United Way eyes ways to help kids
By Kirsten Ballard
Published in News on March 18, 2015 2:01 PM
It takes a village to raise a child -- and over the next two years, the United Way of Wayne County is focusing on how to improve the lives of children in the county.
After a year of planning, the United Way of Wayne County Board of Directors released its 2016-2018 Strategic Plan.
The plan highlights four focus areas: Healthy and Wellness, Education, Financial Stability and Community Responsiveness.
Following significant research on early childhood development, the Board decided to put an emphasis on impacting the age zero to 10 age group.
Paige Lewandowski, United Way of Wayne County strategic Initiatives Director, says the decision to focus on this age group follows a community voice survey, where people in the community responded that they felt youth related services were critical to the community.
"We want to be more proactive... instead of catching up," Ms. Lewandowski said.
She said the survey taught them that developing literacy skills early, the quality of childcare, a family living in poverty and mental health were all substantial and integrated factors affecting a child's cognitive, social and emotional development.
Non-profit groups interested in learning more about the plan were invited to attend a general information session today at the United Way office.
The meeting will cover the plan and the new refined focus areas, each with a revised vision statement. The process for applying for funding will also be explained.
The deadline to submit a letter of intent is March 27 at noon. Volunteers will then par down the applications and decide which should submit a full proposal.
The Board of Directors developed specific visions, community outcomes and impact opportunities that will improve the health and wellness of individuals, improve the futures for youth through success in education, increase people's ability to attain and maintain financial stability and respond to personal crisis.
To receive a grant from the United Way, organizations must be tax exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3), incorporated in North Carolina as a non-profit, render social services in Wayne County and demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs based upon successful program outcomes.
To register for the informational seminar, contact Ms. Lewandowski at 919-735-3591.