Duquesne Family Grateful to United Way

For many people, giving to Duquesne’s United Way Campaign is an opportunity to support the University’s commitment to serve others, but for individuals like Dr. G. Evan Stoddard, associate dean of the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, it is also a chance to say thank you.

Soon after moving to Pittsburgh in 1971, Stoddard’s then 1-year-old son Eric was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy, learning disabilities and autism. As young parents new to the area, Stoddard and his wife Janet were unsure of where to turn for help until they were directed to the Early Identification Treatment Program operated by the United Cerebral Palsy Association, a United Way Fund-supported agency that provided the services needed to accelerate Eric’s development.

Today, Eric still requires assistance, but now he is a productive member of society who loves going to work at a sheltered workshop at Blind & Vision Rehabilitation Services of Pittsburgh in Homestead, another United Way agency.

Through United Way, Stoddard’s family received the support they needed to help their son live a meaningful, productive life. By supporting the 2012 United Way campaign, Duquesne employees can help provide assistance to families like the Stoddards.

The United Way campaign runs through Wednesday, Nov. 21. The University invites all members of the Duquesne family to contribute, at whatever level they can.