Uniting the River Valley
By: Curtis Lanning
As the snow melts and fliers come down, United Way ends its campaign season to raise money for their various programs. The wind is cold, but it can't match the warm hearts found in the two ladies who work in the United Way office in Russellville.
Every year, United Way contributes to the community of Russellville. Last year, they reached around 33,000 people in the Pope, Johnson, and Yell counties. That is roughly 1/3 of the population in the three counties combined.
United Way is a community benefit organization. It is their job to find solutions to problems the community may be facing, primarily in the areas of education, income, and health.
“Our job is to inform the community of various needs, so the people that want to help, can.” Beth Latham, one of the workers at the Russellville office said.
If a member of the community has health, then they can receive a good education, which will lead to getting a good job to provide income. That is one of their basic philosophies.
The money they raise from the community is put back into the community through the use of 29 agencies which oversee 43 separate programs, all of which, aid the community in various ways.
Several programs are available for nearly every need from things like daycare (for children who need it), to meals on wheels (a program for senior citizens in the area). Literally from the cradle to the grave, there is a program to help just about anybody.
Collecting money is something United Way has to do in order to survive and continue to provide help to the community. They do that by fund raising, but they also count on businesses to campaign for them.
This is done by businesses offering their employees the ability to withhold a small piece of their paycheck to be give to United Way. If someone can't give a large amount of money in one donation, then this is an easier option. If someone that gets paid ever week gives $10 dollars every paycheck for a year, they give over $500 to the United Way.
“I think it's amazing that when a community like ours has a need, people step up.” Beth said.
Beth actually came from one of the agencies that was funded by United Way before she worked directly for United Way. She said that when one works that close to clients, they see how much help is needed.
The issues and problems of the community are connected. Everybody knows somebody who is helped by one of the various programs funded by United Way. It's when Beth saw the problems and wanted to help, that she was motivated and continues to be to this day.
In most organizations like United Way, religion comes into play. Many churches support the same causes that United Way undertakes. When asked if religion ties in with the United Way job, Beth replied that it does not professionally, but for a lot of people, this job becomes an extension of their personal ministry.
In other words, many employees at United Way feel that their duty to their religion (in helping others) is fulfilled by working for United Way. So while there isn't a direct connection between the two, religion does have a part to play.
Last year was a great year too. They raised more money than they did in 2008, and half way through the year, they were able to go to their agencies and deliver extra money above the budget they originally planned at the beginning of the year.
Beth felt that it was extra rewarding to be able to give more money than originally promised. There were plenty of areas that were hurting last year financially, but thankfully, Russellville wasn't hit as bad as other areas. As a result, United Way was able to help more than in previous years.
Despite a good year last year, 2010 is here now, and 2011 is on the horizon. If they intend to do as well as they did last year, they have some problems to overcome.
One problem that non profit organizations face are scandal organizations that abuse money given to them. These organizations make people cautious about who there money goes to.
Another conflict is lack of knowledge that United Way even exists. It really is a catch 22 when United Way has to spend money to advertise to make money. In the end the choice usually comes down to spending money on things like PR or helping others, and they usually choose to help others at their expense.
Though United Way is an affiliate of United Way Worldwide, each local office is autonomous, governed by 30-35 locals who volunteer their time to be on a board. The board chooses how the funds are distributed, goes on site to check out various agencies that request money, review applications from agencies requesting money, and ultimately choose which agencies receive funds.
Last year, if United Way had given every agency that requested money 100% of what they asked for, it would have cost around $900,000 dollars. This will require more from each of us.
People can help in plenty of ways. In addition to checking to see if your business allows you to take money out of your check for United Way, you can visit their website at www.rivervalleyunitedway.org to donate funds. You can also check their website for a list of programs where you can volunteer.
There are plenty of simple ways to help too. If you just spread the word and tell others about United Way and how they need help, you've helped. Word of mouth is one of best methods to spread news of United Way and how much help they need.
As far as busy times of the year, Beth said their busiest time used to be campaign season when they work to raise their money (Sept. to Jan.).
The "season" has faded. There is no downtime now, and this is due to not all businesses campaigning during that time frame. Wal-Mart is a prime example of a company that is extremely busy during the holiday season. So instead, they campaign during the spring when they have more time to help.
Whether it is through service or money, everyone can help United Way help the community.
