Local kids will have bigger fun and brighter futures thanks to funds from the United Way, leaders of several local organizations say. United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties helps to develop boys and girls through funding of a number of programs, including the Boy Scouts of America, Middle Tennessee Council, and the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro.
“We couldn’t do what we do for the kids without the money from United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties,” said Don McKinney, director of finance services with the Middle Tennessee Council.
This year, United Way allocated $37,000 to the Boy Scouts program in Rutherford and Cannon Counties, which is seven percent of a $532,000 budget for the two counties.
McKinney said money from United Way helps with volunteer training materials.
“We are very active in recruiting kids and organizing Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops in both counties,” McKinney said.
All told, 3,305 children and youth are served in the two counties, and they are not all boys.
“We also serve Venturing and Exploring for girls in senior high school; ages 14 and up,” McKinney said.
Programs are available in Boy Scout for ages 6 to 18 guide in the development of citizenship and leadership.
Thanks in part to United Way, dollars are available for scouts who would not otherwise be able to attend a week-long camping experience. Cub Scouts can attend a day camp at Barfield Crescent Park, and in another park in Smyrna.
Discovery Center was allocated $25,000 for 2011-12 from United Way.
“We use it for our project reach out,” said Jennifer Neal, development coordinator for the hands-on museum and nature center for children. “It includes scholarships for children on free and reduced lunches. When they come on their school field trips, they don’t have to pay.”
Project Reach Out also includes free events for the community, such as a community open house at Discovery Center.
“We found on surveys that (many) would not be able to come if there is no free day,” she said.
Free memberships are also provided for disadvantaged families through the allocation.
The hands-on museum receives $122,000 per year, with other funds coming from grants and operating funds.
“United Way’s funding is extremely valuable,” Neal said. “It provides support for our community outreach initiative. It also allows us to work with other agencies.”
Neal said some families from Discovery Center also have open membership for adults to participate in Preparing Adults for Self Sufficiency, a United Way initiative.
Scouts have also helped to clean out or work on the city-owned wetlands which are adjacent to the Discovery Center.
“The city lets us use the wetlands for educational purposes,” Neal said.
The work scouts’ work in the wetlands goes towards earning badges, or event completing Eagle Scout projects.
