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Johnson City – Six area agencies had the opportunity to compete for three $10,000 grants from United Way of East Tennessee Highlands on Tuesday evening.
 
These agencies were chosen by a panel of Student Government Association students at ETSU from several submissions and a chance to give a ten-minute pitch to get their project funded.
 
“We knew that if we were going to focus on innovative ideas, we needed young leaders who are learning about cutting edge solutions to current problems.  This group did an amazing job choosing the final six competitors.” Says Leslie Salling President/CEO of United Way of East Tennessee Highlands.
 
The event was very interactive and let the audience members be the fourth judge to help decide which agencies should receive the funds. 
 
“We had three great judges from the community that really had a great vision on what we do as a United Way to support health, education, and financial stability, but we wanted to give United Way supporters a chance to be a part of bringing solutions to community needs.”
 
Those agencies and programs that were selected to win the $10,000 include:
 
-MY Ride Johnson County: A program from the Johnson County Senior Center that works with volunteers that provide a free ride to those seniors that need to get to doctor’s appointment, the grocery store, and even the hairdresser.
 
-The NETN/SWVA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Alliance: A local group formed to provide businesses and community agencies with education on DEI to help grow our economy in the region. 
 
-Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians: Girl Scouts have a RIPL effect: a program that matches girl scouts doing community projects with community and business leaders that will act as a mentor to the scout.
 
Salling says “We are delighted to welcome our new partner programs.  All six presentations were fantastic, and we are so proud of the innovative ideas that help make our community better.  It was such a great introduction into our new innovation fund, and we are excited to see what the future holds for it.”
 
For more information on the competition or United Way contact Leslie Salling at 423-220-1229