Meade County Residents Help United Way of Central Kentucky Mobilize $4 Million in Value to Community
Elizabethtown, KY – United Way of Central Kentucky is proud to report an increase in the value provided to the community, leveraging $4.7 million in resources for 2016 with a $300,000 additional impact over the prior year.
United Way of Central Kentucky leads the way as the region’s largest annual volunteer-led fundraising effort, supported by over 4,000 donors and serving more than 69,000 clients. With investments from caring members of our community just like you, and in addition to raising over $1.2 million during their annual workplace campaign, United Way of Central Kentucky generated $15,000 in donated goods and services to reduce operating costs, and engaged volunteers in over 4,500 hours of service at a value of $96,000. Members of United Way’s AmeriCorps VISTA program raised $655,409 for their partnering nonprofit programs, while members of the community saved more than $38,000 on prescription medications through the FamilyWize prescription savings program and received over $312,000 in refunds and tax preparation savings. Programs and agencies funded through United Way of Central Kentucky’s grants awarded in 2016, leveraged $2.4 million in additional in-kind donations and volunteer resources, for a total impact of more than $4.7 million in value provided to the community.
Many companies within Meade County supported United Way of Central Kentucky’s network of local programs by hosting workplace campaigns, including: Meade County RECC ($18,078); Meade County Schools ($11,318); Monument Chemical ($11,093); The Cecilian Bank ($66,936); Communicare ($22,621); Fort Knox Federal Credit Union ($16,00); WesBanco Bank ($7,916); Meade County Cattlemen’s Association ($1,000); and Kroger.
In the coming month of May, United Way of Central Kentucky’s volunteer led Community Investment Team will spend almost 1,000 hours reviewing grant applications and vetting programs seeking United Way funding. United Way of Central Kentucky currently funds 25 human service agencies and 35 programs in the five-county service area of Hardin, Breckinridge, Grayson, LaRue and Meade Counties, up from 14 supported organizations in 2010.
The most important numbers, however, are the investments which create opportunities that help individuals and families achieve their greatest potential:
- 908 children prepared for academic and social success in kindergarten.
- 176 children benefited from a safe place to go after school, where they receive help with homework and are engaged in physical activities.
- 137 clients experienced improved career growth.
- 95,072 meals provided to individuals and families to increase food security through USDA distributions and local food pantries.
- 762 clients who received emergency financial assistance with rent, utilities and temporary shelter were prevented from becoming homeless.
- 2,895 area students were provided supplemental food for weekends and breaks away from school.
- 350 domestic violence victims were given legal advocacy to protect them from their abusers.
- 659 uninsured, economically disadvantaged individuals were given access to life saving health care services.
These accomplishments are only made possible by United Way of Central Kentucky’s donors, volunteers, and advocates, all of whom have impacted thousands of lives in our community. Victims have become success stories, agencies have become leaders and advocates for individuals and families seeking a better path, and community members have reached out across organizations, backgrounds, and viewpoints to develop solutions to our region’s most pressing issues. While there is much work ahead, United Way of Central Kentucky appreciates your willingness to continue fighting for everyone in our community to achieve their fullest potential.
