United Way of La Porte County held their annual outcomes meeting with their funded agency partners on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. President and CEO, Kris Pate, shared the past year’s community impact outcomes from the core areas that our partners address: Children, Youth, Health, Financial Stability, and Basic Needs.
“Achievements that really stand out this year include: 450 youth received mental health screens and over 1500 youth were engaged in counseling and/or received supportive case management, mentoring, or a youth advocate. Add to this the 574 who received tutoring, another 727 who participated in enrichment programs, and over 830 who engaged in after school/summer activities and the picture becomes even clearer that there is so much happening in La Porte County to help our children get back on track,” added Pate.
This past year, Pate continued, “United Way funding helped our partners house 518 homeless individuals and stabilize another 345 who were at imminent risk of homelessness. Our partners taught people how to make a budget and stick to it. They helped them establish bank accounts, further their education, and 579 people received employment services.”
“An astonishing 962,523 pounds of food were distributed and over 136,845 meals were served to those in need this past year. Additionally, over 8400 families received clothing, personal necessities, diapers, etc.; what an incredible testament to United Way dollars at work in La Porte County,” exclaimed Pate.
“Health is so important to our community’s overall quality of life,” said Pate. “Our partners engaged 800 people in physical activity and/or healthy food programs; 538 were able to meet their goals and move toward a heathier weight. Over 500 youth/adults reported avoiding risky behaviors including alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and unprotected sexual activity,” she added.
During the pandemic years, United Way of La Porte County had a process in place and began raising and distributing assistance throughout the county within a week of the shutdown. Over $1.5 million was raised through local donations and grants outside of the regular campaign process, and these special funds were distributed back out to those in need in 2020 through 2022. Internet hot spots, Chromebooks, and lap top purchases supported the schools to provide on-going education for children; matching grants to local trustees double their ability to assist with rent, mortgage, and utilities payments to prevent homelessness. Childcare providers received additional support to help care for the children of essential workers. Personal protective equipment was distributed throughout the county to increase safety. Food storage capacity was improved for local food pantries and drive through food giveaways still continue to this day through our partnership with the Morgan Family Foundation, Citizens Concerned for the Homeless, and the Northern Indiana Food Bank.
During the gathering, Pate highlighted and explained the local United Way allocations process for the upcoming year. “United Way funding for our partner agencies is not necessarily specific to any particular program(s). The agency is funded as a whole and is asked to provide outcome data in all impact areas that apply to their service offerings. During the process, local allocations volunteers consider the agencies’ funding needs, the outcome data from their priority areas, and the impact of their services in La Porte County before making funding recommendations to the United Way of La Porte County board of directors.
When asked whether they are funding agencies that duplicate services, Pate responded, “Even though several agencies may provide a similar service, these services may address different age groups, geographical locations, etc. There is currently no duplication of services among our partner agencies; and I’m proud to add that many of them work collaboratively to cover all the bases when serving local children and people in need.”
Pate added, “We applaud our funded agencies for being the innovative movers and shakers, leaders, and voices of our community. Their commitment and their efforts support our young people and those who are struggling to get by; they provide a voice to many who would not otherwise have one.”
United Way uses its local presence to build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone can thrive. We work to improve the health, education, and financial stability of every person in La Porte County. During this upcoming fundraising campaign season, please consider a gift to your local United Way. The funds raised here, stay here to support your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Approximately one in every four people in La Porte County benefits from a service paid for by United Way. No gift is too large or too small to make a difference; please visit unitedwaylpc.org/give or mail a check to United Way of La Porte County, 422 Franklin Street, Suite D, Michigan City, IN 46350.
