May 22, 2014 - Today United Way volunteers, board members and donors are celebrating a milestone in the organization’s 90 year history. $3,011,728 will be invested in local programs working to improve Education, Health & Well-Being, Financial Stability and Community Basics in Champaign County.
“These investments are creating real, measurable change. We receive regular reports back from the programs we are funding - the results of their work are just incredible” said Lynne Barnes, Board Chair. “The trust and momentum behind United Way has never been stronger. More volunteers are involved, we’re distributing the most money in our history, and the result is we’re changing more lives than ever before.” continued Barnes.
Just a few highlights include:
· 100% of at-risk students attending an innovative intervention program went on to graduate from high school.
· 97% of people attending a child abuse prevention program reported an increased knowledge of the signs of child abuse and how to prevent it.
· Over 40 families with children have transitioned out of homelessness after participating in the emergency shelter’s case management program.
· 2-1-1 is on track to answer nearly 1,600 calls for help in its first year.
53 Champaign County programs will receive United Way investments for two years, beginning July 1, 2014. Also receiving funding this year are initiatives such as 2-1-1, the Emergency Shelter for Families, Kindergarten Readiness and Child Abuse and Prevention. The 53 programs completed a comprehensive grant review process, led by a team of nearly 100 United Way volunteers. These grants are possible because of generous gifts to the Community Impact Fund.
“We’re so thankful for each and every person who has contributed to United Way this year. Our donors’ contributions create positive change and lasting impact, and we are beginning to see significant community change. It hasn’t happened overnight. We’re grateful that our donors, our investors, understand that and continue to provide significant support year after year,” remarked Sue Grey, United Way President & CEO.
United Way’s fundraising campaign continues through June 30, 2014. The organization announced in February that it had exceeded its’ annual campaign goal. $3,600,000 has been raised so far in the 2013-2014 campaign. For a full list of the programs funded beginning July 1, 2014 visit www.uwayhelps.org/IMPACT
2014-2015 Community Investment Package
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Education
Early childhood education, mentors, high school graduation, Kindergarten Readiness Initiative
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$425,988
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Health & Well-Being
Physical & mental health, child and domestic abuse prevention, addictions, Dental Initiative
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$681,933
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Financial Stability
Financial self-sufficiency, homeless services, Emergency Shelter Initiative
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$329,337
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Community Basics
Volunteerism, hunger, senior services, 2-1-1 Initiative, Gifford tornado recovery
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$464,970
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Donor Designated Gifts
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$1,109,500
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TOTAL
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$3,011,728
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