Tygart Valley United Way and United Way of Central West Virginia today announced the launch of United We Prepare, a groundbreaking statewide initiative designed to strengthen disaster preparedness, community resiliency, and nonprofit coordination across West Virginia.
Funded through a national grant from Verizon and United Way Worldwide, the initiative will establish two regional Resiliency Centers located in Fairmont and Charleston that will serve communities throughout all 55 counties of West Virginia.
The centers will work to ensure that nonprofits, community organizations, local governments, and emergency response partners are better connected, better prepared, and better equipped to respond to disasters and other community challenges before they occur.
"West Virginians have always demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity," said Brett White, CEO of Tygart Valley United Way. "From floods and severe storms to public health emergencies and economic challenges, our communities repeatedly come together to help one another. United We Prepare is about taking that spirit of resilience and creating a stronger statewide framework that allows organizations to prepare, coordinate, and respond more effectively together."
Recent disasters have highlighted the critical role nonprofit organizations play in both response and recovery efforts. Yet many organizations, particularly those serving rural communities, often lack access to preparedness resources, training opportunities, and coordinated communication systems.
United We Prepare seeks to address those challenges by building a statewide network focused on preparedness, collaboration, and resilience.
Key components of the initiative include:
- Establishment of two regional Resiliency Centers serving the entire state of West Virginia
- Statewide preparedness and resiliency workshops hosted in partnership with local United Ways and community organizations
- Training and technical assistance for nonprofits and community partners
- Development of stronger communication and coordination systems among organizations during emergencies
- Resource sharing and collaborative planning opportunities
- A statewide preparedness conference focused on strengthening community resilience
The initiative is designed to complement and strengthen existing emergency management and disaster response systems by focusing specifically on the nonprofit sector and the critical services community organizations provide before, during, and after emergencies.
"Strong communities are built through strong partnerships," said Margaret O'Neal, President of United Way of Central West Virginia. "This initiative recognizes that no single organization can prepare for or respond to every challenge alone. By bringing together nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and community leaders, we can create a more coordinated and resilient West Virginia that is ready to meet future challenges together."
Over the coming months, the two Resiliency Centers will begin engaging organizations throughout the state, identifying preparedness needs, coordinating training opportunities, and building partnerships that strengthen local and regional response capabilities.
The initiative will also leverage the expertise and relationships of the 12 United Way organizations throughout West Virginia, creating new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing across geographic boundaries.
United We Prepare represents a significant investment in nonprofit preparedness and community resiliency in West Virginia and reflects a growing recognition that preparation and coordination are essential to protecting communities and accelerating recovery when challenges arise.
Organizations interested in learning more about United We Prepare or participating in future workshops and preparedness activities are encouraged to contact Tygart Valley United Way or United Way of Central West Virginia.