Outreach Specialists join United Way Team
The Lycoming County United Way is taking a trauma-informed approach to vaccine hesitancy in its fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Funded by Temple University’s COVID-19 Trauma-Informed Workforce Initiative Fund, the Fund provided $3.5 million in sub-awards for employer partners like the Lycoming County United Way who have committed to implementing COVID-19 prevention and vaccine adherence strategies in their respective communities and for the populations they serve. The project is being supported by funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources & Services Administration. Two other local United Ways were awarded grant funds; United Way of Lancaster County and Pocono Mountains United Way.
As part of the funding, three new outreach specialists are supporting United Way efforts in this new venture.
Joshua Kula joined the Lycoming County United Way team as an
Outreach Specialist. Josh will be helping lead the trauma-informed
vaccine hesitancy effort funded by a grant through the Health
Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and administered by
Temple University. The primary focus of this funding is to promote
awareness and education about COVID-19 vaccines. Joshua is no
stranger to this type of work, as he recently completed a similar effort
with the Pocono Mountains United Way.
Joshua graduated from Montoursville Area High School and is
currently a senior completing a BS in Public Health at East
Stroudsburg University. In addition to his studies and community work, Joshua serves in the United States Air Force Reserves as an Avionics Technician.
Krista Snyder
Krista Snyder is a Williamsport native and is excited to be joining Joshua as an Outreach Specialist on the Lycoming County United Way vaccine hesitancy team. Krista has a passion for working on causes with organizations like Born2Fly and National Eating Disorders Association, and by speaking at mental health awareness walks, health classes, and with the Williamsport High School Improvisation Troupe-Without A Cue. She was recently the interim resource advocate
for Sojourner Truth Ministries, Inc., increasing her awareness and passion for reaching out to the community.
Krista is a senior at Lock Haven University and will graduate with a BS
in Psychology in a few months. After graduation, she hopes to work on her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling. Outside of work and school, she loves spending time with family, the theatre, and travel.
Jessica C. Umpstead
Jessica Umpstead joined Joshua and Krista as an Outreach Specialist on the Lycoming County United Way vaccine hesitancy team. Jessica will assist in the networking and orchestrating community outreach events related to the team’s trauma-informed
work. New to this type of outreach, Jessica has a keen interest in advocating for the health and wellness of her community. Jessica graduated from Montgomery Area High School in 2019 and is a junior pursuing a BA degree in psychology at Lycoming
College.
Please reach out to one of our outreach specialists to start a conversation or for more
information.
Joshua Kula (jkula@lcuw.org)
Krista Snyder (ksnyder@lcuw.org)
Jessica Umpstead (jumpstead@lcuw.org)