Wichita State volunteers help allocate funds for 2015 to local United Way programs Wichita State volunteers help allocate funds for 2015 to local United Way programs

Wichita State helped to ensure that United Way of the Plains donations will be invested for maximum community impact through the following volunteers, who served on United Way's 2014 Citizen Review Panels: Frankie Kirkendoll, director of Human Resources; Angela Buzard, director of Environmental Finance Center; Debbie Willsie, director of field practicum; Douglas Crews, assistant professor of social work; Martha Lewis, director of TRIO Disability Support Services; and Karen Harmon, cashier.

Each of the 161 Citizen Review Panel volunteers served during August through October on one of 10 panels that reviewed programs within the areas of education, income and health. Collectively, the volunteers reviewed 86 programs at 35 agencies. Citizen Review Panel volunteers attended a training session, three or four agency program presentations or site visits and an afternoon wrap-up session. These volunteers reviewed program design, client outcomes and detailed agency budget information.

The volunteers recommended and the United Way Board of Directors approved funding for 85 local programs with funding to begin Jan. 1, 2015.

United Way seeks Citizen Review volunteers from diverse professions and ethnic communities. Contact United Way at 267-1321 or your company's United Way campaign chairman for more information on how to volunteer.