The Boards of Directors of the United Way of Marion and Taylor Counties and the United Way of Randolph County today announce the two organizations have merged and expanded to a new regional presence as the Tygart Valley United Way. The new organization also brings in Barbour and Tucker counties, making it a five-county organization. The new coverage area will include Marion, Randolph, Taylor, Barbour, and Tucker counties. The new organization aims to leverage both deep knowledge of the local communities in each county as well as the ability to provide the scale of resources needed to make an impact on complex issues facing our region.
“The Board of the Tygart Valley United Way believes this merger and expansion is the best way to serve our regions donors and agencies,” said Dani DeVito, President of the Board of Directors. “Through collaboration and teamwork, we will continue our focus on the needs of our region and the interests of our local donors, while leveraging best practices in service delivery, development, and strategic partnerships of a larger organization.”
The announcement event took place at Elkins City Park. Representatives and staff from both agencies were present and celebrated the new entity. The move enables the combined United Ways to leverage the shared history of funding promising new ideas and mobilizing volunteers to advance innovative programs that address the needs of children and families and move communities forward.
“We’re excited about the opportunities that lay ahead for our new regional United Way, added Gary Clay, President of the Randolph County Board of Directors. “We have a long tradition of community support and I’m confident that this next step in our history will only lead to bigger and better things.”
“Together, we can do more than any of us can alone to help strengthen families and communities,” said Brett White, chief executive officer of the new Tygart Valley United Way. “Our goal is to help our community partners achieve the positive change we all want to see in our region on issues like school readiness and quality affordable childcare, and the economic stability of families. We stand ready to work with local businesses, individuals and families who want to give or volunteer to find the right opportunities to get involved and make great things happen.”
Additional Highlights of the Expansion:
- The coverage area will include five counties: Marion, Randolph, Taylor, Barbour, and Tucker counties.
- As part of the announcement event, volunteers also worked and installed Randolph County’s first Born Learning Trail at Elkins City Park. This trail is geared toward early childhood development and is a trademark of United Way’s mission to support families and children.
- The expanded regional United Way will have two offices. The main office will be located in Fairmont and the regional office will be in Elkins.
- The Board of Directors has been expanded to include representation from Randolph, Barbour, and Tucker counties.
- A Regional Cabinet has been formed to support the fundraising and impact programs in Randolph County. This group will be made up of many who have transitioned from the Randolph County’s Board of Directors as part of the merger.
- The former Executive Director position in Randolph County has been transitioned into a Regional Engagement Director and will work with the CEO to build on the great success already established in Randolph County.
- The funded programs and agencies of both United Ways are being combined and new organizations are being encouraged to seek partnership in Barbour and Tucker counties.
- The expansion will bring new programming and impact work across the region, including West Virginia 211, MyFreeTaxes, VITA Tax Preparation, Born Learning Trails, and others.
- The new expanded organization launched their rebranded website today at tvunitedway.org.
