Pocono News Section

United Way Funding Shortfall Leads to Difficult Decisions

United Way Funding Shortfall Leads to Difficult Decisions - Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 4:55PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Jun 3, 2009 @ 04:55pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - Some believe United Way funding cuts could impact the health and safety of the Poconos. As Eyewitness News reported Tuesday, the Monroe County United Way fell far short of its fundraising goal. Since people donated much less than usual, the organization had to cut back on grant amounts.

It looks like the community will have to exercise its generosity to make up for the funding shortage."I know the financial hardship is for everybody," said Matt Rumph the CEO of the Pocono Family YMCA. He said the community center will get about $22,000 less than usual from the United Way this year. He remarked, "I'm just discouraged. It's unfortunate that we fall into this situation."

The United Way will stop funding a senior citizen scholarship program that allows older adults to exercise for free. Rumph said that's a big deal because seniors need to exercise and socialize. Bob McBride agreed. He said the Y helped him drop weight and blood pressure. He's not sure what he would do if he couldn't go there. He explained, "I probably would have been not exercising, my blood pressure would have been up and I could have been gone by now."

The YMCA doesn't turn anyone away because they can't afford the membership but with the funding cuts, that could change. Rumph said, "We may have to stop some people and say I'm sorry we can't help you."

"The funding cuts will also have a big impact on the local Red Cross. It will receive about $30,000 less than usual this year. That means there is less money for disaster services, blood services, and military family services. However, Executive Director Martha LaBar said she will not drop any programs. She'll just try to find ways to raise more money. She explained,
"The community will step up. They always have."

Donors will need to step up to help the community's health during this time of bad economic health.

United Way Executive Director Tim Kelly wrote, " United Way is all about community funding and decisions are made through an all-volunteer citizen review grant process. Decisions are largely based on making a real, measurable impact in improving people's lives. It is a competitive grant-making process, with emphasis on accountability and how much of an impact is made from the funding."