THRIVING –– United Way of Jefferson County has developed a Thrive Assessment Committee, which includes, clockwise from top left, Carol Evans, Anthony Mougianis, Ed Florak and Frank Baldwin. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The United Way of Jefferson County. It is a nonprofit agency that has always been about people helping people.

However, this year, something profound occurred which made the organization take a hard, honest look at itself. It did so through what is known as a Thrive Self-Assessment.

And what it found has ignited a fire to have officials make real, lasting changes across Jefferson County.

“This wasn’t about checking boxes,” stated Executive Director Marci Crawford. “It was about reflection — about asking ourselves if we are truly reaching the people who need us the most. It was about asking ourselves if we are doing everything possible to help make Jefferson County thrive.”

The results were eye-opening, she continued. That assessment revealed not just what the United Way is doing well, it showed where the nonprofit can become stronger and how it can better connect with agencies, neighborhoods and families who face the hardest struggles every day.

THRIVING –– United Way Executive Director Marci Snyder-Crawford, left, visited with RSVP volunteers Patty White and Connie Stephens under the direction of Marti Leake at the Smithfield Food Pantry. -- Contributed

Out of that moment of reflection came a realization, Crawford explained, saying Jefferson County faces real challenges, including food insecurity, access to basic health care, affordable housing, transportation and youth support.

Yet, the United Way sees these challenges not as obstacles, but rather, as “opportunities for impact.”

Crawford said using the data reports from 211 calls made, an UPP Assessment, which is led by Family Recovery and the Jefferson County Health Department’s community health assessment, the United Way is identifying areas where this community struggles most, as well as where it can build the strongest partnerships in which to lift people up.

“We’re ready to dig deeper,” Crawford said. “We’re reaching out to agencies, schools, faith groups and local leaders to come together in new ways. Because when one neighborhood thrives, our entire county grows stronger.”

United Way is uniting for a stronger Jefferson County, Crawford continued.

“The Thrive Self-Assessment sparked more than just strategy — it sparked passion,” she said, adding there has been a renewed energy in which officials need to listen, learn and lead with purpose.

“Helping your neighbor helps Jefferson County thrive,” Crawford said. “We’re not just an organization; we’re a movement of people who believe in each other. And together, we’re going to make sure no one is left behind.”

The United Way of Jefferson County is inviting local agencies and individuals who care to make these changes to be a part of this new chapter of growth, collaboration and hope because thriving always begins … right here, at home.