United Way of the Lakeshore's Board of Directors recently awarded more than $2 million to dozens of programs in Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo counties aimed at improving results in education, income and health.

In Muskegon County, more than $1.1 million was awarded to 39 programs from 23 agencies. The programs, which have received United Way funding in previous years, focus on education, income or health. Requests exceeded available funding by almost $350,000.

In Oceana County, more than $83,000 in funding was renewed for 22 agency programs. In Newaygo County, 26 programs received second year funding totaling $96,000.

In addition to the more than $1.3 million awarded to agencies, more than $554,000 was directly designated by donors to nonprofit agencies and another almost $150,000 goes out in response grants, emergency relief and after school programming, for a total of more than $2 million invested in direct assistance. Other United Way program investments throughout the three counties bring the total program investments to $2.3 million.

 The Muskegon fund distribution process began in April, when 70 volunteers researched community needs in the areas of education, income and health through agency visits and meetings where they reviewed proposals submitted by agencies requesting program funding.  Oceana and Newaygo counties had about 20 volunteers reviewing program progress reports and making second-year funding recommendations.

The Lakeshore Impact Council, chaired by Mark Meyers, and the Newaygo and Oceana Community Committees, made the funding recommendations to United Way's Board of Directors.

"Thanks to the giving of thousands of Muskegon area residents, the time spent by dozens of community volunteers and the diligent work of staff, United Way of the Lakeshore is pleased to provide needed funding to area health and human service organizations who improve the quality of life for so many in need," Meyers said.

"The needs are great, and we are fortunate to have so many able partners in the community," Meyers said.  "The next step for United Way is to engage the community for input in determining funding priorities for future funding.  We want to check in with the community on what is working and what supports are most needed."

Goals in education include entering school ready to succeed, reading proficiency by fourth grade, successful transition to middle school, on-time high school graduation and success in college, work and life. Goals in income/financial stability include economic development, job training and lifelong learning; stable, affordable housing; increased savings and financial education; financial planning and budgeting; and increased access to benefits. Health goals include reducing teen pregnancy, reducing risky behaviors such as obesity and substance abuse, maternal and infant health and well-being, healthy youth development and health coverage and access. United Way staff and volunteers are meeting with groups throughout the community to share data and get feedback on these priority goals to determine how best to invest United Way funds in future years.

Give & Ride!  Win a 2014

Harley-Davidson Street Glide!

United Way of the Lakeshore is pleased to announce our second motorcycle sweepstakes give-away.  Any new gift of at least $50, or any gift that been increased from last year by $50, automatically qualifies you to be entered in the drawing for a 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide motorcycle.

In order to be included in this special thank you drawing,  your pledge form or completed entry form must be received at the United Way of the Lakeshore office by 5 p.m. on December 31, 2013.  The winner will be drawn on April 24, 2014 at our Annual Meeting.

To "Click and Give" and for complete sweepstakes rules, please visit www.unitedwaylakeshore.org.

This raffle is made possible by these generous sponsors:

Webb Chemical, Cannon Muskegon, Manpower, Adac Automotive, Knoll, Nowak Machined Products, Hot Rod Harley-Davidson, Jackson-Merkey Contractors, Great Lakes Dock & Materials, and CWC Textron.

2nd Annual Ride United Event

50 and 100 mile bike ride to benefit United Way

on Facebook.  Check us out for daily pictures, updates, information and more!