Heart of Missouri United Way announces $900,000 in grants over the next 3 years for 7 local agencies
Seven social service organizations in Columbia received a boost Thursday for Live United Day from the Heart of Missouri United Way.
The $900,000 in financial stability investments will be distributed over the next three years, starting in 2023, to programs operated by Love Columbia, Mid-Missouri Legal Services, United Community Builders, Central Missouri Community Action, Services for Independent Living, Rock The Community and City of Refuge.
Agencies submitted requests for proposals to the United Way, which was reviewed by its Community Impact Committee, said Chairperson Mitzi Clayton. Proposals that advanced went to an advisory council, which then conducted site visits and interviews. The council held three lengthy meetings in which to review proposals, Clayton said.
"They review the programs, the financial stability, how equity-minded those programs are and how well aligned they are with our financial stability initiatives. Also, how collaborative they are with other agencies in the community," she said.
Previously: These retirees are giving back to Columbia as graduates of the United Way's Give 5 program
For the selected agencies, the United Way was able to either fund 100% the various programs or provide additional funds toward a program, Clayton said.
Each of the various programs by the agencies focuses on improving financial or job readiness outcomes for clients.
In addition to the financial stability grants, further United Way grants aid 31 area agencies, totaling slightly more than $2 million in investments. The Heart of Missouri United Way works in Boone, Cooper and Howard counties.
"That is made possible by the generosity of the community, the tireless work of our volunteers, advisement of our board of directors and then all the work done by our agency partners in serving our most vulnerable," said Andrew Grabau, Heart of Missouri United Way president and CEO.
More: New Heart of Missouri United Way program seeks to connect retirees to volunteer opportunities
The Live United event also served as a graduation for the second cohort of Give 5, a program from the United Way which matches retirees with 5-hour-per-month volunteer opportunities. There were 11 graduates from the second cohort, with eight able to attend Thursday. The third Give 5 cohort starts on Feb. 24.
The objectives of the Give 5 program are to provide volunteer opportunities to retirees, reduce social isolation, increase community empathy, add to the volunteers' lasting legacy and make volunteering more meaningful, memorable and engaging.
Give 5 and volunteer coordinator Jennifer Gordon and first cohort graduate Dee Montgomery were recognized by Grabau for their work in managing Give 5, along with the 15 partner organizations and support received from United Health Care, AARP Missouri and Missouri Employers Mutual.
The success of partner agencies is down to its volunteers, added Carol Rhodes, Columbia assistant city manager, addressing cohort graduates.
Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Seven Columbia social service agencies receive United Way grants
