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Update: 12/14/2009
Mifflin and Juniata counties, to their credit, are caring communities. When made aware of needs, people here meet them. The United Way of Mifflin-Juniata closing in on the $596,500 goal reflects that, reaching 61% of the 2009 campaign goal or $361,486.
The goal may seem ambitious, especially after falling 5% short of last year's campaign goal, but it is driven by the compelling health and human service needs we have in Mifflin and Juniata counties. Marie Mulvihill, Executive Director explained, "They are among us - neighbors, friends and family - people who struggle to make one end meet the other and who are perhaps one unexpected medical emergency away from disaster. They often do so out of sight - and, therefore, out of mind - because we’re worrying about our own mortgages, car payments, and doctor’s bills. But we need to pay attention because the strength of our community is that we know when one of us suffers, we all do."
The local social-services network is spread wide, ably staffed but challenged by declining funding. Many agencies were impacted by the 101 days of state budget impasse and are still recovering from delayed reimbursements or funding cuts. Last year the United Way Board of Directors allocated the same amount of funding to the community as the previous year - $395,000. While at first glance, in the current economy - that looked like good news, partner agencies faced increases in the costs of providing programs. So, while pleased with not having to experience funding cuts – level funding isn’t keeping up with the bills.
Allocating funds for the 21 programs provided by United Way of Mifflin-Juniata's 19 agency partners demands balancing the needs of many. The United Way seeks input from community leaders to identify critical problem areas. "We are always looking for the most efficient way to meet the needs of our community. We are very aware that we must adjust funding in times of crisis; like this year with the anticipated demand on services because of high unemployment rates,' said Mark Partner, JC Campaign Ambassador. "More people than ever are in need of supportive services to make ends meet."
The heart and soul of the United Way remains the workplace campaign, with employees designating a few dollars a week to help others through the partner agencies, like the American Red Cross, Coalition of HOPES/Energy Bank, scouting, MJ Special Needs and the libraries as well as another 13 human service agencies. Linda and Dick Calkins, MC Campaign Ambassadors, invite business owners to offer payroll deduction to their employees. "With this year's United Way campaign well underway, those who give at the office should encourage their co-workers to join them in this worthwhile - and painless - effort to help those less fortunate among us," said Dick Calkins. Linda Calkins added, "The need is substantial. United Way partner agencies must be supported - with money and with time."
The annual campaign officially closes on March 15, 2010. "Response from early workplace campaigns and Leaders' Circle givers has been encouraging. Everyone's dollar counts if we are to be successful," said Mulvihill. When she says that, she means it - every dollar donated to United Way the organization is able to deliver $1.28 in impact by securing additional grant and foundation dollars- making a difference in local people’s lives.
Donations can be made to the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, 13 East Third Street, Lewistown, PA, 17044. Phone: (717) 248-9636. or online at http://www.mjunitedway.org/
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