United Way of Kent County (UWKC) invites agencies to apply for funds for its 2024 allocations. Applications are due Saturday, April 15, 2023. Information may be found online at the UWKC website. https://unitedwayofkentcounty.org/news/2023-uwkc-application/. A webinar is scheduled for March 23^rd from 4-5 pm for those with questions about the application. Please contact Hope Clark at executivedirector@unitedwayofkentcounty.org if you would like to attend.

Last year 23 Partner Agencies were awarded a total of $160,000.  An Allocations Committee reviews applications, with a particular view toward proposed assistance to Kent County residents in UWKC’s three impact areas: Education, Financial Stability, and Health. UWKC is committed to programs and activities that are free of racial or ethnic discrimination. UWKC endeavors to provide and maintain an environment that fosters respect among all members of the community.

Donations to UWKC may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

UWKC and the KCLMB periodically conduct planning and cross-sector conversations to improve the wellbeing of residents across the county.  They are exploring the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to inform their planning efforts over the next year or more.  On February 16th, 25 community leaders will gather to learn more about the strategy.

With ABCD, service providers can better engage with individuals affected by homelessness, hunger and other challenges and become partners in driving change. The strategy connects the strengths and resources of residents and neighborhoods. According to John McKnight, a founder, “ABCD builds on the gifts (skills, experiences, knowledge, and passions) of local community members, the power of local associations, and the supportive functions of local institutions to build more sustainable communities for the future.”  To learn more visit:  www.resources.depaul.edu/abcd-institute

ABCD starts at the neighborhood level with residents exploring their strengths, skills, and connections. By leveraging what already exists in the community, they can better leverage other external resources. The approach gives space for highly creative opportunities to emerge.

Traditionally, organizations and agencies identify priorities and programs by looking at what communities need, or by identifying what is lacking. This unintentionally overlooks the possibilities and opportunities that are already present in those spaces.

United Way of Kent County… works to improve the Health, Education and Financial Stability of Individuals and Families in Kent County with a focus on community partnerships as the most effective means to problem solving.  www.unitedwayofkentcounty.org/

Kent County Local Management Board…is an interagency forum that convenes partners, funds solutions, and evaluates local investments to improve systems, services and programs for Kent County youth and families.  The current Community Plan for Children, Youth & Families prioritizes basic needs and economic mobility, centering the voice and choice of youth and families, and expanding community-based programs and innovative approaches for child well-being.  www.linktr.ee/KCLMB

Runners and walkers are invited to Wilmer Park on Saturday, November 12, at 9am for United Way of Kent County’s annual “Run United” event. The race starts and ends at the Park across from 400 Cross Street in Chestertown.   A free Kiddie Dash for ages 10 and under will precede the race.

The rain-or-shine race is a chip timed race, with runners given transponders to wear. Registration begins at 8am in Wilmer Park or may be done in advance online at unitedwayofkentcounty.org. Until November 6, registration is $25. After November 6, the price is $30. Teams may register and must be under the same name. Proceeds benefit the United Way’s  23 local charities. Those unable to participate may register as “Silent Heroes”, in a show of support.

“Run United 5K” long sleeve performance tech shirts will be given to all registered participants. Post-race food and beverage will be available after the race.

Awards will be presented after the race to overall male/female and master winners, top 3 male/female runners in categories 10 and under through 70 & over in 10-year age groups and top 5 male/female walk finishers.

Sponsors include Chesapeake Bank and Trust, Choptank Electric, Modern Stone Age Kitchen, Redner’s, Chesapeake Advisors, Cross St Realtors, RCM Strategic Consulting, Figgs Ordinary, Molly’s, Tidewater Trader, Dukes Moore, Rock Hall Marine Railway, Eastern Shore Animal Hospital, Hagert Family Dentistry, Deep Landing Workshop, A-Plus Septic Service, and Mullin/Ashley Associates.

FY 2022-2023 Partner Agency programs include scholarships for Horizons of Kent and Queen Anne’s, Echo Hill Outdoor School, the Boy Scouts of the Del-Mar-Va Council, the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Council, the RHYC Sailing School Scholarship Program and Open Door Partners. YouthSTAGES program with Garfield Center for the Arts bringing state-standard and Character Counts-aligned social issues plays right to our schools and community groups, For all Seasons, Kent County Cares Foundation, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Upper Shore Aging, Rebuilding Together, Samaritan Group, and Community Mediation Upper Shore, Community Food Pantry, Camp Fairlee Manor/Easterseals, Kent Association of Riding Therapy, American Red Cross, United Needs & Abilities, Upper Shore Aging, and Compass Regional Hospice.

The annual fund-raising campaign is taking place now, with a goal of $280,000. Donations to the organization may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

For more information about the race, go to trisportsevents.com or email races4u@trisportsevents.com or executivedirector@unitedwayofkentcounty.org.

Elizabeth Everett

United Way of Kent County has announced that Elizabeth Everett, Executive Director for the past ten years, will retire before the next fund-raising campaign.

“This job has been wonderful,” she said. “I can look around the County and see what United Way has been able to do, especially since the pandemic. People have been so generous, and it’s nice to know we are on the upswing.” Everett is leaving to spend time with her family and her new granddaughter.

During her tenure, the organization has made progress in increasing donations resulting from workplace campaigns and has welcomed new businesses into the program. This year a total of 27 non-profit agencies received funds.

United Way of Kent County strives to improve the community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders to focus on three impact areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability. To date, 81% of the current campaign goal of $250,000 has been met. Donations may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Recruitment is now taking place to fill the vacancy. The Board of Directors has determined that the position, previously part-time, will become full-time. Information and a job description are posted at www.unitedwayofkentcounty.org. Direct inquiries and submit resumes with cover letter to martyknight@yahoo.com or call 410-810-0735.

United Way of Kent County is requesting nominations for its Board of Directors. Board members serve for a three-year term. Those nominated are expected to have a commitment to Kent County and a desire to build community partnerships and mobilize resources to address root problems.

Board member responsibilities include participation in monthly meetings, committees, and special events; evaluation of funding allocations, and active support for the organization.  United Way is especially looking for those that may speak for underrepresented populations or areas of Kent County.

United Way works to improve the health, education and financial stability of individuals and families in Kent County. The Board assesses community needs, solicits funds, and determines priorities for the allocation of funds.

Those interested may contact the Executive Director, Beth Everett, by email at info@unitedwayofkentcounty.org for more information.  The United Way’s annual fund-raising campaign is taking place now. Donations may be made at any time via the website unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

United Way of Kent County has announced the addition of three new Board members for 2020-2021.

Rebecca Murphy is the Principal of RCM Strategic Consulting, with over 25 years of experience in government, community development, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropy focused on economic development and public-private partnerships. She has recently relocated from the Baltimore area to Chestertown.

DeLia Shoge worked in secondary education for seven years in Montgomery, Talbot, and Anne Arundel Counties, after earning a Master’s degree in Leadership in Teaching- Special Education. She will join the faculty of Kent County Middle School in the Fall.

Muriel Cole, a local resident for 24 years, has a Master’s degree in Governmental Administration from George Washington University and is an advocate for seniors. She co-chairs the Kent County Commission on Aging and is a Past-President of Homeports.

They join current Board members Martin Knight, President; Sarah Feyerherm, Vice-President; Glenn Wilson, Past-President; Marilyn Parks, Secretary; Elizabeth Gross, Acting Treasurer; William Harr, Creg Fleetwood, Patricia Dowling, Deirdre LaMotte, Edward Silver, Alison Libshitz, Jean Austin, Sabina Minney, and Nerina Fleegle. Every effort is made to maintain a board that reflects the county’s racial, ethnic, age, religious, and geographic diversity.

The United Way of Kent County strives to improve our community by building partnerships and bringing together diverse stakeholders from 27 agencies to focus on three Impact Areas: Health, Education, and Financial Stability.

The annual fund-raising campaign begins September 1. Donations may be made at any time via the website: unitedwayofkentcounty.org or by mail to United Way of Kent County, P.O. Box 594, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Chestertown Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here