United Way of Lamar County’s Board of Directors announce 2016 Community Investment Grants. This is the largest amount of funding ever allocated in our 74 year history. The funding begins January 1, 2016, and supports 21 local health and human services agencies that are working in our focus areas of education, income and health.
“United Way of Lamar County is excited to announce this support of vital community efforts. Because of this funding and the programs it supports, children will be prepared for education, families will receive support in their time of greatest financial need and home-bound seniors will receive meals and social interaction, improving the quality of their lives.” said United Way of Lamar County Executive Director, April Carl.
“We are very grateful to those who contribute to the annual campaign, as well as those who give their time to volunteer and participate in the creation of these funding recommendations. Giving of one’s money and time is not an obligation, it is a choice individuals make and we are humbled by the countless individuals and businesses that choose to support the United Way and our efforts to improve our community,” she continued.
Volunteers spend more than 400 combined hours during the investment process, through evaluating the agency applications and recommending funding levels to the United Way Board of Directors for final approval. Volunteers carefully review each agency’s request, make site visits to see the agencies in operation, study agency audits and budgets, and review program outcomes to see the long-term effects on community needs.
The total 2016 Community Investment Grants equal $600,000, awarded to the following:
EDUCATION – $196,333
Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America NETSEO, Boys and Girls Club, Girl Scouts NETX, Paris Kiwanis Imagination Library, Lamar County Coalition of Education, Business and Industry, Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society, Innovative Enterprises – Lakes Regional MHMR
INCOME (Financial Stability) – $245,877
American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Lamar County Child Welfare Board, Lamar County Literacy Council, New Hope Center, The King’s Daughters and Sons, The Salvation Army
HEALTH – $157,793
Children’s Advocacy Center, ETCADA, Dylan’s Drivers, Lamar County Human Resources Council (Meals on Wheels), RSVP, SAFE-T
To learn more about United Way of Lamar County, our programs and the impact we are making in our community visit call 903-784-6642, email UnitedWay@suddenlinkmail.com or visit www.LamarCountyUW.org.