Tuesday, November 30, 2010

A Day in the Life of Your United Way Contribution


One question that we're frequently asked is what programs and which people in our community benefit from United Way funding. I'd like to take you on a journey throughout day in the life of a typical United Way contribution.

At 6:30 a.m., when most of us are getting ready for the day, a child is eating breakfast at a residential shelter for abused or neglected children. United Way invests in programs that provide child welfare services - helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community every year.

Around 8 a.m., a single mom is dropping her toddler off at an early childhood center. Because it's a United Way agency, she knows her child is receiving quality care and education. And because of United Way funding, she receives a partial scholarship to help cover the cost of the center.

It's noon, and as you and I sit down to enjoy our lunch, homebound seniors are also receiving nutritious meals and a visit from a volunteer who cares. Senior citizens get help every year from United Way through recreational programs, respite care, transportation, at-home care, independent living centers and more.

At 1:30 p.m., a man with a disability starts his occupational therapy session. He's one of nearly 50,000 people that received help annually through the North Penn United Way.

At 3:30 p.m., a teenager has arrived at an afterschool program where she'll get tutoring, a healthy snack, fun activities and safe, responsible supervision. Did you know that United Way funds youth development programs here in our community?

It's 5:30 p.m., and a woman diagnosed with cancer is attending her first support session. Her kids are next door, talking with other children whose parents have cancer. All around our hometowns, people dealing with health challenges are getting education and hope, thanks to United Way.

It's 7 p.m., and a counseling session is underway for a family with a child facing behavioral issues. United Way supports dozens of programs that provide counseling for mental illness, addiction, emotional difficulties and more.

It's 9 p.m., and a family is going to bed tonight with full stomachs - because their dad stopped by a food pantry on his way home from work. Every year, United Way invests in nonprofits and programs that help families to meet basic needs.

Even in the middle of the night, your contribution is helping in the community. United Way and its partners are there to help families get back on their feet after they've faced devastating loss in the form of a house fire.

Your generosity makes days like this possible! Instead of focusing on one cause, we support over 35 nonprofits to help the community as a whole. In fact, 1 in 4 of us are helped by United Way each year. Thank you for all that you do to LIVE UNITED!

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