United Way Challenges Community with $400,000 Campaign Goal

November 25, 2009

The Beaufort County United Way (BCUW) Board of Directors unanimously voted to increase the 2009-2010 campaign goal by 7% from last year--bringing the new goal to a new high of $400,000. The board believes that this stretch goal sends a positive call-to-action for the community to unite around increasing need and to live out the BCUW mission of "neighbors helping neighbors".

Curtis Ormond, Sr., long-time supporter and current board chairman explained the decision to increase the campaign goal, stating, "Our community's support has always been noteworthy, and the board remains confident that it can rally once again to make sure human health needs are met. Working with the many different agencies supported by the BCUW, I've learned how extensive the needs are here in Beaufort County. We hope this stretch goal inspires community-wide participation through giving and service."

The North Carolina Justice Center recently released county- specific data that illustrates key social and economic indicators for Beaufort County. This information showed that many residents of Beaufort County continue to face incredible hardship. For example, the NC Justice Center indicates the following for Beaufort County: 15.1% total poverty rate, 41% low-income rate, 11.3% unemployment rate, and 16.1% food stamp participation rate. These statistics speak to the day- to-day challenges many of our neighbors continue to face such as how to pay basic bills like rent and utility, put food on the table, or find employment.

While these statistics paint a disturbing picture, board member Catherine Partrick believes this is an opportunity for the United Way board to lead by example and fill a strong supporter role for the many Beaufort County residents that are struggling. "Now--more than ever--we need to show confidence in our community and ourselves as chosen advocates for them," Partrick stated.

Mary Elizabeth McNeill, Executive Director of the BCUW, notes that while these statistics point to great need, with a little bit of compassion and creativity, the community can address the demand. "Tackling tough community issues to produce viable solutions that ensure the longevity of health and human service programs continues to be a challenge in this economy. Beaufort County has always demonstrated an incredible spirit of giving. I have complete faith in our community's commitment to care for the needs of others," she stated.

Reaching this new goal will allow the 18 community partners that receive United Way funds to serve more people with things like housing, food, clothing, youth programs, educational assistance, and job placement. "The current economic situation is causing more people to rely on the services provided by the community partners supported by the United Way. It is increasingly important that additional funds are provided to these organizations to meet the increasing demands placed on them," explained Phillip D. Price, current board member.

When asked whether concerns exist regarding the community's ability to reach the $400,000 goal, current board member John Robinson answered, "No... I have complete confidence that the citizens in Beaufort County will rise to the challenge that has been put before them. In life, we should not set goals that do not challenge us just so we can feel good about ourselves when we reach them. We need to set aggressive goals that test us, and in the end, focus on our efforts rather than the final outcome."

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