United Way improves lives

The United Way of Central Oklahoma is entering the final weeks of its annual fundraising campaign and could use your help in reaching its goal. This year’s goal of $17.1 million will be distributed among 113 health and human service programs at 57 Partner Agencies in the Oklahoma City area with a focus on strong families, successful kids, healthy citizens, independent living and community preparedness. These donations not only help people in need, but also produce economic value for the future.

By donating to the United Way, we are investing in services that we know will ensure that children and families have access to services they need to find pathways up from poverty, better health care and a brighter future. Annually, nearly 200 donor volunteers from the community spend more than 4,000 hours reviewing all programs sponsored by partner agencies. Volunteers assess agency budgets, IRS Form 990s and audits, as well as spend time at each agency to learn how their programs work and how they impact the well-being of our community.

One in three central Oklahomans will use a United Way-supported service this year, but we all benefit from the organization’s ongoing efforts. One way is through the convening and support given to develop new solutions addressing our community’s critical unmet needs. In the beginning, partner agencies such as ReMerge, the Latino Community Development Agency and The Homeless Alliance needed office space, funding and other supportive services to get started. The United Way helped develop these organizations so they could deliver much-needed services without the additional burden of operating expenses.

Read the full article at The Journal Record.