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:: Message from the Executive Director :: |
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Message from the President | Message from Executive Director
Lanark County United Way is celebrating over twenty years of service to the community of Lanark County/Smiths Falls.
The United Way network has grown from 5 member agencies in 1987 to 16 member agencies in 2007 as well as 4 of our own programs – Special Project Grants, Emergency Funding Grants, Algonquin College Social Service Worker Student Award and Algonquin College Personal Support Worker Student Award. Lanark County United Way has also partnered with Connections to assist families in 2008 with “Back to School Kits”.
Our territory is vast and much of it is rural. With the assistance of a large volunteer contingent our network is able to assist children, youth, families, seniors and those with special needs.
In 2007 our population served had grown to 63,785. Your United Way network provided service to over 10% of our residents or 7,265 clients.
With over 45 programs and services the communities of Lanark County and Smiths Falls are impacted on a daily basis through After School Programs, Meals On Wheels, Friendly Visiting, Escorted Transportation, Big Brother Big Sister Matching, the Angel Tree and Volunteer Coordinator Support to name just a few of the services funded by United Way.
Over 2003 to 2006 your United Way conducted public consultations, town hall meetings and produced a survey to ensure that we have a good understanding of the issues and needs in the community we serve.
A copy of the “Community Matters – Lanark Speaks Out” report can be viewed on our website www.lanarkunitedway.com. This initiative culminated in a new Strategic Plan and new Funding Priorities produced by our volunteer Board of Directors. The strategies and priorities will be implemented by staff and the board over the next 3 to 5 years and are also on our website.
A new Allocation Criteria was introduced to our member agencies for their 2008 budget submissions. This document affords our volunteer Board of Directors a new public relations tool and has become part of our board orientation.
In the fall of this year we will conduct a workshop for our agencies to assist them with Outcomes Evaluation/Capacity Building. We believe this will culminate in a network of agencies that responds to the current needs and issues.
Our vision is to cultivate new partnerships to ensure that we Embrace – Respect – Energize & Build” this community we all call home.
Brenda Hurrle
Executive Director
United Way of Lanark County
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