Lake County United Way program allocates $6,000 to multiple nonprofit agency programs

After the 2018 Youth United Way class decided what to do with $5,000 to benefit the Northeast Ohio community, the 25 students, representing 13 local high schools, were suddenly back at the table to divvy up another $1,000, the additional money coming from Lake County business owner Frank Gallo, who announced the unexpected news at the conclusion of the program.

Gallo owns Frank and Tony’s Place and Garage Bar, both located in Willoughby, and Anderson’s Sports Pub & Eatery in Mentor-on-the-Lake.

A first-time “youth leader” with Young Leaders of United Way of Lake County, which facilitates the Youth United Way program with funds allocated from its budget, Gallo said a personal contribution from his own pocket was the least he could do.

“This group of students motivated me to want to be more active in community. As an adult, seeing the amount of commitment these kids possess had me thinking about what I was doing and what more I could do. They helped enlighten me to become more active.

“And they’ve made a real impact on my life,” Gallo said. “I also wanted to make these kids feel a little bit more appreciated for what they’re doing. Eventually, this program will help them develop as young leaders.”

After an engaged but brief discussion, the students allocated the additional funds to the nonprofit agency programs they’d already selected.

Youth United Way 2018 allocated funds as such:

• Forbes House (Transportation) — $750

• Lake County Free Clinic (Dental program) — $1,000

• Birthright — $1,250

• Project Hope — $500

• Lake County Free Clinic (Acute Medical Program) — $2,500

Beginning in January and consisting of six two-hour strategic evaluation sessions, Youth United Way’s objective includes teaching students to develop and nurture leadership skills through teamwork, problem solving and concession. Students also engage in site visits to local nonprofit agencies where they learn about the services they provide and the clients they serve.

Mentor High School senior Joy Mason, who now has graduated twice as a member of Youth United Way, loves how the program affords students the ability to make a genuine impact.

“Being able to go through this process and actually allocate money to these agencies we’ve toured and talked to is really amazing,” she said. “I think it definitely gives us the skills to gauge the needs of our community, and also to debate and compromise with one another to pinpoint the vision we’ve created.”

Mark Sutherland, 2017 United Way of Lake County Campaign Chairman, believes Youth United Way provides students with a profound look at the challenges and issues faced by Lake County’s most vulnerable residents.

“These students learn the power of collaboration and take away a sense of social responsibility that will serve them throughout life,” he said.

Jennifer McCarty, president and CEO of United Way of Lake County, agrees with Sutherland.

“Our Youth United Way program paints a true picture of the struggles people face within our community,” she added. “It gives students the opportunity to learn about the many programs we help support to uplift others and build a stronger community, while molding future leaders.”

For more information about Youth United Way program, visit www.uwlc.org/youth-united-way.

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