If you think that contributing to the United Way doesn’t really make a difference to anybody you know, consider this:
There are close to 15,000 people living in Cannon County. Nearly 5,000 of those are benefitted in some way by a United Way-supported agency.
Next week people all across America will give thanks for what life has given them.
Beginning this week, the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties would like to have the opportunity to thank you for giving.
Many Cannon Countians would not be able to find and receive the services they need were it not for the local organizations supported by the United Way.
“United Way touches one in three people in our community,” Brian Hercules, president and CEO of the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, said.
“We provide services that involve every demographic of the community, Alive Hospice, American Red Cross, Cannon County Senior Center, Cannon County 4-H, the Reach program and the list goes on … 45 total agencies and programs.”
Locally-based organizations which receive support from the United Way include Cannon County Reach Program, Cannon County Senior Center, Cannon County 4-H, Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency Nutrition Program for the Elderly, Child Advocacy Center, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Success by Six.
United Way is a worldwide network in 45 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all, by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas.
“We provide an avenue for the community to give through payroll deduct and an umbrella for the charitable dollars to meet the needs of the community.” Hercules said. “Many people have a heart to give but do not always have resources available. United Way provides a systematic way for people to give.”
The local United Way annual campaign kicks off this year and continues until the end of January. The overall goal for Rutherford and Cannon County is $2.8 million, the Cannon County Goal is $44,000.
LIVE UNITED is the United Way’s call to action for everyone to become a part of the change.
LIVE UNITED. It’s a credo. A mission. A goal. It’s a constant reminder that when we as individuals think outside ourselves, we have the power to facilitate change. When we think of others lives as linked to our own, our compassion grows. When we reach out a hand to one, we influence the condition of all. We build the strength of our neighborhoods. We bolster the health of our communities. And we change the lives of those who walk by us every day.
There are also many United Way agencies that provide services in Cannon County that do not have a local office, such as Project Pass, Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
For more than 50 years, United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties has been bringing people together to advance the common good for those around us. United Way strives to help every individual maximize his or her potential through giving, advocacy, and volunteerism. We invite you to aid in creating a lasting, positive impact in our community the “united” way.
Current United Way initiatives include:
2-1-1: 2-1-1 connects you to local services – from food, clothing and shelter assistance to counseling, legal and financial services. It’s helpful, it’s fast – and it couldn’t be easier. Dial 2-1-1, and you’ll speak with a friendly, helpful Information & Referral Speciality who can put you on the right track with your very first call.
2-1-1 is always here. We’re staffed around the clock to give you the sensitive, confidential help you need. Multilingual service is also available. You can dial 2-1-1 if you want to give help, too. Just call for information about volunteer opportunities, donating food, clothing, toys, furniture, books and more.
Success By 6: United Way Success By 6 (SB6) comprises the largest network of early childhood coalitions in the nation. More than 350 community and statewide coalitions make up this network. Each coalition plans and implements a number of powerful strategies at both the system change and direct service levels. While the vision is that every child will enter kindergarten ready to succeed, the key strategy to accomplish this is to improve the lives of children and their families.
The period of life from birth to age 6 offers a crucial window of opportunity to establish a foundation for success in school and life.
Children in this age group are dependent on their parents to offer early learning experiences that prepare them for school readiness.
Locally, United Way of Rutherford & Cannon Counties’ Success By 6 program is networked with other local and state coalitions with other nonprofit and for-profit organizations that address the root of community problems that prevent children from entering school prepared to succeed. In Rutherford & Cannon County, the Success By 6 program focuses on ensuring healthy families and fostering responsible parenthood in order to achieve school readiness. For more information about Success By 6, contact Jennifer Smith.
Project PASS (Preparing Adults for Self-Sufficiency): Project PASS gives adults in Rutherford and Cannon Counties the opportunity to make a lasting change in their lives. Project PASS includes four impact areas:
GED preparation, basic workplace computer skills, resume/interview skills and job search skills. The goal of Project PASS is to assist adults in basic workplace skills. Adults who are seeking to re-enter the workforce or would like to seek different employment opportunities will benefit from this program. Classes are held free of charge at Linebaugh Library. You do not have to sign up to attend classes; just come to the classes that will benefit you at the time that is convenient for you!
For more information about Project PASS, please contact Kathy Ferrell.
The United Way is a local, comprehensive way to meet growing needs in Rutherford and Cannon counties. Each United Way is a locally governed nonprofit organization directed by volunteers. The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties operates three of its own programs that are focused on early childhood learning and professional education. The United Way supports over 40 partner agencies and programs that focus on health and human services.
You can contribute to the United Way through your work campaign, by going online to WWW.UWCANNON.ORG and at all three local banks in Cannon County.
Story by Kevin Halpern, Cannon Courier
WBRY AM/FM and the Cannon Courier are media partners in Cannon County for the United Way.