United Way announces new leadership, goals

United Way of Whitewater Valley has appointed a new board chair and added two new members as it sets a high fundraising target to meet by 2030.

UWWV President Tamara Brinkman said Chair Karen Pipes’ extensive experience, passion for philanthropy and dedication to community service means she’s poised to lead the organization toward achieving its ambitious goal of making a $1.5 million impact on Wayne and Union counties by 2030.

Over the next six years, UWWV aims to exceed its previous milestones by raising and distributing $1.5 million to support critical community programs. This goal follows a successful six-year period in which the organization funneled more than $1 million into local initiatives.

Brinkman said this target will be achieved through continued agility, collaboration, and strategic leveraging of donations and matching grants.

New board members to help Pipes and Brinkman with that goal are Karen Clark, dean of Indiana University East’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Dakota Collins, director of community relations for Earlham College’s Institutional Advancement.

Morgan Howard, United Way’s immediate past chair, is staying on the board as treasurer. Additional leaders include Katie Kitchin as secretary and current board members Ann Brooks, Angela Cline and Jackie Webb Vonderhaar.

Building update

UWWV has sold its building at 129 S. Ninth St. in Richmond to a new business, Alliance Title, and its owners Lora Cruse and Jaci Taylor. UWWV will continue to rent space in the building.

Brinkman said responsibilities related to owning a building take away time and resources from a nonprofit’s mission. Renting will allow UWWV to focus on its efforts as a thought leader and funder of the most basic needs and issues facing the community.

About the organization

UWWV addresses pressing social issues such as education, financial stability and health. It fosters collaborations with local partners such as Reid Health, Forward Wayne County, Earlham College and community schools to identify and address gaps in services, ensuring that resources are effectively and efficiently utilized.

The organization’s approach involves assessment of community needs, examining services provided by partner programs, and eliminating unintentional duplication of efforts, Brinkman said. It aims to maximize dollars raised for the greatest impact, helping families in need, particularly those identified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

A key strategy in reaching the $1.5 million goal involves leveraging matching grant opportunities provided by Indiana United Ways and the Lilly Endowment.

Over the past three cycles, UWWV has secured $137,000 in grant funding, significantly boosting the impact of local donations. During the pandemic, the organization brought in an additional $637,000 for essential relief efforts, showcasing the ability to mobilize and distribute critical resources swiftly.