Local United Way welcomes new board members

Press Release, United Way of Orleans County

ALBION – The United Way of Orleans County is pleased to announce three new members to its Board of Directors.

Cathy Balys of Holley and Rebecca Mannella of Medina were voted in last month. Carol D’Agostino of Kendall joined last summer.

Cathy Balys

Balys is manager of financial reporting and analysis for the Catholic Family Center in Rochester. Mannella oversees the ICU/Respiratory Therapy Department and Out-Patient Lab for Orleans Community Health. D’Agostino is principal of Kendall Junior/Senior High School.

“These women not only represent different geographic areas of our county, but they also bring a range of expertise and new ideas to our Board,” said Jessica Downey of Albion, Board President. “It’s fantastic to have them join us!”

Rebecca Mannella

Orleans United Way, which merged Eastern UW and Western UW four years ago, focuses on community improvement in three impact areas: education, health and income (jobs). A funding application process each fall helps the board select partner agencies that most effectively fulfill community needs.

Funds collected from individuals and employees at workplaces county-wide are distributed according to evidence-based results. The 2016 campaign goal is $279,104.31, coinciding with three major routes criss-crossing Orleans County.

Latest reports showed the campaign about 60 percent complete with five months remaining. This year’s campaign officially ends June 30.

Carol D’Agostino

“The local emphasis of our United Way is so important and, I think, misunderstood by some people,” said Executive Director Marsha Rivers of Albion, who serves as the organization’s lone full-time employee. A part-time financial coordinator, Tiffani Ford of Waterport, keeps the books. Volunteers – including the 14-member Board – do all the rest. “Our Board is a group of local leaders using local dollars to help local causes – we’re neighbors helping neighbors.

“Our affiliation dues to United Way Worldwide, because of our small size, are very modest – we get a ‘big bang for our buck.’ With UWW, we can identify with a widely known, well-respected brand while also taking advantage of community-building resources from all over the world, applying best practices right here at home.”