(Minden, LA) – Company and nonprofit representatives in Webster, Bienville and Claiborne Parishes saw their contributions at work today at an event at the United Way Webster, Bienville, and Claiborne Center. Five nonprofit organizations were awarded funding for programs in the areas of education, financial stability, health and essential needs by United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA).

The following were awarded funds for programs for 2016:
Career Compass of Louisiana             $2,500
Northwest Louisiana Food Bank         $20,000
Project Reclaim of Minden                   $15,000
United Christian Home                         $5,000
Webster Council on Aging                    $7,500

These five organizations were funded through the grant allocation process of United Way of Northwest Louisiana. Grant applications were scored by local volunteers from Webster, Bienville, and Claiborne who serve on the United Way Advisory Board. These dedicated individuals have worked with United Way for the past few years since establishing a center in Minden in 2013. Committee members are:

Ty Pendergrass – Argent Financial
Tammy Jump – Bienville Parish DA’s Office
Greg Lee – Gibsland Bank and Trust
Ron Anderson – Project Reclaim
Jennifer Spurlock – Minden Medical Center
Trey Waller – Living Word Minden
Mary Ellen Gamble – Claiborne Parish DART
Chuck Meredith – Regions
Garrison Peters – Community First
Mayor Tommy Davis – City of Minden

In 2015, United Way companies within Webster, Bienville and Claiborne Parishes raised more than $40,000.  The funds raised each year help children, families, elderly, the homeless, the sick, the abused and the neglected.

“Dollars raised in our parishes stay in our parishes to help our neighbors, our friends and our coworkers,” said Kagnee Veitch, Operations Coordinator for the United Way Webster, Bienville and Claiborne Center.

Three top companies received awards for their 2015 campaigns for their total dollars raised:

  1. Haynes International
  2. Gibsland Bank and Trust
  3. McInnis Brothers Construction

“United Way works to address the whole problem. We don’t just work to fix one issue, but all of the challenges a person faces in order to make a difference,” said Veitch.

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