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Greetings!
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United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on the root causes of the challenges that we are facing right here in our community. The issues facing our neighbors in Marion County are increasingly complex. A coordinated, community-wide approach is required in these changing times. United Way's Allocations Committee is comprised of local, trained, committed volunteers who thoroughly review every program for appropriate use of funds, financial stability and measurable results.
Allocations were divided into the following categories: Meeting Survival Needs, Fostering Self-Sufficiency, Strengthening Our Families and Nurturing Our Children.
The Community Care Fund is United Way of Marion County's premier community investment program. Through the Community Care Fund, combined resources support comprehensive solutions. The following investments in Marion County are made possible from the 2009 Community Campaign support. |
|  | |  | United Way had 66 volunteers that donated more than 3,000 hours to review the funding applications, visit agencies and make recommendations on where to invest donor dollars in our community.
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United Way's VITA sites bring in more than $1 million dollars for Marion County
| | Marion County citizens have a little bit more cash in their pockets thanks to United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites located throughout the community during tax season. With eight dedicated IRS trained volunteers, United Way was able to assist more than 1,000 families, of which 827 tax returns were completed, bringing in $1.2 million dollars from their returns and close to $500,000 in Earned Income Tax Credit in Marion County. The program also saved families $172,000 in tax filing fees.
United Way will contine to offer tax assistance for FREE through October to help Marion County residents amend 2009 taxes and file 2007 and 2008 taxes. Appointments are necessary to take advantage of this services. Call 352-732-9696 for more information. |
United Way's Women's Leadership Council awards local grants
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United Way's Women's Leadership Council, Women of Worth or WoW awarded grants to four local organizations that are focused on assisting homeless school-aged children. The following local non-profits received assistance:
Devereux Florida - $15,000 for The West Ocala Neighborhood Program.
Marion County Homeless Council - $16,000 to purchase 6 bedroom sets, 4 family rooms and 4 kitchen dining table/chairs for homes being built for use as transitional housing for homeless families.
Creative Services, Inc. - $16,000 for purchase of a transport van for domestic violence victims to get them to/from doctors, lawyers and court appointments, to transport children to/from schools and pick up victims who have no safe transport to the shelter.
Shepherd's Lighthouse - $3,000 to purchase and have electrician install 10 ceiling fans, mattresses for toddler beds and bedding mattress covers and pillows.
To view photos from the event or to learned more about WoW |
| Thanks for being an Advocate for 2-1-1 | |
Thanks to your calls and emails and thousands of other United Way's across the country, United Way has garnered the extra support we needed in Congress for 2-1-1. Now we can move on to the next stage and we'll ask Congressional leaders to bring the bill up for a vote. We could not have done this without your help.
The first four months have been extremely busy for 2-1-1. Since 2-1-1 launched in January, we have received more than 5,000 calls from Marion County residents looking for assistance. The Top Service Requests in April include:
Electric Bill Payment Assistance
Rent Payment Assistance
Food Pantries
Housing Authorities
Mortgage Payment Assistance
Read more
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Help Marion County Stamp Out Hunger!
On Saturday, May 8 letter carriers throughout Marion County as well as more than 10,000 cities and towns throughout the country will pick up much more than the mail along their postal routes; they will also collect the goodness and compassion of their postal customers during the 18th annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) National Food Drive to "Stamp Out Hunger." | |
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SAVE the Date for 3rd Annual Day of Action | | United Way will offer "Family Financial Fitness" workshops from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ewers Center at the College of Central Florida on Saturday, June 19 for the 3rd annual Day of Action.
The event is FREE and will include lunch. Sessions for adults and children will be provided. Read more |
VOLUNTEER
| | United Way is looking for volunteers who are interested in serving on the Marion County Prosperity Campaign Steering Committee.
Committee members meet once a month to discuss ways of developing the programs and expanding our efforts throughout the community around the issue of financial stability.
For more information, call Chris Cotter at 352-732-9696 ext. 209 or ccotter@uwmc.org. |
| Deadline for Youth United Way program is tomorrow, May 7 | United Way of Marion County is accepting applications from high school students who are interested in participating in the Youth United Way program.
Read more
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| United Way to benefit from the Center's event--You can help! | |
The Centers Celebrates event- May 11th- will feature a Silent Auction to benefit United Way.
At this special event, picnic tables hand painted by several organizations in town, including the United Way, will be sold through a silent auction. In addition to The Centers, the proceeds from each table will benefit the organization represented. Come enjoy an entertaining and uplifting evening, and show your support for United Way!
By joining the celebration, you will be helping The Centers continue its mission of Rebuilding Hope in the lives of children and families in our community.
Click here for more details on how you can attend to bid on the United Way table.  |
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