Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE UNITED WAY? The United Way of Greater Stark County (UWGSC) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to energize the community to care for one another by addressing human needs with measurable results. UWGSC was founded by the Alliance Area United Way, the United Way of Central Stark County and the United Way of Western Stark County and serves all of Stark County and parts of Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage and Wayne Counties. The United Way serves a population of more than 380,000 and funds programs and services that address the critical health and human service needs of our community.

WHO RUNS THE ORGANIZATION? United Way is a volunteer-driven organization. Its Board of Directors is composed of knowledgeable community leaders is representative of the entire greater Stark County area and the communities we serve. The Board establishes policy and allocates resources to assure that United Way is properly managed. Volunteers who serve on Impact Councils determine how funds will be invested into health and human service programs. These volunteers are people just like you. Those volunteer groups, which include people with expertise in each area, make recommendations on priorities, identify programs that will help our community reach those goals, and even recommend partnerships or changes in public policy that should be adopted to influence change. Based on community needs, Impact Councils allocate funds to programs that work to address the root causes of those issues. United Way's Board of Directors makes final funding decision approval. United Way has a group of dedicated staff members that oversee the day to day operations of the organization.

WHO IS THE PRESIDENT OF UNITED WAY OF GREATER STARK COUNTY? Keith E. Barsuhn (BAR-SOON) serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United Way of Greater Stark County. Barsuhn has served as executive vice president for community impact, marketing and donor relations for the United Way of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA. He joined the United Way of Greater Stark County on April 1, 2004.

WILL MONEY RAISED IN ONE COMMUNITY BE SPENT IN ANOTHER? The types of problems United Way addresses do not stop in one particular neighborhood or community. The organization looks at countywide issues and funds programs and services at local agencies that help address tough problems. United Way is committed to maintaining high levels of services throughout greater Stark County. Some services provided by United Way serve individuals and families in parts of Carroll, Columbiana, Mahoning, Portage and Wayne counties.

IS UNITED WAY OF GREATER STARK COUNTY DIFFERENT FROM UNITED WAY OF AMERICA? Yes. United Way of America is a trade association of more than 1,300 independent United Ways throughout the country. It has its own board and volunteers and it makes no policies for United Way of Greater Stark County. It does set standards of excellence for local United Ways.

WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO THE COMMUNITY FUND? If you want your gift to have the greatest possible impact, you should select the Community Fund choice when you make your United Way pledge. A gift to the Community Fund offers you a chance to join thousands of other people who are tackling our community's toughest human care problems, knowing the programs you're supporting get the best results. There is simply no other organization or process which takes on the challenge of planning, coordinating and helping people succeed that United Way does. We bring people together to agree on what needs to be done, decide how to do it, then hold ourselves accountable for results.

THERE'S STILL TALK ABOUT THE NATIONAL UNITED WAY SCANDAL. I WONDER ABOUT GIVING TO SUCH AN ORGANIZATION ... No local staff member or volunteer here in Stark County had anything to do with the wrongdoing at the national trade organization that occurred more than a decade ago. United Way of Greater Stark County is a separate, local organization from the one which came under fire in 1992 for fraud committed by its former president. He has since been convicted and was sentenced to serve a prison term. United Way of Greater Stark County has one of the best records of any charity for spending contributions efficiently.

DOES UNITED WAY FUND ABORTIONS AT PLANNED PARENTHOOD? No. United Way does not fund programs that deliver abortion services nor has it in the past. In fact, no agency in Stark County performs abortions. United Way funds the Health Service program at Planned Parenthood of Northeast Ohio Stark County branch which provides cancer screening, breast exams, family planning and pelvic exams to low-income and uninsured men and women in Stark County.

DOES UNITED WAY FUND THE BOY SCOUTS? United Way of Greater Stark County continues to fund scouting programs at the Boy Scouts, Buckeye Council and Boy Scouts, Western Reserve Council. A few United Ways across the country stopped funding the Scouts in light of the Supreme Court rulings allowing the Boy Scouts to prohibit gay leader participation. The local Scout organization is in full compliance with United Way's policies. There was a reduction of certain programs funded by Boy Scouts Buckeye Council and Western Reserve Council. These reductions, however, were related to the programs’ alignment to United Way’s community outcomes, and not this federal ruling.

WHY DO UNITED WAY SERVICE PROVIDERS CONDUCT THEIR OWN FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGNS TOO? Strong not-for-profits diversify their funding so they don't have to rely on just one source. United Way service providers are no exception. Another factor is that funds raised through United Way are only used to support specific programs, which means that the full costs of running an agency must be covered in other ways. Finally, though people in Stark County are very generous, funds raised through United Way's campaign are not enough to address all human care needs in Stark County.

WHY DO SOME UNITED WAY SERVICE PROVIDERS CHARGE FEES? United Way funds cannot cover the total cost of service providers' services. The service providers that charge fees generally adjust them according to a client's ability to pay and that fee is far below the agency's actual cost. This stretches your United Way contribution as far as possible and allows many more people to receive help.

IS MY CONTRIBUTION SPENT ON CAMPAIGN LUNCHEONS AND DINNERS? No. Meals at meetings are paid for by volunteers out of their own pockets or by corporate sponsors who underwrite the cost. MY SPOUSE GIVES AT WORK. WHY SHOULD I GIVE? If your spouse supports the United Way, that's great! Your gift is just as important. Contributions based on your total family income help close the gap of unmet service needs in Stark County. Additionally, we recognize couples who give $1,200 or more as Rainbow Club Members through special events and publications.

I WANT MY GIFT TO GO TO A SPECIFIC SERVICE PROVIDER. WHY SHOULD I GO THROUGH UNITED WAY TO DO THAT? United Way is the only way you can give to the whole community. So, while supporting a single health and human service organization is certainly a choice you can make, please also consider making a contribution to the Community Fund. That way, you can maximize the impact of your gift by combining it with the giving power of thousands of others. You will then be part of a community force that works together to strengthen our entire human care agenda, not just a single organization or cause. Another benefit to you is convenience. Giving through United Way allows you to have your contribution deducted from your paycheck, and then not have to think about it again.

LAST YEAR, ONE OF OUR EMPLOYEES NEEDED HELP. WHAT CAN UNITED WAY DO? We raise money to fund social service agency programs. United Way does have a special helpline called United Way's Information and Referral. This confidential phone line is staffed by counselors trained to answer community members’ questions...and get them the help they need. If you or someone you know needs help, call the United Way's 2-1-1 and Information and Referral by simply dialing 2-1-1 or 330-491-9997.

WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO UNITED WAY IF I ALREADY GIVE THROUGH ANOTHER ORGANIZATION? United Way does not want to take contributions away from other organizations. However, churches and other organizations do not meet all of the human care needs addressed by United Way. United Way of Greater Stark County funds health and human service programs that provide services to thousands of Stark County residents. Because no organization does more with your contribution, many people choose to include United Way in their overall charitable giving plan.

ARE CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE? For taxpayers who itemize their deductions, 100% of their charitable contribution is deductible as long as deductions do not exceed 50% of their adjusted gross income. Contact the Internal Revenue Service, your accountant or other financial advisors for further information. . How can I help? Give your time to help others in your community. To get involved, call United Way's Volunteer Center at 330-491-9985 or log onto www.1-800-volunteer.org. United Way will be happy to connect you with a volunteer opportunity that meets your needs.

Not find the answer you were looking for? Please email United Way of Greater Stark County at info@uwgsc.org.