Press Release
REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Susquehanna County
693 Main St
New Milford, PA 18834
Phone: 570-465-3868
United Way of Susquehanna County Announces 2016-2017 Funded Nonprofit Agencies
United Way of Susquehanna County (UWSC) has completed its annual allocation process thanks to the dedicated community volunteers who donated their time and expertise in evaluating the nonprofit application requests for funding under the new Community Impact Model which places greater emphasis on outcome measurements that demonstrate measureable positive improvement over time. UWSC Allocation Committee members include: Joel Levy, Dr. Alice Davis, Sara Armetta, Kim Smith, Jamie Orlandini, Terri Allen, Rich Mackey, Bob Welch, Amanda Arnold and Michelle Graziano.
After investing 2 years and hosting community conversations, conducting surveys, gathering data collection and analysis, and discussions with subject matter experts, a theme emerged. In July, 2015, UWSC announced its transition to the Community Impact Model placing a stake in the ground around targeted priorities leading to real change. Guided by the UWSC volunteer Advisory Committee it was determined that UWSC moving forward would focus on funding initiatives that “Help Children Do Well”, specifically programs that address improving access to high quality early education, childhood wellness, promoting family stability and mentorship. In addition, UWSC will continue to fund safety net services as defined as emergency aid provided to individuals and families who face an immediate threat to their well-being as a result of a crisis.
To that end, the following nonprofit agencies serving Susquehanna County residents will receive UWSC funding for Community Impact work:
- Maternal and Family Health Services
- Baden Powell Boy Scouts of American in partnership with Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association
- Voluntary Action Center-Big Brothers/Big Sisters
- Women’s Resource Center in partnership with Children’s Center of Susquehanna County
- Interfaith
The following agencies will receive funding for Safety Net services:
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
- Family Service Association-Children’s Center of Susquehanna County
- Interfaith
- Weinberg Food Bank
- Women’s Resource Center
To learn more about each of these agencies and the programs being funded through UWSC please visit our website at unitedwayofsusquehannacounty.org.
This new process brings together our entire community to make a powerful, positive impact where we live and work. As most are well aware, the economic climate of the past few years has taken its toll. Given our increasing unemployment rate, the poverty rate (especially among children), volatile financial markets, budget cuts and constraints at all levels of public sector funding, and the need for services has sky-rocketed while the capacity to deliver services has diminished for most non-profit human service agencies. The result is that more and more of us and our neighbors are struggling and problems continue to worsen.
The reality is that despite all our best efforts, the United Way may never be able to raise enough money to meet the growing needs of our community. As the saying goes, it’s time to work smarter, not just harder. While developing resources through our annual campaign will always be necessary and critical, to advance the common good for all, we need to think differently and consider new approaches on how we invest the donations entrusted to us on behalf of the community.
If the United Way truly wants to make a significant difference and ensure our work has a greater, lasting impact, our goal should not be about ‘meeting’ existing and growing needs. Our work and focus should really be about ‘reducing’ needs. Our soup kitchens, food pantries, counseling centers, drug and alcohol programs and other such critical services are valuable resources and assets. Remarkably, most are doing “more with less” to serve our community. I am an advocate for them and thankful they are serving those most in need. Yet, wouldn’t the community we call home be better and stronger if fewer people needed to stand in line at the soup kitchen? If fewer families didn’t need the food pantries? If more homeless individuals and families had a safe place to call home? If fewer people were affected by abuse, addiction or mental illness?
How do we solve or prevent a problem at its cause instead of just treating the symptom? It is really a very difficult question but the pursuit of an answer, while challenging, is worthy and just. It is time to take a fresh look and approach to improving our community and changing lives. The United Way’s planning process is a, long-term proposition. It all starts with a dream. Dreams become vision. Vision inspires change. Change will improve impact. Better impact will strengthen our community.