United Way continues fund raising for charities

Local organizations from Safe House to Teen Challenge are able to continue providing community services thanks to annual funding from the United Way of Southeast Missouri. All of the 39 programs received the same amount of funding this year as last and only one agency changed as the Scott City Ministerial Alliance was added.

Kathy Parsons, Big Brothers Big Sisters program manager, says the United Way is an essential component for their program and the community.

"It is very important not just for our agency but for all of the other agencies that we refer people to," she said.

Big Brothers Big Sisters in Cape Girardeau received $15,000 from the United Way this year. The money will go toward the process of matching volunteers with their younger counterparts. This includes background checks, interviews and training for volunteers.

Community needs

The program also received an additional annual grant of $5,000 for the specific task of providing parent information and encouraging parent involvement because it fit within the United Way board's decision to focus additional funding toward family issues.

Two years ago the board of directors conducted a community assessment to determine the top four issues. Family concerns have been the focus since last year, with transportation, accessible medical care, and drug and alcohol abuse at the forefront. Subsequently, the United Way supports programs that will affect the community in the designated four areas.

Each year the United Way aims to raise $1 million; this year that goal was surpassed by $30,000. A large portion of that money comes from employees in the area who pledge a portion of their payroll each month to the United Way. Other funds are raised through a golf tournament and individual contributions.

Meeting qualifications

The amount of money distributed depends on several factors such as how much the agencies request in their grants, the length they have been with the United Way and the program seeking the support.

"One thing we really look for is not to duplicate services," said Marla Mills, assistant director for the United Way of Southeast Missouri.

The Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross has been affiliated with the United Way the longest, almost 50 years. The $80,000 donation it received is crucial to its emergency program that helps area residents who are victims of disasters like fire and tornadoes. It also keeps military members in contact with their families.

Executive director Mary Burton says the United Way's funding accounts for 21 percent of their budget. "It is the foundation of our program," she said.

cpierce@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127