West Chester, Pa (January 7, 2023) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta recently secured $50,000 in state funding for the United Way of Chester County’s new Leadership and Innovation Center.
“The United Way of Chester County is the backbone of support, resources, and knowledge for so many nonprofit organizations and volunteers who are making a positive difference in the lives of residents and families,” Comitta said. “I’m thrilled that the United Way has a new, permanent home and one that will serve as a community asset for all people. And I want to thank the volunteers, staff, supporters, and donors who continue to make its all-important work possible.”
The funds helped outfit the new state-of-the-art facility with training tables, chairs, desks, smart boards, audio and visual technology, wiring, and other equipment and furniture.
“When we took on this ambitious project for the community, Senator Comitta immediately reached out to offer whatever support we needed. She has been a great friend to United Way of Chester County and securing these funds for this project allowed us to create the best facility possible for nonprofits throughout the county to use. We are so grateful for her tireless efforts on our behalf,” said Chris Saello, President and CEO of the United Way of Chester County.
Over the summer, the United Way of Chester County acquired and moved into a new 5,000-square-foot building in Exton. In addition to the Leadership Training Center and Social Innovation Lab, the facility houses the organization’s headquarters and offices, as well as a Financial Independence Hub.
The Financial Independence Hub helps residents navigate a path toward a more secure financial future and serves as a site for the United Way’s Mobile Home Tax Reassessment registration program and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program.
The Social Innovation Lab is designed to support the next generation of social entrepreneurs by jumpstarting innovative, collaborative, and creative approaches to community problems. It also includes incubation space for small and start-up nonprofits in a co-working environment.
The Leadership Training Center offers programs, workshops, and guidance for nonprofits working to scale up their operations to meet community needs, as well as a meeting space for community and other nonprofit events.
By moving into its own building, which is completely paid for thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, the United Way of Chester County is freeing up an additional $1 million every 10 years in funds that would otherwise be used for rental and occupancy costs – resources that can be invested in the community
For more about the United Way of Chester County, visit www.unitedwaychestercounty.org
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