United Way goals

On the service end, the local United Way of Southeast Missouri has vowed to attack the root of the area's problems, not just the symptoms. That means it will focus on helping people at the family level, a more proactive approach than the United Way has taken in the past.

As for the fund-raising end, the United Way is setting its goals based on need, not on what it thinks can be raised. The United Way asked the area's community agencies what they thought it would take to provide the needed support to families. The needs analysis came first, then the United Way asked companies what they thought their contribution could be. The result was a $1.32 million goal, which is $200,000 more than last year's goal and $139,000 more than was raised last year.

Nancy Jernigan, United Way's executive director, says she's confident the goal can be reached. And she has good reason. The Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City communities have shown an abundance of generosity over the years.

It is exciting to think how $1.32 million (or more) will be used to improve our communities. And we hope the new proactive approach will pay huge dividends in the future.