More than 105 million federal dollars are available to Pennsylvanians in danger of mortgage foreclosure if they meet certain criteria, but there’s a race against the clock since applications must be submitted by September 30th.
The money is part of the $1 billion provided by HUD in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act signed into law in July 2010. Pennsylvania’s share was authorized in October, 2010, and the PA Housing Finance Agency administering the program started accepting applications on April 1st, 2011. Executive Director and CEO Brian Hudson says they’ve approved 700 applications of the 1400 received so far, and they’re looking for 8- to 10,000 more. Homeowners who are three months behind on a mortgage because of unemployment, underemployment or illness may be eligible for a maximum $50,000 declining balance loan for arrearages and 24 monthly mortgage payments.
United Way has launched a new helpline: 2-1-1 that will not only help people apply for the mortgage help but also connect them to other resources they may need, such as utility payment assistance, health care or employment resources.
Showing posts with label United Way. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United Way. Show all posts
Monday, July 11, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Successful Campaign for Local United Way
While most United Way chapters got fewer charitable donations this year, the United Way of Allegheny County ran its strongest fundraising campaign in eight years.
United Way of Allegheny County President Bob Nelkin says the 2010 campaign raised $31.8 million, up $1 million from 2009. He says most of United Way’s support comes from workplace campaigns, and two dozen new businesses joined the fundraiser this year.
Nelkin says as a result, the United Way’s programs will be able to help more needy children, families, and seniors. He says Pittsburgh has proven its commitment to community at a critical time for human services.
“As the recession has ended, the human need actually has continued. If you look at things like food stamp usage in the county, it’s actually gone up,” says Nelkin. “So, people continue to struggle, and yet at this very time, state and federal government are contracting their services and contracting the safety net.”
Nelkin says his United Way chapter continues its appeal to Harrisburg to prevent budget cuts to programs that are working.
United Way of Allegheny County President Bob Nelkin says the 2010 campaign raised $31.8 million, up $1 million from 2009. He says most of United Way’s support comes from workplace campaigns, and two dozen new businesses joined the fundraiser this year.
Nelkin says as a result, the United Way’s programs will be able to help more needy children, families, and seniors. He says Pittsburgh has proven its commitment to community at a critical time for human services.
“As the recession has ended, the human need actually has continued. If you look at things like food stamp usage in the county, it’s actually gone up,” says Nelkin. “So, people continue to struggle, and yet at this very time, state and federal government are contracting their services and contracting the safety net.”
Nelkin says his United Way chapter continues its appeal to Harrisburg to prevent budget cuts to programs that are working.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Mayor Launches ‘ServePGH’
With an eye on making Pittsburgh and even more livable city, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl has launched a new citywide civic volunteerism program. The ‘ServePGH’ program is a multi pronged effort to get more residents involved in their city.
The city has already launched a Civic Leadership Academy where residents are trained to learn how to lead community groups, start block watches and launch other community-building activities. Today Mayor Ravenstahl unveiled four other efforts that will form the basis of ServePGH.
Taking the spotlight today was the “Mayor’s Mentoring Initiative” that gives city workers up to two hours of administrative leave per week to mentor middle-school students. The program piggybacks on a mentoring program launched last year by the United Way of Allegheny County. United Way President Bob Nelkin says many kids in the city need to see adults who hold everyday jobs. “Our kids don’t know what those jobs and careers are, They may have the dream of being an NBA star but they need to know what the real jobs are in health fields and in other fields.”
Toni Kendrick is a principal in a Pittsburgh Public school on the North Side. She says she has seen firsthand the impact of mentoring. “Students who are mentored receive better grades… are less likely to be involved with drugs and street violence… [and] students with mentors are 86% more likely to attend college,” says Kendrick. Her school is home to 55 sixth graders with United Way mentors this year and she says 28 of them are on the Honor Roll.
Other prongs of the ServePGH program will be rolled out in the coming months. The “Love Your Block” program will roll out this spring along with the “Redd Up Zone” effort. Both programs have the goal of cleaning up neighborhoods and instilling more civic pride. A “Snow Angles” program will launch in the fall, calling on residents to volunteer to shovel the sidewalks and driveways of neighbors who can’t do it themselves. “When I grew up, I used to love snow and when I became the mayor I now hate snow,” says Ravenstahl. He says we all have to deal with the snow and many seniors need help.
It is unclear if the mayor plans to adopt a sidewalk but he says he will be taking on a mentee. “I can’t with a straight face ask our directors and city employees to go do something I’m not willing to do myself,” says Ravenstahl.
The city has already launched a Civic Leadership Academy where residents are trained to learn how to lead community groups, start block watches and launch other community-building activities. Today Mayor Ravenstahl unveiled four other efforts that will form the basis of ServePGH.
Taking the spotlight today was the “Mayor’s Mentoring Initiative” that gives city workers up to two hours of administrative leave per week to mentor middle-school students. The program piggybacks on a mentoring program launched last year by the United Way of Allegheny County. United Way President Bob Nelkin says many kids in the city need to see adults who hold everyday jobs. “Our kids don’t know what those jobs and careers are, They may have the dream of being an NBA star but they need to know what the real jobs are in health fields and in other fields.”
Toni Kendrick is a principal in a Pittsburgh Public school on the North Side. She says she has seen firsthand the impact of mentoring. “Students who are mentored receive better grades… are less likely to be involved with drugs and street violence… [and] students with mentors are 86% more likely to attend college,” says Kendrick. Her school is home to 55 sixth graders with United Way mentors this year and she says 28 of them are on the Honor Roll.
Other prongs of the ServePGH program will be rolled out in the coming months. The “Love Your Block” program will roll out this spring along with the “Redd Up Zone” effort. Both programs have the goal of cleaning up neighborhoods and instilling more civic pride. A “Snow Angles” program will launch in the fall, calling on residents to volunteer to shovel the sidewalks and driveways of neighbors who can’t do it themselves. “When I grew up, I used to love snow and when I became the mayor I now hate snow,” says Ravenstahl. He says we all have to deal with the snow and many seniors need help.
It is unclear if the mayor plans to adopt a sidewalk but he says he will be taking on a mentee. “I can’t with a straight face ask our directors and city employees to go do something I’m not willing to do myself,” says Ravenstahl.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Budget Cuts Force Service Reductions As Demand Rises
The stagnant economy has increased demand for the services Pennsylvania’s nonprofit organizations provide. But according to a new report from the United Way of Pennsylvania, two cycles of budget cuts have forced charities to trim services and turn away clients.
The survey of 1,000 Pennsylvania nonprofits revealed a 50 percent increase in the number of people who looked to charities for help for the first time. Tony Ross, the president of the United Way of Pennsylvania, said the number of unemployed and uninsured people asking for help has climbed, as well. “Many of my colleagues from across the commonwealth report that many of our friends and neighbors that were once financial contributors to charities are now actually seeking services from those exact same charities,” he said. “To put it another way, the donor has become the client in many cases.”
Funding cuts hurt charities’ abilities to respond, according to the survey. 7 in 10 nonprofits lost funding over the last two years. 34 percent had to turn away people asking for help, and more than 60 percent had to lay off staffers.
That’s partially because private funding didn’t fill the gap left by a decline in state support, according to Ross. “Nongovernmental sources of funds – private foundation grants, individual donations, things of that nature – have remained flat or decreased since 2008, for most nonprofit organizations. That is the case for 77 percent of the respondents in our survey,” he said.
Governor Corbett’s budget keeps nonprofit funding relatively level. Leslie Osche, the executive director of Butler County’s United Way, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette she was “pleasantly surprised” by that portion of the Republican’s spending plan, though Ross called other budget line items “ugly.”
The survey of 1,000 Pennsylvania nonprofits revealed a 50 percent increase in the number of people who looked to charities for help for the first time. Tony Ross, the president of the United Way of Pennsylvania, said the number of unemployed and uninsured people asking for help has climbed, as well. “Many of my colleagues from across the commonwealth report that many of our friends and neighbors that were once financial contributors to charities are now actually seeking services from those exact same charities,” he said. “To put it another way, the donor has become the client in many cases.”
Funding cuts hurt charities’ abilities to respond, according to the survey. 7 in 10 nonprofits lost funding over the last two years. 34 percent had to turn away people asking for help, and more than 60 percent had to lay off staffers.
That’s partially because private funding didn’t fill the gap left by a decline in state support, according to Ross. “Nongovernmental sources of funds – private foundation grants, individual donations, things of that nature – have remained flat or decreased since 2008, for most nonprofit organizations. That is the case for 77 percent of the respondents in our survey,” he said.
Governor Corbett’s budget keeps nonprofit funding relatively level. Leslie Osche, the executive director of Butler County’s United Way, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette she was “pleasantly surprised” by that portion of the Republican’s spending plan, though Ross called other budget line items “ugly.”
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Nonprofit Workers Paid More Despite Recession
A survey conducted by Robert Morris University and the United Way of Allegheny County reveals employees of local nonprofits recently received the smallest two-year increase in salaries since the survey began in 2002.
However, analysts say the 2008-2010 average salary increase of 2.5% is positive because the economic recession could have kept wages from increasing at all.
Executive Director Peggy Outon of Robert Morris' Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management says the study also shows more women than men in local nonprofit leadership roles. But Outon says these women are getting paid almost 25% less than their male counterparts, who average more than $118,000 per year.
"We are going to be doing three years of detailed research on the lives of women in nonprofits, to try to see that they can become more adept at asking for raises, become more adept at showing their leadership and demonstrating the value of their leadership," says Outon.
The 25 % gender wage gap is slimmer than in the past, though; in 2002, women in local nonprofits earned just 62% of men's wages. However, Outon says more progress must be made: the national rate for women is 80%.
Outon does not anticipate the raise rate increasing over the next couple of years, and neither does United Way President Bob Nelkin.
"I think the greatest challenges are ahead," Nelkin says. "The word out of Harrisburg, although early in the administration, is fiscal discipline and less spending on human services and the safety net."
However, analysts say the 2008-2010 average salary increase of 2.5% is positive because the economic recession could have kept wages from increasing at all.
Executive Director Peggy Outon of Robert Morris' Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management says the study also shows more women than men in local nonprofit leadership roles. But Outon says these women are getting paid almost 25% less than their male counterparts, who average more than $118,000 per year.
"We are going to be doing three years of detailed research on the lives of women in nonprofits, to try to see that they can become more adept at asking for raises, become more adept at showing their leadership and demonstrating the value of their leadership," says Outon.
The 25 % gender wage gap is slimmer than in the past, though; in 2002, women in local nonprofits earned just 62% of men's wages. However, Outon says more progress must be made: the national rate for women is 80%.
Outon does not anticipate the raise rate increasing over the next couple of years, and neither does United Way President Bob Nelkin.
"I think the greatest challenges are ahead," Nelkin says. "The word out of Harrisburg, although early in the administration, is fiscal discipline and less spending on human services and the safety net."
Monday, January 31, 2011
United Way Offers Tax Preparation
Families earning up to $40,000 and individuals making up to $20,000 are entitled to free tax preparation. United Way and The Money In Your Pocket Coalition have launched their third Free Tax Preparation Campaign to help workers claim maximum tax refunds.
Julie DeSeyn, a Program Manager for the United Way, says that volunteers come from various backgrounds. "We do get a number from major corporations in the area, people are students majoring in accounting, or people who are involved in finance some way but not directly in tax preparation. Or people that just, and I was amazed at the number of people out there that just really enjoy doing taxes."
She says that United Way held three weekend sessions for volunteers, each going through 18 hours of training in tax law and software.
The United Way and Money In Your Pocket Coalition have opened six locations in Pittsburgh. Taxpayers looking for help can call the United Way Helpline at 412-225-1155 to get information on the nearest tax location to them and appointment times.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Grants for Programs That Support Independent Living
Ten agencies will receive grants from the United Way of Allegheny County totalling $2.16 million to enhance services that help frail seniors and persons with disabilities be healthy and safe in their homes. United Way President Bob Nelkin says 26 organizations submitted proposals for the grants and more than 80 business volunteers reviewed the applications and determined which would help the seniors and the disabled the most.
Nelkin says these grants are part of the United Way's new Impact Model which is designed to support programs that have the greatest impact on the community's critical needs and respond to donors who are seeking the best use of charitable donations. He says the focus of these grants is helping the elderly and disabled remain in their homes safely...
"They need someone looking in on them. They need transportation to health care appointments. Often they need help with getting groceries and with chores so they can stay in their homes. The alternative is one they often don't want...being placed in a nursing home or institution."
One of the grant recipients is the attendant care training program provided by United Cerebral Palsy. The workers provide direct in-home personal care including bathing, dressing, preparing food and transportation.
"Our grant is intended professionalize the attendant care, to help create the training so they can help the individual but in a very respectful way."
Other grant recipients include:
--Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services and Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh
--Catholic Youth Association
--Centers for Healthy Hearts and Souls
--Community Human Services
--Family Service of Western PA and North Hills Community Outreach
--Jewish Community Center with Jewish Association on Aging and Jewish Family and Children's Service
--Lutheran Service Society
--Northern Area Multi Service Center
--Vintage and the Department of Human Services/Area Agency on Aging
Nelkin says these grants are part of the United Way's new Impact Model which is designed to support programs that have the greatest impact on the community's critical needs and respond to donors who are seeking the best use of charitable donations. He says the focus of these grants is helping the elderly and disabled remain in their homes safely...
"They need someone looking in on them. They need transportation to health care appointments. Often they need help with getting groceries and with chores so they can stay in their homes. The alternative is one they often don't want...being placed in a nursing home or institution."
One of the grant recipients is the attendant care training program provided by United Cerebral Palsy. The workers provide direct in-home personal care including bathing, dressing, preparing food and transportation.
"Our grant is intended professionalize the attendant care, to help create the training so they can help the individual but in a very respectful way."
Other grant recipients include:
--Blind and Vision Rehabilitation Services and Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh
--Catholic Youth Association
--Centers for Healthy Hearts and Souls
--Community Human Services
--Family Service of Western PA and North Hills Community Outreach
--Jewish Community Center with Jewish Association on Aging and Jewish Family and Children's Service
--Lutheran Service Society
--Northern Area Multi Service Center
--Vintage and the Department of Human Services/Area Agency on Aging
Monday, June 14, 2010
U-Way is Looking for More Mentors
The United Way of Allegheny County is looking to greatly expand its 6th grade mentoring program. Last year the program was able to pair up mentors with 225 Pittsburgh Public School students. United Way Director of Community Initiatives and Partnerships Wendy Etheridge Smith says they plan to keep the current mentors with their students for the next two years so they are looking for a whole new crop of volunteers. The mentors must commit 45 minutes a week to the program and 45 minutes a month over the summer vacation. Smith says the volunteers need to have a flexible daytime schedule because the mentors meet during lunch at some schools and immediately after class in other schools. However, she says the mentors don’t need any special skills. The school district provides materials that are aimed at educating the students on careers, post high school options, the behaviors associated with accessing those options and the possibility of taping into the Pittsburgh Promise scholarship program. Smith says they hope to attract even more mentors this year than last. There are about 1,900 6th graders in the district and Smith says many who want to be in the program are never matched with a mentor. A group at the University of Pittsburgh is studying the success of the program. That study is due July 31st. Smith says anecdotally she knows the program is working, “Students who were not turned on by anything in school suddenly are getting more interested in their school work, students who were not attending regularly [were] making sure to be in school on days when their mentoring was taking place.” Smith says her mentee was able to improve his testing numbers by a whole level. Mentors can apply online at the program’s website.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
United Way: Despite Economic Challenges...Pleased With Results
Contributions to the United Way of Allegheny County 2009 Campaign were down 2.4% compared to the previous year. Bob Nelkin, president of the organization, says contributions between September and April 30th totaled $30,486,335....about $750,000 less than a year ago..."I'm still very pleased because this was despite challenges local employees had. There were layoffs, there were cutbacks, there was anxiety about whether compensation would be renewed. Despite they were very generous."
Nelkin said significantly 87% of people who contributed in 2008 and again in 2009 gave as much or more in this recent campaign. He says a nationwide survey indicated that 67% of donors to non-profits were contributing the same amount or less this year...."there's something special about Pittsburgh and its generosity."
Despite the overall decline, Nelkin says they added 27 companies, up to 725, who ran employee contribution plans and they will continue to reach out to smaller and medium size companies to join them.
Still, he says the bottom line is the impact on services..."You can raise a lot of money but still not have a great impact on the community. The United Way has been working hard with partner agencies to reshape their efforts so they get the biggest bang for the buck."
Thursday, February 11, 2010
PUC Clears Way For 211
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has handed over operation of the phone number “211” statewide to the nonprofit group PA211. The approval comes on the symbolic date, 2/11. Pennsylvania is one of three states that does not offer 211 service. In other states a call to 211 links people to social and community services as well as volunteer opportunities. Nancy Kukovich chairs the PA 211 board and is also the CEO of the Westmorland County United Way. She says the group built a business plan to operate 211 in 2007 and has been working to make it a reality ever since. She says the business model calls for the state to be divided into 7 regions with a coordinating office in Harrisburg. To fund the operation, Kukovich says it would take about 60-cents per Pennsylvanian per year. In other states the 211 centers are funded with a mix of state, municipal, foundation and private dollars. “One thing we will not do is add a fee to phone bills. Phone companies have told us they are willing to help but they will not support another charge tacked on,” says Kukovich. Kukovich says they are moving forward despite not having support from the state legislature. She says, “We could not wait 5 years for [state funding.]” Kukovich says the funds will come from grants, United Ways throughout the state and fundraising efforts. The goal is to have the first of the regions up and running in a few months and all seven regions on line by 2/11 2011. Along with trying to scrape together the needed funding, PA211 is also working to build the database needed to make the system work. Kukovich says some counties have very complete directories of social service providers and community organizations but others are in disarray. Once the database is built callers from any part of the state can be plugged into services anywhere in Pennsylvania. Kukovich says, “A son or daughter living in Philadelphia worried about an elderly parent here in Greensburg can call 211 out there and then 211 in Philadelphia will be able to access to the database we have here in Greensburg.” A needs assessment conducted by the Westmorland County United Way found that most people have to make six or seven calls to get the services they need. The goal is allow the same person to call 211 and get the correct number right away.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Program Urges Young Kids to Get "Caught Being Good"
The United way, the Pittsburgh Youth Futures Commission, schools, businesses and police departments partnered today to launch the "Caught Being Good" program to promote academic achievement especially in disadvantaged communities. The pilot programs started today in Pittsburgh's Homewood and Hill District neighborhoods and will begin in Northview Heights October 30th and Braddock November 11.
Project Director Laurie Moser says leading up to this program that talked with kids over the course of the past year and the students told them they wanted "a few kind words and encouragement" and "were sick of the put-downs."
Moser says the program targets Pre-K to 5th graders and the students will sign a pledge to "get caught being good." The program will recognize their efforts such as perfect attendance, punctuality, homework completion and academic improvement. They will receive points that can be redeemed for event tickets, video rentals and other prizes.
Moser says they want to counteract the "anti-achievement culture that pervades disadvantaged communities" so that the distractions of the middle school years such as drugs and gangs are less attractive.
Moser says they will be going door to door to engage parents, neighbors and businesses so that when they see a child wearing a Caught Being Good button, they spend a few minutes with them and encourage them.
Project Director Laurie Moser says leading up to this program that talked with kids over the course of the past year and the students told them they wanted "a few kind words and encouragement" and "were sick of the put-downs."
Moser says the program targets Pre-K to 5th graders and the students will sign a pledge to "get caught being good." The program will recognize their efforts such as perfect attendance, punctuality, homework completion and academic improvement. They will receive points that can be redeemed for event tickets, video rentals and other prizes.
Moser says they want to counteract the "anti-achievement culture that pervades disadvantaged communities" so that the distractions of the middle school years such as drugs and gangs are less attractive.
Moser says they will be going door to door to engage parents, neighbors and businesses so that when they see a child wearing a Caught Being Good button, they spend a few minutes with them and encourage them.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Mentoring Program to Begin Training Tomorrow
Volunteers for the “Be a 6th Grade Mentor” program will report to Heinz Field tomorrow for their first training session. An unprecedented 600-plus people have agreed to help out Pittsburgh Public School children as part of the dual United Way and Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania effort.
Allegheny County United Way President Bob Nelkin says a pent-up demand for being a mentor caused this huge influx; he says his group just needed to ask for people to step forward. Nelkin says the program will focus on the importance of finishing high school to reach one’s dreams. He says the idea is to get to kids before the pressures of high school get to them first.
Nelkin and Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt will speak at the event, which is being announced as the largest ever mentor training program in Pittsburgh. Various workshops will also accommodate about 220 of the more than 600 volunteer mentors.
Nelkin says anyone who still wants to get in on the program can still do so; applications are yet being accepted. He says not to worry if you miss this training session: more will be held in the near future. Applications and information can be found on the program’s website.
Allegheny County United Way President Bob Nelkin says a pent-up demand for being a mentor caused this huge influx; he says his group just needed to ask for people to step forward. Nelkin says the program will focus on the importance of finishing high school to reach one’s dreams. He says the idea is to get to kids before the pressures of high school get to them first.
Nelkin and Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Mark Roosevelt will speak at the event, which is being announced as the largest ever mentor training program in Pittsburgh. Various workshops will also accommodate about 220 of the more than 600 volunteer mentors.
Nelkin says anyone who still wants to get in on the program can still do so; applications are yet being accepted. He says not to worry if you miss this training session: more will be held in the near future. Applications and information can be found on the program’s website.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
United Way sees increase in Campaign Money
Despite tough economic times, the United Way of Allegheny County saw their campaign contributions go up. For 2008, they have been able to raise more than $31 million, a mere 1 percent increase from 2007. United Way County President Bob Nelkin says "it's a double whammy" for nonprofit organizations that help those in need, since now there are more people and need and typically fewer people who are able to donate. However, Nelkin says "there's a very generous spirit to Pittsburghers." Unlike the trend for United Way nationally, local donors gave more money than usual to the philanthropic group to help those in need in a variety of ways. This year in particular, they are creating programs to help with mortgage and utility bills.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Female Non-Profit Executives Narrow Gender Pay Gap
The United Way and the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management today released their latest survey on wages and benefits in the Pittsburgh region. In 2002, female executive directors of non-profits earned about 67 cents for every dollar earned by men. Today’s figure is up about a nickel to 72 cents.
The United Way’s Robert Nelkin says in spite of slow progress, it is good news that women are closing the gap. He thinks the survey will help because the first step in rectifying the inequity is awareness.
However, the recession makes this a very difficult time for non-profits, according to Nelkin, in four areas: increased need because of unemployment and underemployment, fewer donations, less state money for human services because of budget deficits, and difficulty in getting credit when cash is low.
The 2008 survey includes responses from almost 200 non-profits.
The United Way’s Robert Nelkin says in spite of slow progress, it is good news that women are closing the gap. He thinks the survey will help because the first step in rectifying the inequity is awareness.
However, the recession makes this a very difficult time for non-profits, according to Nelkin, in four areas: increased need because of unemployment and underemployment, fewer donations, less state money for human services because of budget deficits, and difficulty in getting credit when cash is low.
The 2008 survey includes responses from almost 200 non-profits.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
United Way Focuses on Seniors
The United Way of Allegheny County has handed out its second round of competitive grants. These grants were all focused on helping to keep seniors healthy and safe as they age. Local United Way President Robert Nelkin says there is a large number of seniors in the area and many of them need our help to make sure they stay healthy and in their homes if they choose. 31 agencies applied for the grants. Just five grants totaling $714,625 were awarded ranging from a quarter million dollars for the age well program to $80,000 for the east Liberty Family Health Care Center. Nelkin says all of the winning agencies had to prove they could get results and the United Way will track the programs to make sure they are performing. The first round of competitive grants was awarded by the united way in June. Those were focused on helping the county’s at risk youth. Nelkin says the next round will focus on financial stability. In the past the United Way has awarded grants to agencies it has dealt with in the past but the board wanted to make sure it was getting the biggest bang for its dollars. Other agencies receiving grants include; Family Services of Western Pennsylvania, Northern Area Companies/Northern Area Multi-service center, and Vintage.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
United Way Campaign Raises $31 Million
The United Way of Allegheny County received over $31 million in donations last year--a 4% increase from the previous year. More than 60,000 individuals and groups contributed. The United Way offers programs designed to solve critical issues in local communities. President Robert Nelkin says the money will go toward the organization's two current Impact Programs: "Succeed in School" and "Preventing Youth Violence."
Friday, April 25, 2008
Boy Scouts Lose Some United Way Funding
The United Way's new process for allocating funds to human service agencies serving at-risk youth is an open competition. Eighty-four applications have been narrowed down to fifteen, and ten will probably get funding, according to United Way President Robert Nelkin. The Boy Scouts' Scout Reach program had gotten $140,000 in past years, but it did not make the cut under the new process. Nelkin says the Boy Scouts do wonderful things for youth, but their at-risk program was not as strong as some others in a process looking for the greatest impact and the greatest results. Nelkin says United Way donors seem to appreciate the competitive process so their hard-earned dollars go where the greatest results are achieved for those with the greatest needs.
Spokesman Bob DeWitt says the Greater Pittsburgh Council of Boy Scouts will be seeking alternative funding and does not plan to cut services in the Scout Reach program, which serves from 3- to 5000 at-risk youth at any given time. The funding loss is about one-third of the $460,000 a year United Way gives the Boy Scouts.
Spokesman Bob DeWitt says the Greater Pittsburgh Council of Boy Scouts will be seeking alternative funding and does not plan to cut services in the Scout Reach program, which serves from 3- to 5000 at-risk youth at any given time. The funding loss is about one-third of the $460,000 a year United Way gives the Boy Scouts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)