There are at least 17 good reasons to give to the Rowan County United Way ó the 17 member agencies. Together, they helped more than 80,000 Rowan County residents in some way last year. That’s nearly 60 percent of the population. And the help comes in as many forms as there are agencies.
Abundant Living Adult Day Care provides activities and care for elderly people who are lucky enough to still live at home with a caretaker but need time out of the house.
The Adolescent and Family Enrichment Council works to prevent teen pregnancy and improve family life by offering education and resources to parents.
The American Red Cross gives immediate relief to disaster victims, including families burned out of their homes. It conducts blood drives to ensure a good supply, and it provides several other services.
Boy Scouts, Central N.C. Council, works on character development and healthy activities for boys of all ages.
Communities in Schools matches mentors and tutors with students who need help and guidance.
Community Care Clinic provides free medical and dental care and prescription drugs to qualifying Rowan residents.
Family Crisis Council operates a shelter for battered women and helps victims of rape, incest, physical abuse and violence.
Girl Scouts, Hornets’ Nest Council, teaches girls good values and helps them develop self-esteem, goals and leadership ability.
Meals on Wheels of Rowan has a fleet of volunteers who deliver nourishing meals and smiles to people who are homebound, physically ill or handicapped.
Rowan County Literacy Council teaches basic skills to adults who did not learn to write as children. It also teaches English as a second language and workplace literacy.
Rowan County Rescue Squad provides emergency rescue, treatment and transportation, and serves as a backup for Emergency Medical Services.
Rowan County YMCA offers a wide array of fitness activities and facilities to the community. It has social and after-school programs, youth leagues, classes and more.
Rowan County Youth Services Bureau matches at-risk and troubled youths with trained, volunteer mentors.
Rowan Vocational Opportunities enables adults with limited physical and/or mental abilities to be employed in a sheltered setting.
Rufty-Holmes Senior Center enriches the lives of area seniors with programs geared toward keeping them active and involved.
The ARC/Rowan provides education, advocacy, respite care and summer day camp for the mentally handicapped.
The Salvation Army provides emergency help in the form of food, clothing, fuel, medicine, supplies and utility help.
211 is a 24/7 information service for those seeking health and human services help.
Those are vital agencies, all depending on a successful United Way campaign. The drive’s $1,776,000 goal is lower than last year’s, in recognition of high unemployment in the area. Every penny is needed, and then some. So far, the campaign is halfway there. Please give to United Way and help its member agencies serve the thousands of people whose lives they touch every day.