United Way allocates money to area agencies

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota has provided $138,000 to area support agencies.
Several area residents gathered June 24 to review and interview agency applications for United Way of Northeastern Minnesota funding. Four separate panels interviewed 18 agencies before granting $138,000 to area agencies.
The 42-year old United Way of Northeastern Minnesota coordinates fundraising drives of local businesses interested in supporting human service agencies. Volunteers assist the 40-member board of directors and separate Koochiching County Advisory Board, as other groups do with the North Shore and Iron Range chapters.
“What a great day for Koochiching County,” said Lori Lyman, advisory board member. “Allocating this large amount shows once again that when we work together, we can really have an impact on our community.”
Julie Schumacher, who participated in the allocation process, said she was impressed by the strong proposals submitted by the area’s non-profits.
“These organizations and agencies are committed to developing programs and services that affect positive change in the lives of our friends and neighbors in need.
“I was especially impressed to learn that in many cases, United Way funding is used to fill the ‘gaps’ where other funding sources are not available,” Schumacher added. “We live in a very caring community and United Way is doing a great job of mobilizing us as evidenced by the amount of funding awarded again this year.”
United Way funding in Koochiching County:
• General support — Lost Path Stables, $1,500; The Backus, $2,500; Nonmember Designation Donations, $984.
• Supporting victim services — Friends Against Abuse, $8,599; Sunrise Center Sexual Assault, $8,788.
• Enriching the lives of the disabled — Occupational Development Center, $8,720
• Providing basic needs — American Red Cross, $10,130; Falls Hunger Coalition, $21,577; Salvation Army, $21,000.
• Promoting independence in seniors — Elder Circle RSVP, $4,057; Koochiching Senior Center, $11,324.
• Strengthening & supporting families — Kooch Breast Cancer Support, $2,155; Northstar Hospice, $9,705; Kootasca Community Action, $3,103; Legal Aid, $4,057.
• Helping youth & children succeed — The Boy Scouts, $608, donor designated funding; 4-H Minnesota Extension Agency, $9,840; Girl Scouts, $1,623; The Learning Tree, $3,168; The Imagination Library, $5,000.
Koochiching County residents participating in the allocation process were: Dena Baldwin, Mike Silvers, Joe Dion and Lori Lyman from Boise; Sue Anderson and Helen O'Brien, Falls community; Sherrie Lessard, Mary Dion and Teresa Waller from Bremer Bank; Kim Literovich from Shermoen and Jaksa Law Office; Marge Veeder, TruStar Federal Credit Union; Tim Anderson, Northern Reliable Insurance; Fran Harmel, Border State Bank; Nancy Rognerud, Coca Cola Bottling; Julie Ehrman, Specialized Care Services; Pete Schultz, Falls CVB; Alison Stewart, Super One & Hideaway; Patti Ballan, Ballan Furniture; Julie Schumacher, RRCC; Linda Shannon, Shannon's; Brian Jespersen, Koochiching County Sheriff's Office and Betsey Jensen, Falls Chamber of Commerce.
Non-profit agencies interested in learning more about funding from the United Way may call 218-254-3329 or visit online at www.unitedwaynemn.org/directory.php.