United Way of Monroe County is pleased to announce that generous community members and organizations have donated $1,300,128 -- exceeding the goal of $1,300,000 for the 2015-2016 fundraising campaign.
These funds will be hard at work locally throughout the coming year strengthening the building blocks of a better life – education, earnings, and the essentials. Donations stay local, making it possible for United Way and our network of member agencies and community partners to achieve life-changing results. By supporting agencies that work in education, financial stability, and basic services, United Way donors ensure that people in crisis can get the help they need right away and address their underlying issues.
Gifts to United Way impact one in three local lives by:
- helping youth get ready for school and life success through high-quality infant and youth programs, and by guiding youth to graduate from high school with an intentional plan for the future;
- providing job-related supports and by helping people increase their financial literacy and stability;
- ensuring people have access to the essentials like food, housing, health care, and help during a crisis; and
- assisting non-profit organizations in acquiring the knowledge, tools, and resources to work together and strengthen our community.
Barry Lessow, United Way Executive Director, commended those who helped with the campaign. “The people in this community care and are willing to dedicate their energies and resources to making this a better place. Working together, we can ensure this community is a place of opportunity for everyone who wants to grow and thrive. With this support, United Way and our member agencies are achieving results that matter so that everyone has the education, earnings stability, and essentials that will create a stronger life. We sincerely appreciate the work of our campaign chairs, their cabinet, and the workplace campaign coordinators. The entire community will be better because of the individual donors and workplace leaders who stepped up. Special thanks to Campaign Co-Chairs Heidi Schulz and Philippa Guthrie and to Leadership Co-Chairs Jim Grandorf and Mark Franklin.”
Campaign Co-Chair Heidi Schulz remarked, “Even though the economy has been challenging, our community came together. The United Way campaign saw new donors this year.” She went on to say, “We set an ambitious goal of $1,300,000 for this campaign. I’m pleased to announce, that even with all the challenges, individuals and companies gave a total of $1,300,128! I want to thank everyone who donated, everyone who supported these efforts, and everyone who helped us reach our goal.”
Several workplaces will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the campaign. Indiana University, IU Credit Union, and IU Health Bloomington will receive the Pillar Award for each raising $40,000 or more.
These donations will help build successful futures for community members who need a hand up. United Way identifies the core issues facing our community. Then, with the support of donors and volunteers makes investments in its network of 25 certified member agencies and multi-partner collaborations to create and sustain lasting improvements.
The impact of donated dollars over the past year include:
- 98% of high school seniors enrolled in mentoring programs at United Way member agencies graduated.
- At-risk children in intensive mental health services at Catholic Charities increased their reading skills 81% and had measurable behavior improvements at home and school.
- 512 people including seniors, youth, recovering addicts, victims of domestic violence, and people with disabilities were helped with budgeting and money management.
- 519 people received employment counseling at Shalom Community Center, Amethyst House, Salvation Army, and Area 10 Agency on Aging.
- 1,328,750 meals and 194,821 bags of groceries were provided to community members at risk of hunger in Monroe, Owen, and Greene counties.
- 1,682 elderly neighbors were able to stay safely in their homes because affordable housing and home-based nutrition, visitation, and repair services were provided by member agency Area 10 Agency on Aging.
- 1,832 uninsured, low-income adults received 5,384 free primary and preventive care medical visits at member agency Volunteers in Medicine. VIM provided 15,000 prescriptions to patients at no cost.
- 2-1-1 information and referral specialists responded to 5,908 inquiries and made 9,174 referrals to community resources. Most callers were seeking help with food, housing and utilities assistance, income support, and health care.
- 675 local households were assisted with rent, mortgage, and utilities making it possible for them to stay in their homes.
United Way of Monroe County improves people’s lives by addressing critical needs today and working to reduce those needs tomorrow. Through its Community Action Fund and grant initiatives, United Way works with 25 member agencies and community partners to focus resources on the building blocks for a better life: education, earning, and the essentials.
