Fast Facts about the effects of funding provided by Fort Madison Area United Way.
Follow link to Success Stories about clients of partner agencies. Also Member Agency Outcomes are available for your campaign presentations or publicity.
23 funded partners and about 20-30 other community partners work together to address the area's most pressing needs.
1 out of 4 adults and over 80% of all local area children are touched by programs funded by United Way.
Each year, United away funds one time grants plus we coordinate community projects including Directories, Budget Buddies, Winterization Coupons, Room in a Box (for families affected by fires), and Information pages in the Fort Madison School District Calendars.
Food Assistance for nearly 3,000 local residents.
Community Services Food Pantry provided services to a total of 2950 unduplicated individuals in 2009 which is 1 out of 6 living in our area. Households can receive up a weeks groceries up to 10 times a year. Clients say, ”You folks are truly a blessing for the all of the community.” “Thank you for everything.” When asked what would happen if food help was not available—responses included: “We would not have enough food.” and “only my kids would eat,” and “we would go without sometimes.”
102 receive Utility Assistance
The Emergency Assistance Fund from Fort Madison Area United Way helped 32 households in 2009 prevent water cut-offs, 38 households with rent or deposit assistance, and 32 households with gas or electric. assistance. Funds are matched with other resources to help people keep their homes and utility service.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters serves more children but needs more mentors
They had a 26% increase in school-base matches and a 17% increase in all program. They currently have 30 active matches in North Lee County but are still seeking mentors for children who are waiting for Big Brother or Big Sister.
Emma Cornelis Hospitality House provided housing and food for 238 homeless people in 2009 including 50 children. The average stay was 10 days at a cost of $11.28 per client/day. At their departure from the shelter, 76 went on to get a job and 105 found local housing.
Child Abuse Prevention Council of Lee County
The Parent Support Group and Storks Nest provides parent training and support annually for parents of young children in North Lee County. Of the 100 plus participants last year, 92% said their family interactions had improved a lot or some. 75% said they had better knowledge of positive ways to manage their child’s behavior and to communicate with their child. 68% said they had an increase in knowledge to have realistic expectations for their child.
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
Over 300 girls participate in Girl Scouts. Boy Scouts serves 200 boys from ages 6-17 and male and female teens in North Lee County. United Way funding helps young people with the costs of participating in Boy and Girl Scouts. These programs build character, promote healthy habits, and teach life skills.
2008 Iowa Youth Survey results for local teens:
23% of 8th and 43% of 11th graders report they have consumed alcohol in the last 30 days and half of them had been binge drinking
20% of those surveyed said a person in their home has a serious drug or alcohol problem
27% of 6th and 26% of 8th graders report they have been called names or made fun of in the last 30 days more than 3 times
17% of 6th and 23% of 8th graders were in a fight at school in the last 12 months
Programs funded by United Way to address these issues:
Tri-State Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Abuse—School-based programs on bullying and safe touch.
ADDS—Middle School Substance Abuse Curriculum
Fort Madison SAFE Coalition
Programs providing healthy alternatives: Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, YMCA, Lee County Boxing, Denmark Ball Association, Summer Reading at the Library