United Way of Eastern Utah recently welcomed a new director into its ranks. Cheryl Wilcox has lived in Carbon County for the entirety of her life. She grew up on a farm in Wellington, where she watched her parents work hard daily.
“I grew up out on a farm, so I learned how to work hard,” Wilcox stated.
For the biggest part of her life, Wilcox was the Christian Education Director at Price Chapel. One big thing that drew her to this new position with United Way is that she believed it was very similar to the work that she executed at the church. She also stated that she was drawn to the position because it is a way to give back to the community.
Wilcox stated that she loves the people here and loves everything about the area. She strives to see everybody succeed and is glad to have the opportunity to do so. When asked what she believes will be her biggest challenge as director, Wilcox answered that it would simply be getting her feet underneath her and getting up to speed.
United Way of Eastern Utah serves seven counties including Daggett, Uintah, Duchesne, Carbon, Emery, Grand and San Juan. On top of that, they are 1 of 1,300 locally run United Way affiliates in the country, offering programs such as Soles2Soles, Live.Love.Local Cancer Assistance Program, Angel Tree and more. All of that means that Wilcox has her hands full, but in a positive way.
The next best thing to getting to do great things for good people, Wilcox stated, is having a board and working for them. Wilcox believes that is wonderful there are so many people willing to be a part of United Way.
Wilcox’s first big project with United Way is the Born Learning Trail that is slated to open on Saturday, May 6, at noon. The trail is a trademark of United Way and it institutes all three building blocks of United Way’s focus: education, income and health. UWEU has collaborated with Price City on the Price River Trail as well as several generous sponsors. Ten signs have been installed with an activity on each. Local artists have painted graphics on the pavement that go along with each activity for parents and children to do together.
“The doors are open, I’m here and I would love meet everybody,” Wilcox stated when asked what she would like to say to the community.
Wilcox intends to get out and about to meet everybody. She stated that there are a lot of programs and ways to get involved and United Way is always welcoming new volunteers.