Jan 29, 2018 4 min read

WAYNESBURG – The new executive director of Greene County United Way is looking forward to giving back to her community.

MaChal Forbes, a Waynesburg native, took the helm Jan. 15 and has been learning the ins and outs of running a nonprofit ever since. She is hoping to build on the sturdy foundation left by the previous director.

Forbes is not new to nonprofit work. With almost 15 years of experience, she finds herself equipped for her new role. She felt drawn to apply because she wanted to work in and help her hometown.

“Just the fact that I could work close by and help my community that I’ve lived in pretty much all my life was pretty much what inspired me to apply for the position,” Forbes said. “I only live a couple blocks from here. I grew up in Waynesburg. I graduated from Waynesburg High School.”

One morning while grabbing coffee, she noticed an Observer-Reporter story about the previous executive director’s upcoming retirement.

“I know that I will be disappointed in myself if I don’t try, whether or not I get the job,” she remembers thinking at the time. “It’s nice working in your community and being able to give back.”

She’s worked in a variety of organizations, including spending about a year with the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown as development director. She most recently worked at Arc Human Services in Washington.

“I’ve been working in development, fundraising, grant writing over five years,” Forbes said.

Forbes said she’s currently familiarizing herself with more of the administrative duties that come with the role. One thing she’s hoping to highlight is 211, which residents can call to find local services for any kind of assistance they may need. Many people, Forbes said, don’t realize what kind of help is available.

“I just want to continue to grow the United Way in Greene County. I want to try to bring more awareness of the programs and nonprofits that we’re supporting. I just want to get out there as much as possible, so people know not only that there are all these nonprofits that they didn’t even know existed, but if they need help, where to go. Everybody needs help sometimes, and it’s nice to know there’s somebody that’s got your back,” she said. “Some people have a hard time asking for help.”

There’s also more to United Way than just a paycheck deduction, Forbes said. Money, time and items are great ways to give back. There are plenty of ways to help, including volunteering and coming to events. The organization also doesn’t just take monetary donations but can funnel physical items to partner agencies.

“If you want to help or are in need of help, the United Way is there for both,” she said.

Forbes is currently planning the fifth annual Greene Cuisine event. The fundraiser is set for 6 to 8 p.m. April 9 at the Armory. Tickets are $25 and will be on sale soon, to be announced on the organization’s website and Facebook page. The event features local restaurants, caterers, bakers and chefs, as well as music and auctions.

“I’m still learning,” Forbes said, adding that the former executive director has been assisting her while she learns the role.

After more than six years as director, Barb Wise retired at the end of last year to spend more time with family, travel and volunteer in other areas throughout the community. In her time as director, she helped to raise $1.5 million, $450,000 of which was provided to United Way’s 17 partner agencies. She was instrumental in starting the Warm Nights initiative in 2015 that offered temporary shelter to those in need on frigid evenings.

The board, too, has been accommodating and welcoming during the transition, Forbes said.

For more information about Greene County United Way, visit the website or call the office at 724-852-1009.