DENICE ROBINSON

Helping those who are forgotten

“United Way serves so many who are often forgotten. I’m proud to support that work.”

Denice Robinson was first introduced to United Way while working in Harrisburg in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her boss at the time asked her to talk with local businesses about donating to support United Way’s work. As she talked with the local community, she became a United Way believer.

Denice moved back to Southwestern Pennsylvania in 1976, but it was in 2006 that her friend, Ruth, invited her to a Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) meeting. Having never heard of WLC before, Denice was impressed by the women who gathered and was excited to find a new way to support United Way.

“I was immediately taken with the Council,” she said. “All of these women have such a deep passion for helping others. I felt that becoming a WLC member would be an excellent use of my time and funds.”

When considering the most impactful work undertaken by WLC, Denice appreciates their commitment to serving older adults through the Open Your Heart to a Senior (formerly Faith in Action) initiative in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties. FIA volunteers provide free, non-medical services like home safety checks, appointment escorts, rides for errands and shopping, home visits, caregiver relief, telephone reassurance and more to help older adults maintain their quality of life and independence in their homes.

“I feel good about supporting United Way because I know my donation is being put to good use. I’ve experienced the rigorous grant funding process; the money only goes to help those who are really in need,” Denice shared.

To learn more about United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, contact Lynne Popash in Allegheny County, at lynne.popash@unitedwayswpa.org, or Alyssa Cholodofsky in Westmoreland County, at alyssa.cholodofsky@unitedwayswpa.org.