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| Frequently Asked Questions | ||||||
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Q. Where do my contributions go? A. Contributions to United Way stay in the community to tackle local issues. Q. Why should I invest in the community through United Way when I could just give directly to a local non-profit agency? A. United Way is about people helping people and making a positive impact all across the community. When you invest in United Way you are making an investment that makes a difference in not just a few hundred lives but thousands. For example, say your community interest is in helping children and youth succeed. Typically, you would think to give to a children's program you are familiar with, but when you invest in United Way you are assisting children not only in one program, but in 18 different programs across a four county area. Why just invest in one program when you could invest in 18 programs with one single investment! Q. Who makes the decisions as to what area programs receive funding and how much? A. Volunteers and community citizens, just like you make those decisions. Each year, once the campaign concludes, a 9 person volunteer committee is assembled. Those volunteers hear presentations from the programs who are requesting funding. This committee then deliberates and provides a final recommendation of funding. Once those recommendations are made they are sent to the United Way Board of Directors for final approval. Community Investment = Community Decisions! Q. I keep hearing talk about United Way moving toward being an organization of "community impact", what does that mean? A. Community impact is about a United Way being more than just a fundraiser, but rather an organization that makes an impact and sustainable positive changes in priority conditions and needs in the community. For instance, when Hurricane Katrina struck East Mississippi, United Way began a program called "Rebuild East Mississippi", or REM, whose mission is to meet the unmet needs of our community. So far, we have identified over 300 families who were either under-insured or because of economic reasons, had no insurance, to repair their homes. REM assists these families in not only rebuilding their homes, but also their lives. Q. I haven't ever used United Way services. Why should I give? A. United Way funded services help everyone. It is a popular misconception that only the jobless and truly "at-risk" individuals benefit from United Way and its partner programs. Everyday people have problems and needs too-marital problems, troubled teens, aging parents and children with special needs-United Way services are available to all, not just the indigent. Studies show that in East Mississippi, United Way is helping serve 6 out of every 10 residents in our community. Your United Way contribution helps your co-workers, your friends, your neighbors and your family. |
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| UNITED WAY OF EAST MISSISSIPPI AND WEST ALABAMA - 2003 23rd Ave - Meridian, MS 39301 - 601.693.2732 - Fax: 601.693.2748 - ©2006 United Way | ||||||
