Volunteer Stories
Passionate volunteers help us build a stronger community
Yes, You Are Valuable to Your Community
“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 Stud...
Dave and Laura Grabowsky, United Way of Greater Stark County Campaign Co-Chairs 2021-2022
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 W...
Scott Fitzpatrick and Gerald F. Schroer, Jr. – 2021 National Volunteer Week Award Recipients
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 t...
Gavin Clay – Inspired Youth 2021 Award Recipient
“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 pedia...
Ryan Miller – 2021 DeHoff Emerging Philanthropist Award Recipient
“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...
Dr. Teresa Purses – 2021 Gold Key Service Award Recipient
“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 ...
Scott Hamilton – 2021 Gold Key Service Award Recipient
“Scott is the definition of what the Gold Key Service award is all about. Never have I seen a board member more involved in his community. He is a great role model,” says his nominator Steve Milano. “He is so involved with the yout...
New Voices at the Table
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 ...
Project Blueprint Aims to Increase Diversity in Board Leadership
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 ...
Isabel Lombardi – Inspired Youth 2020 Award Winner
“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...
Volunteer Spotlight: Chris Goff
Chris Goff will chair this year’s United Way of Greater Stark County’s campaign. Goff, CEO & General Counsel of Employers Health, has been an avid supporter of United Way corporately and personally for many years. Chris and his wife ...
Volunteer Spotlight: Gary Schumacher
How did you get started in volunteering? My dad was very big into volunteering when I was young. He was involved in Louisville Knights of Columbus, Junior Achievement (JA) advisor, Chaired Louisville Bicentennial-Silverama Celebration an...