A Message from United Way President Michael Durkin
Yesterday, we had to undertake the difficult task of laying off nine of our colleagues here at United Way. Each of these were people committed to United Way and to our community. I am thankful that we were able to provide them with out placement support and other benefits intended to help ease the burden this reality brings
As difficult as these moves were, these actions were taken to strengthen our work and help get more funds into the community at a time when they are most needed. Never before have I seen the kind of intensity of struggle that families are having this season. And the reality is that the antidote for our times does not appear to be coming quickly.
So, what do we do? I offer a suggestion:
Lift our own spirits by lifting others. Helping others really does help us. Whether it is volunteering, giving financial contributions or giving a kind nod to someone else, reaching out does make us feel better. It also makes us be better.
The United Way movement was started in 1887, during dire times in local communities. It started from a simple notion, that we are better together.
United Way can still today be that way of behaving better. We can be and we need to be.
Michael K. Durkin
President and CEO
United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley
(Attached below is a copy of the news release detailing yesterday's announcement.)
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Dec_08 News release.pdf | 60.12 KB |
Tough Times for Those Trying to Help
I would like to commend the United Way leadership for making the tough decision to pare down the staffing complement. This is a time especially when the good work of member agencies is even more important, and funds need to be dedicated to supporting that work. This is why I have taken my own small step in offering 20 hours per week of completely free management consulting, for up to one month, in order to do my part to help executive directors and their boards to move forward as strategically as possible. Individuals or organizations can learn more to see if this offer can help them by visiting: http://www.massnonprofit.org/features.php?artid=1293&catid=14
Again, this is NOT a solicitation for business. It is a sincere offer to help.
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