The United Way of Lewis County announced Wednesday that the organization has distributed more than $419,150 to programs and services aimed at improving the quality of life of Lewis County residents.
Executive Director Debbie Campbell said United Way of Lewis County gave $237,650 to a total of 17 agencies and programs as part of its annual investment campaign, after more than 30 volunteers gave time to talk with agency directors to hear why they asked for a share of the money. In turn, the volunteer group figured out just where and how much of the money should be given, dedicating a period of six weeks to the process.
Donors also gave $123,800 through United Way that were marked directly for the agencies they wished to support through their donations. An additional $58,000 will support internal programs at United Way of Lewis County, such as Volunteer Lewis County, the organization’s online volunteer center.
Campbell said the biggest chunk of the donations this year went to preventing homelessness and enhancing family stability, as the Lewis County Food Bank Coalition received $39,500; the Salvation Army, $39,000; and the Lewis County Shelter Program, $34,000. In total, 71 percent of the $237,650 disbursed went to family stability programs.
“Our major impact this year is that we’re trying to keep people in their homes and stop them from being forced out onto the streets,” Campbell said.
The Salvation Army, for example, offers a program that helps with payment of utility bills for those who can’t afford it on their own. The United Way community investment volunteers saw that need and made their decision accordingly, Campbell said.
Three organizations applied for funding from United Way for the first time in their history. The Lewis County Autism Coalition received a total of $10,765 across two programs, the Youth Advocacy Center of Lewis County received $15,000, and Lewis County Head Start received $14,285.
“These are all programs making an impact in Lewis County, especially with our children,” Campbell said.
Campbell said she was proud of the community for stepping up to help those in need even as the economy hasn’t fully rebounded across the area.
“There’s only so much money to go around, and I’m always so impressed with the people that give,” Campbell said.