United Way of St. Lucie County will be investing $926,866 this year in programs and services that advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all in our community. The funds will be used to support youth, families, people in crisis, the vulnerable and aging populations.

"This year's decisions were difficult for everyone involved", stated Board Member and Allocations Panel Chair Marsha Thompson. "Our volunteers were given the task of reviewing program applications knowing that dollars were limited." This year's campaign total of cash, pledges, and designations came to $1.4 million- down from last year's total of $1.83 million. In total, 40 programs under 32 local non-profit agencies were recommended for funding. The recommendations of the volunteer review panels were presented and approved for distribution by the United Way Board of Directors at its June 2nd meeting.

The volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to participate in this year's process had their work cut out for them. "With requests totaling more than the amount of money available for funding, we have to make sure that the United Way contributions are distributed to programs that are making the most impact on people in need in our community", continued Thompson. "The level of scrutiny during the allocations process is intense but necessary given the economic conditions that are affecting everyone in our community."

United Way is committed to creating a brighter future in St. Lucie County by investing in programs and services that make a positive impact in the following areas:

GENERAL PROGRAM FUNDING

STRENGTHENING AND SUPPORTING FAMILIES

SPECIAL NEEDS POPULATION - ELDERLY & DISABLED

HEALTH, HUNGER, SAFETY AND CRISIS INTERVENTION

HELPING CHILDREN & YOUTH SUCCEED

TOTAL: $511,036

Focusing on creating long-lasting solutions by addressing the underlying causes of problems has helped United Way of St. Lucie County become a leader in facilitating community solutions to the area's priority health and human services needs.

"Our commitment to our mission and our community is stronger than ever. As we continue to face economic challenges, we have taken steps to reduce our operating budget and we are implementing ways to cut costs," said CEO Karen Knapp. "We will continue to pull necessary resources together to address the growing health and human service needs in our community."

In addition to distributions allocated on Tuesday, the board approved supporting United Way impact projects, such as School Supplies for Students, 2-1-1, and the expanded Volunteer Center. Also, designations chosen by individual donors totaling $181,940 will be given to other organizations and agencies located both in and outside our area of service.

The distribution breakdown, approved by the United Way Board of Directors:

General Program Funding - $511,036
United Way Impact Projects - $80,000
Community Service - $153,890
Designations (Donor's Choice) - $181,940
TOTAL - $926,866

United Way of St. Lucie County is encouraging people in the community to LIVE UNITED by giving to the annual campaign, helping spread the word about programs and services that help people in need, and volunteering their time and talent to a local cause. For more information on how you can LIVE UNITED and help create a brighter future for those in need in our community, please call 772-464-5300 or visit our website at www.unitedwayslc.org.