FARMINGTON – The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area annually funds programs offered by non-profit organizations that serve Franklin County, Livermore and Livermore Falls. These organizations must align with the United Way’s mission to improve people’s lives. Each organization goes through a thorough review process and completes both a written application and is interviewed by the United Way Allocation Committee, which consists of 14 community volunteers and the United Way executive director and administrative assistant.
The United Way is inviting non-profit organizations to apply for 2011 funding. Application materials will be available on Oct. 29 at the United Way office, or by visiting its website at www.uwtva.org. Funding applications will be due to the United Way by Friday, Dec. 17, 2010. Organizations that have never applied before, or have not applied in the past five years, must first complete a brief eligibility application, which is currently posted on the United Way website.
In 2010, United Way allocations ranged from $640 to $18,000. The following programs received support: Literacy (Literacy Volunteers); Housing rehabilitation, emergency shelter, emergency fuel assistance, outreach and assistance with basic needs (Rural Community Action Ministry and United Methodist Economic Ministry); Transportation (Western Maine Transportation Services, Inc.); Meaningful work experiences for adults with disabilities (Work First); Advocacy, Support and Prevention Education for those who have experienced domestic violence (Abused Women’s Advocacy Project); Outreach to and support of homeless youth (New Beginnings); School-based sexual assault intervention, support and prevention programming (Sexual Assault Victims Emergency Services); Disaster aid and relief services for victims of fire and other natural disasters (United Valley American Red Cross); Community-based mentoring program (Big Brothers Big Sisters); Community education efforts that help prevent child abuse and neglect and home visiting program (Franklin County Children’s Task Force); Energy education and weatherization program (Western Maine Community Action); Dental health education, and access to emergency care (Community Dental); Health screenings and education (Healthy Community Coalition); Mental health services in a variety of community settings including schools, hospitals, businesses and the community (Tri-County Mental Health Services); Support of volunteer program for those over 55 to support rewarding community service (HealthReach Retired & Senior Volunteer Program); and Nutrition, safety checks and socialization for older adults through the Meals on Wheels program (SeniorsPlus). A summary of the impact of these allocations is available online.
In addition, the United Way provided funding for two programs through Venture Grants that support new and innovative initiatives. Early care and education of young children through the Western Maine Center for Children in Carrabassett Valley received a Venture Grant, as did the New Generations program that encourages youth at various levels (through Rotary-sponsored EarlyAct, InterAct, and RotarAct programs) to gain leadership skills and organize community activities that help better the region.
