Drop in Donations to United Way to Cause
Concern for Children, Families & Elderly 

 

With 46 percent of donations counted, early projections indicate that United Way will fall short of its goal this year, resulting in less money for health and human service programs in North Central Florida. This year’s campaign wraps up on December 19. Staff and volunteers are doubling their efforts to bring in the extra funds needed to prevent disastrous shortfalls in funding for vital services for children, families and elderly.

“Tough economic times means that more people will need the vital emergency and life-changing services provided by United Way and the programs it supports,” said United Way Campaign Chair Jeff Rommel of Nationwide.

Following are a few of the 36 programs that received grants in 2008 that may be impacted next year by this decrease in contributions:  
Reducing Trauma to Children, a program of the Child Advocacy Center, Inc., prevents further trauma to child abuse victims by coordinating a comprehensive, multidisciplinary response to child abuse and meeting the needs of abused children through case staffing, management, and tracking. 
Emergency Assistance Program, a program of Catholic Charities, provides financial assistance to eligible families in order to prevent homelessness by foreclosure, prevent power disconnection, and help bridge the financial gap caused by a crisis until a permanent solution can be found. 
Healthcare for the Rural Uninsured, a program of ACORN Clinic, provides primary and preventive health services to indigent and low-income families of rural north central Florida.  

“No money from United Way next year would mean our waiting list of 700 seniors would get even longer,” said Anthony Clarizio from ElderCare of Alachua County. “Our United Way grant is used as matching funds for state contracts. Without this match, all of our services including home delivered meals and adult day care would be at risk.”

Those who have not contributed to United Way this year are encouraged to do so. Pledges may be made through a workplace campaign, by clicking the donate now button to the left of this story or by calling (352) 331-2800. Businesses that haven’t conducted a campaign with employees are urged to call United Way and find out how.