fbpx

2009 United Way Campaign Raises Over $750k

By Beacon Staff

The United Way has concluded its 2009 fund raising campaign, collecting a total of $751,319, according to its Executive Director Sherry Stevens Wulf.

It’s no secret that it’s been a tough economic year, especially in the Flathead Valley. Wulf reports that agencies providing basic human services experienced demand increases of 35 to 45 percent.

“The United Way is very grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, as people are more in need than ever before,” Wulf said. “We continue to feel effects of the economic downturn we are experiencing in our valley and throughout the rest of our country. Over the last two years, United Ways across the nation have struggled to continue to meet the needs of those families who have lost jobs, homes and are trying to make ends meet on a daily basis.”

The previous year’s campaign raised $804,803, but despite the loss in revenue, Wulf said United Way is committed to reaching out to families, seniors, at-risk youth and the vulnerable populations.

The agency’s press release also included notable accomplishments of 2009. Here they are:

° Renovation of two apartment buildings providing 99 units of subsidized housing for senior citizens through a creative partnership between public and private agencies. The United Way and Monfric are co-owners of the apartment complexes, which were purchased and completely renovated through a cooperative project financed by municipal bonds. Glacier Bank was the major funding entity, while the Montana Board of Housing provided tax credits for investors. The partnership also includes the Centre Court Manor.

° Finalized an agreement establishing Gateway Community Center, Inc., a newly formed non-profit entity to lease more than 51,000 square feet of space in the Gateway West Mall in Kalispell to develop a human services campus and a community center to provide better access to services for those in need in the community.

° United Way connects people to resources through the Answer Book publication in conjunction with the Daily Inter Lake, the Montana 211 database (www.montana211.org), Share Fair, Community Resource Link training for non-profit agency staff and involvement in the Gateway Community Center Project.

Other projects, initiatives and services the local United Way provides include the Volunteer Center which hosts community service events throughout the year and connects people who want to volunteer with volunteer opportunities.

° Administration of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, which brought $144,806 to food and shelter agencies in Northwest Montana as well as CASA for Kids and Neighbors in Need.

° A Gifts in Kind Program that received more than $151,951 in donated goods and services for non-profit agencies.

° United Way also takes a leadership role in community-based activities such as the Homeless Survey and Community Needs Assessment process.

As always, volunteers are needed as well. To donate money or learn more about volunteer opportunities, call the United Way Volunteer Center at 752-7266.