News : UWECI Adds Additional Volunteer Center in Benton County

In efforts to continue promoting volunteerism in Eastern Iowa, United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI) is opening a United Way Volunteer Center in Benton County through a partnership with Benton County's established Volunteer Program.

Benton County's Volunteer Program brings years of pivotal work and strong community relationships to this partnership with United Way. With its expertise and status in the community, UWECI can further support its capacity to meet top community needs with volunteers and connect community members to volunteer opportunities that suit their interests.

Roxanne Fuller, Community Resource and Volunteer Engagement Specialist said merging the Volunteer Program's resources with United Way's resources creates more support for local non-profits and connections through continued relationships in Benton County.

"I believe with our combined resources, we can make a larger impact and provide more services to the entire county," Fuller said. "We need each other to meet our individual goals as organizations, and with this merger, we can support the growing volunteer needs in Benton County."

Under the United Way umbrella, the Benton County Volunteer Center will continue great work in the Benton community through programs such as the Volunteer Center's transportation program that supports individuals with rides to and from non-emergent medical appointments.

"The transportation program in Benton County fits perfectly with our current Unite to Inspire strategy that includes improving access to healthcare," added Karey Chase, UWECI's Vice President of Community Impact. "With this new partnership, we are reaching our goals, specifically in rural counties."

The Benton County Volunteer Center offices in Belle Plaine and Vinton will remain open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Monday through Thursday, to serve Benton County.

UWECI has four volunteer centers in Linn, Jones, Cedar, and Benton Counties that connect individuals, agencies, and organizations with resources to strengthen volunteer programs in Eastern Iowa. To learn more about the newest addition in Benton County, please contact Mel Doudna, Director of Marketing and Communications.

About United Way of East Central Iowa United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI) believes in a strong, thriving community where everyone belongs. Together with its partners, volunteers, advocates, and donors, UWECI creates solutions to fill various gaps of need. By focusing on initiatives to build economic