Revamped United Way gets ready for Aug. 27 kickoff campaign

It's been a busy month for the United Way of Southeast Missouri, as it prepares for its 2015 campaign kickoff.

The event will be at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 27 at Cape West 14 Cine, 247 Siemers Drive.

The theme for this year's campaign is "Turning Compassion into Action." Nearly 20 United Way staffers, volunteers and supporters recently took the opportunity to see how some groups in the community are doing just that. The organization hosted two funded partner tours that show how groups the United Way supports work to serve the community.

Thursday's tour first stopped at the Jackson Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry. Pastor Sam Roethemeyer shared stories of acts of kindness that helped keep the food pantry running -- from churches and pastors coming together to volunteer time and resources to a man known as the "cereal ghost" who anonymously drops off dozens of boxes at a time -- and introduced some of its volunteers. He said the support of groups such as the United Way is critical, and without it, "we couldn't serve the community the way we do."

"We have a policy of compassion, not judgment. ... As for the action, there are no words. The action is here," Roethemeyer said, gesturing around the room at the handful of volunteers and shelves lined with food.

Up next on the tour was a Cape Area Habitat for Humanity home under construction in Jackson. Board vice president Jeff Long said the group is "dependent on donations" to complete such projects, and the United Way is a helpful donor.

Melissa Stickel works with the United Way's funded partners and has taken on the new position of director of operations and community impact. She said she promotes accountability and transparency, which is why she understands when people ask why they should donate to the United Way rather than give the money directly to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.

She said the United Way gives to specific programs within other organizations that support its three priority impact areas: education, income and health. Stickel said any program it supports is kept under a watchful eye.

"We hold them accountable," she said.

Funded partners also are subject to an allocation review to ensure they are meeting goals and seeing results, she said.

Among the group who met funded partners in Thursday's tour was the United Way's new executive director, Elizabeth Shelton. The former owner of Write Results Marketing was introduced as director in July and officially stepped into her new role Aug. 10. Some of her key questions at each stop were about the respective organization's needs or gaps in service. Since being named executive director, Shelton has spoken about her interest in "continuing momentum" generated by the staff.

Shelton replaces longtime executive director Nancy Jernigan, who held the position for 20 years before leaving in May. With the leadership position empty, Stickel and director of donor relations Nicholle Hinkle took on extra responsibilities. It resulted in new operations director position Stickel occupies, a shift from her previous title of director of community development.

In a news release about the upcoming campaign kickoff, United Way board of directors president Kevin Greaser said the board "is very positive about the changes occurring within the organization.

"We believe Elizabeth's corporate leadership and marketing expertise, combined with Melissa's hands-on non-profit experience, will help United Way have an even greater impact in our community as we move forward," he said in the release.

Those attending the campaign kickoff Aug. 27 can hear from more of the United Way's funded partners, watch the first public showing of the campaign video and see the unveiling of the campaign need.

srinehart@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

247 Siemers Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo.