ABOUT US
Who we are
Founded in 1959 in Grand Junction, CO, United Way of Mesa County is a non-profit
501(c)(3) organization that raises money from the community to fund programs
that address community concerns. United Way of Mesa County is one of over 1,300
community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated,
and governed by local volunteers.
United Way of Mesa County brings our community together to focus on its most
important needs -- building partnerships, forging consensus and leveraging resources
to make a measurable difference. We provide leadership and resources that unite
people in building a strong and compassionate community responding to human needs.
We foster cooperation among community agencies, business and governmental sectors
in an effort to encourage a balanced network of services for people in our community.
What we do
United Way of Mesa County is committed to focusing community resources on:
- Building
Strong, Stable Families
By ensuring the safe and healthy development of children
and youth, enhancing parenting skills, offering respite
to caregivers and promoting community
involvement, United Way of Mesa County helps build strong, stable families
in our community.
- Promoting Health
By providing affordable access to medical,
dental and mental healthcare and substance abuse
treatment services
and providing education and outreach to
support healthy
lifestyles and minimize risky behaviors, United Way of Mesa County
promotes health in our community.
- Increasing Self-Sufficiency
By teaching life skills to
help adults gain or maximize independence, helping
with daily living essentials
for the elderly or disabled and providing
assistance with basic needs for those in crisis, United Way of Mesa
County increases
self-sufficiency in our community.
How is the Money Distributed?
Our Process:
- Volunteer Driven. In the citizen review process of fund allocation, community
volunteers assess the effectiveness and efficiency
of each health and human service
program
that applies for United Way funding. These volunteers analyze financial
information, conduct site visits and make funding recommendations to
the United Way of
Mesa
County Board of Directors. The Board (also made up of volunteers) reviews the volunteers’ recommendations
and makes the final allocation decisions. For the 2009-2010 allocation process, 70 volunteers on 9 different panels particiapted in review and funding decisions. In addition, 9 CPAs reviewed the financial statements for the 61 applications received.
- Straightforward. The process will be clear and understandable to the agencies, the contributors and the United Way volunteers who apply it. The Fund Distsribution system will be applied in a consistent and impartial manner.
- Accountable. United Way will monitor each funded agency to make sure donor dollars are being converted into services. Organizations that receiving funding through donations to United Way will report their progress on a semi-annual basis.
If you are interested in becoming an allocation panel member (training
is provided), please contact Amber Pfennig, Manager of Community Funding and Volunteers,
at 243-5364 or Amber@uwmesacounty.org.
|
