United Way of the Southern Alleghenies allocating $1,044,252 to partner agencies

United Way of the Southern Alleghenies has allocated $1,044,252 to 39 partner agencies across Blair, Cambria and Somerset counties.

The funds will directly support programming designed to address community needs that would otherwise remain unserved or underserved. Core investments continue to fund programs that provide early childhood development, parental engagement, and youth drug and alcohol prevention services and education.

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"We greatly appreciate the support of our workplace partners, community volunteers, and anyone who generously donates time, talent, or funding to support the community," said Rick Kazmer, United Way community relationship and marketing manager, in an email. "Your local United Way is growing, helping more than 82,000 people in the region. We expect that number to grow even more as we find new ways to help families, especially children, find success early in life. We are better together."

Each agency implements a carefully selected program that meets a pressing need in the community, he said.

The programs are vetted by volunteer panels each year, making sure they are delivering results as intended, Kazmer said. Allocation amounts are determined based on agency site visits conducted in March, followed by volunteer evaluations of the programs in April.

“None of this work would be possible without the caring power of the community. Our origin charter included the phrase ‘strengthening the spirit of human helpfulness.’ I think it nicely summarizes the collaborative nature of what we do," United Way President and CEO Karen Struble Myers said.

In Somerset County, a few of the programs receiving allocation include:

• Youth Drug & Alcohol Prevention at Twin Lakes Center, $30,000

• Early Childhood Behavioral Intervention and Support by The Learning Lamp, $30,000

• Homeless Shelter - Somerset, Next Step Center, $10,000

• Children's Vision Screening Program, Somerset County Blind Association, $7,500

• Sustainable Produce Program, Somerset County Mobile Food Bank, $5,000

• Heating Assistance by the Salvation Army Somerset Service Center, $3,500

• Children's glasses by the Somerset County Blind Association, $2,000

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Participation in programs

In Somerset County, there are 95 children in 128 families that are a part of Parents as Teachers, a program that helps children and families succeed early in life, Kazmer said. Trained professionals provide programs, including home visitation, helping with early development. There are 45 moms in Nurse-Family Partnership which starts service at 28 weeks pre-birth. Both are evidence-based programs.

United Way also funds homeless shelters such as the Next Step Center in Somerset, food security projects, for example, the Somerset County Mobile Food Bank, and other services meeting basic human needs, Kazmer said.

One such project receiving United Way allocation is the Somerset County Blind Association.

"During the 2023-24 school year, we provided free vision screenings to 1,315 children in the region," said Leslie K. Montgomery-Reidenbaugh, chief operating officer, Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh.

Early detection and the proper treatment can have a tremendous impact on a child, according to the association. Somerset County Blind Association supports children by providing free vision screenings that are conducted by a professional screening technician at local daycare centers, Head Start programs, preschools and community events throughout Somerset County. The screenings include assessment of visual acuity, muscle balance, and for children ages 3 years and older, color deficiency using fun, game-centered activities. A child with an eyeglass prescription can receive a free pair of glasses with a proper fitting to ensure the correct alignment, because of the partnership of United Way and the Blind Association.

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Direct programming

United Way provides growing direct programming, according to a press release. Those programs include:

• Diaper Bank: Ensuring that infants and toddlers have access to clean diapers.

• SNAP at the Market: Enabling SNAP users the opportunity to purchase fresh, healthy foods from the Downtown Johnstown Farmers Market, promoting better nutrition and well-being.

• Toasty Toddler: Distributing warm clothing to young children during the cold winter months, ensuring they stay warm and healthy.

• Glass Slipper Project: Offering prom dresses and accessories to high school students who might not otherwise afford them.

• Stuff the Bus (with school supplies): Collecting and distributing essential school supplies to students, ensuring they have the tools they need for a successful academic year.

In Somerset County, the Diaper Bank served 641 children, distributing more than 16,000 diapers in 2023, Kazmer said.

"My truck is often filled with diapers each month, delivering them to our distribution points throughout Cambria and Somerset counties," he said.

Being a part of the community

United Way's umbrella organizations also continue to play a crucial role in the community, according to the press release – Early Childhood Systems Coordinator: This initiative is funded in partnership with the 1889 Foundation; Community Foundation for the Alleghenies; and Lee Initiatives in collaboration with the Center for Population Health and Vision Together 2025.

Lauren Lazzari was hired as the early childhood systems coordinator. She is focusing on developing and coordinating early childhood programs, ensuring that young children receive the support and education they need for a strong start in life.

These programs helped more than 82,000 people last year. The United Way plans to help even more in the coming cycle, Kazmer said.

Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 37 years, covering school boards, borough councils, sports and new stories. She was the Home and Family editor for 20 years, and was the primary editor and reporter for a variety of special projects, features and tabs.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Agencies receive funds from United Way of the Southern Alleghenies