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ELKINS -- JoLynn Powers was recently named the new Regional Engagement Director for the Tygart Valley United Way.
Powers was named to the position in January and replaces Angela Daniels, who stepped down after accepting a job at the Randolph-Tucker Children's Advocacy Center.
Powers said everything has been smooth sailing in the short time she has been on board with the United Way.
"It's been wonderful. Everybody has been great at getting me settled in," she said. "I have had a chance to meet with all the non-profits in the area and they have been wonderful as well. Everyone has just really been fantastic."
Powers previously served as executive director at Adaland Mansion in Philippi.
She is a former AmeriCorps worker with the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area and is currently a graduate student at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
The Tygart Valley United Way helps support 46 programs at 32 health and human service agencies in Randolph, Tucker, Barbour, Marion and Taylor counties.
"I would like to broaden the work we are doing with the school systems in all five counties," said Powers. "We want to increase the donations and the hygiene drives we do at local schools. We are also talking about some other services we may be able to provide for the schools."
Powers said she would like to have more engagement with the organizations the United Way supports and shares funding with, and would like to also put more effort into what the organization does in Tucker County.
"The United Way has kind of struggled with reaching out to Tucker County," said Powers. "So one of my goals is to be more engaged in that community, specifically with the Senior Citizen Center in that county."
Last year the Tygart Valley United Way raised $625,000 during its 2022-2023 fundraising campaign.
"Raising money is always part of our job and we want to make sure people understand where their money goes and who it supports," said Powers. "We raised over $600,000 last year and that money was divided between local non-profits that people count on everyday."
Powers said she couldn't be happier to be a part of the Tygart Valley United Way team.
"This job puts me back into service work, and that's where my heart is," she said. "Though I loved being at Adaland and helping them get through COVID, my heart is truly in community service and helping the poor and elderly. I want to help make sure our vulnerable population gets the support they need. Being a part of the United Way fulfills a lot of my dreams and goals."
For more information about the Tygart Valley United Way, call 304-636-0516 or visit www.tvunitedway.org