Clinton County United Way looks to help those who ‘slip through the cracks’
PHOTOS PROVIDED Above, Bob Maguire speaks to the crowd at Sports Night. Below, guests at the 2022 Masquerade Ball pose for a photo. Both events will be returning in 2023.
PHOTOS PROVIDED Guests at the 2022 Masquerade Ball pose for a photo.
PHOTOS PROVIDED Someone peruses items for sale at the United Way’s Sports night.
PHOTOS PROVIDED United Way board members pose with Albert Jones, who was honored at last year’s Sports Night.
PHOTOS PROVIDED Above, Bob Maguire speaks to the crowd at Sports Night. Below, guests at the 2022 Masquerade Ball pose for a photo. Both events will be returning in 2023.
PHOTOS PROVIDED Guests at the 2022 Masquerade Ball pose for a photo.
PHOTOS PROVIDED Someone peruses items for sale at the United Way’s Sports night.
PHOTOS PROVIDED United Way board members pose with Albert Jones, who was honored at last year’s Sports Night.
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LOCK HAVEN -- Although a branch of a national organization, the Clinton County United Way focuses solely on its residents.
"I like to make sure people know the Clinton County United Way is for the people of Clinton County, it's run by people who live in the county and funds raised in Clinton County stay here," Ben Green, Executive Director of the organization said.
The CC United Way has been serving the community for decades, partnering with area businesses, organizations and nonprofits to assist members of the community.
According to Green, the United Way uses its resources and funding to assist those in the ALICE population. ALICE stands for Adult Low Income Consistently Employed.
Those who fall under ALICE often make too much money to fall below the poverty line, but still aren't making enough to be financially stable.
"The United Way is focused on helping that population, trying to help those who help themselves," Green said.
Currently, the United Way has partnered with 12 organizations including: American Red Cross, Annie Halenbake Ross Library, Susquehanna Council Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Charities, Clinton County Healthy Communities Dental Clinic, Clinton County Housing Coalition, Roads to Peace, Horses of Hope, Infant Development Program, Lock Haven Area YMCA, North Central Sight Services, The Pennsylvania State University -- Penn State Extension in Clinton County, Clinton County 4-H and the Western Clinton County Recreation Center.
"You can see the direct impact. The dental clinic is a really nifty organization," Green said.
The North Central Sight Services also has made an impact by helping diagnose eye problems among children as soon as possible.
When it comes to these partner organizations, Green said he and the 16-member United Way board take care in ensuring they're the right fit.
"We review their mission, their cause and ensure their funding is used to serve that population," Green said.
Building and maintaining trust within the Clinton County community is something Green and the United Way board strive for. They want to make sure the money donated to the United Way is spent right.
And how does the Clinton County United Way raise funding? According to Green, they have three main avenues.
"Our main source of income is from work campaigns," Green said.
A work campaign sees businesses and their employees agree to have a small percentage of their paycheck taken each week and put towards the United Way.
"It's a couple of dollars a paycheck, but that really adds up," Green said. "It's really significant to the community."
The United Way also receives funding from state and federal grants and fundraising.
Once again, the United Way will be holding its annual Sports Night. This year's event will be on May 5 beginning at 6 p.m. in the former East Main Street United Methodist Church in Lock Haven. The event will feature auctions for sports memorabilia, art work and other prizes. There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50 and food and drink will be included with the purchase of a ticket.
This year, not only is the event celebrating its 10th year, it will be doing something unique.
"For the first time, we'll be honoring someone posthumously," Green said.
The event will be honoring Dr. Cathy Traister. According to Green, she was a much beloved professor at Lock Haven University in its health and physical education department.
"When it comes to people who have made a great influence on a great number of people, the board can't think of anyone better," Green said.
Green said proceeds from the larger ticket items will be donated to the Dr. Cathy Traister Memorial Scholarship.
Tickets are on sale now and cost $40. They may be purchased on the United Way's website, www.clintoncountyunitedway.org, or by visiting the non-profit's Facebook page.
The United Way also plans to host its second annual Masquerade Ball at the Sons of Italy. In 2022, the organization partnered with The Express to host the event. According to Green, the non-profit plans to partner once again to put on the much-loved event.
Also returning is the non-profit's annual Stella A's Night.