As the 2013 United Way campaign approaches, the significance of these fundraising efforts becomes increasingly evident.
The Friendly House (one of United Way’s partner agencies), for example, receives 36% of its total budget from United Way. The remainder of the budget relies on program fees along with donations and support from the community.
“My impression is that United Way is the expert in raising money. We don’t go out pounding on doors to get funding. We rely heavily on what we get from United Way, and without that support we wouldn’t be able to serve as many people financially as we do. And we never want to turn anyone down who doesn’t have the ability pay,” stated Friendly House Director Terry Conard.
The Friendly House in Mansfield has been providing service to the community since its establishment in 1949. This community center aims at “getting kids off the streets and into a positive environment,” stated Conard. In an effort to reach this goal, the Friendly House offers an afterschool program for children in k – 6, in which children are transported from school to the center where they receive a nutritious meal upon arrival. Tutors are available for homework assistance, and after completing their school assignments, the children are allowed to participate in a number of activities, such as arts and crafts, gym, computer lab, and the game room.
The Friendly House also offers an evening program for teens in grades 7- 12 and a day care center for children aged 3 – 6.
Families have the opportunity to receive financial aid for each of these programs.
Additionally, there are several activities for one to get involved in—Happy Hollow Day Camp, Hidden Hollow Resident Camp, swimming lessons, basketball league, boxing, along with senior citizen programs.
The Friendly House also collaborates with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, along with the Police Athletic League to facilitate some of the activities.
Conard commented, “We’re running out of space because we have so many kids wanting to participate. We have waiting lists for all our major programs. It’s a good problem to have, but unfortunate for those who can’t participate.”
To join the fundraising effort so that organizations like the Friendly House, 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.
And don’t forget, the annual Day of Caring is set for August 7. The opening ceremonies kickoff at 8 a.m. at South Park, located on Brinkerhoff Ave. In addition to launching the 2013 campaign, people will have the opportunity to volunteer at any of United Way’s 24 partner agencies.
