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United Way increases funding to programs
PRESS RELEASE DATE: JUNE 9, 2008
Allocations
chart for 2008-09
United Way of Martin County has approved
its funding for 2008-09, increasing its support to critical
community programs ranging from prenatal care to services for
the elderly.
The United Way of Martin County Board of
Directors has approved a total distribution of $959,404 in
undesignated funds for agency programs. This represents an
increase of 5 percent over the past year’s funding amount, which
was $930,032.
Including donor designations and
allocations to CHARACTER COUNTS! and Martin Volunteers, United
Way of Martin County will distribute nearly $1.5 million in
funding to programs, agencies and initiatives that help improve
people’s lives.
During April and May, 78 volunteers served
on 10 Citizen Review Panels and reviewed 37 applications for
funding, including four new program requests. These new programs
will serve additional children in Indiantown, addressing the
special needs of children with disabilities, and providing
assistance to the caregivers of children in foster care.
All agencies were informed last week of the
level of funding they will receive for 2008-09.
The funding supports critical areas of
concern in Martin County: reducing youth substance abuse,
expanding services to a growing elderly population, expanding
access to health care, and providing stability and independence
for individuals and families in crisis.
A
summary of dollars awarded for each agency program is
available at the United Way of
Martin County Web site, but it is important to focus on the
impact these investments will create in our community. Here is a
sample of United Way of Martin County funding and priorities:
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The panels recommended $539,643 for core services programs,
representing an increase of $30,123 from last year’s
funding. These services include programs for Alzheimer’s
patients and their caregivers; independent living programs
for disabled people; shelter for victims of domestic
violence; school readiness programs; access to health care;
and basic human necessities of food and clothing and
emergency relief.
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The panels recommended
$305,424 for prevention programs, representing an increase
of $13,000 from last year’s funding. Some of these programs
help parents raise children who are ready to learn when they
enter school. Others include leadership and Scouting
programs as well as after-school and mentoring programs to
ensure that children have a safe place to grow and learn
during non-school hours.
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The panels
recommended $84,214 for community initiatives, representing
an increase of $3,555 from last year’s funding. These
include providing crisis information and referral services;
prenatal care; and collaborations to reduce substance abuse,
increase awareness of gang activity and increase foster care
options.
United Way of Martin County will further
invest resources in the following ways:
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United Way allocated $60,277 to support
CHARACTER COUNTS!, which provides enriching activities and
recognition for good character in schools, community
organizations and businesses. CHARACTER COUNTS! has been
recognized as a best practice for preventing youth substance
abuse in Martin County by the Substance Abuse Response Guide
project.
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United Way of Martin County also will
invest $90,000 to support Martin Volunteers, which includes
the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the White Doves
Holiday Project, the School Supplies for Students Drive, the
Executive Service Corps of the Treasure Coast, disaster
volunteer services and other projects that engage volunteers
throughout the community.
In addition to funds available through the
allocations process, United Way will distribute $215,136 in
dollars that donors designated to specific agencies and
programs. Most donors chose to make their designations locally,
particularly providing further support for United Way programs,
initiatives and affiliated agencies.
For more information, please contact United
Way of Martin County at (772) 283-4800 or visit
www.unitedwaymartincounty.org.
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