Cold Weather Safety Tips from Missouri 2-1-1

Missouri 2-1-1 reminds you to take care during cold weather advisories, warnings and emergencies. For information on what to do during a cold-weather emergency, Missouri residents should call 2-1-1 while cell phone users can call 1-800-427-4626. For senior citizens worried about not being able to pay for heating, bill assistance information is available by calling United Way at 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626. All calls are free and confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days per year.

Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.

Below are tips to help keep you safe and warm during cold weather emergencies.

Personal cold weather tips:
· Dress in layered clothing and wear some sort of head gear/covering
· Check space heaters for sufficient ventilation and wire condition
· Never place space heaters close to flammable objects, such as drapes or bedding or on top of furniture or near water
· Make sure fireplace flues are working properly
· Check extension cords for breaks or fraying
· Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors
· Check on your neighbors – especially the elderly
· Keep pets inside
· Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your home because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
· Insulate walls and attic.
· Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
· Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside.
· Insulate any water lines that run along outer walls (water will be less likely to freeze).
· Service snow-removal equipment.
· Have chimney and flue inspected.
· Install easy-to-read outdoor thermometer
· Prepare your home and car for cold weather – safety kits are available
—more—

Before a winter storm hits:

· Have a week’s worth of food and safety supplies
· Keep a water supply
· Make sure you have at least one of the following in case there is a power failure:
o Battery-powered radio (for listening to local emergency instructions). Have extra batteries
o National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio receiver (for listening to National Weather Service broadcasts)
· Find out how your community warns the public about severe weather
· Listen to emergency broadcasts

Winter storm warning terms:
· Winter weather advisory (Expect winter weather conditions to cause inconvenience and hazards.)
o Frost/freeze warning (Expect below-freezing temperatures.)
o Winter storm watch (Be alert. A storm is likely.)
o Winter storm warning (Take action. The storm is in or entering the area.)
o Blizzard warning (Seek refuge immediately! Snow and strong winds, near-zero visibility, deep snow drifts, and life-threatening wind chill.)

Much more cold-weather related information is available at these sites:
· http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/factsheet.asp
· http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp
· http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/needtoknow.asp
· http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/links.asp
· http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_595_,00.html

About Missouri 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a fast, free and confidential way to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 call centers operate under national standards and are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek. Information is available on a broad range of services, including food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child care, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and job training programs.

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United Way celebrates one-year anniversary of its Missouri 2-1-1 help line now available across the state, 2-1-1 is the number to call to give or get

More than 87,490 calls have been placed to United Way’s Missouri 2-1-1 help line since November 13, 2007. With one year running, the Missouri 2-1-1 help line has exceeded expectations across the state. This fast, free, confidential give or get help line for health and human services is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the state of Missouri for those calling from a land line or AT&T cell phones. Other cell phone users should call 800-427-4626 for the same service. Information and resources, including a searchable database of services available can be found at: http://www.211missouri.org/. Missouri 2-1-1 covers 99 counties throughout the state plus nine metro-east Illinois counties. The remaining 17 counties are covered by United Way of Greater Kansas City’s 2-1-1.

“We’re so pleased that 2-1-1 has been such a success,” said Linda McAnany, President of United Way of Central Missouri. “We knew it was important for United Way to be able to offer this free service to help the residents of Missouri. We’re grateful that our main funder, Missouri Foundation for Health, understood its importance as well. It can be overwhelming not knowing where to turn for help. The staff, who man the phones 24 hours a day, are trained at referring callers to the organizations that can assist with their needs.”

“With more than 10,000 health and human service organizations and government programs throughout Missouri, it’s hard to know where to turn,” said McAnany. “By dialing 2-1-1, our call specialists are there to help you through the maze.”

Number and type of calls
Most of the calls made to 2-1-1, are from people looking for help with basic needs such as utility, rent and food assistance. More and more calls are coming in regarding mortgage assistance.






The 2-1-1 call specialists can help people find health and human service assistance on everything from food and shelter to job counseling services, or health resources. It is also available for everyday and non-emergency needs, and offers easy access to community-based organizations and government agencies that provide services such as:
· Basic human needs resource: food pantries, clothing, shelters
· Mental and physical health resources: medical information lines, crisis intervention services, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention, rehabilitation, Medicaid and Medicare, maternal health, children’s health insurance programs.
· Employment support: financial assistance, job training, transportation assistance, education programs, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) filing assistance.
· Support for older adults, people with disabilities: home health care, adult day care, congregate meals, Meals on Wheels, respite care, transportation, homemaker services.
· Support for children, youth and families: quality childcare, Success by 6, after school programs, Head Start, family resource centers, summer camps and recreation programs, mentoring, tutoring, protective services.
· Volunteer/donor opportunities
· Help in non-emergency situations

People also can call 2-1-1 to volunteer support or donate help to agencies. For example, during the summer flooding throughout the state, more than 3,000 calls were received to find out how people could help.

Disaster response
· Received 608 calls for disaster related assistance such as floods, tornadoes and ice storms.
· During the 2008 summer, 2-1-1 received 79 heat-related calls.
Special programs
· Nearly 1,700 calls came in for the Earned Income Tax Credit free tax preparation locations throughout the state.
· More than 3,200 calls during the first year have come in statewide for mortgage assistance.

A total of $8.5 million was pledged for Missouri 2-1-1’s first five years of operation. MFH committed a total of $4.75 million to the project — $1 million for start-up costs and $3.75 million over five years to support annual operation costs. United Way of Greater St. Louis is providing an additional $3.75 million over the five years to support the remaining annual operation costs. The United Way of Greater St. Louis is handling all Missouri 2-1-1 administration and operating responsibilities.

The 2-1-1 Call Center is located at the United Way of Greater St. Louis, with data collection hubs in Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Springfield and St. Louis. Data hubs focus on updating records about health, health-related and social services to ensure that callers are always receiving up-to-date information.

The 10 Missouri United Ways involved with United Way of Greater St. Louis in the Missouri 2-1-1 program are: United Way of Central Missouri, United Way of the Ozarks, United Way of Southeast Missouri, United Way of Adair County, Columbia Area United Way, United Way of the Mark Twain Area, Callaway County United Way, Carthage Area United Way, United Way of Southwest Missouri and United Way of St. Francois County.

Kansas City and its 16 surrounding counties have had a 2-1-1 service through the United Way of Greater Kansas City since March 2006, with call volume and service also exceeding expectations. That 2-1-1 service is not affected by or included in today’s announcement.

photos of Missouri 2-1-1 call center available at: http://www.211missouri.net/pressroom.aspx

About Missouri 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a fast, free and confidential way to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 call centers operate under national standards and are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek. Information is available on a broad range of services, including food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child care; after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and job training programs.

About United Way of Central Missouri
The United Way of Central Missouri is a local, volunteer-driven organization that helps local people in need and provides community solutions. United Way unites people and resources in the Mid-Missouri area by leading and coordinating a community effort for one another. United Way of Central Missouri 25 partner agencies and programs serve individuals in Cole, Moniteau, Osage, Miller, and Southern Callaway counties. For more information, contact 573-636-4100 or visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.

Local United Way Announces Campaign Total

The United Way of Central Missouri marked the end of its formal fundraising period at a Thank YOU Celebration held at the Missouri Farm Bureau on Thursday afternoon. Prior to announcing the campaign results, organizers stressed that the total amount raised contains projections as donations continue to arrive at the United Way office over the coming weeks and months.
The projected pledge total of the 2008-2009 Community campaign is $1,510,511 which is about 5% less than this year’s goal. “As many charities have reported, this is a tough year for fundraising,” said Linda McAnany, UWCMO President. “The early distractions were gas prices and the elections.” She continued, “How little did we know that there would be lay-offs locally and the stock market would take a dramatic dive.”
United Way leadership reported this total will make it possible to meet its commitments to the member agencies and the community. “We are relieved that this year’s projected total will allow us to keep the promises made to the agencies last spring when the funding requests were approved”, said Lori Hoelscher, Campaign Co-Chair.
“Once again, this confirms what a generous community we live in,” said Greg Gaffke, Campaign Co-Chair. “It also shows the community believes in and trusts the United Way when it comes to determining and meeting the needs in Central Missouri.”
“There are never enough ways to thank the community for the support it provides the United Way and its partner agencies,” says McAnany. “We consider ourselves very lucky to be able to count on our contributors year after year”.
Money raised during the Community Campaign funds the work of the 25 member agencies and programs. United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties. For more information about the United Way of Central Missouri and its agencies, call 573-636-4100 or visit our website at www.unitedwaycemo.org.

United Way and American Family Insurance Team Up for Kids Annual Event Scheduled

The United Way of Central Missouri and American Family Insurance have announced plans for the 14th annual Kickoff for Kids. The carnival-like event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17 from 5 PM till 7 PM at Jefferson City’s Memorial Park.
Kickoff for Kids is a free event for children whose families are served by the United Way partner agencies. Organizers say this event is planned with the children’s health, safety, and enjoyment in mind. “Both the organizers and the kids have fun at this event,” says John McMorris, local District Manager of American Family Insurance Group, “Employees from both our sales and claims offices put a lot of planning and effort into this event, but it is worth it!”
Several United Way agencies will provide games and events and a fire truck from the Jefferson City Fire Department will be on display. Other kid friendly activities are planned.
For more information about Kickoff for Kids, please contact the United Way office at 573-636-4100. For more information about the United Way of Central Missouri, please visit http://www.unitedwaycemo.org/.

The United Way Begins Community Campaign Annual fundraiser gets early boost from Pacesetters

The United Way of Central Missouri’s 2008-2009 Community Campaign has officially started. More than 320 supporters were on hand for the campaign kickoff luncheon at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. The event marks the beginning of an eight-week long effort to raise this year’s goal of $1,600,000.
Twenty-seven local businesses and the United Way agencies have already completed their part of the fundraising, during this summer’s Pacesetter Campaign. The group held their employee campaigns in late July and August. This year’s Pacesetters raised $661,861 which is 41% of the 2008 campaign goal.
Campaign Co-Chairs Lori Hoelscher and Greg Gaffke were satisfied with the preliminary numbers. “To have a little over 41% of the campaign goal pledged is encouraging,” says Hoelscher. “But we still have a long way to go.” Gaffke added, “We expect good results from the Pacesetter companies because they have a history of strong support and leadership in the United Way.”
Linda McAnany, President of the United Way of Central Missouri says she is pleased with the preliminary numbers. “Each year, we ask the Pacesetter group to lead the campaign. In reviewing the pacesetter results for the last few years, any time those numbers were close to 42%, we made the overall campaign goal. It will be close, but we think we are on target for the balance of our campaign.”
Money donated during the campaign will be used to fund the United Way of Central Missouri’s 25 health and human service agencies and programs. Last year, more than 88,000 people in Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties received help from one or more United Way agencies.
For more information about the United Way of Central Missouri 2007-2008 Community Campaign, call 573-636-4100 or logon to http://www.unitedwaycemo.org/.

United Way of Central Missouri 2008 Pacesetters

In announcing the results of the 2008 Pacesetter campaign, the United Way of Central Missouri recognized the efforts of twenty-seven area businesses and the United Way partner agencies. The organizations who conducted their employee campaigns during the month of August were:
American Family Insurance
Capital Region Medical Center
Central Bank & Central Technology Services
Coca Cola Bottling Company
County of Cole
Dillard’s – Capital Mall
EMBARQ
Hawthorn Bank
Jefferson Bank and Central Mortgage Company
Jefferson City Medical Group
Learfield Communications, Inc.
Lutheran Senior Services
Mid-America Wireless
Mike Kehoe Automotive Group
Missouri Automobile Dealers Association
Missouri Hospital Association
Modern Litho-Print
Modine Manufacturing
Premier Bank
Schnucks
Septagon Construction
St. Mary’s Health Center
United Way Agencies
UMB Bank
Unilever HPC
United Parcel Service
Wallstreet Financial Group
Wal-Mart Supercenter in Jefferson City

The United Way of Central Missouri’s community campaign is held annually to help fund the work of its 25 member agencies and programs. The United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties.

United Way Annual Campaign Kickoff Media Reminder

The United Way of Central Missouri Community Campaign Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 AM on Thursday, September 4th at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.
This year’s Pacesetter companies will be recognized during the luncheon along with the results of their campaigns. These results are used to monitor the community campaign and serve as motivation for the rest of the community. Pacesetter companies are those businesses that hold their employee campaign during the month of August. Twenty-seven companies and the United Way agencies served as Pacesetters this year.
The 2008-2009 Community Campaign runs throughout the months of September and October. This year’s goal is $1,600,000. Money raised will be used to fund the work of 25 United Way partner agencies and programs. The United Way covers Cole, Moniteau, Miller, Osage and southern Callaway Counties.
For more information about the Community Campaign, please contact the United Way office at 573-636-4100 or visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.

FOR THE 13TH YEAR RIVER CITY FLORIST PLANS AWAY 10,000 ROSES FOR GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY.TO GIVE

This past September 5th 2007, over 1200 residents of Jefferson City had the unique opportunity to meet one another & develop new Friendships as River City Florist hosted the annual FTD Good Neighbor Day event in their shop. Residents received a dozen roses
absolutely free when they stopped by River City Florist at 212 Madison Street in downtown Jefferson City. River City Florist distributed 15,000 roses in bunches of a dozen, absolutely free to anyone who visited their shop, as a sign of friendship & goodwill. Established in 1994, FTD Good Neighbor Day has become an event dedicated to helping create a friendlier, more caring & compassionate world with roses.

Visitors in River City Florist had to promise that in return for the free roses, they would keep only one for themselves and would give away the others to 11 different people. The success of Good Neighbor Day was overwhelmingly positive as the people of Jefferson City came out to participate and show their community spirit & support, states owner, Mike Moscato.

This year Good neighbor Day is Wednesday September 3rd, beginning at 10:00 a.m., River City Florist at 212 Madison Street will give away 10,000 roses in bunches of a dozen, absolutely free to anyone who visits the shop. “Our desire is to create a friendlier, more caring world, starting right here in Jefferson City.” In years past, we have had numerous requests for a second dozen roses. To accommodate those requests, we will be asking for a donation of $10.00 or more, with 100% of those proceeds going to the local United Way Campaign!

Local volunteers, many of them who have participated for several years, have graciously given up their time to help pass out the roses. Some of the volunteers this year include First Lady Melanie Blunt, Jefferson City Mayor John Landwehr, Rev. Gene Rooney, Representatives from the Jefferson City Police Department, Linda McAnany from the local United Way, KRCG-TV’s Monica Madeja & many more! As in years past, refreshments will be served throughout most of the day. Central Bank will be popping popcorn.

Good Neighbor Day, in its thirteenth year, has become a tradition in the Jefferson City area as a day of goodwill to all people. Joining the effort at River City Florist are local sponsors, Central Bank, KRCG-TV, Mid America Wireless. Jefferson City New Tribune, Central Travel, Mike Kehoe Ford, Fechtel Beverages & Coca Cola. All have pitched in to help make Good Neighbor Day 2008 a truly “neighborly” celebration.

United Way Plans Annual Campaign Kickoff

Tickets are on sale for the United Way of Central Missouri’s 2008-2009 Community Campaign Kickoff. The event is scheduled for 11:30 AM on Thursday, September 4th at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. Tickets are $7.00 and must be purchased in advance.
This year’s Pacesetter companies will be recognized during the luncheon. Pacesetter companies are those businesses that hold their employee campaign during the month of August. Their campaign results are announced during the Community Campaign Kickoff and are used to serve as motivation for the rest of the community. Twenty-eight companies and the United Way agencies served as Pacesetters this year.
The 2008-2009 Community Campaign runs throughout the months of September and October. This year’s goal is $1,600,000. Money raised will be used to fund the work of 25 United Way partner agencies and programs. The United Way covers Cole, Moniteau, Miller, Osage and southern Callaway Counties.
For more information about the Community Campaign or to purchase tickets to the kickoff luncheon, please contact the United Way office at 573-636-4100. Tickets will be available until August 28th. For more information about the United Way of Central Missouri, please visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.

Local United Way Achieves Certification

Linda McAnany, President/CPO announced that the United Way of Central Missouri has successfully completed all of the United Way of America membership requirements. The certification mandates completion of 13 requirements for United Way of America membership along with verification of the status of 40 indicators that demonstrate a United Way embodies the intent of the membership requirements.

“The membership standards must be certified annually in order for us to remain a member of the United Way system,” stated McAnany. “It is important for us to maintain a high standard of accountability and this is part of the process to document that our operations are transparent and meet or exceed United Way membership criteria requirements.”

The Board of the United Way of Central Missouri reviewed and approved the Membership Requirements Certification at their regular board meeting in June.

“It is critically important that all United Ways meet the highest standards and verify on paper that they conformed to the stringent requirements of membership in the United Way system,” stated Brian Gallagher, President and CEO, United Way of America. “We applaud and congratulate the United Way of Central Missouri for demonstrating their commitment by completing the recertification process.”

United Way of Central Missouri Sets Campign Goal

(Jefferson City, MO) The United Way of Central Missouri has set its annual fall campaign goal at $1,600,000. The goal for the 2008-2009 Community Campaign was announced during a news conference this morning.
Campaign Co-Chairs Lori Hoelscher and Greg Gaffke acknowledged the long history of the United Way in the Jefferson City community. “We believe, together with donors and organizations, that the United Way can improve lives and build a stronger community”, said Hoelscher. “The $50,000 increase in the campaign target is a result of the ever growing needs in the community. Whether it is an increase in fuel prices or medical insurance, or whatever, there is an increase demand on the family budget.”
“The focus of the United Way is to make a positive difference in our community,” added Gaffke. “We are honored to serve as Co-Chairs this year because other than the United Way, where can one donation impact the needs of so many in our community”.
The theme of this year’s campaign is “Giving Today Brings Hope for Tomorrow”. Hoelscher, Gaffke, and the United Way staff will enlist the help of numerous volunteers to help spread the word about this year’s campaign. The 30-plus member Campaign Leadership Team will help to solicit donations and pledges from businesses and individuals throughout the service area.
The 2008-2009 Community Campaign officially begins on September 4th at 11:30 AM at the Capital Plaza Hotel. Twenty-eight area businesses and the United Way partner agencies will jumpstart the fundraising during the Pacesetter Campaign, which will be held throughout the month of August.
The United Way of Central Missouri’s community campaign is held annually to help fund the work of its 25 member agencies and programs. The United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties. For more information, please call the United Way Office at (573) 636-4100 or visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.

United Way of Central Missouri Announces Pacesetters

The United Way of Central Missouri will work to raise $1,600,000 during its 2008 annual campaign. Twenty-eight area businesses and the United Way partner agencies will jumpstart the fundraising during the Pacesetter Campaign, which will be held throughout the month of August. Those organizations are:
American Family Insurance
Brown Printing
Capital Region Medical Center
Central Bank & Central Technology Services
Coca Cola Bottling Company
County of Cole
Dillard’s – Capital Mall
EMBARQ
Hawthorn Bank
Jefferson Bank and Central Mortgage Company
Jefferson City Medical Group
Learfield Communications, Inc.
Lutheran Senior Services
Mid-America Wireless
Mike Kehoe Automotive Group
Missouri Automobile Dealers Association
Missouri Hospital Association
Modern Litho-Print
Modine Manufacturing
Premier Bank
Schnucks
Septagon Construction
St. Mary’s Health Center
United Way Agencies
UMB Bank
Unilever HPC
United Parcel Service
Wallstreet Financial Group
Wal-Mart Supercenter in Jefferson City

The United Way of Central Missouri’s community campaign is held annually to help fund the work of its 25 member agencies and programs. The United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties.

United Way of Central Missouri to announce Campaign Goal

(Jefferson City, MO, July 10, 2008) The United Way of Central Missouri will announce its annual campaign goal at a news conference scheduled for Wednesday, July 16 at 9:30 AM. The news conference is to be held at the NH Scheppers Community room located at 2300 St. Mary’s Blvd.

The 2008-2009 Community Campaign officially begins on September 4^th at 11:30 AM at the Capital Plaza Hotel. Twenty-eight area businesses and the United Way partner agencies will jumpstart the fundraising during the Pacesetter Campaign, which will be held throughout the month of August.

The United Way of Central Missouri’s community campaign is held annually to help fund the work of its 25 member agencies and programs. The United Way of Central Missouri serves Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Osage, and southern Callaway Counties. For more information, please call the United Way Office at (573) 636-4100 or visit www.unitedwaycemo.org.

United Way of Central Missouri awards Grants and New Membership

Council for Drug Free Youth: This partner agency educates the community about the dangers of underage drinking and drug usage. Its goal is to prevent drug usage by anyone under the age of 21 and promote responsible drinking by adults. The United Way grant money will be used to expand the program to the Wardsville, Toas, and St. Thomas schools.

Amount of grant: $3,845

Jefferson City Day Care Center: This partner agency provides full-day childcare for children from 0-10 years old on a sliding fee scale. United Way grant money will be used to finance a parenting program for families of the center. This two-year pilot program will not only provide a support group but cover topics of budgeting, setting goals, general parenting, health & safety, and other additional topics to provide parents with additional skills.

Amount of grant: $5,190

Big Brothers/Big Sisters: This partner agency provides a mentoring program in order to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth. This grant will be used to hire a temporary staff person to assist them at the beginning of the school year with the enrollment process to support the implementation of the Missouri Mentoring Initiative in 2008. This initiative allows MO State Employees one hour of paid leave to mentor a child in a local elementary or middle school. As a result of the MMI this agency has benefited by enrolling an additional 50 state employees as Big Brothers or Big Sisters, which nearly doubles the number of children that are matched in the school based program.

Amount of grant: $5,000

Family Counseling Center: This partner agency provides drug and alcohol abuse counseling services to individuals and families. In addition, they offer additional counseling to individuals with issues such as anxiety disorders, grief related problems, marital issues, and PTSD resulting from childhood neglect or abuse. This grant will provide additional computer technology to enhance staff presentations and effectiveness during sessions.

Amount of grant: $3,761

Pathways Community Behavior Healthcare: This partner agency provides comprehensive psychiatric service to adults with serious mental disorders and children with serious emotional disturbances. This two-year grant will be used to provide co-located serves to individuals in Cole County having both mental health and primary healthcare needs in a collaborative effort between Pathways and the Community Health Center in Central Missouri.

Amount of grant: $14,000

Homemaker Health Care: This partner agency provides assistance in meeting the demands of daily living for the elderly, infirmed, and disabled who continue to live independently in their residences and to prevent premature institutionalization. This grant is to provide increased awareness of the importance of heart health and regular blood pressure screenings to minorities, women, and the medically underserved in our community.

After a basic health assessment, HHC would purchase monitors to assess blood glucose and cholesterol levels using existing telemonitoring equipment. This system will allow HHC to monitor patient’s vital signs from a central location.

Amount of grant: $8,960

Community Health Center of Central Missouri: This partner agency provides primary, dental, mental health and pharmaceutical services to residents of Cole County regardless of their ability to pay. This grant is to provide two years of start-up funding to establish a support group for Jefferson City and Cole County children and youth who are grieving the loss of a parent or sibling. No such support groups exist for youth in our community or anywhere in mid-Missouri. The CHCCM will provide administrative oversight and support for this program.

Amount of grant: $14,500

Special Learning Center: This partner agency provides comprehensive, early intervention services for children with developmental delays and disabilities. United Way grant money will provide additional surveillance equipment to monitor and record activities both inside and outside of the center.

Amount of grant: $7,771

Rape and Abuse Crisis Service: This partner agency provides services to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault find ways to live their lives independent of abuse. These services may include shelter, counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, future housing, hotline calls, and court assistance. United way grant money will provide replacement of both outdoor and indoor surveillance cameras which will greatly improve the safety of the shelter residents.

Amount of grant: $11,719

Boys & Girls Club of the Capital City: This partner agency provides after school and summer programs for youth ages 6 to 18. United Way Board of Directors voted additional supplemental funding to cover the transportation costs from seven area schools to the club for the Project Learn Program. This after school program is available five days a week (Mon-Fri 3-7pm).

Amount of supplemental funding: $5,450

Salvation Army: This partner agency provides a 40-bed homeless shelter, community meals, food pantry and a number of other social services to low income individuals and families in our community. The United Way Board of Directors voted additional supplemental funding to provide food supplies and other consumables to the SA pantry.

Amount of supplemental funding: $10,000

Cole County Senior Nutrition Council: This partner agency provides both congregate meals and home bound meals to seniors (60 and older) and to disabled individuals in Cole County. With the recent move to the Mall location, this program has expanded tremendously, serving over 1,000 additional meals a month. The United Way Board of Directors voted additional supplemental funding to off-set the increased and ongoing expenses of this expansion.

Amount of supplemental funding: $5,000

Dreams to Reality: This agency provides appropriate interview and business apparel, motivation, and follow-up support to low income women attempting to reenter the work force. In addition to approval of a 2008 grant, the United Way Board of Directors approved provisional partnership of this agency to the United Way of Central Missouri family. The United Way grant money will be used to offset agency expenses and to provide additional services to their clients.

Amount of grant: $5,000

Cole County Chapter of MO Foster Care & Adoption Association: This non-member agency was created last fall to better meet the needs of adoptive and foster children and their families. This grant is to provide funding for the “Begin Again Backpack” program designed to support children and youth when they first enter the foster care system. Many children are removed from their home during a crisis and are not given the opportunity to take their favorite toys, games, security blanket or stuffed animal. When the child comes into the care of the Children’s Division, this group will be notified by the child’s case worker and if requested will be provided with a “Begin Again Backpack” filled with age and gender specific items they can call their own.

Amount of Grant: $7,000

Central Missouri Community Action: This mission of this non-partner agency, previously know as Cole County HDC, is to empower individuals and families to achieve self-reliance. This grant is to provide financial support of the recently established “Circles” initiative. Specifically, the money is to be used for food, transportation, and childcare for the individuals and families taking part in the weekly meetings.

Amount of Grant: $5,000

United Way of Central Missouri awards Grants and New Membership

(Jefferson City, MO, May 21, 2008) The United Way of Central Missouri announced the recipients for one-time grant funding at a news conference this morning at the Salvation Army. A complete listing of the grant amounts and their use is attached.

For the 5^th year in a row, the United Way is able to provide one-time grants to local agencies and programs providing services in Central Missouri. As in previous years, the money became available as a result of the successful annual campaign held last fall. The goal of the United Way is to continue to fund additional programs or emergency grants that provide services in our 4 county service area.

The United Way Board of Directors approved $112,196 for one-time grants and supplementary funding to fifteen area agencies. The Board of Director also approved a new United Way agency, Dreams to Reality, to join the other twenty-three partner agencies. The mission of Dreams to Reality is to help low-income women meet their employment goals and build self-confidence by providing appropriate interview and business apparel, motivation and follow-up support. For more information please call the United Way office at 573-636-4100 or visit www.unitedwaycemo.org