DUANE SHERRILLEditor

The impact the United Way of Highway 55 has had on the community was on display this past week as those who have contributed and benefited from the agency’s work shared their stories during the Live United Social at Boskey’s.

“We want to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the United Way of Highway 55 and we want to invite the community to get involved with United Way,” said UW55 Director Ashley Abraham, speaking on behalf of the agency that serves Warren, Coffee and Moore counties. “Funds raised here, stay here.”

Partner non-profits, which are chosen anew each year after betting vetted by an allocations board, include HOME (Homeless of McMinnville Effort), CASA, Coffee County Humane Society, Tullahoma Daycare Center, Warren County Meals on Wheels, Shepherd’s House, HorsePlay Inc., Hope Center, 31^st Judicial District Children’s Advocacy Center, Kids of the Community and Haven of Hope.

Abraham noted that each year the board interviews each nonprofit which is asking for United Way funding to assess their need. Those who are chosen to receive the quarterly checks are then required to provide regular reports showing exactly where the money is going.

Cassell Galligan-Davis, Director of the CAC in Warren County said the funding they receive from UW55 makes it possible to help abused children by providing forensic interviews and investigations while providing for counseling for not only the victims but also their families. Davis said the funding helps provide hundreds of thousands of dollars-worth of care that would otherwise fall on the families to pay, many of whom are one paycheck away from homelessness.

Kellye Gilbert, director of Haven of Hope spoke and also shared how important the help is to Haven which serves victims of domestic violence.

UW55 Board Chair Michele Simmons said she joined the United Way team years ago after she was looking for a way to get involved and to help. She discovered that the United Way was a perfect way to help a broad spectrum of the community. She noted that volunteering is one way to help but helping raise funds is also an important aspect.

Jeff Henderson of NAS said that thanks to an employee contribution plan offered for NAS employees, 218,000 has been raised for United Way since their partnership began. Scott Young of TUA pointed out that his workplace has been partnering with UW55 for 30 years and has 41 employees who participate in the payroll giving program where workers can opt to have a certain amount donated from each check directly to United Way. He noted that one way TUA encourages participation is holding a raffle for extra vacation days which more chances to win for those who give more.

“You’d be surprised how well that works,” he said. “We have some that are making some impressive contributions.”

Abraham concluded the evening by encouraging the public to get involved whether it be by volunteering for a board or helping at an event or contributing to United Way. Abraham can be reached at 931-455-5678 or at Director@Highway55UnitedWay.org.

Photos courtesy of Tiffany LaCook Richards Photography.