Le Mars United Way awards funding to area agencies

The Le Mars United Way Board of Directors approved $76,957 to 14 local agencies for the 2009-2010 fiscal years.

"The good news is that we raised more money than last year and were able to award more to our agencies," said Kathy Bartelli, volunteer chair of the Le Mars United Way's Board of Directors.

To determine funding, Le Mars United Way board members visited local agencies and discussed how United Way funds could be effectively used to provide safety net services -- basic needs -- or ensure that children grow into successful adults.

"The board feels strongly that providing assistance in these two areas will provide impact where it is needed most in the community," Bartelli said. "Having two specific areas allows us to focus our efforts and measure results that can be reported back to the community."

The following area agencies will receive dollars for the fiscal years 2009-2010 in the area of "Safety Net Services":

* American Red Cross: Siouxland Chapter

Emergency Services-Disaster & Service to Military Families, $3,600

* Council on Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence

Plymouth County Outreach Office, $12,500

* Jackson Recovery

Substance Abuse Services for Low Income Families, $3,600

* Le Mars Area Dialysis Services

Purchasing Furniture & Office Equipment, $1,000

* Life Skills Training Center

Work Training for Disabled Individuals, $4,400

* The Living Center

Food, Housing, Utility & Counseling Assistance, $4,500

* Plains Area Mental Health Center

Evening & Weekend Therapeutic Socialization Program, $5,000

* Plymouth County Senior Helpmate

Driver Reimbursement & Administrative Costs, $7,000

The following area agencies will receive dollars for the 2009-2010 fiscal years in the area of ensuring that "Children Grow into Successful Adults":

* Gehlen Catholic Schools

Transitional Kindergarten, $7,500

* Imagination Library

Free Children's Books, $5,677

* Le Mars Arts Council

After School Programs in Fine Arts, $2,880

* Le Mars Community Middle School

After School Programming, 5,300

* Le Mars Day Care, Inc.

Small Wonders Preschool, $2,500

* Le Mars Area YMCA

Scholarships, $4,500

* Plymouth County Pheasants Forever

Outdoor Activities for At-Risk Youth, $1,000

* Siouxland Youth for Christ

Juvenile Justice Ministry Program, $6,000

The Le Mars United Way will begin this year's fundraising efforts Thursday, August 27th with a four person scramble 18-hole Golf Tournament at the Le Mars Golf Course. For more information on the tournament, the Le Mars United Way Campaign or the funding decisions, contact United Way at 712-255-3551.

"It is with wonderful community support that we continue to be able to make a positive impact in our community," Bartelli said.