United Way Community Investments Show Positive Results

ROANOKE, VA June 16, 2004— Roanoke Valley health and human service organizations made significant strides in strengthening the community last year, according to volunteers with United Way of Roanoke Valley.

Almost 89 percent of graduates from childcare agencies with United Way funding passed kindergarten readiness tests.

Of nearly 2,500 youth in United Way-funded out-of-school programs, 86 percent reported improved behavior and self-esteem, and 72 percent raised grades or skill levels.

Among 150 domestic violence perpetrators counseled by United Way-funded programs, more than 84 percent had no repeat offenses for one year.

Partner agency counseling to families reached about 1,750 people, with 88 percent feeling better able to deal with problems.

Close to 1,000 people used United Way-funded emergency shelter or transitional living services. Among them, 77 percent found permanent housing and 79 percent held jobs for at least six months.

"To be good stewards of funds from 30,000 United Way donors, we need measurable results to guide investment decisions," said Cheryl Hilton, United Way volunteer and co-chair of the Community Investment committee."United Way ‘s community investment process promotes effective funding, adds value for donors and promotes results that matter," added co-chair and volunteer Kathy Stockburger.On June 1, the United Way of Roanoke Valley Board of Directors approved volunteer recommendations to invest $2,888,341 in 66 partner agency programs. Funds were raised during the 2003 community campaign, and will be paid out between July 1 and June 30, 2005.The process to wisely invest donated funds spanned three months and involved about 100 United Way volunteers. They reviewed funding applications from United Way’s 28 partner agencies, which were required to submit detailed reports of program results and goals.

Panels were organized into five impact areas, among which donations were allocated: 34 percent to children and youth; 20 percent to families; 8 percent to seniors; 21 percent to health and wellness; and 17 percent to self-sufficiency."United Way promotes healthy change by emphasizing effective programs and giving support to those that produce positive, measurable results," said Stockburger. "We make sure that funded programs align with priority needs and have adequate resources to achieve results."Hilton added, "Besides outcomes, we also evaluate an agency’s ability to collaborate with other local organizations and activities. It’s a serious responsibility and we are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers willing to do this work."Frank Rogan, United Way of Roanoke Valley president, added his gratitude for the volunteers’ diligence. "United Way is a force for positive change because of donors and volunteers who believe in our mission and make the Roanoke Valley a caring community," he said. "It’s exceptional that so many people are willing also to give of their time and talent to wisely make difficult investment decisions.

" United Way of Roanoke Valley, observing its 80^th anniversary this year, serves Roanoke, Salem and Vinton and the counties of Botetourt, Craig and Roanoke. Its mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of people in our community.

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