2004 Community Investments
Local volunteers on Community Councils use their knowledge and experience to target funds where the needs are greatest. To make the best use of contributor dollars, United Way holds agencies accountable for their programs, Grants are typically awarded for a period of three years, with continued funding dependent on satisfactory outcome reports. For more information on the tables, please scroll to the bottom of the page.
The truancy mediation program serves students in Richland School District Two. Mediation provides the student, family and school an opportunity to develop solutions in a neutral, non-threatening environment. This program met the expectations of the United Way of the Midlands in 2006 and is currently working to further decrease school absentee rates and drop-out rates. The program is being renewed for another year, based on the program's 87% success rate of successful mediations and reduced school truancy.
Reaching for the Stars - Volunteers of America of the Carolinas
| Council | Year | Amount | Report 1 | Report 2 |
Report 3 |
Report 4 |
| SB6 | 2004 | $50,000 | ME |
EE | EE | - |
Reaching for the Stars is a collaborative effort by Volunteers of America of the Carolinas and Vital Connections of the Midlands that targets young children of families with socially and economically high-risk factors linked to school failure, such as homelessness and low income. The program will provide 25 scholarships for at-risk children to be divided among three NAEYC accredited non-profit centers: Children's Garden, Arthurtown, and Tender Years. These at-risk children and their families selected to receive United Way slots benefit from these services they otherwise would not have. Each child care center is providing quality services that are being encompassed by Reaching for the Stars' strong early childhood literacy component and a parent involvement building block. Classroom environments are being made rich in literacy and language. The vision of this collaborative venture is to help working families by providing comprehensive child care services that will help at-risk children become ready for school. This program was renewed and expanded in 2007 for $100,000. The renewal doubles the number of children who can participate from 10 to 20.
Truancy Mediation - Community Mediation Center
| Council | Year | Amount | Report 1 | Report 2 |
Report 3 |
Report 4 |
| EJLS | 2004 | $50,000 | ME |
ME |
NI | - |
EJLS - Education, Job & Life Skills Council
H&R - Health & Recovery Council
FSST - Food, Shelter, Safety & Transportation Council
Year: The year refers to the first year in which the agency receives funding for that particular program. Grants are typically awarded for a three-year period. Very successful programs may be extended beyond three years and programs that do not meet expectations can be ended before the three year grant cycle is complete.
Amount: The amount refers to the funding the agency receives per fiscal year for the term of the grant.
Reports: Reports refer to the outcome reports agencies file with United Way. Trained volunteers review the reports for progress. Continued funding for programs depends on satisfactory outcome reports.
