United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties News - October 9, 2009

Check Point Meeting

Approximately 80 community leaders gathered at United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties on September 30th for a meeting to identify the next Community Solutions Initiative. While continuing efforts on the Our Babies Can't Wait Initiative, Community Solutions Team Members and Blue Ribbon Advisors are now working on identifying additional ways to build a better community. This past summer, Community Solutions teams met to look at the most urgent community issues, root causes and their solutions. A community-wide survey was also conducted. At the Check Point Meeting, Blue Ribbon Advisors met to evaluate the data obtained this summer. Education surfaced as the most pressing emphasis for the next Community Solutions Initiative. In addition, the group discussed top related issues that influence education, such as parenting and mentoring, literacy and readiness for kindergarten. Education encompasses people of all ages and stages and pertains to lifelong learning, not just academics.

"Y" Live United

The first annual "Y" Live United Event was held September 25th at Columbia Center Mall in Kennewick. The purpose of this event was to inform the community, including the "Y" generation how they can become involved by partnering with United Way to give, advocate, and volunteer to make our community a better place.

Matt Riesenweber from Waddell and Reed spoke to the more than 70 people in attendance about various ways people from all generations can make a difference in our community. Booths from 12 United Way funded service providers were available for guests to visit and gather information.

United Way Funded Program Highlights

Did you know. . .

YMCA Tri-Cities Summer Day Camp Program served 395 youth with 246 (62%) receiving a scholarship. The program provided safe, fun and dynamic summer activities for children of working parents.

The ARC of the Tri-Cities Disability Childcare Program provided 152 youth with disabilities 10 weekly sessions and 21,400 hours of daycare during the summer months. Families reported the program helped to improve life skills and decreased social isolation and family stress.

Lourdes Counseling Center Children's Summer Day Treatment Program recognizes a gap in services for children with behavior problems during the summer. The Summer Day Treatment Program supported children and families during the summer months in order to continue work on improving social and educational compliance and reducing the intensity and frequency of violence.

Benton Franklin Head Start School Readiness served 400 pre-kindergarteners, of which, 92% recognized at least 10 alphabet letters before they entered kindergarten.

Adult Day Services Elder Services Program provides elderly or disabled adults opportunities for physical activities and social relationships. Medical well-checks are also provided. Adult Day Service prevents many of the clients from being institutionalized. The program adds much to their independence and quality of life.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho Summer Science Program was held at 16 sites throughout the community. Key partners were Memorial Park, Boys and Girls Club, Howard Amon Park, Columbia Park, Richland Community Center, and the City of Pasco. Last year, 70% of participants reported enjoying math and science more in school and 60% reported improved grades in math and science as a result.