United Way of Howard County advances the common good during difficult times

Over the past several months, our community and nation have faced frightening new economic challenges. As United Way works to advance the common good for all in our community, we're responding to the current crisis and maintaining our commitment to those things we know are the essential building blocks to a good life.

Below is a summary of United Way of Howard County’s current strategies in response to the economic crisis:

United Way 2-1-1 is the first call for those seeking help. Calls to this information and referral service totaled 8,221 in 2008, an increase of 21% over 2007. As of May 25, 2009, 2-1-1 had already received 3,453 calls for help.

Investment in local services for 2009 includes more than $1 million toward basic needs services.

Administered nearly $54,745 in Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) services in 2008 across Howard County, part of a vital safety net for local people. 2009 allocations will increase by more than 50% to nearly $99,386.

In partnership with IN 2-1-1, we're providing direct outreach and support to displaced local workers and partnered in the annual Letter Carriers Food Drive to assist local families. Since this partnership began in 1998, more than 340,000 pounds of food have been collected. Approximately 34,000 pounds were donated in 2009.

Together with the Howard-Tipton Counties Central Labor Council and other local unions, the United Way is gearing up for its annual SUPPLIES event. For the past 13 years, these groups have addressed the need for school supplies for less fortunate families. More than 8,000 children have been provided much-needed school supplies through this program, which helps to take the financial burden off of parents.

Ramp-N-Roll, an outreach designed to meet the needs of individuals that do not have the resources to build a wheelchair ramp and are prevented from full community engagement, is funded through a partnership with the Community Foundation of Howard County while various community-based groups donate labor. Even though the program was established in 1996, the need has increased recently due to the lack of discretionary income. Since 2004, the program has constructed 17 ramps.

 In response to changing worker needs, workshops have been started to address the emotional needs of the workers and their families. The “Conquering Stress” workshops help participants to gauge their response to personal situations and adjust responses to help their family react to change while maintaining strong family support and stability.  Workshops are provided upon request and are available free to the public monthly at Work One.