United Way announces 2015 agencies and programs

United Way of Miami County and our community partners are working to develop long-term solutions in the areas of education, financial stability, and health, as well as supporting safety net services. These are the building blocks for a good life – a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement and good health for a more productive life.                                    

This year the United Way is focusing on programs that provide a financial/educational resource need or project.  The following programs/agencies were carefully evaluated by the Community Investment Committee and also met the responses from the needs assessment from last year’s pledge forms.

Designations from individual donors are guaranteed to be allocated to any of the United Way programs. While this not only ensures the funds reach the programs of the donor’s choice, it also means it is possible for some agencies to receive more funding than they requested.  These funds cannot be reallocated. They must comply with the donors’ desires.

•         Ninety-eight percent (98) of funds raised in Miami County stay local, funding services to our community

•         In 2015, United Way of Miami County paid less than $3,000 in dues to their national and state association

•         However, they received over $40,000 in grants from the State Association in 2014

Allocations are based on the application and selection process, agency’s preliminary share of the campaign will be a “share of total funding basis” percentage of the funds that become available for allocation, stated Community Investment Chair, Jim Dale.”

This year’s 2015 United Way Partner Agencies are:

·         American Red Cross of North Central Indiana

·         Boy Scouts, Sagamore Council

·         Dental Clinic, Beta Sigma Phi

·         Family Service Associations, Domestic Violence Shelter

·         Miami County Child Abuse Prevention

·         The Salvation Army

·         Miami County YMCA

·         Miami County YMCA Transportation

United Way Initiatives include Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Miami County Community of Character, Miami County Imagination Library, Miami County Resource Network, and Weekend Meal Deal.

“United Way officials are looking forward to maintaining a good relationship with all of the agencies and programs to help provide the best possible services to all of the community,” Executive Director Wallick said. “These programs and services extend to all ages and income levels, addressing a broad range of needs in youth development, family wellness, and crisis and emergency services.”

The United Way of Miami County is pleased to announce their goal for the 2015 campaign is $195,000.  Their 2014 campaign was very successful, collecting 102.7% of the goal!  “Joining me as Campaign Co-Chair is Becky Saddlemire, Principal of North Miami Elementary School.  Becky’s experience in education is a great asset as our key areas for the year are in education, income, and health.  We look forward to another successful campaign this year,” stated this year’s campaign chair, Dave Noonan.”

Becky Saddlemire has lived most of her life in Miami County. She is currently the elementary principal at North Miami Elementary School and is beginning her 20th year in education. She has previously participated in United Way and looks forward to returning to this board and serving this community. She has two high school children, Andrew, and Riley.

Mr. Noonan is retired from Maconaquah School Corporation. Mr. David Noonan has been a resident of Miami County since 1983 and had worked for both Maconaquah Community Schools and Peru Community Schools.  During the last 31 years, he worked as a teacher, coach, Director of the Alternative School, Assistant Principal and Principal of Maconaquah High School.  Mr. Noonan is a graduate of Ball State University in both his undergraduate and Master’s degrees.  He is married to his wife Lesa (lifelong Peru resident) and has two grown children, Maggie Young, and Molly Noonan.

Mr. Noonan shared, “It is my honor and pleasure to help with the United Way this year, and I hope to help continue the great fundraising success of this organization through the 2015 campaign.  This organization has and will continue to help so many groups and individuals in Miami County.  Thank you for allowing me to this year’s co-chair.”  

Again the United Way is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s campaign.  If you are interested, please contact Dave Noonan, Becky Saddlemire or the United Way office.  The United Way of Miami County is a volunteer-driven organization that serves over 35,000 Miami County residents each year through its programs and services and those of its partner agencies.

To give, to advocate, or to volunteer with the United Way, please visit the United Way of Miami County website at www.uwmiamip.org or call (765) 473-4240.