2001-2005
In 2001 NEA Women’s Recovery Center and Nettleton CHOICE withdrew as member agencies. This brought the number of member agencies to 16. A one-time grant in the amount of $1,500 was given to the Jonesboro Workcamp 2001. Agency allocations were moved to post campaign. Jon Wilbanks was the campaign chair and chose “One to One: Together We Can Change Lives” as his campaign theme.
September 11, 2001 marked the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. Day of Caring and campaign Kick-Off were scheduled for September 14. A decision was made to proceed with campaign Kick-Off. CityTeam Ministries changed its name to CityYouth Ministries and closed the rescue mission. A total of $707,246 was raised during the “One to One” campaign.
In the spring of 2002, Carol Ann Belk accepted a position with a local bank, and Kevin Lawrence was hired as Executive Director. Becky Carter, with Craighead Electric, was campaign chair and the theme was “Choose to Care.”
The year 2002 was a time of change and growth in an atmosphere of economic uncertainties. Most of our United Way Agencies saw a decrease in funds they received from the Federal and State Governments, while at the same time had an increase in the number of people requesting their assistance. This increase in the number of people requesting assistance was not limited to Craighead County, but included all of Northeast Arkansas. This placed an even greater emphasis on the amount of funding they would receive from the United Way.
In addition to the “Day of Caring,” we asked United Way Agencies for other volunteer projects throughout the year in which they would need assistance. This program was well-received and will be even more successful next year. The Second Annual Silent Auction was a big success raising over $5,000. A phone-a-thon was also held in conjunction with the Silent Auction for the first time. We are currently in the process of conducting a Needs Assessment for Northeast Arkansas to insure we are serving the community’s greatest needs and that we are having a measurable impact on our community. Despite the overall economic instabilities, the 2002 United Way Campaign raised over $740,000 in pledges.
In 2003, Sara Howell created a piece of art entitled “The One Who Shines Brighter” especially for the 2002-2003 Pillars (those who donate $500 or more) and this “Pillar Print” was handed out at a Pillars Party in March 2003. The original artwork was auctioned during our Awards Luncheon for $825. In May 2003, United Way honored our volunteers with a luncheon. A picture was taken of all our volunteers and donated by Bishop’s Photography. In June 2003, the first annual Gary Schuchardt Memorial 5K Run/Walk was held. It was decided that this would be a yearly event to be held in June. The 2003-2004 Campaign Kick-Off was held in September with a goal of $750,000. United Way had 14 Member Agencies for this campaign: Abilities Unlimited, American Red Cross, Area Agency on Aging, Arthritis Foundation, Boy Scouts, City Youth Ministries, Craighead County 4H Youth Development, Food Bank of NEA, Girl Scouts, NEA Council on Family Violence, P.A.C.E.S., Salvation Army, The Learning Center, and YMCA. In April 2004, the Goal was met for the 2003-2004 Campaign.
In 2004, United Way officers were: President-Susan Alston, Campaign Chair-Joanne Iwan, Treasurer-Russell Patton, Secretary-Kim Bowen, Allocations Chair and Campaign Chair-Elect- Terry Williams, Past President-Becky Carter. One-Time Grants were given to the following organizations: Beacons & Bridges, Inc., Boys and Girls Club of Cross County, Jonesboro Workcamp, Literacy League, and Young Life of Northeast Arkansas. The Gary Schuchardt 5K Race was held at Craighead Forest Park and had 116 participants in its second year. Sara Howell graciously created another piece of artwork for our Pillars entitled “Archway of Opportunity.” The original artwork was auctioned during our Awards Luncheon for $1125. The 2004 Campaign Kick-Off was held September 17, 2004 with a goal of $760,000.
In 2005, United Way unveiled a new 50th Year logo to start the year. The officers were: President-Susan Alston, Campaign Chair-Terry Williams, Treasurer-Randy Bearce, Secretary-Laura Pickens, Allocations and Admissions Chair-Russ Hannah, Campaign Chair-Elect-Michael Givens, and Past President-Becky Carter. The Arthritis Foundation closed its Jonesboro office and did not apply for funding. The Literacy League was added as a United Way Agency for 2005. One-Time Grants paid in 2005 were: Boys and Girls Club of Cross County, Dyeann’s House, Jonesboro City Stars, Jonesboro Workcamp, Rotary Centennial Park and Legal Aid of Arkansas.
The 3rd Annual Gary Schuchardt 5K Race was held in June 2005 with 155 people running and walking the trail at Craighead Forest
