KENNEBUNK — United Way of York County will award more than $593,045 in grants to community organizations throughout the area that provide direct services.
According to United Way officials, a total of 36 nonprofits will receive investments for 2019 for 58 programs addressing a variety of critical needs for children, youth, adults, and families. These investments support United Way’s strategic priority areas of Bright Beginnings, Healthy Foods, Connected Youth, and Supportive Services.
“Thanks to the generosity of those who support United Way’s work throughout the year, we are able to provide continued and much needed support for essential and direct human services across the region,” said United Way of York County President and Chief Executive Officer Barb Wentworth. “These important programs support the best start for our youngest citizens, provide healthy foods for children and seniors, engage youth in meaningful service, and meet basic needs, all critical components of our collective efforts to build an even stronger York County.”
Wentworth said that since its inception in 1986, and thanks to the support of thousands of generous individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout York County, United Way has invested more than $38 million in programs, projects and initiatives that make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
She said new investments this year include York Hospital’s Meal Delivery Services; Conscious Discipline & Behavior Supports for Children and Families offered by York County Community Action Corp.; 2019 Girl’s Leadership Project at LaDawn Quarter Horses Therapeutic Riding Center; Sanford Junior High School Challenge Day via Strategies for a Stronger Sanford; and Core Value Super Hero Training Academy at Sanford-Springvale YMCA.
A complete list of community investments for this year can be found at www.buildcommunity.org.
United Way of York County also invests $450,000 in additional strategic projects and initiatives.
This includes $33,000 for 211 Maine, a statewide free and confidential resource that connects Maine residents to services to keep them healthy and living independently. Locating resources such as heating assistance, food, housing, daycare, home health care, job training and a host of other basic needs can be found by dialing 2-1-1. The 10 United Ways of Maine and the State of Maine are the primary funders for 211.
United Way of York County aims to improve lives by mobilizing people and resources and the organization strives to make every dollar the public gives do more in the local community, Wentworth said.
Its community-influenced strategic plan is focused on ensuring the best start for children from birth to age 8, improving nutritional outcomes for children and seniors through hunger prevention, helping youth develop leadership skills and community connections by engaging them in service and philanthropy, and supporting a safety net of services that meet basic needs.
To learn more about United Way of York County, visit www.buildcommunity.org or call 985-3359.
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