In an era of budget cuts on both the federal and state level, when area non-profits are looking at tightening budgets and fiscal shortfalls, the United Way of Indian River County announced an aggressive funding stream for the 2008/2009 fiscal year. “At a time when many agencies are announcing funding cuts, we are pleased to be able to help our partner agencies and even expand our services to the community,” said United Way CEO Michael Kint.
Today’s results of the 2008/2009 Community Investment Process announced that $1,974,326.01 in community resources and campaign donations will be invested with most of this allocated to United Way’s 30 partner agencies and their programs serving Indian River County. Of the $1.974 million, $67,957.03 has been set aside by the United Way Board of Directors as Emergency, Crisis or Special Project grants to be distributed during the course of the fiscal year as community needs arise. “One of the most unique features of the United Way’s community impact agenda is its flexibility – as needs change in the community we are able to provide resources and foster collaborations to meet those needs,” said United Way CEO Michael Kint.
Instead of cutting back on programs, this year’s Community Investment process added seven new programs to United Way’s community impact agenda – $40,600 for six new programs for kids in Indian River County and a new grant to the Abilities Resource Center for a revamped program to help their clients. The new programs for area children include an in school reading mentoring program from Big Brothers Big Sisters, two nutritional programs from the Treasure Coast Food Bank and the Economics Opportunities Council, and funds for a new transitional living program for the Children’s Home Society for kids aging out of the foster care system and funding to support CHS’s popular and effective Heart Gallery which highlights children available for adoption. Overall, this year’s Community Investment process yielded increases for 58% of the programs funded by the United Way.
Record Setting Fundraising Campaign
United Way announced in March that it had raised $2,449,111, surpassing its $2.4 million goal– the largest goal of any United Way on the Treasure Coast. With over $2,449,111 in hand, “the 2007/2008 Campaign is our most successful to date at a time when the needs have never been greater,” declared Michael Kint, United Way CEO.
“So many of our workplace partners, volunteers, and donors stepped up to really make the difference this year,” declared Campaign Co-Chair Bob Schlitt, Jr. The 2007/2008 campaign saw increases in employee giving from 22 workplace partners, including CVS/Pharmacy Distribution Center who ran a first time employee campaign bringing in over $24,000 in employee giving. In addition, residential and individual giving continues to “make a profound difference in our ability to meet the needs in this community,” added Co-Chair Susan Chenault. Notably, membership in the Leadership Investment Association (workplace leaders and individual contributors who give from $1000 to $9999) continues to rise, and this year 376 members collectively contributed $657,805 (or 27%) to the campaign. Another group that has made a significant impact on United Way’s ability to broaden its reach this year are the members of the Alexis deTocqueville Society (a society that gives recognition to those individuals who contribute a minimum of $10,000). Together, members of this society contributed over $631,000 (or 26%) in support of the campaign this year.
Developing Programs for a Tough Economic Forecast
In addition to its traditional work with its partner agencies, the United Way of Indian River County has announced the start of two initiatives to aid families struggling financially. Starting July 1, the United Way will be distributing free Familywize Prescription Cards. They can be used at many local pharmacies and can save families an average of 20% on 8 out of 10 prescriptions. Details of the program are available from the United Way website at www.unitedwayirc.org.
In addition to the Familywize cards, the United Way Board of Directors is in the process of developing a Financial Stability Initiative which will be implemented later this fall and aims to help families not only increase income through the Earned Income Tax Credit but will offer credit counseling and other services. “There is a real need in this community to increase access and information about financial services for families who are struggling, we hope to be able to bring the right people to the table to see what can be done in these tough economic times,” said Kint.
Community Investments to United Way Partner Agencies
2-1-1 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast 65,000
Amer. Red Cross - Emergency Services 37,500
ARC - Employment Program 54,350
ARC - Behavior Analysis 42,500
Big Brothers Big Sisters - Jump Into Reading 10,000
Boy Scouts 50,000
Boys & Girls Club - CLUBS 92,500
Boys & Girls Club - Youth Volunteer Corps 50,000
Catholic Charities - Samaritan Center 73,000
Children's Home Society - Cins/Fins 40,500
CHS - Transitional Living Program 3,400
CHS - Heart Gallery Adoption/Recruitment 2,000
Senior Resource Assoc. - Adult Day Care 72,500
Senior Resource Assoc. - Meals on Wheels 50,000
Dasie Hope Center 67,500
DATA - Hayslip Ctr. Residential Treatment 36,200
DATA - Outpatient Services 12,650
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of the TC 16,000
Economic Opportunities Council - Obesity 6,000
Exchange Club CASTLE - High Hopes 23,300
Exchange Club CASTLE - Safe Families 98,400
Exchange Club CASTLE - Valued Visits 31,300
GYAC - Beyond Special K 30,000
GYAC - After School Ed. Program 37,000
Hibiscus Children's Ctr. - Families in Crisis 15,000
Homeless Family Center 22,500
Girl Scouts 10,000
Literacy Services of Indian River Co. 19,800
Mental Health Assoc. - Walk-In Center 75,000
SafeSpace 70,000
TC Food Bank - Emergency Food Distribution 60,000
TC Food Bank - Kids Café 10,000
Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council 25,000
USO 5,500
Youth Guidance 62,000
Childcare Resources of Indian River
- Children in Centers 204,872
Childcare Resources of Indian River
- Psychological Services 4,000
Early Learning Coalition 71,000
IRC Health Dept. - Dental Progam 0 to 6 57,000
IRC Healthy Start - TLC Newborn Program 45,200
Connected 4 Kids - Resource Booklet 6,000
RCMA - Child Care 38,863
RCMA - Volunteer Coordinator 9,200
