United Way campaign needs help with goal shortfall of $150,000

Lenawee United Way has extended its fundraising efforts through Feb. 28. To date, Lenawee United Way has raised $713,114 or 79.2 percent of their $900,000 goal for the 2010/2011 campaign. They are projecting that campaign will come up $150,000 short of that goal. Lenawee United Way raised $834,000 during the 2009/2010 campaign.

Lenawee United Way is urging residents to give $52 ($1 per week) or for individuals who have already donated through a workplace campaign, to increase their gift by $52.

“If you have not yet given to this year’s campaign, please consider this your opportunity to help. If you’ve already given, we ask you to consider increasing your gift,” stated Campaign Chairs, Jim and Susie Kapnick, from Kapnick Insurance Group. Although Lenawee United Way has more donors this year than it did last year, many of those donors have given less than in years past.

At the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, United Way dollars help to support club-based mentoring for members. Gerald, age 11, is a mentee in the program. “Mentors are older and experienced but they are fun and they play with us,” he said. “We would never get to meet them if they didn’t come to the Club. I like to learn about people that had different experiences and I think they do, too.”

“Donating to Lenawee United Way is like investing in a 401K,” said Jim Kapnick. “Your money stays here in Lenawee County and is invested to provide solutions to the most critical issues in our community. Lenawee United Way maximizes your gift by combining your contribution with others and strategically investing in results driven programs and initiatives that improve lives and change community conditions.”

The shortfall could mean a cut in funding to all 15 of Lenawee United Way’s funded programs for the next year. “The need for services offered by our funded programs is instrumental in the lives of many people in our community right now,” said Amy Palmer, Executive Director of Lenawee United Way. “Since 1954, United Way has been providing local health and human service agencies with critical financial support to address the most pressing needs in our community. The demand for services is greater than ever and resources are often strained. Every dollar you invest in United Way goes to work strengthening our community,” Palmer said.

The Kapnick’s also encourage workplaces that may be looking for ways to help the community to consider conducting a one-day or one-week United Way giving campaign.
One in three people in Lenawee County has received services offered by Lenawee United Way and their funded programs over the last two years. United Way supports basic needs by providing funding for clothing and household items, safety of children staying at the domestic violence shelter, homeless prevention, and more. United Way is helping Lenawee residents become self-sufficient by supporting programs that provide vehicles to individuals to keep them employed, childcare for parents so they can work, go to school, or look for work, a wrap around program to provide financial education and planning, a job training program for homeless teens, and mentoring for children and teenagers. United Way believes that everyone should have the opportunity for a healthy life and is helping to provide health and dental care for uninsured and underinsured individuals, community support for adults with disabilities, and mental health care and counseling for the economically disadvantaged.

“If the fundraising goal is not met, 20 homeless families would have to be denied help, six low-income or homeless children would lose access to quality childcare programs, and children would not receive the mental health services and therapy they desperately need,” Palmer said. In the case of the Boys and Girls Club mentoring program, a cut from United Way would require the club to reduce programming.

“Lenawee United Way is an important part of our community, providing funds and services to one in three people in our area,” said Jay VanBuren, Board Chair for Lenawee United Way. “Lenawee County is a very generous community, and we need your help.”

The mission of Lenawee United Way is to mobilize community resources to create a measurably better life for the people of Lenawee County. This is achieved through programs of Lenawee United Way, such as the 2-1-1 call service and Day of Action, and grants made to partner agencies for programs that focus on one of three impact areas: Basic Needs, Financial Stability, and health.

To make a donation or pledge to Lenawee United Way, call 263.4696, send a check to 1354 N. Main St., Adrian, MI 49221, or donate online at www.lenaweeunitedway.org.