Community awareness, involvement goals for new director

Jul 27, 2010 — The Daily News (Jacksonville, N.C.)

Timmi Toler

Jul. 27, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The new executive director of the United Way of Onslow County wants people to know the organization's theme, "Live United," isn't a cliche. It's a way to improve the community.

"The wealth of knowledge and expertise from all across the county are endless," said Craig Wagner, who took the helm July 19. "That's how we're going to solve some of the more systemic issues our community is facing -- by getting new people on board."

By positioning the United Way "as a leader in creating sustainable impact in community problems," the Onslow County native and 2006 Swansboro High School graduate wants to get the community more involved by helping define its needs.

Wagner said one step in doing so is completing a needs assessment for the county that will use United Way resources, as well as seeking help from local citizens to research, establish and define the main problems Onslow County is facing.

As the former director of community development and media relations at United Way of Pitt County, Wagner found the needs assessment was an effective tool in helping communities see where the real issues and needs are -- instead of what they may perceive they are.

"It's very comprehensive study," Wagner said. "It's not one-sided, and it helps show where there are gaps in services and it brings change."

For example, Wagner said, in working with Greenville at his former job, he found much of the community there thought an overreaching problem was gang activity with little or no solutions.

A needs assessment revealed local police departments already had successful programs in place to address gangs and to educate the public about them. Wagner said the community was better served by the United Way in assisting already thriving programs and reaching to other areas where help may not be established.

Replacing outgoing director Sherri Francescon, who relocated to South Carolina due to her husband's military career, Wagner also wants to see the United Way increase campaign awareness, advocacy and volunteerism in the county.

Another of Wagner's goals is to "ensure accountability and impact with donations to local non-profits." Onslow County's is the only United Way east of I-95 to meet its campaign goal for 2009-10, Wagner said.

He also wants to better support non-profits by helping them develop and strengthen their infrastructure.

"It means helping other non-profits become better organized so they can provide more and make that sustainable impact," said Wagner. "It's about seeking innovative ways to improve our community and getting more people involved."

Dawn Rochelle, president for the United Way Board of Onslow County said the board is impressed with Wagner's direction.

"He's a visionary. He has a very innate way of making people feel comfortable and in tune with what the community needs," Rochelle said. "We're always looking for community partners. We know we haven't heard from everybody yet. (Wagner) is going to be key in making that happen. He is very much the future of the United Way."

Contact Timmi Toler at 910-353-1171 or ttoler@freedomenc.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0100-47361768