United Way Campaign Kickoff Luncheon

It had been three years since the last United Way of Effingham County campaign kickoff luncheon, so Tuesday's event was like a reunion.

There was a bittersweet moment, too, as those gathered honored Linda Hemmen for her 18 years as United Way Chief Professional Officer. Hemmen is stepping down as of September 1 to head back to school, but will assist the United Way Board in the search for her successor.

(UNITED WAY BOARD PRESIDENT DEBBIE WOMACK PRESENTS AN AWARD TO CHIEF PROFESSIONAL OFFICER LINDA HEMMEN FOR HER 18 YEARS' SERVICE)

Some things aren't changing, as Kelsey Goeckner of Dieterich Bank is remaining the campaign chair for 2022. Goeckner said another thing that won't change this year is the campaign goal. News Director Greg Sapp spoke with Goeckner about the goal..

18 agencies will receive funding from this year's United Way campaign.

Dr. Ryan Jennings was on hand to invite everyone to his home Friday night for the Ryan and Sara Jennings Labor Day celebration. It's the first time for that celebration in three years, as well.

STAR...Strategic Training and Restoration...is one of the agencies receiving United Way funding. Kris Winters of STAR said she's been with the organization since its beginning in 2006 and spoke about the work the organization has done to help those dealing with substance abuse and mental health disorders. Those gathered heard from Susan Miller, a drug addict for many years who has now been clean for more than six years. Miller said her success in beating addiction is due to the support she has received from STAR. As she put it, "I would be doing the same crap I had done before." She added, "Never give up hope...it's never too late to change."

Greg spoke for a moment with Linda Hemmen about what was her final campaign kickoff luncheon as the leader of United Way...

Dieterich Bank is the lead pacesetter company. Nikki Bloemer from the bank shared some of the secrets to the success the bank has experienced in past campaigns.

(NIKKI BLOEMER OF DIETERICH BANK SHARED SOME IDEAS THAT HAVE HELPED THE BANK'S PACESETTER CAMPAIGN FIND SUCCESS)

This year's organizations receiving funding from the campaign include Altamont After School Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mid-Illinois, Boy Scouts of America-Greater St. Louis-Effingham Troops, Catholic Charities, Child Advocacy Center of East Central Illinois, Effingham Child Development Center, Effingham County FISH Human Services, Effingham County Search and Rescue, Enduring Freedom Ministries, Family Mental Health Support, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois-Effingham Troops, Heartland Human Services; Meals of Wheels of CEFS, One Hope United, SAFE (Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies), Senior Services of Effingham County, STAR, SWAN (Stopping Woman Abuse Now), and Unit 40 Mentoring Program.