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United Way to Allocate $2 Million in FY 2011 (May 18, 2010)

United Way of Delaware County will award more than $2 million to 23 local social service agencies in fiscal year 2011 to help thousands of local individuals and families in need.

Critical assistance will be provided for those in need of food, shelter, rent and utility help, legal aid, mental health, drug and alcohol counseling, and transportation. Other important services these dollars support include: youth mentoring and programming; senior citizen assistance with household chores, transportation and personal care; nutritious meals for homebound persons; advocacy and shelter for victims of domestic violence; and much more.

"The economy has still not fully recovered, but donors understand that's when the financial need for our struggling neighbors is often the greatest," said Brandon Feller, president of United Way of Delaware County. "We're grateful those who are able to give continue to do so."

More than three dozen volunteers from throughout Delaware County led United Way's funding decision process, explained April Nelson, who serves as co-chair of the Community Impact process. "These 38 volunteers donated more than 600 hours since early January. They all received mandatory training before they read and scored 39 funding applications and participated in several dozen agency site visits." Nelson said these volunteers help ensure funds are used wisely in our community.

The funding recommendations made by the community volunteers were approved by United Way's Board of Directors at its April meeting. Allocations will begin July 1 and total $2 million, up from $1.7 last year. Funding partners and their programs include:

• Action for Children - $95,889 for the Family Resource Center, referrals to affordable child care, and professional development and technical assistance.  
• American Red Cross, Delaware County Chapter - $229,035 for disaster, health & safety services, water safety training, armed services emergency assistance, and blood services.  
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Central Ohio - $105,000 for youth mentoring.
• Boy Scouts of America, Simon Kenton Council - $25,000 for youth development.
• Community Action Organization - $35,000 for tax preparation assistance for low-income wage earners.
• Concord Counseling - $17,034 for transportation for senior citizens to medical appointments and other errands.
• Council for Older Adults - $110,000 for meals delivered to homebound residents under the age of 60.
• Delaware General Health District - $11,017 to help prevent childhood obesity through school exercise and nutrition programming and curriculum.
• Delaware Speech & Hearing Center - $163,931 for speech, language pathology and audiology services.
• Directions for Youth & Families - $60,000 for in-home counseling for at-risk youth.
• Family Promise of Delaware County - $65,000 for emergency, short-term housing for homeless families and job skills/readiness programming and support.
• Friends of CASA - $10,000 to support volunteers serving as court appointed child advocates.  
• Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland - $35,239 for youth development.
• HelpLine of Delaware & Morrow Counties - $137,026 for information and referral services, the Connections Volunteer Center, and violence prevention.
• Heritage Day Health Centers - $32,482 for adult day care services.
• Legal Aid Society - $37,356 for civil legal assistance to low-income persons.
• Liberty Community Center - $220,000 for early childhood day care.
• Marion Shelter - $17,500 for homeless shelters/programming for Delaware County persons.
• Maryhaven - $48,011 to provide substance abuse counseling and treatment.
• People in Need - $267,543 for emergency assistance and food pantry.  
• Salvation Army - $136,644 to support transitional housing programs for individuals, young adults, families, and persons with disabilities.
• Senior Services for Independent Living - $90,000 for independent living assistance to the elderly.
• Turning Point - $100,000 for assistance and advocacy for victims of domestic violence.

In addition to these allocations, United Way of Delaware County will allocate $544,000 to social service agencies through direct donor designations.

"It's never too late to give of your time or financial assistance to help our neighbors in need," says April Nelson. To learn how you can contribute to vital community programs that help make a difference in people's lives right here in Delaware County, visit www.LiveUnitedDelawareCounty.org and select "Give Now."  See how easily you can help improve a life. You may also call United Way of Delaware County at 740-369-9618.