United Way allocates $143,000

~ United Way allots money to local organizations

On Thursday, the United Way of Southeast Missouri announced the allocation of funds remaining from its 2006 campaign.

The more than $140,000 in additional funds came from late pledges as well as funding set aside by the United Way board of directors to help strengthen families in the community, said Marla Mills, United Way assistant director.

Funds were distributed based on the United Way's new "agenda for change" campaign, which will be the basis for future funding decisions. The agenda focuses on strengthening families in the community by ensuring that children are successful, families are financially self-sufficient, the elderly and disabled can remain independent as long as possible and that citizens reach out to help each other.

Funding was allocated to the following organizations:

* $28,000 to the Cape County Transit -- funds provided matching dollars to purchase three buses for public transportation.

* $15,000 to First Call for Help -- funds will meet the demand for information and referral services that will help families locate assistance.

* $4,000 to the Community Caring Council -- dollars will partially fund a community case manager for the remainder of the year.

* $4,000 to Success By 6 -- funds will help the organization's efforts to increase access to quality child care and education as well as parent education.

* $10,000 to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) -- funds will enhance the organization's ability to serve more children in crisis.

* $6,627 to APPLE -- funds will expand the organization's ability to meet the demands of paperwork assistance for seniors.

* $3,100 to the Jackson Senior Center -- funds will help the center meet the increasing demand of services for seniors.

* $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity -- funds will partially sponsor a home for a family.

* $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri -- funds will provide additional mentor assistance for children.

* $10,000 to Perry County Community Task Force -- funds will enable the organization to continue working with at-risk youth.

* $5,000 to the THRIVE Initiative -- dollars will partially fund a part-time coordinator for the initiative that promotes the Search Institute's 40 developmental asset framework in the community and encourages positive youth development.

* $28,000 to the Family Foundation Initiative -- funds will enable the organization to continue providing after-school tutoring, life skills, family assessments, parent education and assistance.

For more information, check out Friday's Southeast Missourian.