Our new Executive Director, Beth Saad, speaks to staying true to the United Fund's original mission and purpose while pivoting to find new ways to engage with local residents through additions like Westfield United by Light. “I want the Westfield United Fund to be synonymous with the Westfield community.” The future of the United Fund is rooted in maintaining a trustworthy reputation. In the aftermath of the pandemic, Saad believes Westfield residents are eager to get involved, but only if the outreach is vetted and safe. Donations to the United Fund come directly from Westfield residents. It’s the United Fund’s responsibility to ensure that all of that money is allocated properly. The United Fund has allocated $435,000 for programs in 2023.

Thank You to the members of our Fund Distribution Committee for their hard work! This group does the due diligence for the WUF, examining the programs we are asked to fund, and determining the best use for your charitable dollars. That's the WUF Difference!

Standing: Megan Brown, Jen Katz, Ben Bryan, Courtney Morrissette, Amy Partridge, Audrey Zavetz, Anne Westpheling, Beth Riordan, Keith Wargo, Emily Howell, Lisa Ciullo. Seated: Mark Ukrainskyj, Committee Chair and Deirdre Gelinne, Executive Director. Not pictured: Jed Kelly.

The Westfield United Fund recently presented checks totaling $20,000 to five local agencies to support their mental health programs and services. The donation was made possible by the generosity of Westfield residents who participated in Westfield United by Light, a luminary event organized by Westfield United Fund over the Thanksgiving weekend. On hand for presentation were (left to right) Kathryn Lynch (YWCA Union County), Lindsay Schambach (Imagine), Tom Beck (Jewish Family Services), Deirdre Gelinne (Westfield United Fund), Mary Claire Givelber (Caring Contact), Emily Howell (Westfield United Fund), Carol Pedro (Youth & Family Counseling Services) and Paul Fitzhenry (Westfield United Fund).