Highmark funds boost United Ways throughout West Virginia

The Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health last week awarded $102,000 the United Ways in West Virginia. From left: Staci Stephen, executive director of the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley; Jim Fawcett, president of Highmark West Virginia; Stacy DeCicco, executive director of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley; and Margaret O’Neal, executive director of the United Way of Central West Virginia. The three agencies each received $25,000. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — United Way groups in West Virginia last week received a combined $102,000 from the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health.

The allocations are the fourth consecutive year the Charitable Fund for Health has provided funding to the agencies, totaling $404,000.

“We are delighted to contribute to the important work of United Way organizations across the Mountain State, helping them to create positive change in the lives of families and residents,” Jim Fawcett, president of Highmark West Virginia, said. “Through this fund, we’re committed to strengthening communities in all 55 counties, and our partnership with the United Way is a key element in achieving that goal.”

The grants, ranging from $3,000 to $25,000, will support programs to address crucial needs within communities. United Way agencies located in areas with a high concentration of Highmark West Virginia members receive $25,000 each, while the remaining agencies each receive $3,000.

The United Way of Central West Virginia, United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, United Way of Upper Ohio Valley, received $25,000 each.

The United Way of Southern West Virginia, the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties, the United Way of the River Cities, the United Way of Greenbrier Valley, the Tygart Valley United Way, the United Way of Eastern Panhandle, the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, the County United Way and the United Way of Gilmer, Lewis and Upshur each received $3,000.

“This generous support from the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health allows us to continue providing vital resources and programs to individuals and families in need,” Stacy DeCicco, executive director of the United Way Alliance of the Mid-Ohio Valley, said. “We are grateful for this ongoing partnership and the impact it has on our communities.”

Since its launch in 2021, the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health has distributed more than $6 million in grant funding to West Virginia-based nonprofits.

The Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health is a restricted fund of the Highmark Foundation. The Charitable Fund for Health’s mission is to improve the health, well-being and quality of life for individuals who reside in West Virginia.