ROCKINGHAM – United Way is a nonprofit organization that crosses cultural, religious and economic boundaries to improve lives in local communities. The vision of United Way in Richmond County is to engage all citizens to work together to build a healthy, safe, caring and stronger community.
In 1965, a group of local leaders came together and started the Greater Rockingham Charities. In 1970, the name changed to United Fund, and in the 1980s the name was changed once again to what is known today as the United Way of Richmond County. Volunteers donate time and talent through the year, assisting with projects that improve quality of life in Richmond County.
United Way has changed over the years to address the challenges of a changing world. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is their focus on improving lives through donations and volunteering.
In Richmond County, the 16 agencies receiving local United Way funds are grouped into four major areas of service: Children and Youth, Health and Wellness, Strengthening and Supporting, and Crisis Services.
A partnering agency is one that receives funding from United Way.
“An interested agency has to be program-based to be considered for funding,” explained Michelle Parrish, Executive Director for Richmond County United Way. “Some of our agencies have one specific program, like the Backpack Pals. Others, like the Boy Scouts, have several different things that they work on.
“Our partnering agencies do a fantastic job meeting the needs of our community,” continued Parrish. “Whether its preparing someone that’s been in an abusive relationship in getting back into the workforce, or helping someone with a utility bill, they do an extraordinary job and I enjoy working with them.”
Richmond County’s yearly United Way Fundraising Campaign Kickoff occurred in September 2017. Fundraising for the 501(c)(3) typically extends through the middle of February.
“I try to fundraise as long as possible for our partnering agencies,” Parrish said.
Parrish wants Richmond County citizens to know, “there is a lot being done with the dollars they’re donating. For example, backpack kids receive services every week and some of those kids receive services over the summer. Habitat for Humanity is about helping people get into a home and have ownership of that home.”
Last year, the United Way and its 16 partnering agencies assisted 12,414 individuals in Richmond County a total of 194,178 times throughout the year. This was an increase of 3,419 individuals from 2016.
“Typically, about every other year, our board will open up enrollment for Richmond County agencies that are 501(c)(3) and would like to be considered as a partnering agency,” explained Parrish. “If interested, a letter of intent should be completed. This includes agencies that are current partners as well.”
This year, the United Way has added Pee Dee Pregnancy Resource Center (PDPRC) to its family. Jatana McCormick, Director of PDPRC, stated that partnering with United Way has helped them network and share resources with other partners.
“The funds we receive from United Way will help us accomplish our vision by providing services that include pregnancy and parenting classes, material supplies like car seats, diapers and formula, and abstinence and marriage education,” McCormick stated.
“All funding,” Parrish explained, “stays in Richmond County unless it’s allocated to go outside the county. For example, if we have folks that work in Richmond County but live outside the county and they designate their dollars to go to their home county, we honor that. Likewise, we have donors that work outside Richmond county but live here, and that is also honored.”
Parrish has been with United Way a little over 10 years, but has been in the nonprofit sector since 1998. Before coming to United Way, she worked with Richmond County Hospice, engaging with the community and working with volunteers.
Parrish is passionate about her job, explaining, “I enjoy what I do. I tell people I have the best of both worlds. I get to see what these agencies do firsthand. It’s a very rewarding job that gives back to our community. I don’t feel like it’s a job; I feel like it’s a mission.”
To donate financially or to lend a hand as a volunteer, contact Michelle Parrish by phone: 910-997-2173 or 910-206-2909, by fax: 910-895-6012, or by email at michelleparrish@bellsouth.net.
