Dear Reader,

Enclosed is an article about how investments in United Way are making a difference in the lives of individuals in our area. Thank you for your continued interest in United Way of Westmoreland County's news service.

We are proud to share with you this week an article about United Way's...and a volunteer's...commitment to providing resources for the most critical issues in our area.

The Power of Relationships: Volunteer Makes a Difference in Scottdale

United Way's Faith in Action programs are working hard to enhance the quality of life for the frail and elderly throughout the county by providing volunteer companions and assistance.  Kathy Lighthall, a coordinator for United Way's annual campaign at Allegheny Energy in Greensburg, is taking on the fight first-hand where it affects her most - her hometown, Scottdale.

A year ago, all Kathy had to do was walk next door to find her elderly neighbor suffering from dementia and the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.  There was no one to take her to the doctor, no one to help her make meals, and no one to talk to. Kathy and another neighbor stepped in to try to ease their friend's suffering.

Kathy knew acts of kindness like hers were happening between friends and neighbors everywhere. But she also knew that there were countless elderly people in need of such help.  In the Jacob's Creek Area, 20.7% of the population is over age 65; high in comparison to the state-wide average of 18.3%.

Fortunately, Kathy is connected to United Way's efforts to establish local Faith in Action programs throughout its service area. The Faith in Action program is a community and interfaith network that responds to the needs of senior citizens in our communities, and works to bring volunteers to the elderly.

Kathy Lighthall has worked hard to get Jacob's Creek Faith in Action established in Scottdale, her hometown.

Tireless efforts in the area are supported by United Way and a Steering Committee from the Scottdale area. The committee, chaired by local businessman Rob Ferguson (Ferguson Funeral Home), helped establish the Jacob's Creek Area Faith in Action program; the program will serve elderly in Scottdale, Everson, Alverton, Mount Pleasant and surrounding communities. Kathy has already logged hundreds of hours serving on the Steering Committee and helping to secure office space. A program director (Melaney Hegyes) was recently hired and is now recruiting volunteers through local faith-based organizations, schools and the community at large.

"If someone is isolated, keeping them engaged makes a big difference," says Kathy. "[My neighbor] just needed someone to take an interest in her. It took just 15 minutes of time to get her in touch with the world, and it changed her outlook entirely."

Expansion of the Jacob's Creek Area and Alle-Kiski Area programs are supported largely by the generosity of United Way's Women's Leadership Council.  Plans call for three additional sites over the next five years, including Irwin and Murrysville.  United Way's Community IMPACT Fund also grants monies to two additional Faith in Action's that are independent 501(c)(3) organizations; Laurel Area Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (LAIVC) Faith in Action which serves the Ligonier, Latrobe and Derry areas and Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Fayette County which serves the Connellsville and Uniontown areas.

The Jacob's Creek group already has a waiting list of people in need. The biggest worry for most elderly people is how long they will be able to stay in their own homes.  "The important part is the relationship being built, and establishing that trust," says Kathy.

Thanks for investing in United Way of Westmoreland County.

Sincerely,

Skip Glenn

United Way of Westmoreland County