Service organizations in the area quietly make a difference

Service organizations often work behind the scenes to improve the quality of life in the community. Below is a sampling of some of the organizations in the region and the work they are doing.

CCC

The Community Caring Council promotes coordination and cooperation between service providers, churches, the business community and the educational system to empower families and individuals to become more self-reliant.

Prior to the beginning of the last fiscal year, the CCC provided funding and served as direct service providers. In 2003 the organization changed its focus from direct service provider to service broker.

The CCC managed a community assessment for Cape Girardeau County and Scott City which surveyed randomly selected residences. Used as a tool to re-evaluate the community's needs and affect fund distribution, the survey's goal is to provide the Area Wide United Way other community groups and agencies information to base their funding decisions on.

SADI

The SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, Inc., is a non-residential independent living center that provides independent living services to individuals with disabilities and strives to encourage and assist them to achieve control over their lives.

SADI applied for and received a new shuttle bus in 2003 without increasing the cost per ride while more than doubling the number of trips provided in 2002.

In 2004, SADI hopes to secure funding to expand transit operational hours and work actively with the CCC and Vision 2020 for improvements in affordable housing for people with disabilities.

United Way

The Area Wide United Way will face the challenge of carefully distributing more than $1 million raised in the latest campaign. The decisions are based on hard data from state agencies, community assessment data and forums created to review funded programs.

In 2003 volunteer volume increased, expanding to include youth from area high schools. Agencies increased their capacity to provide services through training, grant writing assistance and presentations. Agencies providing funded programs were reviewed to insure accountability.

In 2003, programs affecting citizens in Cape County, Scott City and Perryville were provided by 32 partner agencies. Community grants for additional programs focused on critical community issues, and emergency funding helped tornado victims. In addition, issue councils were established to help people in crisis, to provide services to special needs populations and to promote health in the community.

Zonta

Zonta Club of the Cape Girardeau Area is dedicated to advancing the status of women worldwide through community service projects and contributions. Local projects in 2003 were supported by raising money through the Zonta Club fashion show.

Community projects in 2003 benefiting from Zonta's accomplishments included Habitat for Humanity and the Red House Interpretive Center. In the academic area, Zonta Club awarded scholarships totaling $1,500 to women attending area colleges.

Zonta members provided 1,030 service hours totaling $14,000 service dollars.

Supporting the club's objective to improve the political, economic, education and health of women, Zonta helped support a Missouri Mentoring health fair.

To keep abreast of political issues, the club invited area representatives to address the club.

Literacy was promoted by means of distributing information through WIC offices in Bollinger, Scott, Stoddard and Cape counties. In addition, books were provided to underprivileged students in kindergarten and first grades through a partnership with SBC, and school supplies were collected for the Alternative Education Center and Safe House for Women.

Projects for 2004 include support for international service projects identified by Zonta leadership based on priority issues and geographical need. Urgent issues have been identified in India, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Afghanistan.

cpagano@semissourian.com

573-335-6611 x133