Supporters of United Against Poverty wore their hearts on their sleeves at the annual Valentine Ball at the Oak Harbor Club. The goal of the nonprofit is to “empower families and individuals to lift themselves to sustainable economic self-sufficiency,” through a wealth of comprehensive services, such as its Member Share Grocery, Crisis Stabilization and Success Training Employment Programs.
In his welcome address, board chairman David Johnson thanked everyone involved in the fundraising effort, including the sponsors, the committee, and the staff of UP and Oak Harbor.
He also praised UP volunteers, who in 2024 provided more than 26,000 hours of support.
Among them, Johnson said, Linda Rusciano has volunteered for 15 years, including 12 on the advisory board. She and husband Michael have been longtime donors as well.
“With all her career experience in financial management, at the beginning of 2024, we asked her to become chairman of the finance committee for the United Against Poverty corporate board. So, another major accomplishment,” said Johnson, before presenting Rusciano with this year’s Hand UP Award.
“I love this organization; it’s part of my heart. Every day is amazing,” said Rusciano in thanks.
Matt Tanner, UP executive director, said that there are a lot of powerful impact metrics that they collect, measure and report on.
“But if you’re in the UP Center every day, the things that those of us on staff love the most and impress us the most, can’t be qualified. They can’t be measured,” said Tanner, before introducing Samantha, a STEP graduate, who shared her story.
A single mother, Samantha was homeless and living in a car with her three young children before learning of United Against Poverty. Crisis staff found her space at a shelter, where she and her children would live for six months.
Through STEP, she gained job skills, confidence and interviewing skills, developed a resume, and found a job at an assisted living facility where she has worked for five months. She moved into her own home with her children just before Christmas and is now studying to become a CNA.
“All of this wouldn’t happen if I didn’t have United Against Poverty,” said Samantha, expressing her thanks.
Tanner recalled that a little more than four years ago, he had a virtual interview for the executive director position with a “very impassioned woman,” Barbara Lowry.
“I knew, after coming out of that interview, this is the organization I want to be with. Here, four years later, that passion has not changed. She continues to advocate, she continues to fight, and that same passion, I know, has convinced at least 75 percent of this room to open up their checkbook to her at some point. She’s hard to say no to, folks. We love her; she is the greatest ambassador the organization has ever had,” said Tanner.
Lowry spoke about their new Workforce Program, which is designed to meet local employers’ needs by training people to work in the construction industry where they can earn good salaries and benefits.
“We started a pilot case; we’ve had a couple of classes. Our fabulous staff was able to get companies to donate tools and building equipment,” said Lowry.
“This is not a departure from our mission. This is a step up for our mission. And it’s not inexpensive,” she said.
The need now is to hire skilled training staff to teach people in such industry positions as electricians, plumbers and carpenters, so that they can earn certifications in the field.
“I’m very proud of our STEM program, but United Against Poverty has to step up too. And we need to train people for the jobs where they’re going to earn a living wage, be able to support their families, and get health insurance,” said Lowry.
For more information, visit UPIRC.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
