United Way kicks off 2000 campaign

Posted 10/23/00

The United Way of the Upper Valley has increased its fundraising goal this year to accommodate increasing demands for community services and to fund a new agency. The largest campaign in the agency's history kicked off with a tea on Oct. 12. William Hochstin, Campaign Chair for the College said that the campaign's goal is to raise more than $1 million, with $190,000 coming from Dartmouth. Last year, the United Way raised a record $176,000 at Dartmouth.

The United Way's newest member agency, COVER, which stands for the Corps of Volunteers Effecting Repairs, is staffed by two Dartmouth graduates and offers free repairs to the houses of qualifying low-income residents of Grafton County.

"I'm hoping that people are noticing the stories describing the incredible increase in need for services in the Upper Valley," Hochstin said. A study released by the United Way in September highlighted the need for affordable housing in the Upper Valley . The study also cited the lack of shelters, public transportation and child care for nighttime workers as pressing needs for the community to address.

Organizers estimate that more than 150 campus volunteers plan to participate in achieving the United Way's fundraising goal. Dartmouth students and faculty are also pitching in to help with the campaign. The student campaign set its goal at $1,500.

The United Way funds 29 organizations that provide more than 60 programs and services to the Upper Valley. Rich Stamp, UW's Executive Director said United Way money funds local agencies that provide food and shelter, aid in dealing with domestic violence, health and wellness provisions, youth, substance abuse, and literacy programs, senior services and legal aid. People who donate to the United Way may stipulate which charity should receive the money.

Hochstin said the campaign welcomes new volunteers. People interested in helping should contact Hochstin or the student campaign coordinators, Bridget Canavan '02 and Lauren Reichenbach '02.

The Lebanon agency COVER was named the newest organization to receive funding from the United Way of the Upper Valley in January. It is the only new United Way agency this year, bringing the number of organizations funded through UW to 29.

"The agency brings together volunteers, carpenter s and support from the community to improve houses in the Upper Valley," said Nancy Bloomfield '99, one of two Dartmouth alumnae who work at COVER,

Founded in 1998, COVER is a volunteer-based home repair program that operates throughout Grafton County. The organization's staff screens people in need of home repair, mobilizes volunteers, collects donated materials and oversees the repair of houses for eligible residents.

COVER, which stands for the Corps of Volunteers Effecting Repairs, is staffed by Bloomfield and Danra Kazenski '99. Kazenski works under the aegis of the AmeriCorps VISTA program. As undergraduates, Bloomfield and Kazenski worked with the Tucker Foundation, volunteering for Operation Insulation, a group that weatherizes houses for people with low incomes. While at Dartmouth, Bloomfield and Kazenski enlisted the aid of Simon Dennis, a carpenter and newcomer to the area. Upon seeing the Upper Valley's need for a home repair agency with permanent staff, Dennis started COVER; now all three work there permanently.

Funding for COVER is derived solely from the private sector. The organization applies for grants on an annual basis, as a United Way member agency receives funding, and relies on individual donations to supplement these awards. Bloomfield cited the United Way as "an important source of continual funding."