The Herald, Sharon, PA Published Saturday, June 1, 2002

MERCER COUNTY

Study to aid United Way, Micsky says

By Kristen Garrett
Herald Staff Writer

United Way of Mercer County board members are trying to assess people's perception of the agency and the needs of the community.

James Micsky, executive director of the United Way, said the board decided in May to hire firms to conduct a perception study of the area and to create a five-year plan.

"We have to do better. We can do better. We should do better," Micsky said. "We're looking at the community, and the community is looking at us."

The perception study is being conducted by Dr. Oscar McKnight of Scientific Legal Services, Ashland, Ohio, Micsky said. He said the study is very innovative in that researchers go into the community and question the residents.

A researcher may go to a fast-food restaurant and ask people what they think of the United Way and the needs of the community, Micsky said.

After that part of the study is complete Strategy Solution, Erie, will formulate a plan to adjust the United Way functions within the county, Micsky said.

"We've positioned ourselves to be more efficient and effective," Micsky said. He added the purpose of the United Way is to fill niches in the community and improve the lives of people living in the community.

Though Micsky declined to say how much the study is going to cost he emphasized that no donated money will be used to pay for it. The United Way rents space on their Sharon property, and the rental profits will fund the study, he said.

Micsky said the study should be completed by late September.

The United Way of Mercer County is a nonprofit organization that funds 25 member agencies.


You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at kgarrett@sharon-herald.com



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