Victoria County United Way Awards Grants to 19 Local Programs
July 7, 2017 – The Victoria County United Way has awarded grants to 19 programs operated by eighteen local service organizations and approved setting aside a small emergency fund for reserves.
With $919,014 raised this year, grants are going to agencies helping Victoria and surrounding communities become stronger, safer and healthier. Food is being taken to homebound seniors, people in desperate situations are getting help building their lives and children are learning in safe environments.
“Our community is filled with individuals willing to reach out to help those in need”, said David C. Edwards, newly elected President of the Victoria County United Way Board of Directors. “Whether volunteering at the YMCA laying carpet; painting at the Boys & Girls Club, or providing financial assistance, so many people are helping our neighbors in need”, he noted.
The local agencies below are receiving:
Improving People's Health
Billy T. Cattan Recovery Outreach $30,000
CASA $28,000
Hope of South Texas $18,000
Mid Coast Family Services Homeless Program $70,000
Mid-Coast Family Services Sexual Abuse $20,000
STARS Clinic $33,000
Community Action Agency of Victoria $12,000
Gulf Bend STARS Program $19,000
Sub Total $230,000
Helping Families Become Stable & Independent
American Red Cross $15,000
Food Bank of the Golden Crescent $22,000
Golden Crescent Habitat for Humanity $28,000
Perpetual Help Home $39,000
Victoria Christian Assistance Ministry $44,000
Victoria Senior Citizens Centers $72,000
Sub Total $220,000
Helping Individuals Achieve Their Potential
Boys and Girls Club – Victoria $62,500
Boys and Girls – DeWitt County $24,000
Communities in Schools $24,000
Victoria Adult Literacy Council $26,500
YMCA $28,000
Sub Total $165,000
Emergency fund/reserves $15,079
Designated by Donors to out of area UWs $51,292
Pledge loss allowance (7-8%) $68,000
Subtotal $749,371
VCUW program & operations $169, 643
Total $919,014
The same amount as last year is being allocated to the agencies since the slight decrease this year in the total raised ($33,996) was in funds designated by donors to out of area united ways or agencies.
Sheila Vesely, Chair of the United Way Community Investment (Grants) Committee, noted that all of the agencies funded do an outstanding job providing services in a very cost effective way. “We are glad to be able to award the same total amount as last year since the slight decrease in the overall amount raised was from donors designating their gifts to out of the area agencies” she said.
Vesely added that United Way organizations allow 8% of the pledged amount that may not be received due to job changes or other life changing events. “Additional funds may be awarded at year end if funds are available”, she noted.
Dolly Stokes, Executive Director of the Victoria County United Way thanked the many volunteers this year, especially the thirty volunteers that spent many hours reviewing grant requests, visiting the agencies and participating in the grant hearings. “These committed and knowledgeable volunteers help make sure the entire process is fair, transparent and accountable,” said Stokes.
Victoria County United Way creates opportunities for everyone to become involved by focusing on the building blocks of a good life: Education, helping individuals achieve their potential; Income, helping families become stable and independent; and Health, improving people’s health. Be a part of inspiring hope and creating opportunities for a better tomorrow. Contact Victoria County United Way at 361.578.3561 or visit online at www.unitedwayvictoria.org.