United Way Partner Agency Statistics and Stories We hope that this document helps your business or organization tell the story of United Way and why running an annual United Way campaign helps our local non-profit organizations continue to help those in our community in need of the services they provide. Please feel free to use the attached statistics and stories Through email communications for staff In flyers or other documents that can be visible during your campaign If you would like to schedule a presentation from one of our partner agencies, please contact The United Way of Mahaska County at 641-673-6043 or by email at unitedway@mahaska.org Agency: North Mahaska Community Schools Program: Intensive Reading Interventions The mission of the North Mahaska Community School District is to prepare students to positive, productive citizens with the passion and skills for life-long learning. This grant provides a school tutoring program for students who demonstrate an academic need. Statistics: At the start of the 2011-2012 academic year, there were 37 students in grades 2nd through 6th who are not proficient in reading comprehension on the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. The goal of the program is to provide these students with additional intensive interventions targeted at increasing their reading comprehension skills. The cost per client served is $182.43, includes 30 minutes of targeted intervention 5 times a week for 18 weeks. Success story: One of our 3rd grade students was struggling in math and below grade level proficiency. The student said that he really wanted to be an accountant like his dad when he grew up, but said he couldn’t because he was not good at math. After 15 weeks of tutoring, his math skills improved and he tested at grade level. We were all so excited, but none as excited as he. He wrote us a thank you card for helping him and inside was a picture of him and his dad. Both were sitting behind the father’s desk in the office. Each had a name plate in front of them. One said his father’s name and accountant. The other said future accountant and his son’s name. Agency: Mahaska Hospice Auxiliary Program: Palliative Care Mahaska Hospice provides compassionate care to people with progressive and life-threatening illnesses, support to their families, and education to the community for a deeper understanding of end of life care. The Palliative Care Program’s main objective is to give patients the quality of life and care they deserve during a very difficult time in their life, and the lives of their family or support system. With this program patients are able to stay in their home setting by offering professional nursing and aide services. They can stay in their home verses being forced to go to a care center or assisted living facility. Statistics: The cost per client served is $45 a day. Last year, there were 7 Palliative Care patients in the program. Currently there is no reimbursement for these services to be given to these types of patients under Medicare and Medicaid guidelines, or the patient themselves is not ready to be admitted to a hospice program. Success Story: A 47 year old male was referred to our hospice by his significant other who was taking care of him since he was diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread throughout his body. Due to not having insurance, he was ineligible for any other home care services. When he declined further chemo treatments, he was finally admitted to the full hospice program. The family states that they could not have made the last moments of his left tolerable without the aid of the Palliative Care program. Agency: Imagine the Possibilities Program: IMAGINE Outreach Our mission is to provide services to individuals with disabilities. We link these individuals to the community by promoting education, independence, acceptance, and inclusion. Often these individuals are faced with limited resources. Many times the things that can provide their quality of life are not available to them due to a lack of personal resources. IMAGINE Outreach programs are designed to fill the gaps left by other programs or to respond to crisis situations for these individuals. Statistics: The average individual grant awarded to an Imagine client under this program is $115, with approximately 160 individuals served last year (some duplication possible). Success Story: “Kevin” is a young man with Down’s Syndrome in special education who also experiences difficulty with communication. His educator suggested that the use of an Apple iPod with an app specifically designed to assist in this situation would be beneficial. Funding for the actual iPod was secured from another source and IMAGINE Outreach was able to purchase the needed application. Agency: The American Red Cross Program: Disaster Services The Southern Prairie Red Cross will provide prompt, effective and compassionate emergency relief to anyone in Mahaska County impacted by disaster. Statistics: In 2011 in Mahaska County, the American Red Cross provided $166 in direct relief to each individual that suffered a disaster related loss. 22 individuals were served. Disaster relief is a free of charge service with no eligibility requirements. Success Story: American Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to a single family fire on a cool September morning. Two adults and one teenage child lived in a farm home in the northern part of Mahaska County. The early morning fire awoke the entire family from sleep and partially destroyed their lifelong family home. Everyone escaped safely, but they were only able to escape with the pajamas they were wearing. As Red Cross volunteers comforted the family, arrangements were being made for temporary lodging, a weeks’ worth of food, as well as new clothing and shoes. Three days after the fire, the Red Cross contacted the family and was told that they were staying at an Oskaloosa hotel, which we had arranged. Further, they had purchased new clothing and food with the funds Red Cross provided. Their insurance company by that time was assisting them with repairs to their home and a friend was going to let them stay in an available rental property until they could return home. As the conversation ended, the mother began to cry and said, “Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family. We cannot tell you how much your help means to us.” Agency: Oskaloosa Free Medical Clinic Program: Free Clinic Free Clinic’s of Iowa’s mission is to facilitate the initiation, operation, and collaboration of free clinics in the state of Iowa. FCI member clinics provide basic healthcare services through volunteer physicians, nurses and other health professionals, at no cost to patients. Statistics: In 2011, the clinic utilized 71 volunteers, donating 571.45 hours of service. There were 296 patients treated at the Free Clinic in Oskaloosa in 2011, with an average cost per client served of $50.88. Success Story: Patient FW was seen in the Free Clinic, as he was dependent on insulin to treat his diabetes and was out of work and had no insurance. When he came to the clinic, his diabetes was out of control and he was at high risk for further medical complications. Dr. Matt Whitis and MHP Diabetes Nurse Educator Sharon Ferguson (also a volunteer) helped FW to apply for assistance to receive his insulin for free through another source that Sharon had (a drug company). He has been able to keep his blood sugar in a controlled range and avoid further complications that would result from poorly managed diabetes. Agency: Mahaska County Homeless Coalition Program: Housing Assistance: Temporary, Permanent and Sustainable The mission of the Homeless Coalition is to bring hope, valuable resources, and assistance to those affected by homelessness or poverty while bringing awareness to the community of the dynamics of homelessness. Statistics: In 2011, there were 144 applications submitted for assistance and 40 calls were taken where a referral to another agency could be made for assistance. The average cost per client served was $133.88. Some homeless are transients from another community, some choose to be homeless, and others have a situation that lead them to needing assistance (no or low income, loss of home, etc.) Success Story: We were able to help one young man (24 years old) who was sleeping in a dumpster in Oskaloosa and contemplating breaking the law to get back into prison instead of sleeping only 1-2 nights in a hotel. The man was put up in a hotel, and the first night was to get warm, sleep, eat and relax. The following day he came into the office and we discussed possible solutions for him. After the second night, he had contacted extended family in Ottumwa about staying with them until he could be enrolled in school and change his future. Agency: Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC) Program: Basic Needs The mission of Love INC is to mobilize churches to transform lives and communities in the Name of Christ. Statistics: 714 clients were served in 2011 (can be duplicated), with a variety of services. Success Story: We received a call from another agency about concern for a family’s particular situation. A mother was near death and the grandmother was now caring for the grandson. They were living in an almost condemned house and the utilities were going to be turned off soon. Love INC paid the first month’s rent at a new place and also helped to pay on the utility bills. A Love INC partner church helped to move them to their new place. The mother did pass away, but the grandmother and grandson are doing pretty well now. Program: Capacity Building and Innovation Description: United Way awarded dollars to Love INC to help with the “Managing Your Money” classes to help teach residents how to get a handle on their finances, and help with financial stability. Money was also awarded to purchase new answering machines, purchase a client tracking database, and for additional training opportunities for their staff. These extra resources were helpful for Love INC to update their computer systems, receive their messages from clients, and to learn and educate themselves on the best ways to help those in need. Agency: Iowa Legal Aid Program: Mahaska County Advocacy Project Iowa Legal Aid makes hope, dignity and justice available to low-income Iowans through legal assistance and education that protects fundamental rights, basic necessities, and access to the judicial system; challenges policies and practices that harm low-income persons; and empowers clients to advocate effectively for themselves and their communities. Statistics: Non-attorney volunteer hours in 2011 were 118. Attorney volunteer hours totaled 30 hours. There were 161 cases closed in Mahaska County, which impacted 391 household members, 173 whom were children. Success Story: “Marcy” contacted Iowa Legal Aid after she obtained a domestic abuse order against her ex-boyfriend “George”. She asked us for representation at her permanent protection order hearing. She also has a one year old child from another relationship. George would tease Marcy’s child until he would cry and then would punish the child for crying. On one occasion Marcy found George swinging her son above his head in a pillow case. George was abusive to Marcy by hitting her in the stomach. He threatened to kill her, her brother and her friends. Iowa Legal Aid appeared as Marcy’s counsel at her hearing, where George agreed to the protective order and the judge ordered the same. Agency: Mahaska County 4-H Foundation Program: 4-H Youth Development 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnership with caring adults. Statistics: Total number of volunteers in 2011 was 176, donating over 1500 hours. 770 youth clients were served in Mahaska County in 2011. The costs per clients served were: $125-4H members, $50Clover Kids members, $10-afterschool participants, $20-$45-day camps Success Story: 4-H helped me to become a great leader. When I first joined 4-H, I lacked the confidence to speak to groups of people and today I am in college and speak with many people on a regular basis. I have used the skills I gained in 4-H to achieve goals that I have set for myself in school and as I work toward my career goals. The things I love the most about 4-H are: being able to work with adults and knowing that my voice was being heard, and being able to share my knowledge with other youth in and out of the program. The skills I have gained in 4-H will be with me forever. –Clayton Hester, Alum Agency: Food Bank of Southern Iowa Program: Feeding the Hungry Our objective is to provide the food to the hungry in the Southeast Iowa area. By feeding the hungry, we hope to increase the quality of life of the needy families, senior citizens and children. Proper nutrition will help to provide healthier minds and bodies. With healthier bodies, the adults will be more successful in obtaining and keeping employment. Children will be more attentive to teachers in the classrooms if they are not hungry. Statistics: In 2011, the Food Bank of Southern Iowa served 20 agencies in Mahaska County, distributing over 152,703 pounds of food products. Success Story: One of the agency’s we serve reported that a set of grandparents were raising their 3 grandchildren. The grandparents were under employed and financially unable to buy good wholesome food. By receiving food from the agency, they are now able to feed their grandsons good balanced meals and prevent hunger. Agency: South Central Iowa Center for Independent Living Program: U Can Succeed SCICIL assists individuals with disabilities to live in an integrated community by: providing information that assists people in making informed decisions; educating people with disabilities about their rights and responsibilities; advocating the breakdown of physical, attitudinal, and communication barriers to full community inclusion of individuals with disabilities; and providing peer-based, self-directed supports for persons with disabilities that encourage personal responsibility and self-sufficiency. The U Can Succeed program helps individuals access the resources and programs which will help them gain and maintain employment, by obtaining their GED. Statistics: The cost per client served is $99.40, and 88 clients were served by the program in 2011. 17% of the people over the age of 25 in Mahaska County do not have a diploma or GED. Success Story: A consumer came to us to inquire about our services after spending years struggling with depression, not being able to do their own resume or fill out a job application, and struggling with literacy skills as well as money management skills. After working with us, he is working towards his GED once we helped him with building his self-esteem, money management and literacy skills. He receives one on one tutoring and is progressing well. Agency: Seneca Area Agency on Aging Program: Senior Center/Meal Site: Capacity Building The Agency on Aging serves those who have made the community what it is today, by vowing to 1) provide the seniors of our community a sources of balanced nutrition in a family atmosphere or in their own home if needed; 2) provide a safe environment for the senior community to gather; and 30 promote the well-being of all seniors in Mahaska County. Statistics: in 2011, 24 volunteers donated over 2,000 volunteer hours. The total clients served by the senior center was 351 (can be duplicated), with an average cost per client served of $181.52. *United Way of Mahaska County provided grant assistance to help fix a leaky roof in 2011. This roof had been leaking for quite some time into their kitchen area, causing health concerns and additional costs to the center. Success Story: A widow, who used to look forward to the home delivered meals at our facility with her husband, now comes to the center and appreciates the interaction with volunteers even more than before. She appreciates the option to order weekend meals, coming to the center, and keeps her more healthy and engaged in the community than she anticipated after her loss. Agency: The Ecumenical Cupboard Program: Basic Needs The Ecumenical Food Cupboard provides food and basic hygiene necessities to qualifying people in Mahaska County to the extent possible through donations and volunteers. Statistics: The estimated total volunteers in 2011 were 2912, donating over 4004 volunteer hours. 2,206 households were helped, representing over 6,531 people-more than half of the population of Oskaloosa. The value of each bag of food and hygiene items is approximately $40. Success Story: The cupboard helps fulfill requirements for Promise Jobs and community service workers, as volunteers are always needed to help. These workers show noticeable and increasing improvement in their people skills and courtesies as they help those who come for food. During 2011, a Promise Job worker has completed her certification and is working full time at the North Mahaska Care Center. It is wonderful to see these folks become employable and more self-sufficient. It is also great to see some come back and help out for awhile. Agency: Kids Corner Daycare, Mahaska County YMCA and SIEDA HeadStart Collaborative Partnership Program: ECEC Financial Feasibility Study Details: A grant was awarded (through Kids Corner) to help fund a financial feasibility study to help determine the next steps in the early childhood’s group efforts to create one combined child care center in Oskaloosa. The group began working in 2001, a facility location has been identified, and in 2008, the group was awarded a USDA grant and Community Development Block Grant to construct the center. As building plans matured, the study was necessary before proceeding with the construction of the facility. This study was required by the USDA and provide recommendations for enrollment and fee structuring to ensure that operations and construction costs are feasible and that the program will be viable long term. Agency: Kids Corner DayCare Program: Basic Needs-Capacity Building The mission of Kids Corner Early Childhood Learning Center is to serve the families of the community. We do this by providing quality care for their young children in a childcare center with a safe and nurturing environment by enhancing each child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. We provide quality care regardless of race, religion, economic status or developmental level. Statistics: 85 children were served in 2011 (can be duplicated), with 13 children being in the infant rooms. Average cost per client served is $4,187.16 *United Way of Mahaska County granted Kids Corner funds to purchase new cribs for their infant room, as the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) determined that cribs purchase prior to June 28, 2011 did not meet current standards, and centers have until the end of the year to replace all cribs. Program: Kids Corner Scholarships Statistics: This program helps families that are unable to afford child care in an early childhood learning environment, yet income is too great to qualify for funding through potential sources. Families qualifying for the 186-200% poverty level are eligible for 25% of their bill paid by scholarships. Success Story: As a single mom, I had limited funds to begin with, and when I lost my daycare assistance from the state, I was not sure what I was going to do. The Kids Corner staff had been the only people that had ever cared for my daughter besides her parents, and I was afraid that switching providers would have underlying effects on my daughter in the future. Then, a woman at Kids Corner told me of this program the United Way offers which provides scholarships to parents in need. I applied for this scholarship and thankfully was accepted. Due to this program, my daughter has been able to continue to be a part of the Kids Corner daycare program, and I do not have to worry about the level of care she is receiving. This program has also relieved the stress I had about how I would be able to cover the cost of daycare. I am thankful every day that my daughter is in an environment where she is so loved and cared for. I would like to thank the United Way from the bottom of my heart for giving my daughter and I a second chance. This scholarship has been a blessing to the both of us. -Erin DeGoey & Maysen Brunt Agency: Mahaska County YMCA Program: Capacity Building The mission of the Mahaska County YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Mahaska County YMCA is a cause driven organization strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Statistics: In 2011, 3,930 clients were served *United Way of Mahaska County granted funds to assist the YMCA in the purchase of new equipment, replacement of infant room cribs (same problems as Kids Corner Daycare), a new bus for travel, and money towards maintenance & facility improvements. Program: After School Fun Club Statistics: 57 students were served with the after school program in 2011, and approximately 50% of the families registered for the program are eligible for Child Care Assistance through the Iowa Department of Human Services. Success Story: A young family in our community has several barriers to self-sufficiency. The parents are going to college and doing everything they can to become self-sufficient while trying to raise three young children. One of the children has special needs and the other two have behavior problems. The level of care required for these children is intensive. The oldest child requires a one-on-one associate to participate in ASFC and summer camp while his parents work. The YMCA will not refuse care for any child in need. Faculty and William Penn University assisted us with finding a student interested in volunteering their time to support this child in care. The volunteer worked with this boy for a semester as a volunteer enabling this child to successfully finish the school year with us. Agency: Crisis Intervention Services Program: Basic Needs-Survivor Assistance Program The mission of Crisis Intervention Services is to provide prevention and life skills education, intervention, and outreach services to empower persons, families, and the community to end all forms of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Statistics: 84 volunteers donated over 3,279 hours in 2011. 465 unduplicated clients were served from Mahaska County, and 303 of those clients returned at least once for an additional service. This program provides assistance with prescriptions, rent, food, utility bills, housing deposits, change of locks, change of vehicle registration, mental health services, new drivers license, birth certificates, and much more usually due to the need to move away from an abuser quickly and leaving things behind. Success Story: We received a call from an employee at Hy-Vee. They had an individual and her son there that had been kicked out of their home by the son’s abusive father. She was from out of state and had left her family behind only 2 months ago to be with him. Without knowing where to go, she went to the grocery store and an employee knew to call us. After checking into the shelter, we were able to get her belongings back, including her and her child’s birth certificates from the previous residence. Her main goal was to return to her family and the reservation where she had a job and residency lined up. Through financial assistance in this program, we were able to by an Amtrak ticket for her and her son to return home. Program: Shelter, Housing and Outreach for Client Assistance Statistics: According to the Uniform Crime Report of 2009 (last data available), there were 937 incidences of crime in Mahaska County ranging from forcible rape to assaults. In FY 2011, CIS provided critical services for 253 survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse, child abuse, robbery and assault in Mahaska County. 772 clients were served, with an average cost of $379.00. Success Story: A client who entered the transitional housing program after staying at the crisis shelter after fleeing a dangerous domestic situation from out of state. She and her three children started off slowly with small goals for her and her family to complete. The family’s mental stability was our main priority initially after the abuse they had endured. We worked on setting up family counseling which we provided transportation to and kept communication open about how each were feeling. As the family’s mental health grew stronger, we were able to work on more elaborate goals in order to help her family gain self-sufficiency. The mother went back to school, found work that she enjoyed, and ended up in a relationship where she got engaged. Agency: New Hope Community Center Program: Youth Programming The mission of New Hope Community Center is to strengthen families through education, development opportunities, and supports within the transforming circle of Christian care. Statistics: This program serves children before and after school, with approximately 100 children enrolled. 90% report eligibility for free and reduced lunch, but all the services in this program are free of charge. Cost per client served is 10 paid man hours at $9 per day, equaling $90 per day. There are 65 kids on average per day=less than $1.40 per child. Success Story: A girl who is in middle school, carries heavy responsibilities for care giving to many younger siblings and extended family. She looks forward to Wednesday nights because it is her “night out” at New Hope after school for her jewelry and beading class. She says it is her only relief and chance to “just be a kid”. Program: Nest Program Statistics: The Nest Program is designed to promote healthy families through parent education, incentives for making healthy life choices, and provide free basic child care needs through an incentive plan. 22 families were served in 2011 at a total cost of $5,406, or $245.72 per family. Success Story: During a class on nutrition, one of our fathers expressed surprise about the information, and said he had never heard of this before. He was quite serious and concerned that the junk food that he predominately consumes could cause heart attacks and other health problems. He stayed after class and wanted to know more, stating that he had never heard this before. He was very concerned to learn that he would not necessarily know it or feel it if he was unhealthy-developing heart disease or diabetes, for instance.