnel management, financial management and public relations. Committee chairs are Jerry Arndt, Paul Espinosa, Tracey Eberling, Ed Wilson, Trip Lowe, Mary Hayward, Laurin Letart, Rob Abruzzino, Tom Diehl, Teresa McCabe and Sandy Sponaugle.

Beginning November 29, 2005, Jan Callen, executive director of United Way of Berkeley and Morgan Counties, reports to the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle interim board of directors and begins integration of the two staffs. United Way will maintain the offices in Martinsburg and Charles Town during the interim period.

Teresa McCabe, UWEP President, said that this is an historic moment for the United Way organizations in the Eastern Panhandle. “For more than 30 years, the United Ways of the Eastern Panhandle have helped to strengthen and improve our communities by providing funding to human service agencies that address our community needs.” McCabe said. “By merging our two strong United Ways into one even stronger organization, we will increase the ability of our 50 plus member agencies to make a difference here in the Eastern Panhandle.”

This was echoed by Herald Bennett, UWEP vice-president, who stated that for the past several years, “the United Ways have conducted joint functions in fund raising, funds distribution, and public relations for confidence building and to gain insight into the value of a merger. The primary finding is that a merger has a synergistic affect, which results in greater capacity to make a difference in the community and that’s what this is all about; positioning ourselves to do more for the citizens of the Eastern Panhandle”.

For more information regarding the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, contact Jan Callen at 264-0603

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