United Way focuses on 4 essential needs

Sue Berg, Live United

Published Saturday, September 13, 2008

United Way of Freeborn County distributes money raised each fall to programs serving four essential needs:

1. Nurturing children and families

2. Assisting people in crisis

3. Increasing self-sufficiency

4. Supporting older people

Meeting these four essential needs for the common good of Freeborn County is what the United Way does. The mission statement for Freeborn County United Way is “Advancing the common good for Freeborn County through giving, advocating and volunteering.”

These essential needs are met when a “partner” agency provides a program of service that fits one or more areas. United Way of Freeborn County is fortunate to have 19 partners that provide 31 specific programs in Freeborn County.

1. Nurturing children and families:

Approximately 42 percent of United Way funding goes to programs that serve our youth, our future. Partners engaged in this need area are: The Children’s Center, Albert Lea Family Y, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Service, Crime Victims Crisis Center, and the Freeborn County Chemical Dependency Center.

They provide our kids safe day care on a sliding fee scale, Y memberships to all second grade students in Freeborn County, leadership and learning opportunities for scouts, family counseling and counseling for youth struggling with chemical dependency.

In 2007 there were 3,511 children and families who received support from United Way.

2. Assisting people in crisis:

Twenty-three percent of funds go to programs that offer help when one of our neighbors is faced with an emergency. The Red Cross, Semcac community action, the Salvation Army and 211 Information provide a place to stay after a house fire, a home when a family is temporarily homeless, and food when the cupboard is bare. Crime Victims Crisis Center is there for victims of crimes and 211 provides information when people don’t know who to call.

In 2007 there were 13,848 people in crisis who received support from United Way.

3. Increasing self-sufficiency:

Twenty-one percent of United Way funds provide job coaching, transportation to work, advocacy and social opportunities for Freeborn County residents who need help and support to do the things many of us accomplish on our own. Arc of Freeborn County and Cedar Valley Services work together and support people with developmental disabilities to be as independent as possible. Adult Basic Education teaches people skills needed to prosper in our society. Domestic Abuse Project gives former abusers the skills they need to live in a family setting. In 2007 2,993 people received support from United Way to maintain their self sufficiency.

4. Supporting older people:

More than 12 percent of United Way funding provides meals, rides to medical appointments, help around the house, and companionship for older people. Senior Resources and Semcac are partners that provide seven programs to meet the needs of older Freeborn County residents. In 2007 there were 6,946 older people who received support from United Way.

Our “need” for this year is $592,000. Each of these partner agencies have applied for specific programs in Freeborn County. The allocations committee, made up of Freeborn County people, have interviewed the agencies, reviewed their programs and determined the “need” for each agency. The total for all 19 agencies is added up, along with expenses for the campaign and administrative costs, to come up with the $592,000.

As we “Live United” and we begin our campaign, we are emphasizing the “giving” in our mission statement, but we also have to remember the other part of our mission is volunteering and advocating for these 19 agencies. Please be generous with your giving so we can meet the needs of these agencies.

Sue Berg is a co-chairwoman for the 2008 fundraising campaign with the United Way of Freeborn County.