Salina Can Be “Bigger Together”

With a theme of “Bigger Together” the Salina Area United Way Friday morning kicked off its 2013 campaign. Volunteers gathered at the Webster Conference Center to learn about the campaign, and the organization.

Several people spoke. Among them was “Ursula”, a woman who credits United Way supported agency the Ashby House with helping her turn her life around. She said that at age 16 she became addicted to prescription painkiller pills. Her addiction evolved to include other drugs. She eventually came to Salina for a drug treatment program, and found herself homeless. She says that she ended up at Ashby House, and it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. She took the opportunity as a second chance on life, and says that Ashby House volunteers became her second family helping her and supporting her in many ways. Today, Ursula is a senior at K-State Salina, with a 3.8 GPA majoring in social work.

Those at the kickoff event were reminded of the roots of the Salina Area United Way. There was a time when volunteers went door to door, seeking donations for each agency separately. That’s why the theme “Bigger Together” is important today.

Salina Area United Way Executive Director Amanda Michaelis is beginning her fist campaign in charge. She spoke about an early success story. Some businesses have already started their campaign. Michaelis said that Salina Target store employees locally are at 113 percent of their company goal.

Michaelis and other volunteers will spend the rest of the day Friday visiting multiple businesses and volunteers.

The Salina Area United Way helps fund multiple agencies that include:

United Cerebral Palsy
The Volunteer Connection
The Salvation Army
Salina Family YMCA
Salina Family Healthcare Center
Martin Luther King, Jr. Child Development Center
Kansas Legal Services
Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland
Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
Child Advocacy & Parenting Services
Central Kansas Foundation
Catholic Charities
Boy Scouts Coronado Area Council
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Salina
Ashby House, Ltd.
American Red Cross