The United Way of Martin County recently approved its annual funding to local human care programs, bringing the total to more than $1.5 million invested in the community from the 2005-06 campaign.

“The United Way of Martin County board of directors approved the funding after carefully reviewing the recommendations of citizen review panels,” board president Laurel Kelly said. “Deliberations were difficult because the amount of funding that agencies requested exceeded the amount available by $535,260. Still, about 40,000 people in Martin County – about one-third of the population -- will receive help thanks to United Way contributions.”

From March through May, about 60 volunteers who make up the citizen review panels examined applications for United Way support. They made site visits, reviewed results and deliberated over allocations based on the amount of money available in particular areas of need.

The panels made recommendations to the United Way of Martin County board of directors, which gave the final approval on the allocations during its meeting May 17. Agencies were then informed of the level of funding for their programs for the coming year.

“The impact of the United Way goes beyond our ability to raise and distribute funds,” said Jim Vojcsik, executive director of the United Way of Martin County. “The true measure of our success is how these investments in quality services, programs and initiatives will improve people’s lives.”

The 2005-06 United Way of Martin County campaign raised about $2.2 million. Of that total, about $125,000 is set aside for unfulfilled pledges. About 15 percent is used by United Way of Martin County for management, fund-raising and general expenses. The balance will support community-based research, planning and impact initiatives. This has included involvement in the Earned Income Tax Credit program, the Shared Services Network mobilization to reduce youth substance abuse, and other community impact initiatives.

For more information about United Way of Martin County, call (772) 283-4800 or visit www.unitedwaymartincounty.org.

The following chart shows the distribution of United Way of Martin County funds from the 2005-06 campaign. United Way focuses its resources on critical issues like reducing youth substance abuse, expanding services to the elderly, increasing access to health care for the uninsured, and providing stability and independence for individuals and families in crisis. Programs and initiatives addressing these needs and more are represented in the areas outlined below.

Allocations:
Core Services
Crisis & Basic Needs                  $206,800
Children & Youth                      $134,000
Special Needs Populations             $129,000
Care for the Elderly                  $116,066
Volunteer Projects                     $36,000
Prevention and Development Services
Youth Prevention Programs             $217,800 
Strengthening Families                $124,016
Community Impact Initiatives           $89,818
Disaster Relief Allocations            $56,536
Total Allocations:                  $1,110,036

Designations:                         $478,177

Total Support:                      $1,588,213

Explanation of table

Allocations: This area represents the heart of the United Way system. It represents contributions made to the Community Impact Fund, which addresses Martin County’s most pressing needs. Programs in this area go through a rigorous application and review process, assuring that donors’ investments get results.

Designations: This area represents donations that have been designated strictly to a particular charity or program rather than the overall Community Impact Fund. Designations count toward the annual campaign, and the vast majority were for United Way-affiliated agencies and programs. Nevertheless, designations reduce the amount that can be allocated through United Way’s Community Impact Fund.

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