Coming off a highly successful year, the United Way of Greater Kingsport is poised to help the region Live United in 2010.
   The United Way is beginning its citizens review process, which involves area residents hearing about the work of United Way agencies and determining their funding needs for the next two years. For the last several years, the member agencies along with United Way staff and volunteers have been developing an accountability process that shows how effective the agencies are in meeting their goals.
   That process will begin to bear fruit in 2010 as agencies can show how well they are serving the community.  Those interested in volunteering to serve on one of the review panels or for more information should contact Director of Community Investment and Communications Gail Anderson at 378-3409, ext. 12 or ganderson@uwaykpt.org.
   In addition, the United Way is launching new Vision Councils, which will help guide the United Way in identifying and addressing the root causes of community issues in order to find lasting solutions. 
   In 2009, facing the worst recession since the Great Depression, the United Way of Greater Kingsport was still able to exceed its campaign goal of $3.45 million. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the campaign raised $3.718 million, including nearly $225,000 in gift in-kind advertising.
   The United Way celebrated the successful campaign and other accomplishments in 2009 at the annual banquet on Jan. 29, attended by more than 100 volunteers, donors, and supporters.  At the annual meeting, the new board of directors and officers were affirmed and Greg Boehling took the reins as board president after serving as campaign chair in 2009. In 2010, Boehling wants United Way to continue to "connect the dots" of giving, advocating and volunteering that make up the Live United motto of United Way.
   Boehling thanked outgoing Board President Rick Witt for his exemplary leadership.  Witt said he could not have been successful without the dedication of the Board of Directors.  He thanked the directors for making his job easier and recognized whose who completed a term of service:   Morris Baker, City of Kingsport; Doug Bounds, Eastman Chemical Company; Terry Cunningham, Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority (KHRA); Ted Fields, TriSummit Bank; Doris Ladd, Hope VI - KHRA; Ron Nussman, Domtar; Mike Paulonis, Eastman Chemical Company; Alice Pope, Wellmont Health Systems; Dennis Spurgeon, Hertz Rent a Car; and Barry Steadman, Steadman Design.
   The new board of directors are as follows:  President - Greg Boehling, Tennessee Electric; Vice President - Etta Clark, Eastman Chemical Company; Secretary - Julie Gunn, entrepreneur; Treasurer/Finance Chair - Andy Bonner, Dent K. Burk; Assistant Treasurer/Finance Vice Chair - John Atkins, Integrity Capital Management; Thomas Dykstra, King Pharmaceuticals; Tammye Taylor, Eastman Chemical Company; Brett Sago, Eastman Chemical Company; Jack Bales, Sullivan County Board of Education; Becky Whitlock, Kingsport Times-News; Lisa Adams, Eastman Chemical Company; Ashok Gala, Eastman Chemical Company; Hanneke Counts, Eastman Chemical Company; Ed Reynolds, Eastman Chemical Company; Jane Henry, Blue Ridge Properties; Harold Corn, Brock Services, Ltd.; Lori Jung, Kingsport City Schools; Jeannette Blazier, Former Mayor, City of Kingsport; Pat Turner, Community Volunteer; Dory Creech, Kingsport City Schools; Buddy Scott, Attorney; Pat Kane, Wellmont Health Systems; Monty McLaurin, MSHA/Indian Path Medical Center; E. G. Souder, Shendun Partners; Laurie Paulonis, Eastman Chemical Company; Tim Baylor, East Tennessee State University; John Campbell, City of Kingsport; Van Dobbins, Community Volunteer, Richard Kitzmiller, Kingsport City Schools; Beulah Ferguson, First Tennessee Development District and Cameron Henri, Eastman Chemical Company.  Officers also make up the Executive Committee.
   United Way of Greater Kingsport's mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community to address local health and human service needs effectively.  The vision of the organization is to be a model of excellence in achieving solutions to health and human service needs.  United Way carries out its mission and aspires to its vision by its core values of caring, collaboration, excellence, integrity and service.

     United Way of Greater Kingsport announced today that they have raised a significant campaign amount to support the services provided to those in need in the Kingsport community during a very challenging year.  As of the Celebration, the Kingsport community raised nearly $3.63 million including gift-in- kind resources of $225,000.  Exceeding the $3.45 million goal will provide resources for 41 programs to provide health and human services in the community. 

     "We are fortunate to have this kind of generous support in the Kingsport area" said 2009 Campaign Chair Greg Boehling.  "This was a tough year with the slowing of the economy, but folks seemed to open their hearts and their pocketbooks to make sure that help is available to those who need it.

     "We appreciate the financial support and all the hard work from our volunteers who worked diligently to make this year's campaign a huge success.  We knew the goal would be a challenge for us this year when the economy has been uncertain and everyone was feeling the pinch, but at the same time we saw an increase in the need.  That's why it's still important for those who have not contributed or completed their campaigns to do so by year end." 

     United Way will be accepting contributions to this campaign through December 31^st.

     Boehling went on to say, "I hope everyone realizes the real impact of his/her gift . . . the elderly folks who can remain in their own homes because they have a daily, nutritious meal delivered to them; the abused spouse and children who get a second chance because they have a safe haven where they can go; the children who will grow up stronger and better prepared because they have a healthy environment in their after-school programs; the single parent who can gain financial independence because he or she has access to affordable childcare; the family who finds the strength to go on because they receive support when their home burns . . . the list goes on and on.  These are real people with real needs that are being met everyday because of your generosity.  Thank you!"

     Alderman Valerie Joh commended Campaign Chair Greg Boehling and Vice-Chair Pat Kane for their leadership in the campaign.  "Every year I am truly amazed at the dedication of our volunteers; they are truly our LIVE UNITED Celebrities," said Director of Resource Development Ann Rhem.  "Because Greg Boehling led his team in the quest to LIVE UNITED, everyone accepted the call to action to GIVE, ADVOCATE, and VOLUNTEER."

     United Way of Greater Kingsport announced that it has raised $3,089,618.13 or 89.6% of the $3.45 million goal.  2009 Campaign Chair Greg Boehling said, "We really appreciate the support the community has given us in raising the funds but we still have a way to go in meeting the minimum needs of our community and the programs our agency partners provide.  With your help in this final phase of the campaign, we will be able to celebrate meeting the goal during our Community Campaign Celebration on November 20.  However, in order to do that we need your help in getting to the finish line."

     "We have one week left before we announce our results," Boehling said.  "If you have not had an opportunity to participate, please take the time to make your contribution today.  You'll be glad you did when you see the difference you are making in the quality of life for all Kingsport area citizens, especially those in need.  You may make a contribution by pledging on-line at http://www.uwaykpt.org/, mailing a check to United Way at P. O. Box 7268, Kingsport, TN  37664, or dropping by the United Way office at 727 North Eastman Rd."

     Everyone who has contributed to the success of the campaign in any way is invited to come out to the Boys and Girls Club on Thursday, November 20, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to help celebrate the results of the campaign.  Lunch will be catered by Jersey Mike's Subs and Chef's Pizzeria.  Just call the United Way office at 378-3409. ext. 14 to make your reservation.  A silent auction of UT memorabilia autographed by Pat Summitt will be part of the festivities.

     "Some companies will be completing their campaigns after the Celebration," said Director of Resource Development Ann Rhem.  "We will continue to raise money after the Celebration to meet the increased needs of the community.  We appreciate all the hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors in making this campaign a success, and more importantly, for creating opportunities and inspiring hope for a better tomorrow."

     One way United Way of Greater Kingsport will be raising extra funds is through the Food City Celebrity Bagging Event on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m..  Volunteers will bag groceries for tips at three local stores, Eastman Road Store, Moreland Drive Store in Colonial Heights, and the Highway 394 Store in Blountville. 

     Shoppers will also have an opportunity to add a donation to United Way to their grocery bill that day.  Anyone interested in volunteering to bag groceries that day should contact Ann Rhem at 378-3409, ext. 13 or e-mail at arhem@uwaykpt.org.

     United Way of Greater Kingsport has unveiled a revamped web site that makes it easier for community members to LIVE UNITED - to Give, Advocate and Volunteer.  "The new web site provides many ways for people to learn more about their United Way," said Doris Bush, executive director of United Way of Greater Kingsport.  "We want people to access it to see how United Way is making a difference in the lives of people and our community through its efforts in the greater Kingsport area".  At the site, visitors can see who serves on the United Way Board of Directors, members of the staff, facts on the newly formed Young Leaders Society geared specifically to those 40 and younger, how the dollars are allocated and information on United Way's strategic plan and its wish list.

     Visitors also can learn more about how United Way is impacting the community through its community assessment, planning and investment programs as well as the developing Vision Councils.  Details about each of the agencies / initiatives that are funded through United Way are included, as well as, specific ways you can volunteer your time and expertise.

     "Our staff and volunteers were able to make this Website exceptionally easy to use," said Rick Witt chairman of the board of directors.  "We hope the whole community bookmarks this page as one of its favorites in order to keep up with what United Way is doing to help the community address underlying causes of needs and create long-lasting changes that address these needs."

     Visitors to the Website can keep up with current events at United Way through its newsletter, available under the "Media" tab.  Through mid-November, United Way is continuing its annual campaign seeking donations from the community.  This year's goal is $3.45 million, the same as 2008, which the community exceeded by several thousand dollars.  Those who have not had a chance to donate through a workplace campaign in 2009 may donate online, visit the office at 727 North Eastman Road or call (423) 378-3409 x13 and make a pledge.

     United Way of Greater Kingsport has raised 84.6% or $2,918,700 of its $3.45 million goal.  "We need to raise an additional half million in order to reach our goal by the Community Campaign Celebration on November 20, 2009," said Greg Boehling, Campaign Chair. 

     "We are very grateful for the generosity of businesses and individuals who have contributed thus far.  The red on the thermometer tends to climb a little more slowly at the end of the campaign, because most of the larger workplace campaigns have already been completed.  That's why we need everyone who hasn't had an opportunity to participate, and are able, to make a pledge in the next couple of weeks.  The 41 agency programs supported by United Way are counting on us.  Our programs couldn't continue to provide the services so desperately needed by our community at the current level without United Way funding." 

     Those who haven't had a chance to participate in a workplace campaign or as an individual donor may send a contribution to United Way at P.O. Box 7268, 37664, or pledge on-line at http://www.uwaykpt.org/.  

     "We would like to encourage everyone who contributed to the success of the campaign in any way to come out to the Boys and Girls Club located off Stone Drive on Friday, November 20, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to enjoy lunch and to help us  celebrate the results," said Director of Resource Development Ann Rhem. 

     "W e had a "celebrity" help us kick-off the campaign this year when Pat Summitt spoke at the Regional Kick-off in August.  Everyone came away feeling energized and motivated because of her inspirational words.  Pat said, ‘The economy is tough but don't let that be an excuse.  When I started coaching the Lady Vols, we set out to be national champions.  United Way is just the same as our team.  We're only as good as our weakest player.  Teamwork works.'  With the tough economy, that teamwork has been more critical than ever this year to ensure we raise the resources to create a brighter tomorrow for everyone. 

"All the folks who have supported United Way this year, whether it was through giving, advocating, or volunteering, have become our local celebrities, everyday people making a difference in someone else's life.  We want to make sure everyone who helped comes out and helps us celebrate.  Just call the United Way office at 378-3409, ext. 14 or send an e-mail to lmiller@uwaykpt.org to make a reservation."  

      Part of the festivities will include a silent auction of University of Tennessee memorabilia autographed by Coach Summitt, an ice tub, a stadium blanket, a hooded sweatshirt, two ball caps and several photographs.

     To continue in the local celebrity vein, Food City is sponsoring a Celebrity Bagging Event on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Shoppers at three locations that day will be able to add a donation to United Way on their food bill or tip the volunteer baggers.  All contributions at the Eastman Road Store, the Moreland Drive Store in Colonial Heights and the Highway 394 Store in Blountville will benefit the programs of the United Way of Greater Kingsport.   

     Anyone interested in volunteering to bag groceries for a couple of hours that day should contact the United Way office at 378-3409, ext. 13.      

     With only three weeks left in the United Way of Greater Kingsport's Community Campaign, Greg Boehling, 2009 Campaign Chairman reports, "Thanks to the generosity of the community, we have raised 79% of our $3.45 million goal.  We've raised over $2.725 million, but we can't let up now.  The need is still great; we already know that agency funding requests exceed the amount available to allocate. 

     "The 41 agency programs have also seen an increase in need or an increase in cost to deliver services in the recent economy.  If you haven't had a chance to participate in a workplace campaign or as an individual donor, we encourage you to send a contribution to United Way at P. O. Box 7268, Kingsport, TN  37664, or visit the new web-site at http://www.uwaykpt.org/ to pledge on-line.  Every donation, no matter how large or small makes a difference."

     United Way provides funding for 41 programs administered through 28 health and human service agencies.  Donors are encouraged to get their contributions into United Way before November 20^th in order to be counted in the report at the Celebration Luncheon, which will be held at the Boys and Girls Club from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. on November 20.   Those who wish to attend the luncheon may rsvp by calling the United Way office at 378-3409 ext. 14 or by sending an e-mail to lmiller@uwaykpt.org.  Part of the day's festivities will include a silent auction of University of Tennessee memorabilia autographed by Pat Summitt.

     Donors may also give to the campaign by participating in the restaurant campaign by dropping their change in a carton at participating restaurants in November.  A list of participating restaurants will be coming out soon.

Another opportunity to participate will be through your local Food City store on November 24^th from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. at the "Celebrity Bagging Event".   Shoppers will be able to make a donation to United Way that day by adding an amount to their grocery bill or by tipping community volunteers, local "celebrities", for bagging their groceries.  Volunteers will be bagging groceries at three stores - the Crown Point Center on Eastman Road., the Moreland Drive location in Colonial Heights, and the Highway 394 store in Blountville. 

     "Give early and give often," Boehling said.  "The restaurant campaign and the Celebrity Bagging Event are a couple of ways you can give multiple times during the campaign - just drop your change in or tack a contribution onto your grocery bill - chances are you'll never miss it, but it will do a world of good for the community.  You can also give year round through payroll deduction.  Many people cannot sit down and write a big check, but they can pledge a few dollars a pay period." 

     The United Way of Greater Kingsport's campaign topped the  73% mark this week, leaving just four full weeks to raise nearly $1 million to reach its goal of  $3.45 million. 

     "We are grateful for the continued generosity of the community," said Campaign Chair Greg Boehling.  "Our partner programs couldn't continue to provide the services so desperately needed in our community without the support of businesses, organizations, and individuals in the Kingsport area."

     Boehling encourages those who haven't had an opportunity to participate in a workplace campaign or as an individual donor to visit the new United Way web-site at http://www.uwaykpt.org/ to pledge on-line.  Donors may also mail a contribution to P. O. Box 7268, Kingsport  37664, or drop by the United Way office at 727 North Eastman Rd.  The campaign will run through November 20, 2009.

     United Way provides funding for 41 programs in 28 health and human service agencies and supports other community initiatives.  "Every donation is important in helping us to further our mission of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to address local health and human service needs effectively, said Boehling.

     United Way actively participates with multiple community partners in identifying, addressing, and tackling the root cause of health and human service issues facing families in the Kingsport community.  "Together, we can do more than any single group can on its own," remarked Boehling.

     United Way is investing resources in creating and sustaining lasting change.  Thanks to the support and engagement of the whole community, United Way programs go a long way in helping individuals and families become and remain self-sufficient.

     As part of the focus on supporting aging with choices, United Way resources enable older adults to live safely and independently in their own homes.  This Saturday, October 24, 2009, in conjunction with Make a Difference Day, the United Way Young Leaders Society will be completing a personal hygiene and safety item drive for Shepherd Center, a United Way program that enables older adults to remain independent.  Items will be delivered to a community collection site at Food City on Eastman Road.  For more information on how to participate in the drive, contact Cameron Henri at 229-4536 or uwkpt.yls@gmail.com.           

     The United Way of Greater Kingsport Young Leaders Society is a group of young leaders  who simply have a desire to make a difference in their community.  Through community service projects and leadership development opportunities, members are learning about the needs of the community and how to create lasting positive change.  While a monetary gift is appreciated, it is not a requirement for membership.  For more information on the Young Leaders Society, check  out the new United Way website at http://www.uwaykpt.org/ or the group's Facebook page - United Way of Greater Kingsport Young Leaders Society.  Anyone interested in joining may send an e-mail to uwkpt.yls@gmail.com.

    With five weeks left in the community campaign, United Way of Greater Kingsport is at 64% of its $3.45 million goal. "Even though the contributions seem to be coming in a little slower this year as compared to last year, we are confident people and businesses in our community understand the need and are doing everything they can to ensure  we meet and even exceed our goal," said Campaign Chair Greg Boehling.  "We can look back over our more than 75 years and see the caring spirit of our people and know that our fellow citizens in need will not be let down."

    Even in the height of the Great Depression, the goal was exceeded by 35%, which shows how consistently the community responds to the needs.   "There is no shortage of need this year," said Boehling.  "Those who receive services from United Way programs are counting on us to provide the help they need."

    With everyone's help, United Way can create hope for those who seem to have lost it in these tough times.  Everyone deserves an opportunity to attain what is needed to have a good life.

    Throughout the year, United Way effectively addresses the health and human service needs in the community not only through 41 programs but also by actively participating with multiple community partners to identify, address, and tackle the root causes of problems facing families in the Kingsport community - not just providing temporary solutions. 

    Food Security is one such example and also an illustration of how great the need is.   "It is unconscionable that anyone in our area is going hungry," said Board President Rick Witt, "but sadly it is happening every day."  In 2008, after hearing about the increased need for food provision, United Way held community forums to measure the extent of the problem, talk about ways to collaborate, and make sure the problem is not only being addressed but also long term solutions are being explored.  A task group is working on strategies to ensure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food and systems are in place to maintain a status of food security.  "We can't do it alone," remarked Witt.  "It takes everyone in the community working together to make sure such a huge problem is addressed and long term solutions can be sustained.  Working together, we can accomplish so much more than any single group can on its own."

    United Way appreciates everyone who has supported the campaign this year.  "If you haven't made your pledge yet, you can go to United Way's new web-site at http://www.uwaykpt.org/ and pledge on-line," said Campaign Chair Boehling.  "Simply click on the GIVE icon on the left sidebar and complete the web form or follow any Donate Now link," said Anne Newton, Communications Committee volunteer.  "While you're there, take a look at the many new features and updated appearance of our website, and then let us know what you think.  Send any suggestions for improvement to lmiller@uwaykpt.org.  We'd love to hear from you."  

    One may also make a pledge through the workplace campaign, by mail (P.O. Box 7268), or by dropping by the United Way office at 727 North Eastman Rd.  "We hope everyone will take advantage of one of the many opportunities to give before the annual campaign ends on November 19, 2009," emphasized Boehling.  "Just this morning, we talked to one of our loyal

contributors who had been giving through the workplace for 32 years.  After retirement, the donor had not been asked directly by United Way to give.  We picked him back up on our mailing list and when he received our letter, he said to his wife, "we ought to start giving again.  I just wish we could do more."  No matter how large or small the gift, it will help to create a brighter tomorrow for someone. 

     From infants to the elderly, it is important that everyone has their basic needs met, not only to survive but to thrive.  That's why the United Way of Greater Kingsport wants to ensure that those needs are being met and will continue to be met in this community.  The annual campaign is one of the chief ways of doing that.  "We are a little more than half way in meeting our goal and meeting the need in the greater Kingsport area," said Campaign Chair Greg Boehling.  "We've raised about 51% of United Way of Greater Kingsport focuses on four areas -- Helping Children and Youth Succeed, Promoting Self-Sufficiency, Ensuring Safety and Stability, and Supporting Aging with Choices -- to help guarantee people of all ages and walks of life have access to the services they need.  Representatives of funded programs and initiatives tell story after story of not only how lives have been improved but also how many of those who have received help go to help others in need. 

     "Your support makes these success stories possible," continued Boehling.  "Your contribution supports the services of 41 programs administered by 28 agencies and other community initiatives funded by the United Way of Greater Kingsport.  Please join me in creating a brighter future for everyone in our community.   You may think that your contribution is insignificant, but it all adds up to a substantial amount that can really make a difference in the lives of many in our community," said Boehling.

     "We sincerely thank the businesses, organizations, and individuals who LIVE UNITEDä by making a contribution to help improve the quality of life in the Kingsport area," Boehling continued.  "The dollars are the vehicle for creating opportunities for everyone in our community to have a better life.  Together, we can accomplish more than any single group can on its own."

     Currently, United Way of Greater Kingsport is addressing the issue of hunger and food security in the Kingsport area.  Working with community partners, United Way has developed goals for the Food Security Initiative.  The Food Security team is working on ways to achieve the goals and create sustainable change.  "When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.  Our goal is to create lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of a problem," said Executive Director Doris Bush.  

     The campaign will run through November 19, 2009.  Everyone can participate in the annual campaign, either through a workplace campaign or by an individual gift.  Payroll deduction through the workplace is the easiest way to give; most people won't miss a few dollars a pay period.  Those who do not have the payroll deduction option can spread their payments out through direct billing, credit card, or a bank draft.  For more information, contact United Way at 378-3409, ext. 13.

About a month into campaign, the

“Meeting the need is more critical than ever this year with so many United Way programs seeing an increase in requests for services”, Boehling added.  “People in our community who were once donors may now find themselves out of work and in need of the services they’ve helped provide.  That’s why it is so important that those of us who have gainful employment consider supporting the

While the goal for this year’s campaign is the same as it was last year, programs are seeing an increase in demand and, in many cases, an increase in cost to deliver those same services.  For example, the cost to provide a hot meal to a homebound senior continues to increase – from $2 to $2.31 in 2008 to $2.51 in 2009.

The LIVE UNITEDä theme remains a focus for

being a part of change, working together to create lasting change.  One way that United Way United Way is trying to create lasting change is through the Food Security Initiative. “Not only do we want to make sure hunger is not an issue in Kingsport , we want to make sure we find the causes of the problem and create systems that will keep the problem from recurring”, said UWGK Board President Rick Witt.

“No one organization can accomplish this on its own”, continued Witt.  “It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future for all.  That’s why we got together with several organizations whose mission is to provide food to come up with goals to address food security in the community.”

“You may not think your contribution can have that much of an impact,” commented Boehling, “but consider this:  One contribution of $50.20 (less than a $1 a week) will provide a hot meal for twenty homebound seniors, but it goes much further than providing a hot meal.  It provides family members with the assurance that someone is checking on their loved one once a day.  It helps seniors who cannot prepare their own meals to be able to remain in their own homes instead of having to move to an assisted living facility.  Please join me in giving to make a difference in the lives of our friends, our neighbors, and our loved ones.” 

The campaign will run through November 19, 2009.   Kingsport area citizens may participate in the

A new tool, recently unveiled at the 2009 United Way of America national conference, will help communities see how a better-educated populace can improve the financial security, safety and health of its citizens.

     The Common Good Forecaster, a joint project of the United Way of America and the American Human Development Project, is an interactive tool that allows anyone to see what a difference education makes.

     It is available at www.measureofamerica.org/forecaster and www.liveunited.org/forecaster.

     For instance, the Common Good Forecaster shows that today 20 percent of adults 25 and older in Sullivan County, TN, have not graduated from high school. The Forecaster translates that information to determine that the average life expectancy in Sullivan County is 75 years, the median income is $28,975 and the poverty rate is 12.6 percent.

     By using the Common Good Forecaster’s interactive features; however, one can see that if those 20 percent of adults were to graduate or receive a general equivalency diploma (GED), life expectancy would increase to 75.5 years, median income would rise to $29,841, and the poverty rate would drop to 9.7 percent.

     Furthermore, the Forecaster shows, if every high school graduate pursued some college education or graduated from college, the life expectancy would rise to 77.3 years, median income would go up to $38,127 and the poverty rate would plummet to 5.9 percent.

     “I'm very excited about the potential of this forecaster,” said Doris Bush, executive director of the United Way of Greater Kingsport. “I think we and other community and elected leaders can use this tool to further improve our education initiatives throughout the region.”

     For many years, the United Way of Greater Kingsport, which in 2009 is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its charter, has pursued ways to ensure people have access to a higher level of education.

     Through the charitable contributions of individuals throughout Northeast Tennessee, United Way of Greater Kingsport has supported the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kingsport’s Building Successful Adults program, the Girls Incorporated of Kingsport Core and Outreach programs, Frontier Industries of Kingsport, Hope House Fresh Start and ReStart programs, and the Literacy Council of Kingsport Tutoring program.

     In addition, the United Way of Greater Kingsport supports the city of Kingsport’s and Sullivan County’s pre-K efforts, and facilitated, in partnership with the Kingsport City Schools and Eastman Chemical Co., an additional pre-K classroom in Kingsport in order to take advantage of Gov. Phil Bredesen’s matching funds challenge.

     For older students, Bush and Beulah Ferguson, a UWGK board member, are in their third year of developing the curriculum for and providing “soft skills” training for the federally funded YouthBuild program. Designed for 17- to 24-year-olds who have dropped out of school, the program provides classroom learning for students to prepare for the GED test as well as time spent learning construction skills while building homes. In 2008 and 2009, the students helped with the HOPE VI construction in the Riverview community.

The United Way of Greater Kingsport also applauds the work of elected officials, educational leaders and community advocates who have had the foresight to improve the educational opportunities of the county’s residents through implementing programs that encourage higher education, and building centers and colleges that make education even more accessible.

     “Work remains to be done, though,” Bush said. “The United Way of Greater Kingsport encourages every leader, every advocate, and every citizen to visit the Common Good Forecaster Website and explore the many ways education can improve the lives of not just individuals but the entire community.

“Together, we can create more opportunities and develop more resources to help our entire region attain the highest possible education and improve the lives of everyone.”

     In the next two years, the United Way of America and the American Human Development Project plan to expand the Common Good Forecaster to include tools for income and health.

    The United Way of Greater Kingsport seeks to mobilize the community’s caring power to effectively serve health and human service needs. Funding programs that work is one way to achieve this. 
    Joining forces to attack problems is another. Last fall, a food insecurity issue came to the attention of United Way when Superintendent of Kingsport City Schools Dr. Richard Kitzmiller reported a waiting list for the system’s backpack program to insure children have food to eat on the weekends. 
     So UWGK, working with various public, private, and non-profit groups, waged a battle against hunger.  As a result, the children on the waiting list were adopted by organizations and individuals in the community. 
The children were not only able to take food home for the weekend during the school year, but a extension of the program provided boxes of food during the summer months. 
     Other collaborations have taken place to meet the need.  As the food security initiative continues, the task force will focus on results that will bring lasting change to the community.