South Burlington resident, Joe Halko, was recently reelected as President of the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way Board of Directors at their annual meeting held on April 14th in St. Albans. Mr. Halko has served on the United Way board for six years and was Vice President prior to becoming President last year.
Halko began his volunteer involvement on the Franklin-Grand Isle United Way board as a Co-Chair of the 2005-2006 Campaign. In addition, he has served as the Chair of the Public Relations Committee from 2007-2010.
Karina Ware, Executive Director, says, "We are thrilled to have Mr. Halko as our Board President again this year. He gives a tremendous commitment of time and talent to our community. He has been instrumental in our campaign success and has provided excellent volunteer leadership for our organization. Mr. Halko is a very skilled presenter and has helped our United Way organize events and meetings that help our community be better served in a variety of ways."
The Franklin Grand Isle United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of the Franklin-Grand Isle Community. Additionally, as a human services organization focused on building community resources while addressing local needs, the United Way also seeks to encourage volunteerism and inspire leadership.
Mr. Halko is the Director of Community Relations for Northwestern Counseling & Support Services (NCSS) in St. Albans. NCSS is a private, non-profit, human services agency serving Franklin and Grand Isle Counties. NCSS provides intervention and support to children, adolescents and adults with emotional and behavioral problems, mental illness and developmental disabilities.
Direct services are provided through three divisions: Behavioral Health, Developmental Services, and Children, Youth and Family which includes the Soar Learning Center, the second largest alternative educational school in Vermont. Halko has been with NCSS since 1999.