Please Give to the United Way Campaign

United Way of Kenosha County's annual campaign is once again underway. This year I've been asked to serve on United Way's Community Impact Committee. (Anne's on that committee, too.)  It's a group of people who come together and decide which agencies receive United Way funding, and monitor the reports of those who have received grants to make sure dollars are spent wisely and are having a great impact on the community. Agencies must apply for UW support, and report back on the impact of the programs UW funds. The committee also conducts site visits. This week I visited the AIDS Resource Center and ELCA, both of which were quite impressive. Shalom Center and Women's and Children's Horizons were also on the list of tours. Sometimes people think United Way provides direct support to individuals in need, much like welfare benefits. United Way actually supports programs though nonprofits who must prove their impact. For ELCA, that's the summer camps for kids at Brass Community School that reaches 135 kids per day. The kids learn math from KUSD teachers, visit the bookmobile, go on field trips, learn to swim at the YMCA, and get a lunch and snack, sometimes the only food for the day. For the AIDS Resource Center, it's health care and psychological counseling services, even a food pantry.
I know sometimes people tire of giving, wondering how much money really reaches the people in need. United Way donations go to organizations that prove their impact. Giving to United Way keeps your money here in Kenosha County.
I hope you'll join me by signing up for this year's United Way campaign. Just a few dollars deducted from your paycheck every month add up to a big difference for those who need it most.
Thanks for your generosity!
Barb