United Way Targets LOU’s Greatest Needs: Latest Investment Touches Thousands of Lives

Volunteers work on a sidewalk on behalf of United Way (Photo from Facebook.com / United Way Oxford MS

United Way of Oxford and Lafayette County is thrilled to announce its latest investment in the community, with almost $375,000 recently awarded to local programs and coalitions.

Through these grants, as well as its many other contributions to the community, United Way works to achieve its mission of “improving lives and meeting community needs.”

Alice Ricks, Executive Director of United Way of Oxford and Lafayette County, is pleased with the impact these grants will make. “The needs in our community are many. When awarding grants, we focus on three building blocks for a good life: good health, quality education and a stable income. Our partner agencies are committed to making a difference in Oxford and Lafayette County and can demonstrate the impact their programs are having. Your gifts are breaking the cycle of poverty while also meeting people’s basic and immediate needs.”

United Way’s grant-making is guided by several advisory committees, composed of local citizens who evaluate applications and advise the Board of Directors in determining awards. To ensure that donations have an impact, an extensive selection and approval process is used.

Grants will advance United Way’s priorities by awarding funds to organizations listed below:

HEALTH:
To Support Older Adults and Individuals with Mental Illness and to Promote Healthy Lifestyles.

Exchange Club Family Center LOU Excel By 5 Coalition
Family Crisis Services North Mississippi Kidney Foundation
Good Food for Oxford Schools Special Olympics Area IV

EDUCATION:
To Promote School Readiness, Third Grade Reading Proficiency, and High School Graduation.

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi LOU Excel By 5 Coalition
McLean Institute – Horizons LOU Reads Coalition
Leap Frog Lafayette County Literacy Council

FINANCIAL STABILITY:
To Help Community Members Attain Family-Sustaining Employment, Manage Expenses, and Build Savings, and to Create Opportunities for Affordable Housing.

Doors of Hope Transition Ministries McLean Institute – LOU Saves

BASIC NEEDS:
To Provide Food, Shelter, and Disaster/Emergency Relief Services.

American Red Cross of North Mississippi Salvation Army
Interfaith Compassion Ministry Three Rivers – Meals on Wheels

The goal of improving lives for the people of Oxford and Lafayette County demands the united efforts of all segments of the community. No one agency can serve all the needs. That is why United Way is so vital to LOU. We work closely with our grantees and many other partners to mobilize all of our community’s resources.

If you would like to invest in our community or become involved, please contact Kathy Williams, Associate Director, at 662-236-4265. For more information, visit www.unitedwayoxfordms.org.

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