(Mobile, AL) As of May 1, 2013, HandsOn South Alabama (HOSA) will be operated and managed by the United Way of Southwest Alabama (UWSWA). This will merge two of the premiere volunteer oriented nonprofits in the area. HOSA has physically relocated to the UWSWA office. Sara Cummings is the Director of HandsOn South Alabama, including Volunteer Coordinating and Marketing for United Way of Southwest Alabama. Brad Martin will be the HandsOn South Alabama Program Director for Volunteer Guardian and VITA(Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
The United Way's motto of Live United encourages people to give, volunteer and advocate. By coming together, our joint efforts will enhance the volunteer aspect and outreach of both organizations," stated Allen Ladd, Chairman of the UWSWA's Board of Trustees. "We ask our nonprofit partners to look for ways to collaborate and work together. This is a perfect partnership that will benefit the entire community."
"By merging with the United Way of Southwest Alabama, HandsOn South Alabama will be able to continue with its original purpose of building capacity for effective local volunteering, while also efficiently controlling overhead expenses," stated Jennifer Farrell, President of HOSA's Board of Directors. "The United Way will help broaden our scope and reach thousands of people we may not have been able to reach."
HOSA mobilizes volunteers in our community to make a sustainable and measurable impact and whose core mission is to equip, mobilize and inspire people to take action that changes our communities. UWSWA's vision is to strengthen communities by focusing on uniting and mobilizing resources in support of the building blocks for a better life in the areas of education, financial stability, health, and essentials.
HandsOn South Alabama will remain a separate organization, operated as a program of the UWSWA. HOSA will continue taking the lead on the Martin Luther King Day of Service and the 9/11 Day of Service, as well as the many local service projects and will work to enhance the UWSWA's Day of Caring. UWSWA will promote HOSA projects, provide administrative support and recruit new volunteers through its network of community and corporate partners.
"The two organizations will work to grow the number of individuals volunteering and will continue to find ways to improve the quality of life of all residents here in Southwest Alabama", stated Alan H Turner II, president and CEO of the United Way of Southwest Alabama. "This merger enhances the mission of both organizations, while keeping more of our donors' dollars focused on programs that are making a positive impact in our community."
About HandsOn South Alabama
HandsOn South Alabama (HOSA) was established in 1975 by the Junior League of Mobile and the Community Chest and Council. HOSA has served as the Volunteer Action Center for Southwest Alabama for 35 years. During that time, we have provided volunteers to over 270 non-profit agencies serving low-income families and communities. HOSA's role in the community is centered on our ability to: connect people with the opportunity to serve, assist the community in identifying and addressing unique problems and creating solutions by utilizing volunteer resources, build the capacity for effective local volunteering, promote volunteering, and participate in strategic initiatives that mobilize volunteers. For more information, visit
www.handsonsal.org.
About United Way of Southwest Alabama
