“Project Blueprint is a wonderful program that led to a lot of growth professionally and personally,” said Schanel Harvey, Hub Director for Stark County Community Action Agency and recent Project Blueprint graduate. “It connected us to people through other organizations, gave us space to develop intentional relationship-building, and encouraged active involvement in the community. I wouldn’t have known about Tom …

“I was actually unfamiliar with Project Blueprint until a previous graduate reached out and shared their experience of the training with me,” said Tiffany “TK” Kinnard-Payton, recent graduate of Project Blueprint and Dean of Students at Walsh University. “She said it could be something beneficial to what I am doing professionally. Originally, I wasn’t going to be able to participate, …

How did you get involved in United Way? Dave: I have been involved with United Way since 1979. I am a contractor and I was asked to run the United Way construction division. My role was to oversee coordinating the collection for United Way donations. I was greatly impressed by the generosity of these companies to give back to their …

We celebrate National Volunteer Week 2021 April 18 – 24. It is an opportunity to recognize the incredible people who donate their time, talent and voice to support our organization throughout the year. Volunteers play a vital role in the success of our organization and have a significant impact on the quality of our neighbor’s lives. They deserve to be …

“When Gavin found out his classmate, DJ Patterson, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, he wanted to do something to help,” said Krista Clay, Gavin’s mother. “He researched organizations that donate or help with research for pediatric cancers and decided on St. Baldrick’s. He liked the fact that the organization is primarily run by volunteers and felt very compelled to join …

“Ryan is a little different than what you might expect from a restaurant owner. He uses his business as a tool to help surrounding areas, making an impact in our local community,” says his nominator, Derek Gordon. “He goes a little bit under the radar for everything he does in this community, has a vision and sees the vision through …

“Teresa has always been a lead educator in our community, very involved in our community and a major role in workforce development. One of the greatest things about Teresa is that she is so kind. Her kindness flows into all aspects of her life and for most of her career has been supporting issues very close to United Way. She …

Project Blueprint’s next session starts back up again April 8 and Lisa Cook, a program graduate and High School Principal at Summit Academy Schools, wanted to share with Stark and Carroll County the impact the program has had upon her life – to encourage others to join and learn. “The mission of the project itself is what was most attractive …

Nonprofit boards throughout Greater Stark County have historically lacked diversity. So in 2019, United Way of Greater Stark County launched a program that aims to change that. Project Blueprint is designed to recruit, train and connect diverse volunteer leaders to policy-making roles and enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit agencies throughout our community. “We feel like diverse representation is important because …

 “Isabel has been a part of several service projects for the needy, including making blankets, creating snack bags and collecting donated toys. She also does service projects through St. Michael School and her Girl Scout troop,” says her nominator Bob Humphries, President Vista Psychological & Counseling Centre Associate Professor of Psychology at Walsh University. “Isabel’s latest project, Totes of Kindness, …