United Way sets campaign goal of $1 million

Testimonials and a video showing how United Way of Southeast Missouri has touched people's lives were part of the 2014 campaign kickoff Thursday at Cape West 14 Cine.

About 140 people attended the event, where the goal of $1 million was unveiled. The goal has been inching upward since 2012, when it was $950,000. Last year's goal also was $1 million, of which $970,000 was raised.

"We don't want to see this number again. Help us get past this barrier," executive director Nancy Jernigan said.

Led by Brandy McIntyre of FOX 23/KBSI, this year's campaign message is "Connect the Dots," describing how United Way connects people with resources, and donors to measurable results, Jernigan said.

Among those describing their programs were Cape Girardeau County Commissioner Charlie Herbst, representing Big Brothers Big Sisters and Boy Scouts; Cathy Matthews, a teacher at the Adult Basic Education Center; and Cherie Herbst, representing Hoover Eldercare Center.

Matthews said the purpose of the Adult Education Program is to help people 17 and older earn GEDs, and its goal is to help them become productive community members.

"We hopefully improve their math, reading and writing skills," Matthews said. The program also has an English as an second language component and helps eligible students earn U.S. citizenship.

Cherie Herbst said her program is designed to provide socialization, camaraderie, exercise and the importance of staying young to its patrons.

"Their mind and their body is always working. The idea is to keep them young," she said, adding college students help out.

Charlie Herbst, nephew of Cherie Herbst, said Big Brothers Big Sisters will celebrate 15 years in Cape Girardeau next year. While it serves 350 youths a year by pairing them with male or female mentors, more volunteers are needed.

Boy Scouts has operated in town since 1911. Cape Girardeau is part of the Greater St. Louis Council of Boy Scouts of America. In the past year, 2.5 million food items were collected in the greater St. Louis area, and all the food stays local. Additionally, he said, more than 1 million service hours were performed, including Eagle Scout projects and helping out at Safe House for Women.

Jernigan spoke about results from United Way programs, including:

* 85 percent of kindergartners are ready for school.

* 99 percent of students in the Read to Succeed program experience success.

* 88 percent of students in after-school programs are on track to graduate.

* 428 contacts made with parents of struggling children to support student success.

* 4,000 families received food from United Way programs.

* 441 seniors are able to continue living independently because of United Way-funded programs.

* 3,800 students learned about healthy personal and family relationships as a way to prevent the cycle of abuse and neglect.

McIntyre talked about the 365 Small Business Circle campaign, aimed at involving more small businesses in United Way's work. For a pledge of $1 a day, businesses can become members of the United Way's Small Business Circle to show their collective support for the community.

"We have an exciting year ahead of us," Jernigan said.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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