About P.O.W.E.R.

POWER is a Women’s Initiative group of the Shelby County United Way. The Shelby County United Way is a local 501c3 Non-Profit organization. The Shelby County United Way funds 27 different programs and agencies that positively impact the community by improving the Health, Education and Income of our community.

In 2013 the Shelby County United Way determined that a Women’s Initiative group would do well in our community.  In June 2013 local female community leaders, donors and philanthropists formed a steering committee and within the year 23 Charter Members founded P.O.W.E.R., which stands for Passionate. Optimistic. Women. Encouraging. Results.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to build a powerful force of women philanthropists who develop financial resources, unite in service and are advocates for programs and initiatives that benefit children and their families in Shelby County.

Who We Are

A powerful local network of caring, philanthropic women that takes action and addresses the immediate needs of children and their families in our community through a holistic, hands on approach. POWER addresses the more time sensitive, immediate needs of children and families in our community.

P.O.W.E.R. Committee Chairs & Members

Julie Edelen

POWER Chair

Jeanne McDonagh

POWER Vice-Chair

Nikki Loudenback

Membership Chair

Committee Members

Rhonda Keister, Sheryl Sherer, Connie Barhorst,  Kari Stewart, Kristy Sherman

Sandy Beer

Projects & Programs Chair

Committee Members

Tawnya Gaier, Jodi Siegel, Karen Schlagetter, Pam Cox, Betty Cole, Mary Beth Monnier, Lynne Dunham, Peggy Dixon

Marisa Couchot

Networking & Events

Ines Couchot

Networking & Events

Kim Doak

SCUW Board Liaison

Kristen Arnett

Social Media & Website

Amy West

SCUW POWER Associate

Membership
Experience

  • Networking and Social opportunities with other women who live and or work in Shelby County
  • Hands on volunteering and mentoring opportunities
  • Gain professional experience
  • Give back & make a difference
  • Personally strengthening your community

Project & Volunteer Experiences

Through collaborations between the Shelby County United Way, our community partners and members we consistently have new projects and opportunities developing. There are many current volunteer opportunities available to members. For information about these volunteer opportunities, visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

What We Do

Our members take a hands-on approach to driving change in our community by implementing programming and volunteering for events. POWER provides the opportunity for you to participate at the level that meets your needs, and your lifestyle. You can attend events, volunteer, join a committee or simply make a financial contribution.

P.O.W.E.R. Member Benefits

We want your membership in POWER to benefit you personally as well as help fill the needs in our community? When you become a member of POWER, events are available to you free and some for a small fee, and usually include a meal or light refreshments. Listed below are some of the programs that we have conducted in order to give members information on health, fitness and personal growth.

Luncheons

Annual Membership Luncheons include a keynote speaker, lunch and social time.

POWER-ful You Events

These events feature topics for women’s health and wellness

POWER of the Purse

POWER of the Purse Champagne Luncheon & Fashion Show:  This is our signature fundraiser held in April.

POWER Tour to Understand

Members take a bus to many United Way Agencies and have the opportunity to understand first hand how local dollars and volunteering help those in our community.

Appreciation Events

Appreciation Events are an opportunity to truly appreciate our members.  They typically include an activity or speaker, food and drinks and socialization.