Strong Foundations for Future Leaders
Meaningful programs for youth help create strong foundations for Delaware County's future leaders. Kids who participated in the YMCA's youth programs demonstrated a 22 percent increase in the number of "assets" (primary factors for success) that they experienced in their daily lives. The outcome was measured using a pre- and post-test model from the Search Institute's "40 Assets — What Kids Need to Succeed." Positive youth programming is one of United Way's Community Priority focus areas.

Treatment for Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Treatment for drug and alcohol abuse brought effective results through United Way-supported programs at Recovery & Prevention Resources of Delaware and Morrow Counties. Prevention of alcohol and drug abuse is a Community Priority Area addressed by United Way in response to community assessment surveys.

The outcome: 61 percent of clients completing treatment remained abstinent for one year. Decreases in arrests, car accidents, emergency room visits, hospital admissions and job-related problems also resulted. The average cost of outpatient treatment is $1,575, compared with the average cost to society of an untreated abuse of $21,500.

Preventive and Interventional Programs Make a Difference
Preventive and interventional programs make a difference in the lives of Delaware County residents of all ages...
Access to adult day care services through the Heritage Day Adult Day Care Program prevented 53 percent of their participants from being placed in nursing homes.

Food for Body and Soul for the Homebound and Disabled
99 percent of clients receiving home-delivered meals from Meals on Wheels report that the food is sufficient and hot, and that meals offer plentiful variety. 96 percent report they feel healthy most of the time because of the meals. Moreover, 70 percent say their outlook is also positively affected by contact with the visiting driver.

The Council for Older Adults Home-Delivered Meals Program delivers nourishing in-home meals to elderly/ill Delaware County residents at moderate costs; assures them of friendly, daily interest.

Independent Living for Seniors Thanks to Heritage Day Health Centers
Last year, 60 percent of clients who were nursing home-eligible were able to remain independent by attending Heritage Day Health Centers for six months or more. Heritage Day Health Center provides comprehensive day services to physically and/or mentally impaired adults, enabling them to continue living as independently as possible in the community. 

To contact the agency:
Heritage Day Health Center
100 Willow Brook Way S
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone (740) 369-5447 or (740) 236-0586

Increased Availability of Affordable Housing
Increased availability of affordable housing opened doors for many Delaware County residents during the past year. Originally funded by a United Way Community Priority grant supporting the Direct Housing Program, the Salvation Army has helped 40 homeless families each year, living in tents and motels, to find and maintain affordable permanent housing.

With a program watchword of "whatever it takes," program organizers have arranged job training, child care, rehabilitation services, coaching and life skills training to help families obtain housing.

Legal Aid Services Benefit Low-Income Families
Children in low-income families benefit from your United Way donor dollars in many ways. Last year, 24 low-income families collected $112,000 per year in child support because of free legal services provided by the Legal Aid Society, a United Way agency.

The Legal Aid Society provides legal services to low-income persons, including representation in court, hearings, negotiating settlements, counsel and advice. To contact the agency: (740) 369-3059 or (614) 224-8374.

Immediate Response by Red Cross Disaster Action Team
Assistance in emergencies such as fires, floods, tornados and other disasters helps Delaware County families get back on their feet quickly. Recent result: 100 percent of the time, the Red Cross Disaster Action Team was on the site of disasters within two hours of notification, providing food, shelter, clothing and other needed resources.

Referrals to Quality Day Care from Action for Children
Last year, Action for Children provided 2,228 informational pieces and processed 648 information and referral calls from families seeking referrals to quality child care. Action For Children helps families find quality child care. This agency maintains a comprehensive database of information about child care for parents, employers, providers and funders.
To contact the agency:
Action For Children
The Andrews House
39 W. Winter St
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone (740) 369-0649 or (740) 548-0649

Safe Living Environments and Transportation for Senior Citizens
93 percent of clients receiving services from Senior Services for Independent Living reported that they have been able to maintain a clean, safe living environment as a result of the services. 94 percent of clients in the transportation program experienced greater independence as a result of the service. Senior Services for Independent Living serves elderly and handicapped residents, assisting them to remain safely in their homes. Serves include homemaker, personal care assistance, respite, transportation and outreach.
To contact the agency:
Senior Services For Independent Living
145 W. Williams St.
Rooms D&E
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone (740) 369-9628 or (740) 548-7417

Help for People In Need
Last year, People in Need furnished 37,332 meals to needy families; distributed 2,126 toothbrushes; filled 539 prescriptions and provided 340 insulin syringes; assisted 845 children, 572 adults and 371 families at Holiday Time; and provided school supplies to 291 children. People In Need provides emergency assistance to residents. Programs address specific areas of need: food; utilities; housing; medical; dental and diabetes needs; Holiday Clearinghouse; advocacy; school shoes and supplies.

To contact the agency:
People In Need
274 N. Sandusky St
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone (740) 363-6284