The inception:
The United Way of Harrison County, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit, non-stock corporation on the 30th day of July, 1957 and was known as the Harrison County United Fund. The name was changed on the 24th day of August 1977.
The purpose of the corporation was to unite the residents of Harrison County and the surrounding area in a volunteer effort to assess the area's needs for human care services: to determine what services would best promote the welfare of the residents of the area, and to aid in the delivery of such services by soliciting and making prudent use of resources made available to it from any source.
On September 3, 1957 the Executive Committee asked the Harrison County Commission for office space within the Harrison County Courthouse for the United Fund and were granted the space. This space was provided at no cost and remained the home of United Way's offices for almost 60 years until July 6, 2017.
On July 6, 2017 United Way of Harrison County, Inc. moved from the Harrison County Courthouse, 301 West Main Street, Clarksburg WV 26301, to 445 West Main Street, Clarksburg WV 26301.
The Harrison County Board of Education graciously offered space in their building. This move provided the opportunity to expand United Way services within the community.
A Change in Name:
In January 2021, United Way of Harrison County announced the extension of outreach to our neighbors in Doddridge County, officially becoming United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties. This move was a longterm goal of the Board finally coming to fruition. It allowed those partner agencies providing services in Doddridge County to receive much needed support as well as opening up opportunities for new partners to join the UWHDC Family.
Staff:
The first staff member hired was Executive Secretary, Ms. Marie Green in 1958. The first Executive Director, Mr. Jean Birdener from Decanter IL, was hired in 1959.
Currently, Bradly T Riffee serves as the Executive Director.
Volunteers:
Board of Directors: Consists of 23 to 31 members who serve overlapping three year terms. No member shall serve more than two consecutive full terms except after the absence from the Board of Directors for one year. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors are held monthly.
Members of the Corporation: Consists between 75 and 175 persons, with a goal of 125 persons representative of diverse elements of the community. The Members shall be those then serving as members of The Board of Trustees and for terms of three years. The Members elect successors for those whose terms shall expire or by reason of death, resignation or other cause. The Members meet annually in February at United Way of Harrison County's Annual Meeting and Awards event. Such annual meeting shall be for the general transaction of all business of the Corporation and shall include the election of the required Members and of the Board of Directors.
Community Investment Committee: Consists of community volunteers who review the applications submitted for funding. They serve to review agencies seeking funding in order to make sure our donor dollars are invested in the the most results driven programs. Their duties consist of reviewing the applications, submitting questions, and making recommendations for yearly allocations.
Campaign Cabinet: Each campaign year a Campaign Chair is selected to run the annual fundraising campaign. They will select a cabinet made up of several individuals who are familiar or have connections within the divisions of Accountants/Finance, Attorneys, Automotive, Engineers/Architects, Airport Services, Construction, Communities, Education, Healthcare, Insurance, Leadership, Manufacturing, Natural Resources, Public Service, Small Businesses and Technology. The Cabinet is responsible for reaching out to businesses and individuals within their assigned division and soliciting funds for the annual campaign.
Day of Action: The Day of Action is held annually. Employers will lend their employees and individuals within the community will dedicate their time and sometimes muscle to provide services, such as painting, cleaning and other jobs within the community. Projects are identified and groups are assigned to tackle them. We have been blessed with over 100 volunteers participating yearly.
Gift Wrap: The Meadowbrook Mall donates space for our gift wrap booth. Volunteers are staffed from December 3rd through Christmas Eve. 100% of the proceeds go toward the annual campaign.
