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 partner agency's...commitment to providing resources for those who need aid the most in our area.

Stepping Stones for Our Communities: United Way and Union Mission of Latrobe

United Way of Westmoreland County's partner agency Union Mission of Latrobe is stepping forward for the benefit of men in need.  Union Mission's Emergency Shelter focuses on allowing disadvantaged men an opportunity for a bright, productive future.

Many clients come in to the emergency shelter with drug/alcohol problems, family problems or have been laid off from work and can no longer afford the cost of a home.  United Way works with Union Mission providing funds and getting the word out that help is available.  As Dan Carney, executive director of Union Mission, puts it, "United Way helps by keeping us known in the community."  United Way awarded over $45,000 in grants through 2005-2008, which allows the Union Mission to provide services such as life skills training, job preparedness and interviewing skills, mentoring and assistance with finding housing.

Dan Carney, Executive Director of the Union Mission, helps 125 men every year find their footing and a new future.

Jimmy found himself emotionally and physically defeated.  Going through divorce, Joey was alone and scared.   He found resolve in the Union Mission's emergency shelter and it provided a gateway to the Army's carpenter program that launched him first to Texas and then Afghanistan.  Dan says "he was having a dispute with his wife, going through divorce and couldn't stay with her, so he came to our shelter."

Once inside the comfort of the emergency shelter, Joey was put in contact with professional counseling services and received dental help through the Office of Vocal Rehabilitation.  These services offered by Union Mission and their community network, helped Joey get himself prepared for the Army's carpenter program.

Union Mission's energy and resources are put to providing an environment that works to help their clients accomplish their goals and become productive in our communities once again.  Before coming to Union Mission, Dan said, "Jimmy had no way of getting everything he needed to get back on his feet." After staying at the shelter Jimmy rejoiced, "without the help and support of the team here I could never have made it to the goals I had set.  This is a great place where God can speak through the people who He has placed here."

United Way gathers the resources to support the Union Mission of Latrobe so that it can provide invaluable services for men in need in our communities.  Union Mission, with United Way's helping hand, has been able to help 75% of the men that enter the program, reach their established goals.  Your investment in United Way of Westmoreland County creates lasting change for those in need and our community as a whole.

Thanks for investing in United Way of Westmoreland County.

Sincerely,

Skip Glenn

United Way of Westmoreland County