United Way Progresses Towards $550k Goal, Welcomes New Staff
Christine Orlando and Sarah Dobeck Troutman join the United Way team.
The Susquehanna Valley United Way launched its annual Giving Campaign in September, and as of November 15th, has already raised $150,000 of its ambitious $550,000 goal aimed at bolstering community initiatives.
The annual Giving Campaign runs from September through March and is a gratifying way for companies to give back to the community.
“Right now, local companies are planning and implementing their United Way Workplace Campaigns, which are a cornerstone of our annual campaign,” said Adrienne Mael, President and CEO. “These campaigns are largely organized by local companies and schools between September and December and provide vital funding for our nonprofit partners and programs.”
Proceeds benefit United Way’s 57 Funded Partners (svuw.org/partners) and maintain signature service programs like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, Revolving Car Loan, and new recovery and behavioral health initiatives.
Contributors donating $50 or more will be entered for a chance to win a 2-minute shopping spree at a local Weis Markets, a value of up to $3,000 including $1,000 worth of Pepsi Products. Visit svuw.org/weis-raffle to learn more and for eligibility terms and requirements.
“Implementing a Workplace Campaign in your school or place of business unites employees in all offices or branches of a company, and gives them an opportunity to donate, volunteer and speak out for causes that matter to them,” said Christine Orlando, Susquehanna Valley United Way’s new Community Impact Director. “You can see the results in your own backyard.”
Orlando, who joined the United Way staff just this past October, has been in the nonprofit sector her entire career and worked for the Berwick Area Chamber of Commerce, Bloomsburg University, and more recently the Community Giving Foundation.
“Through these positions, I was able to build meaningful relationships with nonprofit organizations and donors across the 5-county Susquehanna Valley Region,” Orlando said. “My new role is a wonderful way to continue creating a positive impact and strengthening the community and place I call home.”
Orlando joins the team following Stacey Piecuch’s departure who served in the role for five years and has become the Assistant Director for Community Engaged Leadership at Bucknell University’s Office of Civic Engagement.
“I truly appreciated my time at United Way and all the community connections I was able to build while also cultivating support for local priorities,” said Piecuch. “I now have the amazing opportunity to continue that work in my new role as I work to connect campus resources, students and staff to our local community partners and priorities.”
In addition to welcoming Christine Orlando as Director of Community Impact, Sarah Dobeck Troutman joined the SVUW staff in May of this year as its Director of Behavioral and Mental Health.
“For the past 10 plus years, I have worked in our region in the field of human services,” said Troutman. “This includes work in inpatient treatment, outpatient counseling, local Treatment Court programs, and the local school districts. For the past several years, I've collaborated with the Susquehanna Valley United Way in these efforts and was excited to join their team full-time in this newly created position.”
In her role, Troutman offers community wellness trainings and workshops, trauma education as well as program consultations and implementation support. She can also aid in navigating the local and state behavioral and mental health systems and provide local resources and provider information. If you would like more information, or to sign up for the monthly newsletter or request a training, visit svuw.org/united-in-behavioral-health.
“Our United Way campaign gives every person the opportunity to make a real impact by aligning your donation with what you care about most,” Mael said. “Be it early education, youth mental health programs, or simply wanting to make sure your friends and neighbors can put food on their table. Whatever you’re able to contribute makes a difference, and you get to be a part of that.”
“I want to thank everyone who’s contributed so far, our volunteers and board members who are leading the charge, and our campaign sponsors, Weis Markets, Pepsi Co, and Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation, for their generous support of this year’s campaign.”
For those wishing to organize a Workplace Campaign or make personal contributions, you can contact Adrienne Mael at ceo@svuw.org. For more information, including ways to give online, visit svuw.org. You can also send a check or money order to PO Box 559, Sunbury, PA 17801.
Media Contact:
Danielle M. Velkoff
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
e: marketing@svuw.org | t: (570) 360-5009
