The 2016 United Way of Anderson County Fundraising Campaign starts today (Monday, August 15).
“The fundraising campaign is being valiantly led this year by Bear Stephenson and Carroll Welch,” a press release said.
“This year also unveils a new mission statement for the organization: United Way of Anderson County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good,” the press release said. “We focus on youth development, self-sufficiency, and senior and health services—the building blocks for a good life and strong community.”
The new mission statement focuses on United Way’s renewed goals of mobilizing volunteers, creating lasting change, and empowering social service programs that serve Anderson County citizens, the release said. In addition, the new mission statement highlights United Way of Anderson County’s new focus areas: youth development, self-sufficiency, and senior and health services.
“These new focus areas better encapsulate the needs of the Anderson County community and allow us to make a greater impact where it is needed most,†said Executive Director Naomi Asher.
This is the second year of the new three-year grant cycles and more dollars are needed to fund the desperate needs of the organizations requesting grants, the release said. For the first time in a long time, the funding cycles were open to new programs last year, and three new organizations were funded. This year, even more are anticipated to apply under the second focus area: self-sufficiency.
United Way of Anderson County’s work empowers all community organizations and programs through training, support, and collaborative meetings, regardless of whether they receive funding. By strengthening each program and agency, United Way believes that the community will in turn be strengthened, the press release said. Any organization looking for assistance can call the United Way office and be added to the inter-agency newsletter list and receive notice of upcoming training opportunities.
United Way also has two community trainings coming up. On Tuesday, August 23, at 3 p.m., United Way will partner with the Oak Ridge Police Department to offer a training on drugs—warning signs and what to look for. On Tuesday, August 30, Anderson and Blount County United Ways will partner together with Agape House to offer Bridges out of Poverty at First Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge. This training is from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and there is a $25 materials cost. For more information on these trainings, contact Meghan at United Way at [email protected].
“Consider joining United Way in their 2016 campaign!” the press release said.
Upcoming events include a tailgate party before the first ORHS home game on Friday, August 26 at Ace Hardware; Taste of Anderson County on September 15; and the official Campaign Breakfast on Tuesday, September 27.
Support UWAC by donating, sharing their mission with your community and connections, or visiting uwayac.org for volunteer oppurtunities and other ways to Live United.
Contact Asher for more information at [email protected]Â or (865) 483-8431.
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