As a volunteer treasurer for United Way of Lake
County, Carol-Ann Schindel sees more than the bottom line when she looks at the numbers.
She sees human needs, social-service programs and an opportunity to lend her accounting
expertise to help others
"When I look at the numbers I see what it
takes for (United Way) to accomplish its priorities," says Schindel, Vice President
of Kolita & Co., CPAs
The priorities she speaks of include anything from
meeting the needs of terminally ill persons (Hospice), to offering outpatient mental
health and chemical dependency treatment (Crossroads), to providing life-saving blood to
Lake County residents (American Red Cross).
As treasurer, Schindel oversees and reviews United
Way's master budget, which includes the financial affairs of 37 human-service agencies
supported by the non-profit, fund-raising and community-service organization. Each month
she meets with the Finance Committee she chairs and reviews central-office operating
expenses, insurance policies and utility bills. In addition, she signs the
monthly checks that are allocated to each agency, as well as the checks that go to the electric company,
the gas company, and the garbage-collection company. She then reports the cash-flow
figures to the United Way's volunteer Executive Committee.
"In some respect, I serve as a community
watchdog," says Schindel, describing her administrative role as treasurer. She finds
about two hours a week to complete these treasurer duties sometime between meeting with
clients to balance their books and completing the tasks necessary to effectively run a
growing accounting firm. "I feel like I'm making a difference and helping out in a
way that I'm capable of," she says, when asked why she so generously gives of her
time.
She explains that it's not difficult to volunteer
if you like what you're doing. "You just have to find a niche." And, according
to Schindel, there's a niche for everyone, whether it be painting a house during United
Way's Day of Caring or spending time with elderly folks.
Not only has her niche for numbers given her the
satisfaction of making a difference, it has also given her perspective - especially when
the dreaded tax deadline of April 15 approached. Schindel says working with United Way has
made her a more outgoing person who is appreciative of her own situation and of her own
expertise, so much so that when she's able to help out, she's willing to do it.
A lifetime resident of Lake County, she has
contributed to United Way in some capacity for the last 10 years. She began as a member of
the Allocations Committee, the volunteer group that reviews agency request for funds and
distributes monies from the yearly campaign to agency programs in a way that is most
beneficial to the community. Late-night meetings and exhaustive debates to prioritize
community needs didn't deter her from eventually service as chair of the committee. Her
current tenure as treasurer has lasted four years and will continue for one more year, as
she was recently re-elected to the position.
Schindel envisions herself staying involved in
United Way even after her Treasurer duty ends. She would like to help rally more volunteer
support for the organization and help the rest of us find our "niches".
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