Submitted photo / United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley Aim Transportation Solutions was the recipient of the Campaign Leadership Award at the annual meeting and awards dinner for United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. Displaying the award are, back row, left to right, Frank DeMain III, Trisha Mossor, Dave Gurska and Tom Redam, and front row, left to right, Mallorie Barricella, Donna Smith, Joelle Hallis and Kelsey Francis.

YOUNGSTOWN — The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley celebrated a year of giving and community impact Wednesday during its annual meeting and awards dinner at The Lake Club in Poland.

The event brought together donors, volunteers and community partners to reflect on the organization’s 2025 campaign while outlining priorities for the year ahead.

United Way leaders said the campaign marked a major milestone.

“It is a true testament to the caring spirit of the Mahoning Valley that we were able to raise nearly $4 million this past year,” said the organization’s president, Bob Hannon, monies which will support programs benefiting some of the Mahoning Valley’s most vulnerable residents.

The 2025 campaign was led by chairs Josh and Jami Toot, whose efforts helped drive widespread community participation.

Founded in 1919, the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley has long served as a connector — bringing together individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations to collaboratively address critical community needs. That mission was evident throughout the evening, as attendees heard updates on programs and partnerships that continue to expand the organization’s reach.

Among the initiatives highlighted was the Centofanti Volunteer Resource Center, which links volunteers with local nonprofits. Education programs also continue to grow. Success After 6 now serves students in seven school districts, while Care Closets — in 28 schools — provide food, clothing and school supplies to students in need.

Other efforts include the Next Gen Leadership program for students in grades 5-8, report card mentoring, and early childhood initiatives such as Success By 6 and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which delivers free books to young children.

Health partnerships were also emphasized, including work with Vision to Learn to provide free vision care and glasses for students, and Vail’s Voice, which provides wraparound services to families facing serious pediatric illnesses, working closely with schools and Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley to identify those most in need.

In the fall of 2025, United Way responded to a disruption in SNAP benefits by coordinating the distribution of 2,500 meal kits in partnership with the Jane F. Lamb Charitable Foundation. The organization also mobilized quickly following an explosion at the Austintown Studio Apartments that displaced 132 residents, helping secure temporary housing and essential support in collaboration with other nonprofit partners.

Programs born out of crisis have also evolved into ongoing support systems. Saturday of Caring, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, now delivers food and connection to 465 households each month.

Women United continues to support early childhood education initiatives, providing basic needs kits to families and strengthening support systems for children. Labor partnerships, including those with AFL-CIO affiliates, contribute volunteer efforts to initiatives such as Saturday of Caring and community events throughout the year.

Additionally, United Way leads the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program locally, offering free tax preparation services to qualified individuals and families.

Looking ahead, the organization announced that the Moran family of Window World of Youngstown will lead the 2026 campaign, with a goal of exceeding this year’s total. Pat Moran noted that leading the effort allows his family to give back to the community.

The evening also included recognition of top contributors. Honorees were selected based on factors including funds raised, volunteer hours and overall service.

Award recipients included The Muransky Companies, Southwoods Surgical Hospital and The Lake Club for top workplace campaigns; Aim Transportation Solutions for campaign leadership; Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 396 for labor leadership; and the Youngstown Foundation as top foundation.

The Dale and Alyce Sheely Foundation received the Impact Leadership Award. Dedicated Service Awards went to Austintown Schools and Mike and Andrea Groubert, while the Boardman Center Intermediate School Kindness Club earned the Rising Star Award.

Volunteer Excellence Awards were presented to Bob Kempe of WesBanco and Anna Morgione, and Jennifer Lyden of Lyden Oil received the Parker McHenry Award of Excellence.

The event closed with a message echoed throughout the evening — the Mahoning Valley’s strength lies in its commitment to helping others and working together to meet community needs.