Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
United Way's 2003 campaign is going well, and the total amount collected may set records.
According to Pat Coy, executive director of United Way, "All indications are that we should break last year's record," which was $1.4 million.
Coy said so far, the campaign has raised approximately 51 percent of the goal of $1.6 million.
This year's effort, which kicked off in early September, will probably finish in late November, she said, rather than the middle of the month, because some companies got a late start in their fund-raising activities.
She also said many United Way agencies asked for higher allocations in May when the United Way did the agency reviews.
"We know the needs are on the increase," she said, citing more food bank and utility requests than usual.
"We know what increases are going to come in to us and we're trying to prepare for that," she said.
In 2003, United Way allocated the largest funding in its history, providing a total of $1,206,208 to 44 programs administrated by 27 agencies. These programs address many community issues that United Way has put into four focus areas: emergency services, family and community wellness, self-sufficiency and youth development.
The organization also is developing a Community Impact Committee to discuss today's issues and to mobilize community resources for investments in strategies that produce sustained changes and measurable results.
Kosciusko County United Way also is the lead organization for bringing Indiana 211 Information and Referral to the county to help residents navigate the maze of health and human service organizations, both public and private. Indiana 211 Information and Referral will provide the framework for quick and accurate information to those who need it. Just as callers now dial 911 for emergency dispatchers, a call to 211 would be routed to a regional information and referral center. Kosciusko County's database has been compiled and United Way is hoping to have the service active in January.
