United Way identifies $772K for improved living programs

The education council of the United Way of the Ozarks yesterday submitted to the board a recommendation of $772,000 to support improved living programs in southwest Missouri.

The funding, identified for five nonprofits, recommendation would support nine programs in 2014 and 2015, according to a news release. 

The funding requests: 

• The Arc of the Ozarks, $53544, for Saturday and summer recreation programs to provide structured therapeutic recreation and leisure activities, as well as $19,411, to provide classroom education and hands-on activities; 

• Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, $96,236, to provide comprehensive counseling and case management services to clients experiencing an unplanned or crisis pregnancy;

• Ozarks Regional YMCA, $238,840, to provide affordable child care, increase levels of health and fitness, add developmental assets and enhance educational performance through before- and after-school programs, and $66,962, for health and wellness programs;

• United Way of the Ozarks Cancer Fund, $40,000, to provide funds to local agencies, which will aid in offering screening for colorectal cancer and for preventative mammogram screenings for individuals who are underinsured or have no insurance; and

• Developmental Center of the Ozarks, $121,410, to provide therapeutic services to children; $115,024, to provide safe child care services with developmentally appropriate curriculum to eligible children; and $20,460, to provide a learning environment in which functional skills can be learned, refined or relearned.

These programs or initiatives help provide access to essential health services and encourage healthy lifestyles. Expected outcomes from the programs include 170 therapeutic recreation participants, 300 women receiving counseling for an unplanned pregnancy, 1,200 utilizing therapeutic services for developmental delays and 5,200 taking part in The Y's healthy living program, according to the release.

The health council comprises more than 40 volunteers and is co-chaired by Jennifer Johnson, economic development and program coordinator with Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and Leslie Peck, owner of Peck’s Insurance and Financial Services Inc. 

United Way of the Ozarks funds more than 42 programs in 23 partner agencies and 15 initiatives that address critical health and human services needs across 14 southwest Missouri counties.