United Way Completes Community Investment Process

Contact: Shelley Szafraniec, APR, CPRC
(706) 327-3255 ext. 202

Today, the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley released the results of the 2010-2011 Community Investment process. Based on recommendations from community volunteers, 49 programs provided by 26 agencies who serve the eight-county area will receive $4,990,639 funding is provided July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011). These programs and funding amount is in addition to $54,801 to Columbus Hospice and Goodwill, and $36,826 that was designated for other local community agencies as part of the 2009 campaign.

“With millions on the line, we began this process in April with a record number of community volunteers (85),” said Scott Ferguson, president of the United Way. “I continue to be impressed by the thoughtfulness and attention to detail these volunteers showed as they determined how to wisely invest the dollars we are entrusted with from our donors.”

Nine teams of volunteers reviewed more than 60 applications for funding during the six-week process. Each program was reviewed in terms of how it met a community need, achieved results and exercised good stewardship. Volunteers reviewed written applications and attended site visits to see the programs in action, and meet board members, clients and staff. New this year, programs were required to align with one of the four core areas of service for United Way – Basic Needs, Income, Health and Education. In addition, prior to the overall review, each application was reviewed by volunteers who served on a financial committee (volunteers recruited from the financial sector of the community with a strong accounting and financial management experience).

“The commitment and thoroughness involved in all phases of United Way’s Community Investment process is amazing” said Eddie Lowe, Columbus Bank and Trust of East Alabama and chair of this year’s investment process. “Put that together with people who are giving freely of their time to ensure that donations have a true impact on people here in the Chattahoochee Valley, and you have a win-win for everyone who trusts United Way with their gifts.”

The United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. The organization’s focus is on basic needs, income, health and education. United Way recruits people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. Your United Way serves residents of Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Muscogee, Stewart, Talbot and Taylor counties in Georgia and Russell County in Alabama.

Agencies and programs listed by the four core areas of service – basic needs, income education and health:

Basic Needs

American Red Cross, Russell County Chapter: Emergency Services, Health and Safety

American Red Cross, West Central Georgia Chapter: Community and Biomedical Services, Emergency Services, Health and Safety Services

Feeding the Valley, Inc.: Food Distribution, Kid’s Café

Homeless Resource Network: Housing Stabilization

House of Restoration: Restoration

Open Door Community House, Inc.: Showering Program for the Homeless, Transition Home for Women in Crisis

The Salvation Army: Emergency Shelter program, Home Sweet Home Case Management

Stewart Community Home, Inc.: Stewart Community Home, Inc.

Income

The Family Center of Columbus, Inc.: Consumer Credit Counseling Services of West Georgia/East Alabama (CCCS)

Homeless Resource Network: Homeless Services

Marion County Family Connection: Marion Midnight Basketball

Health

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley: Health and Life Skills, Sports Fitness and Recreation

Bridges Learning Center: Autism Treatment Center

Crisis Center of Russell County: Rape Crisis Response Center, Shelter and Services for Victims of Domestic Violence

Easter Seals of West Georgia, Inc.: Therapeutic Care and Education

The Family Center of Columbus, Inc.: Family Counseling of Columbus

Girls Incorporated of Columbus and Phenix-Russell: Health

Homeless Resource Network: Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA)

Hope Harbour: Shelter and Services

The House of T.I.M.E., Inc. (This I Must Earn): The House of T.I.M.E, Inc.

Russell County Child Advocacy Center: Child Advocacy Program, STARS Program (Specialized Treatment for Adolescents without Residential Services)

Teen Advisors, Inc.: Teen Advisor High School Program, Velocity Middle School Program

Twin Cedars Youth Services: Advocacy – Children’s Tree House, Chattahoochee CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Children’s Tree House TRUST Program

Education

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Chattahoochee Valley: The Arts, Character and Leadership Development, Education and Career Development

Chattahoochee Council Boy Scouts of America: Scouting – Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting and Venturing;

Columbus Community Center: Youth Development

The Family Center of Columbus, Inc.: Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Chattahoochee Valley, Families And Schools Together (FAST)

Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, Inc.: Girl Scouts Outdoor Program, Leadership Development Experience

Girls Incorporated of Columbus and Phenix-Russell: Education

Open Door Community House, Inc.: Children and Youth

Russell County Child Advocacy Center: KEEP Program (Kids Engaged in Education and Prevention)

YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus: Character Development – Youth Sports and Aquatics, Rearing Children & Youth at Risk


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