United Way outreach aids elderly, disabled

EDITORIAL NOTE: This is the second in a series of stories written by United Way board member Christi Search about this year's fundraising campaign on behalf of local charities and service organizations. Each installment will feature a different United Way-assisted agency.

The "Pacesetter" portion of the 2012 United Way fundraising campaign is continuing through August. Led by St. Francis Hospital & Health Services, this initial phase of the charity drive sets the stage for a broader community-wide effort beginning in September.

This year's goal is $105,000, money that will used used in Nodaway County in support of 15 partner agencies, including the those highlighted below:

Adults with Disabilities: This agency, known formally as Nodaway County Education & Recreation for Adults with Disabilities, provides opportunities for people coping with developmental challenges by allowing them to participate in activities with college students preparing for careers in education.

The program uses United Way funds to help pay for student coordinator scholarships as well as materials and supplies.

Lifeline Program: Operated solely by volunteers, this initiative provides elderly, handicapped and homebound residents with reliable communications technology that links them to an emergency response center in case of a health emergency.

Subscribers lease a Lifeline unit and personal help button that can be worn around the neck. When the button is pushed, it sends a signal to a central monitoring site.

United Way of Nodaway County funds are used to help cover monthly fees for subscribers in need of financial assistance.

Northwest Permanent Housing Program: This program, operated by Catholic Charities, helps support ten local households in which the primary breadwinner is faced with a disability.

United Way support allows the Permanent Housing Program to provide services and costs not covered by federal assistance through the Department of Housing & Urban Development.

The Salvation Army: For decades, the Salvation Army has rendered aid to those in crisis both by providing direct assistance and by emphasizing the physical and spiritual resources individuals must acquire in order to rise above poverty and addiction.

Funds from the United Way are used to assist Salvation Army clients in Nodaway County with such physical needs as rent, utilities, gasoline, food, prescriptions and lodging.

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Starting in September, county residents will receive information at their workplaces or residences explaining how they can contribute to this year's drive. All gifts are tax deductible.