United Way announces '08 program allocations

Following a highly successful fundraising campaign, the United Way of Southeast Missouri's board of directors approved a total of $1,046,017 in 2008 program allocations. An all-time high of 41 partner agencies and organizations will use funding to support 53 programs that meet a variety of needs in the area.

Annual funding is determined by a citizen review panel, United Way staff and its board, results from previously funded programs and program applications.

The United Way focused its funding allocations on programs to strengthen families and communities. Four main issues were identified through a community assessment by the Community Caring Council, the United Way and several other groups and organizations: successful children, independent living for seniors and the disabled, economic stability and community engagement.

The United Way allocated $583,496 for programs to assist area children in becoming successful in school and becoming self-sufficient, productive members of society. Those programs are 4-H of Cape Girardeau County, 4-H of Perry County, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts, Lutheran Family & Children Services, Perry County Community Task Force, Teen Challenge of Mid America, Community Caring Council, Cape Area Family Resource Center, Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship, Safe House for Women, Salvation Army, LIFE Initiative, Success by 6, River Corridor Task Force, Court Appointed Special Advocates, SEMO Network Against Sexual Violence, New Vision Counseling, Youth United Way and the children's funds of Bollinger County Schools, Cape Girardeau Public Schools, Jackson Schools, Scott City Schools and Scott County R-4 Schools.

To assist seniors or those with disabilities to remain independent with a good quality of life for as long as possible, the United way allocated $214,250 for programs from Hoover Eldercare Center, Lutheran Family & Children Services, APPLE, Cancer Care Funds of Saint Francis Medical Center and Southeast Missouri Hospital, Empty Bowls, Jackson Ministerial Alliance, Jackson Senior Center, The Oaks of Cape Girardeau, The Oaks of Scott City, Salvation Army, Scott City Ministerial Alliance and Visiting Nurse Association.

The United Way also allocated $125,646 to agencies and service providers involved in building and strengthening the community and responding to local disasters. Those programs are American Red Cross, Cape Area Family Resource Center, Love In the Name of Christ, Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Volunteer Intergenerational Center.

The United Way is partnering with 4 Sight Counseling, Community Caring Council, First Call for Help, Habitat for Humanity and Safe House for Women to assist families in becoming economically stable, providing $122,625 for programming.

To make a contribution, contact the United Way at 334-9634 or go to www.unitedwayofsemo.org.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133