SIDNEY — The United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Shelby County. The Shelby County United Way continually identifies, evaluates, and makes possible the human services needed in our community. They have been instrumental in helping lead discussions and providing funds to help in the creation of many services in our community.
Some of the United Way “Community Initiatives” that continue to receive funding are:
• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library that provides, at no cost to the family, an age appropriate book that is mailed monthly from birth to the age of 5. Brainstorming meetings on how to bring this incredible program to Shelby County took place around the United Way board room table with community leaders including representatives from Wilson Health and Shelby County Libraries. This program will have long term benefits for our community through gains in literacy among our youth. Shelby County has 78% of the children 5 and under currently enrolled, thanks in part to the Wilson Health Family Birth Center enrolling children.
• I.M.P.A.C.T. Program that provides support, resources, case management, and counseling for school age children and their families who are facing obstacles toward academic, social and community success. This initiative started 12 years ago as a unique partnership with the juvenile court and Midwest Regional ESC and has been helping address critical mental health and social needs in our community. The Shelby County United Way is the sole sponsor for this program after insurance and Medicaid.
• Shelby County 211 which is an information and referral human services hotline that is staffed 24/7 providing confidential guidance on all community resources. Along with five funding partners, the Shelby County United Way supports 50% of the cost of this program annually. The Shelby County United Way was the leading force to bring this vital service to our community by partnering with the city officials and county commissioners.
• Workforce Partnership Career Coach who works with students not planning on going to college, military or currently not enrolled at a career center and matches them with industry-based jobs that offer career wages and benefits. The Shelby County United Way partnered with Workforce Partnership to help develop and assist in funding the Career Coach, Kelly Edwards. Edwards helps our young adult, high school seniors by connecting them with local jobs that provide living wages and benefits to ensure financial stability for the graduating student.
The Shelby County United Way is a local 501c3 non-profit organization that has earned the highest rating from Charity Navigator nine out of the past 10 years. Monies raised in the annual campaign are invested locally under the leadership and direction of a local volunteer Board of Directors and Community Allocation Volunteers. Through the sixth week of the “Because of You” campaign, the campaign total is $464,677. Donors can make payroll contributions with participating employers or make a one time or reoccurring donation by visiting www.shelbycountyunitedway.org or text SHELBY to 40403. Checks can be made payable to Shelby County United Way and mailed to P.O. Box 751, Sidney.
