LETTERS: SPECIAL NEEDS ARE ADDRESSED BY UNITED WAY

To the editor:

My purpose for writing is twofold: awareness and appreciation. The Area Wide United Way recently awarded $69,000 in one-time grants to 16 programs providing services in our community to address specific areas of critical needs of those who live and work here. Those areas are transportation, affordable housing, youth substance abuse and assistance to low-income families.

This is a new approach for the United Way, with additional dollars raised each year allocated to work deliberately and intently on these issues. A special meeting was scheduled to present checks where we asked each agency to explain how their funding would be applied, mostly for the benefit of others present. The information shared was not only interesting, but heartwarming.

The awareness piece of this message is to assure those in our community of the outstanding work being done by amazing people with a deep commitment to make a difference in the lives of others and our community as a whole. Our definition of "community" includes Cape, Jackson and Scott City. These 16 agencies, the United Way's other 32 member agencies and the hundreds of others who provide services here are to be continually commended for their efforts. Thus, the second piece of my message: appreciation.

We are fortunate to live in a community where so many care so much.

NANCY JERNIGAN

Executive Director

Area Wide United Way

Cape Girardeau