United Way works way toward 2010 goal

OTTAWA - The United Way of Putnam County have reached nearly 30 percent of their goal according to Jeanne Beutler, executive director.

“This is normal for this time of year,” she stated during Monday’s Ottawa-area Kiwanis meeting. This year’s campaign kicked off on Sept. 15 and will end on Nov. 30.

The United Way of Putnam County has set the 2009 goal at $335,000. During 2008 the agency raised $309,000. Money raised from the 2009 campaign will support 17 partner agencies.

During their kick off on Sept. 15 partner agencies had displays to explain the numerous services they provide in Putnam County.

Beutler said decisions about the funding begin with an interview process with proposed partner agencies. During this interview United Way board members look at the proposed budgets of the partner agencies.

“There are certain guidelines we have,” she explained. “We only fund agencies providing human services,” she said. “And they have to be services provided in Putnam County.” She also said the United Way does not fund “brick and mortar projects.

“We only look at allocations for agencies who apply for the funds,” she said.

Beutler said that although they expect corporate donations to decrease this year, they are seeing an increase in residential giving.

“We continue to try to get more employers on board for United Way giving from their company,” Beutler said. Last year nearly 68 percent of the donations to United Way of Putnam County were from payroll deductions.

She said currently an average of 7.9 percent of the adult population in Putnam County donate locally to the United Way.

Partner Agencies and the programs supposed by United Way include

American Red Cross, Putnam County Chapter

Disaster Relief, Community Training Classes, Military Services

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Putnam County

Youth Mentoring

Black Swamp Area Boy Scout Council

Scouting

Challenged Champions Equestrian Center

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Crime Victim Services

Victim Advocacy

Family & Children First Council

Wrap Around, Parent Project

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

Scouting

HHWP Community Action Commission

Prescription Assistance

Ottawa Senior Citizens Association

Senior Wellness

Pathways Counseling Center

Youth Drug Alcohol Prevention, Medication Stop Gap

Putnam County Council on Aging

Senior Transportation

Putnam County Habitat for Humanity

Housing project

Putnam County HomeCare

Personal Care Aid & Homemaker

Putnam County HomeCare Auxiliary

Cancer Assistance Program

Putnam County YMCA

Open Doors program

West Ohio Food Bank

Emergency food services

United Way of Putnam County

Imagination Library, Adult Emergency Assistance, Furniture Bank