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The United Way of Mifflin-Juniata has completed its community investment process, allocating $395,000 to human service programs serving Mifflin and Juniata counties. Those funds will be released monthly starting in July.

“You might think that distribution of the local donations to United Way is as simple as filling in the blanks but when you are tasked with allocating a limited amount of resources, when you see what’s going on in the community, when you see the special need that’s there, you become invested in doing the most good within our community, especially considering the current economic climate,” said Chris Warfel, volunteer chair of the Community Investment Committee.

Beginning in April, 24 volunteers, began evaluating each program for its efficiency of operation, financial accountability, and impact within the community. The volunteer review teams are comprised of local citizens that are professionals in the areas of finance, business, industry, retirees, youth, aging, and labor. Recommendations for funding to those programs were presented to the United Way Board in June.

“The requests for funding we received totaled $57,156 more than we had to give. The various programs we fund are all providing valuable services to local residents, but it is impossible to meet 100 percent of each request,” Warfel said.

United Way funds are distributed to 21 programs that deal with “impact areas” to meet four community needs: successful children and youth, basic needs and self-sufficiency, education, and community life and health.

“We are aware of the complex needs of our community and are proud of our local network of effective program partners who address those needs,” said Phyllis Palm, board president. “We strive to get to the heart of problems and create lasting change. Local volunteers carefully consider how to invest our donors’ money to provide funding to progressive programs that address local issues.”

The list of allocations for programs that meet four critical needs in the community can be found at our Community Investment page.

Other United Way administered funding includes $94,000 Community Engagement Grant for Success By 6 and $27,000 in funds for the Summer Food Service Program. Additionally, $3,178 donor-designated contributions are distributed to non-United Way non-profit agencies.

“This is an exceptional amount of money, especially in this challenging economy,” said Marie Mulvihill, Executive Director. “People having lost jobs, really had no money to give, but they still gave, and they gave more because they knew people were in worse shape. It’s absolutely amazing the level of commitment the people of this community have shown.”