Each year, the United Way of Richland County releases its much-anticipated campaign during the Day of Caring.
On the surface, campaigns are often reduced to a single number, but the story goes beyond the numbers. This fundraising effort contributes to the United Way’s partner agencies’ financial stability. In an unpredictable fiscal climate, those finances are increasingly difficult to obtain.
Director of the Community Action of Capable Youth (CACY), Tracee Anderson has worked in partnership with United Way. She stated, “We’ve received significant cuts in our state funding over the last five years, and the funding that we receive from United Way makes a huge difference in the services that we’re able to provide.”
CACY is a non-profit organization that specializes in alcohol, tobacco, and drug prevention for the youth community. In order to inform both parents and the youth about prevention, CACY distributes prevention material to the community and provides prevention education in various schools and in afterschool programs. CACY also holds presentations on the misuse and abuse of prescription medications.
In an effort to deter further substance use, CACY offers educational seminars for youth who have been cited with tobacco, alcohol, and/or drug use.
In May, CACY collaborated with the Mansfield Motor Group to hold a seatbelt rally, during which the youth learned both about the importance of seatbelt safety and the hazards of drinking and driving.
This non-profit has provided services to over 14,100 people, to which Anderson added, “Given our geographical location in Mansfield, we’re able to serve a lot of Richland County citizens.”
The majority of CACY’s funding is provided by the Richland County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. The United Way contributes a substantial amount of funding to CACY as well—approximately $20,000 a year.
CACY also hosts community events to bolster funds, such as the upcoming 5K run and walk, which will be held Oct. 5 at the Bike Trail.
To join the fundraising effort so that organizations like CACY, along with the other 23 United Way partner agencies, are financially supported in order to continue providing valuable care to people, go to http://unitedwayofrichlandcounty.org/DONATE.php.
The annual Day of Caring also provides an avenue to donate both time and money to organizations like CACY. The date is set for Wednesday, Aug, 7. The opening ceremonies kickoff at 8 a.m. at South Park, located on Brinkerhoff Ave. In addition to launching the 2013 campaign, the community will have the opportunity to volunteer at any of United Way’s 24 partner agencies.
