95,000 Lives Improved by MCUW Program Funding

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- Live United! It’s not just a slogan. By creating connections with Montgomery County United Way Funded Partner agencies and Funded Grantees, 95,000 lives were improved with the distribution of funds for over fifty programs assisting those in need in Montgomery County.

$3,175,315 was distributed in the 2009 Strategic Investment process. Nearly 100 volunteers participated over a two month time period visiting with agency staff and board members to determine whether programs fit within Montgomery County United Way’s five priority funding areas. The five priority areas are: “Moving People Out of Poverty”; “Helping People Cope with Challenging Situations”; Facilitating Access to Affordable and Quality Health Care”; “Preventing and Treating Drug and Alcohol Abuse” and “Providing Temporary Assistance in the Event of a Crisis”. The MCUW Board of Directors voted to approve funding at the May board meeting. Member Agencies received notification of their funding earlier this month. Also funded were Montgomery County United Way’s direct services which include: Success By 6 (an early childhood education initiative); Hispanic Outreach (services to educate and inform the growing Hispanic community); Information & Referral (localized referral services to non-profit programs available for people in need); and Days of Caring (individual/corporate/civic/church volunteer connection to people or non-profits in need of light repairs, cleanup projects).

First time volunteers who participated in the “Fund Distribution” process said: “I really enjoyed the experience and would like to stay involved. There were many qualified, caring individuals involved on this Committee.” Cheryl Hampton; “I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the work this year and look forward to continuing to participate next year.” Rich Burket; “On behalf of the ones that are not aware of what you do for this community, thank you so much!” Patti Charlton

Vicky Shelledy, MCUW Director of Community Impact said “I am always impressed with our MCUW volunteers. They truly feel an obligation to our donors and to those in Montgomery County whose lives are touched by the programs we fund. The volunteers give so much of their time and talent to this effort to make sure that the programs fit Montgomery County’s priorities and make the most impact in our community. Sometimes they have to make difficult decisions, but their dedication and commitment are inspiring!” Ms. Shelledy oversaw the process along with MCUW Director of Initiatives Tia Decker. Each of the twelve MCUW staff members were assigned to a panel to help facilitate the process.

John Bracken, Executive Director for Montgomery County Youth Services, also serves as the Liaison Co-Chair of MCUW funded agencies. His take on the process is “There has been a major change over the past couple of years to fund program solutions that fit MCUW priorities instead of just general agency programs. The decisions made this year by the MCUW volunteers went as smooth as can be expected. They had a real desire to make the greatest impact in people’s lives without dramatically changing funding on previous agency programs. If I had to go out on my own outside of MCUW’s funding, I would be hard pressed to duplicate the amount of dollars my agency receives from United Way.”

David Hwa, Executive Director for Montgomery County Emergency Assistance said MCEA’s mission – providing temporary financial assistance to those in crisis – is identical to the stated purpose of MCUW’s “Responding to Crisis” Strategic Investment Committee. Volunteers asked meaningful questions about our measurable outcomes and were exceptionally sensitive to the difficult conditions that our neighbors are going through during this difficult economic crisis. Each year, United Way’s funding process provides great value because it allows for candid discussion of issues, programs and targeted solutions that funded partners such as MCEA commonly share with the community at large.”