The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties recently hosted its Community Celebration, an annual meeting recognizing the impact of the organization as a result of the community's support during the previous fiscal year.

In addition to a state of the organization and review of the previous year's accomplishments United Way announced their transition to a collective impact model, outlining six bold goals for the community. These specific, measurable goals targeting some of our community's most pressing issues are set to be achieved by 2030. The goals were established by a team of 24 local leaders after research, community conversations, an online survey, and discussions with subject matter experts.

The goals are as follows:

• By 2030, decrease drug-related overdose deaths and suicides by 25% or more.
• By 2030, improve mental health by 25% or more.
• By 2030, 80% or more of households will pay less than 30% of their income on housing.
• By 2030, 50% or more of children will be kindergarten ready.
• By 2030, 30% or less of public school students and adults will be overweight or obese.
• By 2030, 75% or more of households will be above the ALICE threshold (ALICE = Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

"Yes, these are bold. But, we must be an accelerator of impact and not a sustainer of the status quo," Meagan Flippin, President & CEO of United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Counties said. "This work is going to be hard and complex, but nothing worthwhile is never easy."

As of the announcement, nearly 60 local businesses had signed on as public endorsers of the goals.

Quoting a United Way colleague, Flippin said " It is time to measure our results not by the number of people we've helped, but by the number of people who no longer need our help."

United Way also announced that over $1,000,000 was saved by Rutherford and Cannon county residents through United Way's partnership with the FamilyWize prescription discount program, $2.2 million was returned into Rutherford and Cannon counties through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. This year also saw the contribution of nearly $3 million in annual support and the service of over 1,000 volunteers.

Dr. Liz Rhea was recognized in legacy as the recipient of The Witherspoon Award for her significant contributions to the community and United Way. Yolanda Greene of First Tennessee Bank | First Horizon was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, and Ryan McCormick of Guaranty Home Mortgage Corporation was recognized as the inaugural Young Leader of the Year. Additional recognition included Nissan as recipients of The Legacy Award, UPS as recipients of the Community Impact Award, the Rutherford County School Board as recipient of the Innovation Award, and Middle Tennessee Electric as recipients of the Community Engagement Award for their outstanding participation in United Way volunteer events. Jeff Craig & Mike Strange of Town of Smyrna were named Employee Campaign Managers of the Year.

Dr. David Urban, the 2019-2020 United Way Board Chair, concluded the event with his mission for the year, "You don't just give to United Way, you live it."

The 2019-2020 incoming members for the United Way board of directors were also announced.

The roster includes:

Angie Drake
CBIZ Insurance

Brian Hercules
Town of Smyrna

Richard Stone
Reliant Bank

Kasey Talbott
Gateway Title

Diane Turnham
MTSU Athletics