February 26, 2013 • Page 13 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Introducing Lauren Hanson Lauren Hanson is the new Executive Director at United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton. Hanson, a native of Minnesota, is a 2001 graduate from St. Cloud State University where she studied Communications and Nonprofit Management. Before graduating, she was given the opportunity to serve as an advisory board member for a nonprofit agency in the St. Cloud area. It was during that time that she discovered her passion for community collaboration, fundraising, and the important role nonprofits and service organizations have in strengthening communities. Lauren and her husband, Tanner, a native of Yankton, moved “home” on Riverboat Days weekend two and a half years ago. They have three children, Shae (8), Nels (5), and Abe (3). “We felt right at home when we moved to Yankton,” says Hanson. “It is amazing to see the depth of caring people we have right here in our community, and my family is proud to be a part of it.” The family had previously lived for eight years in Skagway, Alaska. During that time, Lauren, co-owned and operated a small business with her husband and fellow Yankton natives, Mike Healy and Brook Merkwan. She also kept active volunteering and serving on boards for numerous nonprofits. Hanson took over the role of Executive Director at United Way & Volunteer Services (UWVS) in January of this year, after being with the organization as the Administrative Assistant since 2010. She has been working diligently with staff, board members, and volunteers to continue the 55 year tradition of UWVS and its mission to promote voluntary giving and services to support human needs. UWVS focuses on addressing community needs through collaboration amongst volunteers and local organizations. Part of that focus is geared toward their annual fundraising campaign. Numerous nonprofits in the Greater Yankton area annually submit financial requests to the UWVS Board of Directors. UWVS reviews the requests and then distributes the funds raised through their campaign to those organizations, to benefit thousands of people in our area. Partner Agencies, receiving UWVS support, include Big Friend Little Friend, Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Club of Yankton, The Center, Connec- tions, LSS; Consumer Credit Counseling, Contact Center, Family Education & Counseling Center, Family Visitation Center, Girl Scouts, Homeless Shelter, Literacy Council, Parents As Teachers, Red Cross, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Sack Pack, Senior Companions, Southeast CASA, Special Olympics, Yankton Women’s/Children’s Center, Yankton Transit, and Youth Scholarships to the Yankton Ice Association and Boys & Girls Club. Venture Grants are also available to nonprofits in need of additional funding. “As you drive around town you might have caught a glimpse of the UWVS thermometers. The current 2013 Campaign, which wraps up in March, has yet to reach 100% of our monetary goal,” says Hanson. However, at the beginning of the campaign, an additional goal was set, to obtain 200 new donors. “We are happy to report, that with the help of 240 new individuals and companies, we are able to continue to fulfill our mission.” UWVS also facilitates numerous community programs within their office, including the Big Red Bookshelf, Community Volunteer Celebration, Dakota Dental Smile Mobile, the Holiday Bed Giveaway, Imagination Library, Make a Difference Day events, the Nonprofit Center, and Toys for Kids Adoption Program. In addition, the UWVS acts as a Volunteer Clearinghouse, helping individuals looking for volunteer opportunities, find an organization that can utilize their talents. “We receive multiple calls and visits weekly from individuals seeking volunteer opportunities or that are in need of services,” says Hanson. “We enjoy being a resource for the community, whether it is collaborating to address needs, sharing information, or funding essential programs.” Hanson is grateful for the continued support of loyal contributors, volunteers, and Partner Agencies who are passionate about UWVS’s mission and goals to support human needs. “It is such a fulfilling job. 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