By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald
The new CEO of the United Way of the Coastal Empire isn’t really new to the Savannah area. She and her husband have lived in Savannah for two years as her husband Joseph Melder is the city manager for Savannah.
The United Way of the Coastal Empire serves Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty counties.
Prior to being named the CEO of the United Way in June, Waller worked for the Department of Health and Human Services, splitting her time between Savannah and Washington, DC.
Waller is happy that she can do work she loves without splitting time between DC and Savannah.
Waller’s career spans a variety of roles, from serving as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Mayor of the District of Columbia in the city’s Interagency Council on Homelessness, to leading policy initiatives as an attorney with a legal aid non-profit aimed at ensuring that every child has a stable family, good health, and a quality education.
Waller began her career in the United States Senate, advising on health and human services initiatives, and has since continued her commitment to working alongside communities to achieve positive and sustainable change.
Waller holds a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in social work also from the University of Pittsburgh.
“During my first two months, I’ve seen how supportive this region is,” Waller said. “They understand the needs of our communities, and they want to be there to support it.”
Some of the programs the United Way does that Waller highlighted, include its Community Fund that helped nearly 12,000 Effingham residents through grant funding for 43 agencies and programs; and just over 200 residents were assisted through direct services.
Other highlights from 2023 include the United Way’s partnership with 55 nonprofits, where UWCE funded 83 programs where more than 1,100 students improved their academic performance through summer education programs; 12 million pounds of free or low-cost food was distributed through various agencies from funded programs; more than 1,200 avoided eviction or foreclosure due to essential support from funded programs; and 600 individuals completed job-training programs equipping them with essential skills, among other programs.
“You can’t do it alone,” Waller added. “You need to mobilize your community.”
United Way depends on volunteers and fundraising, which all goes to support needs within the community. In the Coastal Empire, The Herschel V. Jenkins Fund supports administrative costs so all donations go to support programs.
Waller said the United Way is preparing for its annual kickoff campaigns – Sept. 5 in Savannah; and Sept. 10 in Springfield.
“The Effingham Kickoff is Sept. 10, 11:30 a.m. at the Clarence Morgan Complex,” said Kim Dennis, UWCE Effingham County director.
“Come to these events – they are open to the public,” Waller added. “The Community Fund funds 2-1-1, volunteerism, and all the work we do in the community.
“We have some incredible corporate and business partners who will match their employees’ contributions,” Waller said.
