This is a time of change for United Way of Lanark County. In June, the Board of Directors hired a new Executive Director, Sarah Bridson. For the next three months, Sarah will shadow the current Executive Director, Brenda Hurrle. They will work together to cultivate even further the active relationships we have within Lanark County. What could be an overwhelming period of time, we approach with optimism and hopefulness. Of the utmost importance, is the need to maintain the consistency and integrity of our Agency.

Our territory is vast and much of it is rural. With the assistance of a large volunteer contingent our network will build upon the current success of United Way of Lanark County and continue to assist children, youth, families, seniors and those with special needs.

The United Way network has grown from 5 member agencies in 1987 to 16 member agencies currently. We also run 4 of our own programs: Special Project Grants, Emergency Funding Grants, Algonquin College Social Service Worker Student Award and Algonquin College Personal Support Worker Student Award. Lanark County United Way has also partnered with Connections to assist families in 2008 with “Back to School Kits”.

In 2008 our population served was 63, 785. Your United Way network provided service to 7,563 clients.

With over 45 programs and services the communities of Lanark County and Smiths Falls are impacted on a daily basis through After School Programs, Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visiting, Escorted Transportation, Big Brother Big Sister Matching, the Angel Tree and Volunteer Coordinator Support to name just a few of the services funded by the United Way.

A new Allocation Criteria was introduced to our member agencies for their 2008 budget submissions and was used again in 2009. This document affords our volunteer Board of Directors a new public relations tool and has become part of our board orientation.

At this time, we have volunteer positions available on our Board of Directors. If you are interested in volunteering contact our office, we would love to hear from you.

Our vision is to cultivate new partnerships to ensure that we “Embrace-Respect-Energize & Build” this community we all call home.

Sarah Bridson,
Executive Director