United Way NEXT News + Insights
Stay updated on all things United Way NEXT with our blog posts and press releases! We're proud to share about the work we're doing behind the scenes and feature United Way professionals making connections and making a difference 💙
Interested in sharing your story or writing your own piece? Please email Ivy Cirillo and don't forget to register for our newsletter while you're at it!
United Way NEXT is excited to introduce you to our 2026 Board Chair, Ann Fox!
Ann was born in Allentown, PA and later moved to the Reading area where she graduated from Wilson High School in West Lawn. She attended Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Public Relations. Before launching her career as a nonprofit professional, she served as HR Director at Donecker’s. Now, with over three decades of nonprofit leadership experience, the United Way alumni serves as Senior Advisor to the Chief Development Officer at PPFA.
Get to know the Board: Ann Fox, United Way NEXT’s 2026 Board Chair
As we celebrate our 35th Anniversary, we’re reminded that our greatest strength has always been our people. Every conversation, mentorship, and friendship has shaped who we are today, and we’re proud to have built a diverse and inclusive community where everyone has a seat at the table.
This milestone year, members were invited to make a tribute gift in honor of someone who has made a lasting difference in their United Way journey. Thanks to our incredible members and supporters, we’ve received more than 100 tributes and raised over $18,600 toward our $35,000 goal!
With Gratitude: Reflections From United Way NEXT CEO Carole Peters
United Way NEXT Friends,
November is my favorite month of the year because Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday for me. I still enjoy reminiscing about our family trips, as a little girl to Northern Wisconsin, in the back of a packed station wagon that my mom drove to my grandma’s house. Along the way, I would lean forward, with my arms and head propped up over the front seat, talking to my mom and watching as she drove the rural country roads to Medford. My eyes were wide open looking for the white stuff – the snow. Seeing snow meant that first thing in the morning, my siblings and I would jump out of bed early to play outside making snowmen and sledding in our grandma’s front yard. The joy snow brought to us children was thrilling. So many years later, the most cherished part of this treasured holiday, besides the delicious turkey, stuffing, gravy, and sweet potatoes, were the family members we saw each year. Visiting my countless cousins, aunts and uncles, and my grandma was pure joy.
After 18 months and counting, United Way NEXT successfully launched the Consultant Collaborative on September 30, 2025!
With over 70 registered attendees and 48 joining live, it was clear this was a resource our community had been waiting for. In fact, 14 individuals joined the Collaborative during the call, 5 more joined within the first 24 hours, and 10 more in the first week. Nearly one month later, we’re proud to celebrate that we’ve welcomed 38 Founding Members so far.
How United Way NEXT Is Turning 35 Years of Connection Into Community Impact
As a community of United Way professionals, fall brings more than changing leaves and cooler temps. It reminds us of early morning campaign rallies at construction sites, volunteers dropping off campaign packets at all hours, last-minute trips to the printer for pledge cards, tabling agency fairs, and coordinating nonprofit tours. All in an effort to meet our campaign goals before the end of the year.
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Making Connections: Featuring 4 UW NEXT Members
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35 Years of UW NEXT: How Sponsored Memberships…
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