Message from the C.E.O.

As you drove to breakfast this morning, the crisp air, another beautiful sun rising over the Holyoke Range….. I hope you all took a second to appreciate the beauty of the Valley we all live in and to acknowledge how lucky we are to reside in the community that we do.

But there are those in the Valley not as fortunate as we. If you are a victim of domestic violence the sun doesn’t seem as bright viewed through a swollen eye. If you’re homeless, the crisp air brings fear of the cold that is soon to follow. If you woke up with no food in the house, it makes for a long day ahead.

For our community is ONLY AS STRONG as the most vulnerable among us.

In the for profit world where I’ve worked most of my life I did not always acknowledge this reality. Then about 15 years ago I began to broaden my life with my first venture into the world of volunteerism, joining the Board of the Literacy Project. It was a healthy experience for me and spurred me to become involved with more non-profit, community-oriented organizations– The Fine Arts Center at Umass, The Red Cross, Cooley Dickinson Hospital along with work for both the Northampton and Easthampton Chambers of commerce.

At each stop I tried to make a positive contribution. At each stop I walked away always feeling I’d learned more from the experience.

The skill set I developed in the business world --- combined with my experiences on the non-profit side of things --- I carry forward as I begin my job as the head of your United Way. I am thrilled at the opportunity to run such a great community organization.

Your United Way works as a bridge between those who wish to give -------- and those in need.

We currently work with our 27 Partner agencies whose different missions form a mosaic of support for those in our community most in need.

With your continued support --- through your volunteerism and through your planned giving I promise we will continue to harness every resource available to maximize the positive impact we have on our community so that one day, when the sun rises over the Range, it will shine on a brighter day for all.