"It's not what you do, but why you do it."

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Dear Harrison and Doddridge Counties,

I want to first thank you sincerely for appointing me as your campaign chair for the upcoming year. To be given such an opportunity is not only an honor, but a responsibility that I will devote a lot of energy and pride too.

I have always been a strong believer in the phrase, "It's not what you do, but why you do it." This is the message I would like to see the campaign have. Behind everything we do, there is a story of "why" we do it. For many of us that story is personal.

For me, the passion and dedication I will put into being campaign chair derives from my own personal story, a story of resilience. That story began on July 24, 1986, when my biological mother brought me to a local hospital in Manchester, Connecticut, and informed hospital staff that I was "out of control", and not allowed back home.

That day I became a ward of the State and would spend the next three years in foster care and one year in a group home. Also, that day marked the start of a life-long journey in trying to overcome feelings of not being good enough and codependency. In other words, I became another statistic of early childhood abandonment trauma. My adoption in January of 1990 changed my life for the better. I was provided a loving family, community, and opportunities beyond comprehension. I was indeed one of the lucky ones. However, in that new environment I still struggled with the fear of abandonment, which stagnated my ability to embrace vulnerability and healthy relationships

In my 15-year career as a licensed social worker, and my volunteer work in the community, I have come to understand that many of the problems we face in our society (i.e. poverty, addiction, criminal behavior, etc.) derive from some sort of adverse childhood experience, where support and resources were not available or attainable. As those problems manifest (even in adulthood), many feel isolated and alone in their struggle.

Every partner organization that the United Way funds helps someone through an adverse situation (even some that I have mentioned above). Whether it's helping a child dealing with trauma find love, safety, and support, a person struggling with addiction find recovery, or providing a senior citizen a hot meal and a few kind words, the goal is to help people feel supported and find connection. That is why I want to do my part as campaign chair and devote my time and energy in being a part of an amazing team to continue in our efforts to build a healthier and more productive community

At the end of the day, it is not what you do, but why you do it. Moreover, when we find the courage to share with others our personal story of "why" we do what we do, we inspire connection and foster genuine partnerships.

Thank you for your support,

Wayne Worth

2023 UWHDC Campaign Chair