By Carolyn Arrington
“Seeing a side of Cullman with unmet needs when I worked at the local United Way is why I volunteer as a board member,” said Anne Meiman. “I want to make a difference for individuals in need, and for the future generations of our community.”
Meiman, 61, is an R.N. and has a master’s degree in education. In the past, she has been employed with Cullman County Home Health Care, St. Bernard and the United Way. “I still volunteer at United Way, help with bookkeeping and fill in for employees on leave or when they are sick. I like being involved personally in addition to helping with their community-wide fund-raising campaigns.”
“I’ve always loved Cullman and it’s a great place to raise a family,” Meiman said. She and her husband, Dr. Gregory Meiman, have two daughters and one son and have lived here most of their lives.
“But as Cullman has grown in population through the years, we began developing some of the social problems of larger cities. The earlier these issues can be addressed, the better prepared we’ll be as a community in the future,” Meiman said.
The United Way of Cullman County is responsible for funding many local non-profit social programs, and focusing resources and services on the needs of people here, Meiman explained. “A lot of people may not realize just how important the United Way is, or exactly how it operates. The main thing is that all our funding goes to local causes, not national. Primarily we’re oriented toward helping the community.”
“Our staff and volunteers, our board members, all come from within this county. Nearly 100 percent of every dollar donation contributed stays here,” Mieman added.
Executive board members in Cullman County, Meiman says, review budgets and interview local agencies to make sure contributions are used wisely, and for what matters.
“Something close to my heart is helping disabled children through Camp ASCCA, sponsored by Easter Seals. Seeing those kids laughing, enjoying themselves at a summer camp truly is rewarding,” she says.
The local United Way campaign starts August 1st and runs through the end of November. Meiman said, “It’s a busy time for me, attending fund-raising events, helping co-ordinate arrangements, but something I find very fulfilling since I know the donations will help people here in Cullman County.”
