As the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is in the midst of its 10th campaign in Koochiching County, the organization has been experiencing positive changes that even with a tough economy will bring about results. With a new mission “to unite and focus our communities in creating measurable results to improve people’s lives and strengthen our families" the United Way is implementing new programs that will positively impact individuals and families.
“We are no longer just a fundraising organization,” said Lori Lyman, board member, “we are now looking at our community and families to assess needs with the goal of creating long lasting changes. We want to prevent problems from happening in the first place and are focusing our efforts with an emphasis on education, health and financial stability. Unfortunately, the economy has affected us also but we continue to work towards positive outcomes in our programs.”
After successfully launching the Imagination Library program through a partnership with the Dolly Parton Foundation there are 69 percent of children age 0-5 currently signed up for the free monthly book program. “We continually have parents tell us how much their child enjoys receiving the books and how their child/children looks forward to their book arriving in the mailbox each month with their name on it,” said Julie Ehrman, advisory board member.
“There are currently 420 children in Koochiching County receiving books to date and we need help to continue this service. The program costs the United Way $35 per child per year, but we feel there can be no greater investment than helping children to read,” said Ehrman.
The newest program to be explored by the United Way focusing on health and education is “Smiles Across Minnesota.” “Smiles Across Minnesota” is a preventative dental care program that provides teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, sealants, oral health and nutritional education in school-based settings with a focus on children who are underinsured or uninsured. The service is delivered by way of a mobile dental unit that brings the equipment and staff on site, serving children from Head Start up to sixth grade.
“We are excited to explore a partnership with Children’s Dental Service who will provide the service, corporate sponsor Delta Dental, VRMC Foundation, Northland Foundation and others to bring this program to our elementary schools. Many area children are eligible indicating the need for this type of service. We hope to launch the program during the 2009-2010 school year,” said Lyman.
The United Way is kicked off their fall campaign with a new campaign video, featuring local individuals that have been impacted by United Way. The video is available locally in DVD format. To streamline the organization, the United Way is in the process of finalizing their Web site that will have increased options for information including a volunteer data base, online pledging, event information, a registration form for Imagination Library, Facebook communications and E-newsletters. These various communication tools will more effectively reach individuals in Koochiching County.
For more information on how to donate, call 285-5490, email at info@unitewaynemn.org or visit the Web site www.unitedwaynemn.org.
