GRAND RAPIDS - United Way of 1000 Lakes Board of Directors announces
investments into 37 health and human service programs through 27 partner
agencies. The program allocations represent the second year of a 2-year
funding cycle and will be distributed beginning on July 1, 2012 and ending
June 30, 2013, United Way's fiscal year.
Allocations totaling more than $239,000 were awarded to programs across the
county. This represents more than $213,000 in community donations that will
be invested directly into United Way's focus areas: Education, Income and
Health, and $26,000 in donor designations to specific agencies.
"We're so thankful for the donors who make all this possible," said Madelen
Schuemann, board member and chair of this year's fundraising campaign. "We
are committed to getting the most out of every donor investment and helping
agencies meet the rising demands they face."
United Way has aimed to target programs addressing basic needs, wellness,
thriving children, adult independence and financial stability, adding
Project Care and Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) to its partner
agencies. Project Care was among the 26 agencies requesting allocations and
was awarded $7,500. The clinic provides free health outreach services to
Grand Rapids area residents who are uninsured and can't afford access to
health care.
Other agencies receiving funding include: Advocates for Family Peace,
$25,000; Baby Steps Boutique, 5,000; Bigfork Valley Day Stay, $3,000; Boy
Scouts Voyageurs Area Council, $1,000; Bridges Kinship Mentoring, $9,700;
Campus Life/YFC, $14,000; Cooperative Solutions, $10,000; Elder Circle &
R.S.V.P, $13,500; First Call 2-1-1, $15,000; Friendship Haven Adult Day
Stay, $3,000; GRACE House, $3,000; Grand Rapids Food Shelf, $10,000; Home
Visitor Program, $6,500; Hope House, $4,500; Itasca County 4H Federation,
$6,890; Itasca County Family YMCA & Bruce Bauer Center, $31,370; Itasca
County Food Shelf Coalition, $10,000; Itasca County Long Term Care
Transportation Coalition, $2,000; Itasca Wellness Court, 5,000; Kootasca,
$10,000; Project READ, $5,000; and Support within Reach, $12,250.
Community members from various backgrounds and professions make up the
United Way's volunteer Community Investment Council. The Council is
responsible for reviewing agencies applying for United Way funding by
evaluating programs, visiting agencies, interviewing staff and board
members, and reviewing financial records to develop an understanding of the
agencies community impact. The council then provides the United Way board of
directors with their funding recommendations for approval.
United Way's rigorous allocations process ensures that contributions are
fulfilling our mission of changing our community by helping people in need
through responsible use of donations. United Way's allocation process also
helps its partner agencies to leverage additional funding from state,
federal and private grants.
The 2012 fundraising campaign kicks off Sept. 15 with a Community Pancake
Breakfast in downtown Grand Rapids. The breakfast, from 7 to 10 a.m., will
feature civic leaders, businesses and volunteers whipping up delicious
hotcakes for the community and competing in United Way's first Pancake
Cook-off and Pancake Flip Relay. For more information, call United Way at
(218) 999-7570.
United Way of 1000 Lakes is improving lives by mobilizing the caring power
of community. Our focus is on the basic building blocks for a good life:
education, income and health. United Way of 1000 Lakes partners with 27
agencies and invests in more than 37 local programs to create positive
change across Itasca County. For more information on how to join the United
Way and its partners to build a stronger community, visit
www.unitedwayof1000lakes.org <
http://www.unitedwayof1000lakes.org/> or call
(218) 999-7570
