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Pocono News Section
United Way of Monroe County Struggles
United Way of Monroe County Struggles - Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 3:10PM EST
TANNERSVILLE, MONROE COUNTY - The United Way of Monroe County has a new mission. It's no longer just about giving grants to organizations. The United Way says it's now more about improving people's lives in a measurable way. A big drop in donations had a lot to do with the change.
United Way directors shared a message with Monroe County Tuesday morning. Executive Director Tim Kelly said, "We want to be able to show real change in the community."
Kelly explained donations recently took a nose dive. So there's at least 40% less money to give to organization in need this year. United Way Board President Chuck Nicholas said, "We knew early on that we were in for some challenges."
One of those challenges is deciding which programs get the grant money. Since there's less to go around, the United Way needs to be extra careful in making decisions. Nicholas said, "We want everyone to feel comfortable that when they give a dollar it goes to where it can be used the most."
To do that the organization will put together a more diverse board of directors and establish a bigger advisory committee. It will also require programs to measure how successfully they use grants. Board member John Casella said, "We could focus what the true needs of Monroe County are so the limited dollars that we do raise can go to the specific needs of the community."
One of those needs may be Family Promise of Monroe County. It helps homeless families get back on their feet. Director Kathy Aira requested $20,000 but she said she'll be happy with anything. "We're happy with all community support that we receive," she explained.
The United Way is happy to help no matter how much, or little, cash it has to work with.
The organization will announce which programs are funded and which didn't make the cut at a meeting in three weeks. | | |
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