For Immediate Release
Contact:
Pam Ray, Managing Director, 100WomenStrong
pam@onehundredwomenstrong.org
571-209-7562
Local Funders Collaborative Launches Nonprofit Unite Us Pilot Program
Nonprofit grant recipients of the Loudoun Unite Us Pilot Program, joined by Unite Us and funders 100WomenStrong, Inova, and the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation
Leesburg, VA – April 18, 2024 — A group of local funders, led by 100WomenStrong, have joined forces to launch a new effort to support local human services nonprofits to join Unite Virginia, the state’s leading coordinated care network powered by Unite Us. The Unite Us closed-loop referral platform is the foundation for the network, streamlining the referral process for people in need of assistance and delivering outcomes to ensure services were received.
In 2023, Inova announced it had joined Unite Virginia to collaborate with nonprofit partners to improve health and wellness across communities. Partners in the Unite Virginia network use the platform to securely send and receive electronic referrals to address unmet needs and improve health and wellness across communities while protecting patient and client confidentiality.
As interest grew in the platform’s ability to connect people to services, Inova saw an opportunity to invite more nonprofit service providers to participate and strengthen the coordination of services for Loudoun residents in need.
As a result, 100WomenStrong, Inova, the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, and the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties teamed up to fund and coordinate a $26,000 grant program to offer $2,000 stipends to Loudoun’s human services nonprofits to become trained to use the Unite Us platform, and join a peer cohort where they learn to use the platform together.
“100WomenStrong is excited about the potential for increased collaboration and the ability to measure stronger service outcomes as a result of this program,” said Karen Schaufeld, founder and president of 100WomenStrong. “Now that we’ve successfully launched this pilot program, we’re looking forward to seeing more nonprofits and public agencies join the platform so we can all work together as a community to make it easier for Loudoun residents to access services.”
While initially intended to fund ten partners, thirteen nonprofits applied and were accepted into the program and are now successfully using the Unite Us platform to coordinate and streamline service referrals for Loudoun residents. Those nonprofits are:
- Crossroads Jobs
- Dulles South Food Pantry
- Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia
- Insight Memory Care Center
- LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
- Loudoun Free Clinic
- Loudoun Hunger Relief
- Loudoun Serenity House
- Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers
- Northern Virginia Family Service
- The Arc of Loudoun
- The New Ag School
- Youth for Tomorrow
“It has always been a challenge to ensure everyone serving community members, including healthcare, is aware of the amazing resources our community partners provide. Unite Us/Unite Virginia not only elevates awareness among these organizations but also allows for seamless communication and navigation within our social care network,” said Leigh Guarinello, Director of Community Health Programs with Inova Community Health and Health Equity. “Inova is so grateful for the work our nonprofits do for our community, and we regularly see improved health outcomes resulting from the support individuals receive outside of the healthcare setting. We are eager to send and receive referrals in Loudoun County through this partnership platform.”
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with this visionary coalition,” said Alexandra Earl, Associate Vice President of Customer Success at Unite Us. “Our community partners in Loudoun work hard every day to support individuals and get them connected to the services they need. We are proud to be the technology solution at the center of their collaboration, and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the community.”
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About 100WomenStrong
Formed in 2008, 100WomenStrong is a group of concerned philanthropists seeking to strategically invest in organizations and programs that enrich the lives of Loudoun County residents. They are committed to improving the quality of life for residents of Loudoun County, Virginia, through strategic grants to non-profits working in the areas of shelter, health, hunger and education. Members of 100WomenStrong connect and collaborate to leverage their philanthropic resources as a proud component fund of the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.
For more information about 100WomenStrong, visit www.OneHundredWomenStrong.org or contact Pam Ray at Pam@OneHundredWomenStrong.org
