United Way of Venango County and Titusville Region

The United Way of Venango County and a panel of community volunteers meet once a year to discuss and develop an understanding of the issues going on specific to our area. They focus on making an impact where it's needed the most, funding the finest programs at well-run agencies and continually monitoring programs to make sure they stay on track and achieve results. This year the panel and the board of directors allocated $197,106 to community program in Venango County. The board of directors also allocated funds to the United Way operational programs. Uni

The United Way of Venango County launched their career counselor program in 2019. This program helps facilitate the transition of students from school to the community by implementing the person-centered planning process in support of students' job and adult placement. Under the supervision of the building principals and in cooperation with the school counselors, the career counselor coordinates career readiness and awareness activities within a team comprised of the student, parent/guardian, educators, and service providers to ensure that career exploration activities and services are addressed and implemented for each student in grades 7-12.in 2022, United Way was approached by two school districts expressing the need for additional school social workers. They had seen an increase in the need for services since the covid-19 pandemic began and felt this could make a major difference in the lives of their students. Through their collaboration, United Way was able to provide education services specialists to multiple school districts. These positions are building relationships with school administrators, students, and families. Since the implementation of the program, the education services specialists have initiated group and individual counseling sessions, delivered social and emotional lessons, provided crisis intervention, and conducted overall guidance meetings. The specialists are required to be licensed social workers which also permits them to follow up with parents and handle situations that surpass the scope of in-school services.