United Way awards grant to New Vision Counseling

New Vision Receives Funding to Expand Services

The Area Wide United Way Board of Directors recently released $14,667 in funding to New Vision Counseling to hire a psychiatrist to serve the area.

Pictured from left are Nancy Jernigan Area Wide United Way Executive Director and Tim Gould, New Vision Counseling President.

Southeast Missourian

The Area Wide United Way Board of Directors recently released $14,667 in funding to New Vision Counseling to hire a psychiatrist to serve the Cape Girardeau County area.

"Available services are inadequate to meet the needs in the county," said Tim Gould, New Vision president.

Along with $7,333 received from the Cape County Senior Mill Tax Board, this funding will allow New Vision to pay expenses associated with recruiting a psychiatrist to this area. The surrounding regions are currently being served by less than 10 psychiatrists.

New Vision hopes to have its expanded services available within the next 90 days.

Results from the community assessment process undertaken by United Way and the Community Caring Council, indicated that 64 percent of households surveyed identified anxiety, stress and depression as top concerns facing their families.

New Vision Counseling is collaborating with other local organizations to expand its services. Local partners are Southwestern Bell, Cape County Medical Society, Missouri Mentoring Project, and local service clubs.

The Area Wide United Way raised more than $1 million in their 2003 campaign and is funding more than 45 programs to address a wide variety of local needs. Donations can be made by calling 334-9634 or visiting its Web site at www.areawideunitedway.org.