Teresa Ford
United Way of Kern County celebrates half a century of local goodwill, ‘super women’
on track. Two years ago, the group’s Women’s Leadership Council formed to raise money and awareness for the community’s most critical issues. Current council co-chairwomen are Teresa Ford and Danielle Davis. As part of the 50-year anniversary, United Way of Kern County is honoring three “super women,” including Ford and Davis, as well as Kay Meek. “I get more back from the United Way than I could ever possibly give,” said Davis. “The opportunity to serve my community has been far greater than anything I have ever given.” Meet these United Way women here.
By Emily Claffy
KAY MEEK
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In 1987, Kay Meek was elected as the first female chairwoman of the governing board for the United Way of Kern County while working as the senior vice president, director of community and government relations, for the California Republic Bank. Meek has spent much of her life giving back to the community. She has worked as the director of funding for the Bakersfield College Foundation and served as the campaign chairwoman for the United Way of Kern County 27 years ago, bringing in more than $1 million to the organization. “Being involved with United Way strengthened my family’s commitment to volunteer with various nonprofits and serve on their boards,” said Meek. “This commitment has been passed along to two generations. It is very rewarding to watch my grandchildren develop through their community service.” Meek remains an ambassador for the organization.
50 YEARS OF DOING GOOD
he mission is simple: improve lives in Kern County. For the past 50 years, United Way of Kern County has helped do just that by addressing the fundamental needs of our community through education, income and health. In fact, one in three Kern County residents benefit from programs provided or funded by the group. And 99 percent of money raised by the organization stays in the county. These funds support programs that teach economic selfsufficiency, improve literacy, reduce homelessness and improve people’s health, said Della D. Hodson, president of United Way of Kern County. In all, United Way of Kern County has made it simple for others to get involved, by giving, advocating or volunteering, and bringing people together for the common good of the community. It’s no wonder that this year’s 50th anniversary campaign focuses on community input — listening to more than 1,000 local residents to help identify key issues and concerns. The group also hopes to bring together past donors, supporters and volunteers from the past five decades. Many local women, too, have helped keep United Way’s 122
Danielle Davis
PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO
Kay Meek
PHOTO BY APRIL MASSIRIO
PHOTO COURTESY OF KAY MEEK
OUR TOWN
Bakersfield Life Magazine
November 2013
TERESA FORD In 2007, Teresa Ford set out to meet with current president and CEO, Della Hodson, and former president and CEO,