Putnam
County
volunteers are working together to raise funds for a wide range of
programs and services that serve our own friends and neighbors.
This is our 27th year in partnering with local agencies
and contributors.
The most important part of the
United Way
campaign is the
workplace campaign.
Companies and organizations of any size can participate.
By staying involved in this community building system, the
following 39 companies and organizations are promoting employee morale and
teamwork and good community relations…"Neighbor Helping Neighbor".
Acme Machine, American Red Cross, Bank of Leipsic, Continental
School, Crime Victim Services, FLR Insurance, Ft. Jennings School, First
Bank of Ottawa, Fortman Insurance, Glandorf Elementary School, Iams
Company, Kahle Electric, Kahle
Langhals Ready Mix, KMI, Kuhlman Builders,
Leipsic Schools, Miller City Shools, , Northwest Physical Therapy,
Ottawa-Glandorf Schools, Ottoville School, PT Services, Palpac Industries,
Pandora Gilboa Schools, Pro-Tec, Putnam Acres, Putnam County Co. on Aging,
Putnam County courthouse employees, Put.
Co.
Educational
Service
Center
, Put.
Co.
Health Dept., Put.
Co Home Health & Hospice, Schroeder & Co. CPA, Sky Bank, Socar of
Ohio, St. Rita's Ambulatory Care, The Pizzeria, Unverferth Mfg., Union
Bank, Walmart, W.C. Wood Co.
PARTNER AGENCIES
To qualify for membership in the
United Way
of
Putnam
County
, organizations
must be non-profit, serving
Putnam
County
people, and
governed by a board of volunteers. After
qualifying for funding, the agency participates in the fall campaign and
helps promote the concept of a combined local campaign.
Each year agencies must reapply for membership.
Operating budgets and funding requests are submitted to the
United Way
Allocations
Committee for study and evaluation. This
step in the process is often referred to as the “Citizens’ Review”.
The Allocations Committee's recommendations are then presented to
the
United Way
Board of Directors
for final approval.
In 2003, the
United Way
membership consists of these 23 local agencies:
American Cancer Society, American Red
Cross, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Catholic
Charities, Challenged Champions Equestrian Center, Crime Victim Services,
First Call for Help, Girl Scouts of Appleseed Ridge, Hilty Child Care,
Leipsic Senior Citizens, Ottawa Food Pantry, Ottawa Senior Center,
Pathways Counseling Center, Putnam County Association for Retarded
Citizens, Putnam County Council on Aging, Putnam County Home Health
Agency, Putnam County Hospice, Putnam County YMCA, PSA3 Agency on Aging-
Alzheimer’s Respite, Salvation Army, Teenline, West Ohio Food Bank
UNITED WAY BASIC FACTS
·
The
United Way
is present in
1,400 communities throughout the
U.S.
Each is independent, separately incorporated and governed by local
volunteers.
·
During the annual citizen-review process, local volunteers assess
community needs and determine how to distribute funds so that donors know
their money is serving the most pressing community issues, reaching the
people who are most in need.
·
Because of the volunteer system of fund raising and the efficiency of
corporate payroll deduction, overhead or operating expenses of
United Way
average only 12
to 15% of all funds raised throughout the country.
This low figure compares favorably with the suggested Better
Business Bureau guidelines of up to 35 percent.
·
United Ways pay annual dues to the national service and training center,
United Way
of
America
.
This organization supports local
United Ways
through a
national advertising campaign, regional training and workshops, research,
corporate donor programs, networking and government relations.
United Way of America does not raise or distribute funds or
influence the policies of local
United Ways
.
WHAT ELSE DOES UNITED WAY DO?
Safety Net-
Each partner agency has the reassurance that the
United
Way
has the
capability to provide them with financial stability in times of emergency,
natural disaster, and unexpected increases in requests for service.
This safety net is known as the "Emergency Reserve Fund".
Each year, these funds are available as one-time grants or start-up
monies to qualifying agencies. The
Board of Directors considers these emergency funding requests on a case by
case basis. In 2003, a total of $16,142 was disbursed to 7 of the
United
Way
agencies.
The
United
Way
of
Putnam
County
oversees several thousand dollars in crisis assistance funds each year.
"Emergency Food and Shelter”, a FEMA grant, and "Adult
Emergency Assistance", a ODJFS program, provides assistance to
Putnam
County
families and individuals in times of crisis.
In 2003, a total of $8,611 was allocation to 8 local crisis
assistance provider agencies.
Volunteer Network-The United
Way promotes volunteerism by advertising current needs of partner
agencies. An up-to-date list
of volunteer needs is maintained at all times to match individuals with
appropriate volunteer positions. Each
year, one person is chosen as "Putnam County Volunteer of the
Year" and given special recognition at the Annual Business Meeting
and Celebration in January.
Public Awareness-Do you know
what types of service are available to the needy in
Putnam
County
?
Do you know what it takes to maintain each of these services?
Who qualifies for service? Often
a non-profit agency's financial needs are reflective of a need for public
awareness. A common phrase
used by our agencies is, " If only people knew what we are doing for
the community…" An
educated society is a generous society.
When people understand that the most vital services are run on
shoestring budgets and still have a tremendous impact on our community,
they become proud to be a part of the support system know as
United Way
.
