United Way Assignment

The United Way of the River Cities is a non-profit organization serving the greater Huntington area.

Their mission is simple: to better the human condition in the Huntington community. The United Way of the River Cities supports a variety of programs and strategies that address issues such as Health and Wellness, learning and earning, families and children and basic needs/ unforeseen hardships.

The United Way accomplishes these programs through fundraising, grant writing and convening partnerships. Net assets of the United Way in 2007 were $1,902,191. They showed their appreciation for contributors in March when they hosted a “celebration of excellence” as well as various other family friendly events.

The Financial Stability Partnership of the River Cities is an initiative started to help families maximize their income as well as gain and benefit from savings and assets, such as homeownership, continued education, small business development and retirement planning. The Success by Six is another program that seeks to ensure that children in the River Cities will be ready physically, mentally, developmentally, emotionally and socially to begin kindergarten.

The executive director of the United Way of the River Cities is Laura Gilliam. Gilliam graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1985 with a degree in business administration.

Gilliam moved to West Virginia in 1990 and has been active in the community ever since as well as serving on a variety of local and state level committees. Gilliam has been with the organization since 2005. Gilliam’s husband Frank is on the faculty at Marshall University and they have two children.

Cassey Bowden is the director of resource development and marketing for the organization. Bowden was born and raised in Beckley, W. Va and then moved to Huntington to attend Marshall University where she received her degree in marketing and economics.

Bowden began working for the organization in 2004. Fundraising is the main focus of Bowden’s job. Bowden had several opportunities to leave the area for other jobs; however, Bowden and her firefighter husband Wes liked the area so much they decided to stay. Bowden had her first child in May of 2007.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington is an organization funded by the United Way of the River Cities. The club’s main objective is to provide a place for children 6-18 a safe place to learn and grow. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Huntington offer educational and recreational activities for members. Free meals and transportation is also available for those eligible.