1991-2000
The Jonesboro Church Health Center was provided funds to start the center in 1991.
In 1992 start-up funds were given to Habitat for Humanity. ASU students participated in a photography project to create “The Many Faces of United Way” for a traveling exhibit.
Day of Caring began in 1994. This community-wide event involves hundreds of people each year in “hands on” projects throughout the community. This also serves as the annual Kick-Off for United Way Campaign. The goal of $681,000 was reached.
1995 marked the 40th anniversary of the local United Way. The Roy Jolly Foundation was established. Over $12 million has been raised by the United Way for the community. A $15,000 one-time grant was given to Legal Services. The goal of $696,000 was reached. Day of Caring and Campaign kicked off with a rodeo at the Convocation Center.
United Way benefited from a tour of three historical homes in 1996. The goal of $721,000 was reached. United Way began the process of conducting a countywide needs assessment.
In 1997 the goal of $733,000 was reached before the Awards Luncheon in December 1996. A record amount of $784,000 was raised.
In 1997 a new agency, Nettleton CHOICE joined the United Way. One-time grants were given to CASA and to Salvation Army and Red Cross for disaster assistance. United Way collaborated with KAIT and Our Kids Count Coalition to begin a 41-week character education program called “What’s The Word?” New Pillar levels were added: Bronze $500 - $999; Silver $1,000 – $2,400; Platinum $2,500 – $4,999; Visionary $5,000 & over.
March 24, 1998, tragedy struck Westside Middle School and our community. Two students pulled the fire alarm in the school and then opened fire on students and teachers when they entered the school yard. Four students and one teacher were killed. Nine students and one teacher were injured. United Way was asked to manage the money that started to pour in from all over the United States. The Westside Crisis Fund Committee was formed with Vicki Rampley, as chair. Other members of the Westside Crisis fund were: Jim Amstutz, Dr. Peter Bradley, Sherry Carter, Jon Coleman, Karen Costello, Erin Day, Andy DeYoung, John Freeman, Ron Hannah, Gary Harpole, Marilyn Hummelstein, Toni Imboden, Louis Intres, June Morse, Captain Ronald Mott, Kevin Pierce, Rodney Reeves, Amy Roscoe, John Sawyer, Bob Schuchardt, Beth Smith, Vickie Tidwell and Sandy Wortham.
In 1998 the county wide needs assessment was completed. “What’s The Word?” character education program was continued. Betty Beene, United Way of America President visited Jonesboro. One-time grants were given to Craighead County Single Parent Scholarship Fund, Jonesboro Workcamp ’98, Better Life Counseling Center, Safe Jonesboro Coalition, Craighead County 4-H and CASA. June Morse retired and Vicki Rampley gave a community wide retirement party in honor of June at the St. Bernard’s Auditorium.
In 1999 Bonnie May was hired as Executive Director. United Way moved to a new building provided by the City of Jonesboro. The new building is located at 407 Union. Rhonda Cline was campaign chair and raised $738,470.
In 2000 Bonnie May accepted the position of Executive Director of CityTeam Ministries. Carol Ann Belk was hired as Executive Director for United Way. Dr. Les Wyatt’s campaign theme was “High Hopes” and raised $677,176 in pledges.
