NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer A. Edwards, Chief Professional Officer

512.255.6799, jennifer@unitedway-wc.org

United Way of Williamson County Continues

Community Impact Funding with an Eye to Root Causes

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas, July 18, 2007—With rising home foreclosures throughout the country, increasing dropout rates throughout the state of Texas and a widening gap between the wealthy and the poor in Williamson County, it is time to start addressing the social challenges that make a hopeful future a distant dream for some in the community. To begin creating solutions to these problems United Way of Williamson County (UWWC) has made its first ever Strategic Impact Grants. These two year financial investments support programs in Williamson County that address complex social issues such as lack of accessible and affordable healthcare, youth development and educational success, and financial support and independence for low-income individuals and families. While no agency can solve every issue, the partnerships United Way of Williamson County has developed with these investments are a strong movement toward lasting change.

“With the unique complement of UWWC’s Safety Net Grants which fund “first things first” and Strategic Impact Grants attacking root causes, we feel confident that we can provide both the safety net necessary to take care of our most needy citizens and the ladders that create pathways to a hopeful future for everyone in our community,” said UWWC Chief Professional Officer Jennifer Edwards

After months of review and deliberation by over 40 diverse community volunteers and skilled staff, United Way of Williamson County is proud to announce the following agencies funded under Strategic Impact Grants:

The Arc of the Capital Area

Educational Support for Disabled Students and Caregiver Respite

Breast Cancer Resource Center

Education and Support Services for Patients and Families

Catholic Charities of Central Texas

Financial Stability Education and Case Management

Easter Seals Central Texas

Outpatient Rehabilitation

Georgetown Project

Developmental Assets for Youth

LifeSteps

Substance Abuse Prevention and Positive Parenting Program

Literacy Council of Williamson County

GED, ESL and Basic Literacy Education and Support

Lone Star Circle of Care

Healthcare for Uninsured and Underinsured Individuals

YMCA of Greater Williamson County

Subsidized Licensed Childcare

As is apparent from this diversity of programming, UWWC is committed to investing in programming that is effective, not simply maintaining status quo. In the multifaceted and difficult to address areas of education, financial stability and healthcare, UWWC and our partners are committed to finding solutions that work.

“Catholic Charities of Central Texas (CCCTx) is excited to partner with United Way of Williamson County to help strengthen families.  The grant will enable Catholic Charities to provide financial literacy and case management services in order to help families overcome barriers to independence.  This grant will definitely have a long term impact in Williamson County,” said Cynthia Colbert, CCCTx Executive Director.

Susan Eason, ED of The Arc of the Capital Area commented that "The Arc is so grateful for the support from United Way of Williamson County. This funding will enable us to provide educational services to children with disabilities and respite care to their families and caregivers. The stress of raising a child with a disability often places an undue burden on the family. This partnership between The Arc and United Way of Williamson County will alleviate some of the daily struggles for these children and parents."

Increased community partnership, collaboration and measurement of community need by UWWC will complement these investments in order to harness the caring power of our county. UWWC is now looking forward to assessing the impact that this new year of investments and partnerships will create in Williamson County.

About United Way of Williamson County:

Our mission is to mobilize the caring power of our community to improve life for everyone in Williamson County. United Way of Williamson County has more than a century of commitment to Williamson County. For more information about United Way of Williamson County, call 512.255.6799 or visit www.unitedway-wc.org.

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