VERO BEACH —Announcing the results of its 2013-2014 Community Investment process, United Way plans to spend $1,870,764 in actual dollars and $1,204,693 in in-kind and directly leveraged services to meet health and welfare needs in Indian River County in 2013-2014.
“Over and above the almost $2 million we will actually spend on direct services or grants to local programs, we will leverage hundreds of thousands in savings on prescription drugs through our affiliation with Familywize prescription discounts, free tax preparation, United Way Center Community Room, and the nonprofit Incubation Center,” explained Michael Kint, CEO, United Way of Indian River County.
“We’re really delighted to be able to support our community this way. It only happens because hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors come together to change conditions for people in need,” Kint added.
The United Way Board of Directors acted on the recommendations of 120 community volunteers, who over a course of several months, reviewed program results, completed site visits, and assessed the program’s ability to achieve the results needed to move the work forward.
“1 in 5 children in this county lives in poverty. 26% of those under 65 are without health insurance, and over 500 children are on a waiting list for low income eligible childcare. By pursuing approaches that can be measured and programs that are proven to succeed, we get to the root of our county’s most troubling issues,” said Christie Loftus, United Way Board Chair.
For more than 50 years, United Way has worked to advance the common good as the most comprehensive health and human services organization in this community. United Way is a proven leader in addressing pressing community issues effectively and efficiently.
United Way of Indian River County runs a community-wide campaign raising money for critical human services, coordinates a Community Investment process unique to United Way, provides emergency and special project grants, coordinates volunteer run programs, and runs the United Way Center which houses our Community Room, Board Room, and a nonprofit Incubation Center.
In addition, staff members sit on over 20 community committees.
United Way collaborates with local businesses, government, and nonprofits to meet the most pressing social service issues in Indian River County, large and small. From working to solve over-arching needs such as affordable housing to keeping children involved in positive, structured youth activities, United Way has a finger on the pulse of our community.
Grant applicants for 2013-2014 funding are local nonprofit organizations focused on achieving permanent change in the United Way key focus areas of education, income, health, and a critical community support network.
United Way invests in educational programs that offer support to parents of young children; prepare students to learn cognitively, emotionally, and physically; provide safe, nurturing after school destinations; and teach adults reading and writing skills.
Income stability programs supported by United Way provide emergency food, clothing, household goods, financial assistance, self-sufficiency assistance for the homeless, and relief for victims of disasters.
United Way health program partners offer medical care to the uninsured, dental screenings, care and follow-up for young children, unique health care support for those with Alzheimer’s and related disorders, after school care for children with multiple disabilities, and assistance for those who have speech and hearing impairments.
Community-wide services include: disaster preparedness, information and referral, nonprofit agency support, and community capacity building.
United Way of Indian River County recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done. We invite you to be part of the change.
You can give, you can advocate, and you can volunteer. For more information, please call (772) 567-8900 or visit our website www.UnitedWayIRC.org.
Table of expenditures
Education $681,265
Income $271,800
Health $637,865
Community support $250,655
Outside IRC $29,179
United Way Center $65,250
Nonprofit Incubation Center $62,400
Familywize prescription savings $407,306
Volunteer income tax preparers $80,675
Volunteer income tax returns $589,062
$3,075,457
