This story was written by Jared Stonesifer and originally appeared in the Beaver County Times. Used with permission.
The United Way organizations in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties merged last week to form a new entity called the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and the new name isn’t sitting well with some people.
Michael J. Rubino, executive director of the United Way of Beaver County, said Friday he’s worried people might not understand that the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania does not include his organization, nor does it include surrounding counties such as Washington, Butler and Lawrence.
That means people could donate money to the Southwestern Pennsylvania entity without realizing that money isn’t coming back to Beaver County.
“I’m not here to create a fight between us and the others,” Rubino said. “I think we just need to bring it out that this happened and it’s good for those counties that they merged, but we need to make sure we’re not overshadowed and people aren’t confused.”
The United Way of Westmoreland County had previously merged with its sister organization in Fayette County and parts of Armstrong County, meaning the new United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania will cover parts of four counties in the area.
The United Way of Allegheny County brought in more than $34 million last year, compared with $816,000 raised in Beaver County.
Rubino said Friday that amount is the most raised by his organization in the last seven years, and he’s worried it could take a hit.
“We’re worried about losing revenues that help poor people here in Beaver County,” he said.
Kierston Hobaugh, executive director of the United Way of Butler County, echoed that sentiment and said she’s expecting “fallout” from the name change.
“It’s pretty unfortunate that a larger United Way couldn’t take into consideration how (the name change) might affect other counties,” she said.
Hobaugh said she understands the need for a name change, but she is concerned, like Rubino, that people living in other counties but working in Allegheny County will donate money through their workplace without realizing where the money is going.
“It could induce great confusion for people who work in Allegheny County and give through their workplace campaigns and believe that Beaver, Butler and Washington counties are part of the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania,” she said.
Bobbi Watt Geer, regional vice president for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, said the merger happened because it was the “right opportunity” for the organizations involved.
She wouldn’t comment on whether she’s been in touch with Rubino or other local colleagues regarding their perception of the name change.
The merger became effective July 1.
