United Way chapter presents $140,000 to 13 organizations

The United Way of Southeast Missouri distributed more than $140,000 of remaining funds from its 2005 campaign to 13 local organizations, initiatives and services on Thursday.

Additional funding came from late pledges as well as reserves set aside by the United Way board of directors, said Marla Mills, assistant director.

Funds were distributed based on the United Way's new "agenda for change" campaign -- which was also announced Thursday. The agenda focuses on strengthening families in the community by ensuring that children are successful, families are financially self-sufficient, the elderly and disabled can remain independent as long as possible and residents reach out to help each other.

Nancy Jernigan, United Way director, said the new agenda is not much different than how funding was allocated in the past.

"The new agenda will make it clear to us how we can allocate funds even better," Jernigan said. "Doing it this way will have a greater impact on our community."

The biggest allocation was awarded to the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority. It received $28,000 to provide matching funds to purchase three buses. Federal funding from the Missouri Department of Transportation paid 80 percent of the cost of the new vehicles. The transit authority is required to pay the other 20 percent.

Transit authority director Jeff Brune said the United Way has been an important asset for improving public transportation in Cape Girardeau County. "They've always been there for us since I took this job four years ago," Brune said.

Public transportation also impacts the four focus areas -- independent living for vulnerable populations, self-sufficiency, successful children and community engagement -- that the United Way identified in its new agenda.

The three buses will start running at 6 a.m. Monday, with buses running every 40 minutes on an east-west route that includes a loop into the southern part of the city.

First Call for Help, an information and referral program for social services in Cape Girardeau County, received $15,000 from the United Way.

Denise Wimp, First Call for Help program coordinator, said the funds will help meet a growing demand of local families who need assistance and services. The organization received 25 percent more calls in 2005 compared to the previous year.

The United Way's new "agenda for change" will be the basis for future funding decisions.

"By focusing on these specific issues, we will be able to have lasting impacts that will help strengthen families in our community," Mills said.

jfreeze@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246

Funding was allocated to the following organizations:

* $28,000 to the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority -- funds provided matching dollars to purchase three buses for public transportation.

* $15,000 to First Call for Help -- funds will meet the demand for information and referral services that will help families locate assistance.

* $4,000 to the Community Caring Council -- dollars will partially fund a community case manager for the remainder of the year.

* $4,000 to Success By 6 -- funds will help the organization's efforts to increase access to quality child care and education as well as parent education.

* $10,000 to Court Appointed Special Advocates -- funds will enhance the organization's ability to serve more children in crisis.

* $6,627 to APPLE -- funds will expand the organization's ability to meet the demands of paperwork assistance for seniors.

* $3,100 to the Jackson Senior Center -- funds will help the center meet the increasing demand of services for seniors.

* $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity -- funds will partially sponsor a home for a family.

* $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri -- funds will provide additional mentor assistance for children.

* $10,000 to Perry County Community Task Force -- funds will enable the organization to continue working with at-risk youth.

* $5,000 to the THRIVE Initiative -- dollars will partially fund a part-time coordinator for the initiative that promotes the Search Institute's 40 developmental asset framework in the community and encourages positive youth development.

* $28,000 to the Family Foundation Initiative -- funds will enable the organization to continue providing after-school tutoring, life skills, family assessments, parent education and assistance.