United Way launched the Burke County United Way Campaign on August 13, 2008, at the Augusta Technical College Waynesboro campus.  Region Vice President for Georgia Power and United Way's 2008 Campaign Chair, Mr. Walt Dukes, announced the Burke County campaign goal of $212,000, expressing his confidence that Burke County would achieve their goal.  Mr. Dukes challenged those in attendance to "Light the Way", stressing the importance for Burke County to give, advocate, and volunteer.  (Shown in the photo are: (L to R - Walt Dukes, Tammy Greene, Derrick Greene, Ashley Wright.)

On July 21, United Way completed year one of its VISTA community program.  We are pleased to report that significant first steps have been made towards our goal of building the capacity of current nonprofits to better serve their community.

In 12 host agencies, VISTAs (Volunteers In Service to America) impacted our community and leveraged resources that:

Jesse, a bright 7 year old boy, was diagnosed with Central Audiotory Processing as well as ADHD.  He was referred to The Speech and Hearing Center where he was evaluated and therapy was recommended.  However, his mother declined the therapy because she had no insurance on her children and could not afford to pay for the therapy.  Fortunately, through further evaluation, it was determined that the family qualified for United Way funding.   

Jesse immediately was enrolled in the therapy program and has been receiving therapy for about six months now.  Through a series of testing, the Speech Therapist determined specialized needs and was able to develop a program for Jesse which included Sensory Tactics, Earobics and Music therapy (which Jesse never would have been able to get through the school system.)