LEWISTON – United Way of Androscoggin County recently held its annual meeting, featuring a presentation from Barbara Wentworth, interim chief professional officer, United Way of York County.

Wentworth provided information on that agency’s transition to the new community impact business model.

United Way of America defines community impact as “mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions that improve lives.” Wentworth described the process implemented by their board, staff and volunteers over the past three years to implement an organizational strategic plan.

The plan outlined the proposed outcomes of the transition, the steps taken to ensure that community needs would continue to be met and a restructuring of the staff and volunteer responsibilities and activities to reach the identified outcomes.

Each year, United Way of Androscoggin County presents two awards to community members who serve as exceptional volunteers by helping people and their community.

The Geneva Kirk Award was presented to Marilyn Simonds of Auburn, who was nominated because her “volunteer work speaks to her commitment to empower families, nurture children and respond to the immediate needs of those living in poverty or crisis circumstances.”

Family members attended while she was presented the award, named after Geneva Kirk of Auburn, who dedicated her life to serving and teaching others, volunteering in a multiple of ways throughout Androscoggin County.

The Jim Phillips Award was presented to Richard Kendall of Auburn for his continued leadership, vision and commitment to the community through United Way. Kendall was also recognized for his role in creating the United Way Leaders’ Circle Giving Program in the mid-1980s, and is therefore the primary reason that United Way benefits from a significant donor pool that is 30 percent of the total campaign dollars raised.

Phillips served United Way in numerous capacities over the years: marketing committee, campaigner, board member and board chairman prior to his death in 2002. The award recipient exhibits leadership qualities and a commitment to helping the people who live and work in Androscoggin County.

United Way of Androscoggin County partners with more than 30 health and human service organizations. For more information or to become involved in helping the residents of Androscoggin County, call 795-4000 or visit the Web at http://www.unitedwayandro.org.