With the finalization of the annual funds distribution process, Lycoming County United Way has allocated more than $1.37 million to support the work of human service programs benefiting Lycoming County residents.
"While many view the work of Lycoming County United Way through the eyes of the annual fall campaign, we are engaged in a 12-month process that continually collaborates with a variety of sources to maximize funding streams in support of the vital work being done by the human service network throughout our area," said Scott N. Lowery, LCUW executive director.
"This past year has been one of daunting challenges, significant successes and true testament to the resolve of the human spirit," he said. "We greatly appreciate the public's trust and volunteer spirit that has enabled us to forward our mission in mobilizing resources to improve lives right here in Lycoming County."
Beginning in late April, more than 70 volunteers, divided among five community needs panels, met with representatives of service providers to complete the funds distribution process, allocating $1,013,877 to human service programs serving Lycoming County.
Each program was evaluated for its efficiency of operation, financial accountability, and impact within the community. Recommendations for funding to those programs were presented to the LCUW board of directors in May. The board approved the recommendations, putting to work the generosity of LCUW's donors.
"The community volunteers who make up our panel do a tremendous job with this difficult task," said Tom O'Connell, volunteer chairman of the funds distribution committee.
"The dedicated volunteers take the time to review each of the agencies to get a firm understanding of its impact on the community, and that is no easy task," he said. "Although we had $83,572 more than last year to allocate, the requests for funding we received totaled $144,674 more than we had to give. Although the programs that we fund provide valuable services to our community, it is impossible to meet 100 percent of each request."
This was another unique year for the allocation process, O'Connell said.
"We have changed the way we provide information to our panel members with a technology-driven system, making it easier to conduct the necessary review process," he said. "This change made it easier to look at the programs. We were able to focus on the success of the program, how well it's doing, and how it affects the community."
"By taking a look at the outcomes of each program, we really have adopted a good process for meeting the community needs," said Mary Wolf, president of LCUW's board of directors. "It's a good process and it has a lot of integrity."
LCUW will allocate an additional $30,639 through Impact Initiatives grants for programs that provide a new service or enhance an existing program. The recipients of those grants will be determined in August with funding emphasis based upon the results of the 2012 Community Needs Assessment Survey.
In collaboration with a variety of additional funding sources, LCUW-administered funding includes $148,011 to sub-recipients of federal grants, $130,049 in donor-designated contributions that are distributed to non-LCUW-affiliated nonprofit programs and $51,000 for early childhood education programs.
The allocations just determined fall within five community needs impact ares: Caring for people in crisis, $268,709; Nurturing our children, $155,878; Serving those with special needs, $340,558; Strengthening our families, $179,000; Supporting our seniors, $43,295.
Following is the list of allocations, by impact area:
Caring for people in crisis
* Diakon Family Life Services
Family and Individual Counseling - $85,000
* YWCA of North Central Pennsylvania
Court Appointed Special Advocate - $35,000
Liberty House - $37,000
Wise Options - $55,000
* North Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross
Disaster - $30,709
Journey House - $26,000
Nurturing our children
* Campbell Street Family and Youth Center
After School Program, Sunsational, Summer of Fun - $36,000
* Diakon Family Life Services
Girls on the Run - $10,000
* River Valley YMCA
Youth Program - $15,000
Childcare - $55,000
* Valley Prevention Services
Youth education on substance abuse - $28,500
* Susquehanna Council Boy Scouts of America
Youth development - $11,378
Serving those with special needs
* Children's Development Center
Pre-school and autism - $124,000
* Hope Enterprises
Transportation - $65,216
* North Central Sight Services
Prevention of Blindness - $10,000
Social Services - $18,500
* American Rescue Workers
Comprehensive Emergency Assistance Program/Saving Grace - $125,000
Strengthening our families
* STEP, Inc.
Linkage Lycoming - $40,000
* James V. Brown Library
The Learning Center - $60,000
* Susquehanna Health
Nurse Family Partnership - $40,000
* Jersey Shore YMCA
Brick House - $39,000
Supporting our seniors
* Office of Aging
Home-delivered meals - $12,000
Congregate meals - $6,000
* River Valley Regional YMCA
Seniors program - $10,000
* Albright LIFE
Transportation - $15,295
In addition, LCUW funded $26,437 to the following outreach programs:
American Red Cross (Service to the Armed Forces) - $5,000
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank - $5,775
Shepherd of the Streets Dental - $5,000
Muncy Outreach:
School Health (Dental) - $1,000
Library - $1,351
Montgomery Outreach:
School Heath (Dental) - $1343
Library - $1397
Montoursville Outreach:
Library - $1,273
East Lycoming Outreach:
School Health (Dental) - $1,200
Library - $1,233
Jersey Shore Outreach - $1,865
The allocations will be distributed to the various programs on a monthly basis beginning in July.
