United Way: Helping those most in need

By Beth Malicki and Dennis Jordan

United Way of East Central Iowa is in its 95th year of supporting outstanding programs and services that continue to improve people's lives right here in our communities. The mission of our United Way has transformed into an even more focused effort to target and meet our communities' critical needs. Our success over the years has been realized because of those who continue to give so generously and passionately of their resources and time.

As we continue working on this year's campaign, we have become even more focused, joining others like us around the country in a new social movement called Live United - a comprehensive view of “giving” that advances the common good and creates opportunities for a better tomorrow for us all. Live United encourages us to give, advocate and volunteer - all essential to ensuring a vibrant, sustainable community.

Funding these efforts is still a critical component. After a thorough assessment of our community needs, we have established a goal of $10.5 million for this year's United Way of East Central Iowa campaign. This will allow us to continue our support of the 40 agencies and organizations that are providing the programs and services to those most in need. Critical needs are identified: education – helping children and youths achieve their full potential; income – promoting financial stability and independence; and health – improving overall mental and physical wellness and access to services. These are the building blocks for long-lasting positive changes.

These are very difficult economic times, but that makes the need all the more urgent. Many of our agencies are overwhelmed with the increased volume of need from working families and individuals who require extra support to help make ends meet.

It is so important for those of us who can give, to give generously. A contribution to United Way makes the greatest impact, helping the most people and producing measurable results.

It is an honor for us to lead this year's United Way of East Central Iowa campaign. We're also very proud of, and grateful to, the many volunteers who have joined the campaign and are advocating every day on behalf of our United

Way.

However, we can't do it alone. We need your continued support in order to reach out and rise above the challenges we face.

Beth Malicki of KCRG-TV9 and Dennis Jordan of Priority One are 2009 United Way of East Central Iowa Campaign chairs.