United Way of Martin County recently announced the investment of over $1.87 million in Martin County, supporting programs and initiatives that are strengthening neighborhoods, boosting economic mobility and providing a safety net for people in need.
Made possible by generous corporate and individual donors, the investment includes $845,467 in Community Impact Grants – with funding for 44 local programs and initiatives. The investment also includes $254,974 raised to help our community recover from COVID-19 and $420,317 for community agencies as directed by donors, as well as funding for UWMC’s internal programs including its volunteer center, CHARACTER COUNTS!, the United Way Holiday Project, Tools for Success and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA).
“The needs of our hard-working families and the most affected in our community are more evident than ever before,” said United Way of Martin County President/CEO Carol G. Houwaart-Diez. Even before COVID-19, 44% of Martin County households were one emergency away from financial ruin, setting the stage for the unprecedented economic impact of the crisis. “Together with dozens of dedicated organizations and thousands of individuals we will continue to fight for the most vulnerable individuals and families in Martin County,” Houwaart-Diez said. Grant recipients align with UWMC’s focus on improving health, education and financial stability, and are working to elevate people from poverty.
Among them: ARC of Martin County, Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, Gertrude Walden Childcare Center, House of Hope, Helping People Succeed, Alzheimer’s Community Care, The Martin County School District, and dozens more. A full list is available online at www.UnitedWayMartin.org/fundedprograms. UWMC’s Community Impact Grants are determined by a competitive, volunteer-led grantmaking process. More than 40 community volunteers participated in the first ever virtual evaluation process to ensure grants are distributed objectively and aligned with UWMC’s goals.
“United Way of Martin County has been an enduring force in changing lives and creating a positive impact in our community and together with our donors, our community partners and grant recipients, we can do even more for our community,” said Houwaart-Diez.
As one of Martin County’s largest non-government funders of health and human services, UWMC’s funding strategy includes three key elements: In education, United Way is investing in programs that increase the quality of preschools available to our kids as well as focus on achieving grade-level reading, and provide the support necessary to see our kids through high school graduation and beyond.
For financial stability, United Way is investing in programs helping individuals and families achieve and maintain financial stability with a focus on workforce development through education, job placement and retention. The goal is to help our community earn it, keep it and save it. United Way is also supporting food and housing assistance programs. And in the focus area of health, United Way is investing in programs that help our community members prevent trauma, make healthy choices, manage chronic disease and increase access to health care.
Those wishing to get involved by donating their time, money or voice to make Martin County a better place can do so by visiting www.unitedwaymartin.org.
About United Way of Martin County
United Way of Martin County’s mission is to lift the community and change lives together through the collective power of advancing the common good. Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create long-term social change and provide support to Martin County residents by investing in programs that strive to: enhance healthy living, improve education, and support financial stability