NEW JOURNEY — Laura Rauch, seated, executive director of the United Way of Jefferson County, and Tami Cashioli, finance director, check out information on the agency’s website. Rauch became the new executive director as of Monday, replacing Kate Sedgmer, who had served in that capacity since February 2016 before accepting a new position as director of marketing and volunteer coordination at the YWCA Canton. -- Janice Kiaski

STEUBENVILLE — In her new role as executive director of the United Way of Jefferson County, Laura Rauch has her work cut out for her.

But she’s up for the challenge and looking forward to furthering the mission of the agency headquartered at 511 N. Fourth St.

“I was thrilled to be given this amazing opportunity,” commented Rauch, when asked for her initial thoughts upon learning she would be the new executive director, officially coming on board Monday.

She replaces Kate Sedgmer, who served in that capacity since February 2016 and recently accepted a position as director of marketing and volunteer coordination at the YWCA Canton.

“I am looking forward to beginning a new professional journey and forming lasting relationships with our member agencies, partners, volunteers and people of the community of Jefferson County,” she said, adding, “Jefferson County is a wonderful place to live; however 50 percent of our residents struggle somehow to get by every day. When you give to the United Way, you are helping to support many local agencies financially and other ways to strive for a better educated, healthier and more financially stable community.”

The former Laura Wilson grew up in Weirton, graduating from Brooke High School and then State University of New York Purchase College where she studied nonprofit management.

“My recent relevant job history includes serving as the development director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Pittsburgh and director of annual fund at Bethany College,” she explained.

Rauch resides in Wintersville with her husband, Chris, and their sons Brayden and Peyton. Son Cameron, meanwhile, lives in Weirton.

Though her connection to the United Way family is new, Rauch said that after researching the agency and its mission to serve the people of Jefferson County, “I knew that I could help make a positive impact in people’s lives through serving in this position, and this will be rewarding.”

Immediate and short-term objectives have been contemplated. “My goals include furthering the mission of the United Way, which is to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another through our local United Way member agencies. On Aug. 6, we will be meeting with local applying agencies for 2021 funding, after which our panel committee will be making recommendations to our board,” she said.

The United Way of Jefferson County supports 14 local agencies in the county, including A Caring Place Child Advocacy Center, A Child’s Pace CASA, Ltd., A.L.I.V.E. Inc., American Red Cross, Coleman Professional Services, Family Recovery Center, Jefferson County Community Action Council, Mingo Social Services Committee, Ohio Valley Health Center, Ohio Valley Youth Network, Smithfield Friends Church Food Pantry, St. Joseph Church WEBA (an acronym for Wolf Run, East Springfield, Bergholz and Amsterdam) Outreach Food Pantry, Toronto Services Committee and Vagabond Ministries.

New funding hopefuls are Family of Community Services of which RSVP, an acronym for Retired Senior Volunteer Program, is a program and Refuge for Women Ohio Valley.

Tradition has meant a Day of Action held in August signaled the official kickoff off the United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. Last year, as many as 200 volunteers were dispatched to work sites throughout the area to make a difference in the community through improvement projects big and small.

But tradition hasn’t included coping with the precautionary implications of a coronavirus pandemic, it far-reaching effects impacting fundraising abilities for many clubs, organizations and nonprofits.

Rauch comes to the helm of the United Way of Jefferson County during unprecedented times, given the COVID-19 scenario.

How will that impact United Way fundraiser events, including, for example, the popular Taste of Jefferson County held in October?

“We are in an uncertain time in public health,” Rauch agreed. “As a team, the United Way of Jefferson County will have to make decisions, some innovative, to protect our friends and supporters of the United Way. Events will have to be evaluated as the time nears to be in compliance with CDC guidelines, and that would include our Taste of the County event,” she said.

“The best way to approach this topic is to have a well thought out plan along with a contingency plan which may include virtual events and safely social distancing to stay in compliance with CDC guidelines. The safety of the members of our community and partners is our No. 1 priority,” Rauch added.

No campaign kick-off date has been established, but Rauch noted the board will be meeting Aug. 13 “to discuss how we will be working forward with a campaign in the fall. We are in the planning stages still.”

“Our board is looking forward to Laura taking the lead of the United Way and moving us forward during these difficult times,” noted Ted Gorman, president of the United Way’s board of director.

“We are excited that she will use her strong skill set and relevant experience to help our agency grow to become an even more effective support organization for our community,” Gorman added.

Other board members are Vice President Tom Timmons, Secretary Ginny Zoric, Treasurer Christy Holmes, Finance Director Tami Cashioli, Nora Boyles, Jamie Copenhaver, Michael Emmerling, Jay Foster, Ed Florak, MaLinda Lewis, Laurel McDowell, James Morgan, Brian Moss, Justin Nicholson and Bernie Ravasio.

In identifying other immediate goals, Raush touched on two United Way initiatves in progress.

“We continue to support early literacy by facilitating the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which is a program where each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed to children at their homes. Funding is made possible through the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library and Gulfport Energy. Applications can be found on our website, www.unitedway-jc.org,” she explained.

“Another worthwhile initiative we sponsor is United Sole/Lace Up for Kids, a program which allows families with children to apply for back-to-school shoes,” she said. “We are currently accepting applications, and the form can be accessed on our website, www.unitedway-jc.org. This program is made possible thanks to our sponsors, Cardinal Operating Plant, Wendy’s and individual donors. You can help children start school with a good pair of shoes by donating to this program,” she added, noting contributions can be mailed to the United Way of Jefferson County, P.O. Box 1463, Steubenville, OH 43952.

This year’s distribution will be held Aug. 13 at the United Way office.

Asked what she would most like to get across to readers, Rauch responded, “I care deeply about our area as I was born and raised in the Ohio Valley. My husband and I are proud to raise our family in such a tight-knit, caring community, which now in my role, will allow me to work with others hand-in-hand to ensure a bright future for the fine residents of Jefferson County.”

The United Way office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., explained Rauch, who added, “I am also available some weekends and evenings as needed, depending on special events and campaigns.” For information on how to help the mission of the United Way, Rauch can be contacted by e-mail at lrauch@unitedway-jc.org or by phone at (740) 284-9000.

(Kiaski can be contacted at jkiaski@heraldstaronline.com.)