Once again, our local community has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to improving lives for all residents of Lamar County.
The 2016 United Way of Lamar County (UWLC) campaign raised more than $805,888, surpassing the organization’s goal of $600,000 and improving upon last year’s total pledges.
The success of this campaign allows United Way to serve the community and invest in programs that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by promoting health, education, and financial stability.
Every donation makes a difference right here in Lamar County! These funds are given by hard working people who live, work and raise their family — right here in OUR community. They see the need to help and have a passion for making a difference.
Support for United Way comes from all facets – workplace campaigns, which are run by hardworking volunteers, raised funds from both employees and employers. These workplace campaigns are held by all sectors of our economy, including banking, government, healthcare, industry, and schools. The funds raised here are making positive lasting impact right here OUR community.
April Carl, Executive Director, stated, “I’m thrilled our campaign reached and surpassed our goal. Moreover, it’s our largest campaign ever for the second year in a row. This is a community effort and our campaign success is our community’s success. For more than 73 years, United Way has been working to improve the day-to-day experience for everyone who lives here. We are proud to have so many partners, and we believe that working together is the only way to make positive lasting change.”
She also thanked Greg Wilson, 2016 Campaign Chair, other members of the campaign committee, and UW staff. “2016 is an exciting year for us, with new faces on both our board and staff. We are so pleased that our organization is growing, and we are looking forward to all that the future will bring.”
Greg Wilson, Campaign Chair & President of the Board of Directors, emphasized the great contribution of United Way’s many campaign volunteers, as well as the role that leadership givers played in reaching the goal. “If we all do what we can, if we all give just a little bit more –whether time or money—together we can do big things.”
UWLC applauds our campaign volunteers for their hard work and dedication.
Greg Wilson, Lamar National/eParisExtra.com — Campaign Chair
Trey Glascock, Turner Industries – Industrial Division
Julia Trigg Crawford, Peoples Bank – Commercial Division
Tommy Moore, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office, & Chris Bean, Paris Police Department – Government Division
Chastiti Briggle, Paris Texas Real Estate and our 22 Partner Agencies – Business/Professional Division
Mary Kay Armstrong & Mary Lou Wofford, Paris Regional Medical Center – Healthcare Division
Angela Chadwick, Paris ISD – Schools Division
Carla Coleman, North Lamar ISD – Schools Division
Tommy Chalaire, Chisum ISD — Schools Division
Leslie Watson, Prairiland ISD — Schools Division
Kelly Pickle, Roxton ISD – Schools Division
Mitzi White & Kenneth Webb, Paris Junior College — Schools Division
UWLC awards funds through a competitive grant process focused on supporting vital programs in the areas of education, income, health, and basic support services. 100% of our $600,000 goal was awarded to 21 local non-profits.
2016 Grant recipients include: American Red Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts NETSEO, Children’s Advocacy Center, Dylan’s Drivers, ETCADA, Girl Scouts NETX, Habitat for Humanity, Imagination Library, Lakes Regional MHMR – Innovative Enterprises, LC Child Welfare Board, LC Coalition of Education, Business & Industry, LC Human Resource Council, LC Literacy Council, New Hope Center, RRV Down Syndrome Society, RSVP, SAFE-T, The King’s Daughters & Sons, & The Salvation Army.
Because we have exceeded our campaign goal for the second year in a row, an additional $100,000 is being invested in Lamar County for Emerging Needs. This fund was established to give UWLC the flexibility to meet community needs that may arise between annual allocation cycles. Funds may be earmarked for 1) United Way’s Strategic Initiatives and priorities, 2) emerging community needs; 3) new approaches to previously-identified needs; and/or 4) an agency or community emergency. 2016 ENF recipients include: Ark-Tex Council of Governments, Boy Scouts NeTseO, Boys and Girls Club, CASA for KIDS, Lamar County Child Welfare Board, and Red River Valley Down Syndrome Society – REACH Center.
United Way of Lamar County is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to “improve lives by generating, organizing and distributing resources in our community focusing on the areas of education, income and health.” United Way funds programs that focus on ensuring that all Lamar County residents have the building blocks of a good life: quality education, good health, and a stable income.
Although the official community campaign is coming to an end, it is not too late to donate. Donate online (www.lamarcountyuw.org), or mail your donation to PO Box 1, Paris Texas 75461. For additional information, or to learn more about your United Way of Lamar County, visit www.LamarCountyUW.org, or contact April Carl at 903-784-6642.