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United Way invests $1.77 million in Health & Human Service Programs

VERO BEACH — During the three years that Indian River County, the state and the nation have been reeling from an unrelenting economic recession, United Way of Indian River County and hundreds of community volunteers have raised, distributed, and brought $6,725,689 back into the hands of those most in need in our community.

“It is remarkable to think about the true economic power of people’s hearts and minds. Despite the third year of continued recession, this clearly proves that we have the ability to help change people’s lives for the better. Being able to raise and distribute over $6.7 million during down times is a remarkable feat, entirely due to the dedication of our volunteers,” stated CEO Michael Kint.

The announcement came as United Way of Indian River County released the results of its 2010/2011 Community Investment Process: $1,778,741 will be invested in 41 programs and three community initiatives over the next year.

And it followed news last week that the organization’s Family Financial Stability Initiative, three years old, has brought $1.42 million back into the community through prescription drug discounts and tax refunds. All work directly attributed to the organizations 420 annual volunteers.

“These are entirely volunteer driven activities. These are good hearted people, retired CEO’s, business and civic leaders, taking their own valuable time to give back to the community. It is truly awe-inspiring,” added Kint.

The Community Investment Process, held in April and May, gathers 120 community volunteers who assess programs on a variety of criteria.

“There is no doubt that hard decisions had to be made,” said Jim Ackerman, CVS Distribution Center CEO and United Way Community Investment Chair, “but at the end of the day, we all know that we are doing good work, providing essential funds to those most in need.” Many programs received level funding based on last year’s allocations, with only a few increases going to programs that provide care for the most vulnerable: food for home-bound seniors, crisis care for abused children, and those facing mental health crisis.

Agency/Program Allocations

2-1-1 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast: $53,000

Amer. Red Cross – Emergency Services: $35,000

Abilities Resource Center – Supportive Employment Program: $48,000

Abilities Resource Center – Behavior Analysis: $40,000

Big Brothers Big Sisters – Site Based Reading Mentoring: $10,000

Big Brothers Big Sisters – Children of Promise: $7,000

Boy Scouts: $20,000

Boys & Girls Club – CLUBS: $126,000

CASTLE – High Hopes: $21,000

CASTLE – Safe Families: $90,000

CASTLE – Valued Visits: $31,300

Catholic Charities – Samaritan Center: $66,000

Childcare Resources of Indian River- Children in Centers: $193,000

Childcare Resources of Indian River – Psychological Services: $4,000

Children’s Home Society – Cins/Fins: $37,000

Children’s Home Society- Transitional Living Program: $20,000

Children’s Home Society- Heart Gallery Adoption/Recruitment: $1,000

Connected 4 Kids – Resource Booklet: $6,000

Dasie Hope Center: $60,500

DATA – Hayslip Ctr. Residential Treatment: $38,000

DATA – Outpatient Services: $13,000

Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of the TC: $18,000

Early Learning Coalition: $50,000

Economic Opportunities Council – REACH Program: $12,500

Girl Scouts: $5,000

Gifford Youth Activity Center – After School Ed. Program: $40,000

Healthy Start Coalition- TLC Newborn Program: $35,000

Healthy Start – Partners in Pregnancy & Parenting: $10,000

Hibiscus Children’s Ctr. – Children’s Village (former program – Families in Crisis): $15,000

Homeless Family Center: $47,000

IRC Health Dept. – Dental Progam 0 to 6: $42,500

Literacy Services of Indian River Co.: $20,000

Mental Health Assoc. – Walk-In Center: $80,000

Redland Christian Migrant Association – Child Care: $30,000

SafeSpace – Domestic Violence Services: $70,000

Senior Resource Assoc. – Adult Day Care: $50,000

Senior Resource Assoc. – Meals on Wheels: $55,000

Substance Awareness Council – LifeSkills Training: $10,000

TC Food Bank – Emergency Food Distribution: $54,000

Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council – Homeless Resource Center: $30,000

USO: $5,000

Youth Guidance: $50,000

Designations & Special Projects:

Non-partner agencies and other designations: $31,911

Specific agency designations: $37,500

Publix Employee Crisis Fund: $10,530

Emergency/Crisis Special Project Fund: $40,000

Mental Health Collaborative: $10,000

Total Funding: $1,778,741

 

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