United Way of Indian River County announced that $1,725,566 will be invested in 41 community programs as a result of the 2009/2010 Community Investment Process. Each year volunteers from the community meet in April and May to decide how to invest the resources raised during the United Way’s annual campaign. Three new programs were funded this year including a program that mentors children of prisoners, another that helps retrain unemployed workers, and a program that develops life skills for teens. Many programs received level funding based on last year’s allocations, with only a few increases going to those programs that provide basic service: food, shelter, utility and rental assistance.
                “There is no doubt that many families are still struggling, reports continue to come in from people looking for help to meet the most basic of needs. Our volunteers felt it was necessary to respond to those needs,” stated CEO Michael Kint. United Way of Indian River County relies on the dedication and commitment of a diverse group of volunteers to make these important funding decisions. The 120 community volunteers who took part in this year’s Citizen’s Review process spent several weeks examining program budgets, and looked carefully at management and board involvement of the agencies requesting funds. They also paid close attention to community support, collaboration with other agencies, outreach and even more importantly how they are making a measurable difference in the lives of the people they serve, and how they are reporting the results.
To see a list of the agencies and programs receiving funding, click here.

United Way of Indian River County, the lead agency for Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (IRC VOAD) will be conducting a disaster training exercise on Tuesday, August 3, from 9am to 12 noon at the United Way Center, 1836 14th Avenue in Vero Beach.  Volunteers will learn how to operate a volunteer reception center in the event of a hurricane or other natural disaster.
The volunteer reception center will be set up to manage local unaffiliated volunteers, as well as those coming into Indian River County, wishing to help after a disaster and assign them to local agencies in need of temporary additional resources.To participate in the training exercise call United Way of Indian River County, 567-8900 ext.20 or visit www.ircvoad.org and click on the volunteer link.