United Way Of The Ozarks

Results: 16,298 children received child-abuse safety education 11,517 children received one-to-one tutoring = 94% improved reading scores 18,827 children received critical services = improved school attendance 310 at-risk students received support = 100% remained in school/graduated 11,846 individuals received mental health services = improved functioning 18,635 children received new books 22,230 volunteers donated more than 513,000 hours of their time = $12,394,007

Direct beneficiaries per year: 289,946 individuals

Geographic areas served: 14 counties in Southwest Missouri

Programs: United Way of the Ozarks supports a community safety net of services focused on helping individuals and families and impacting the cycle of poverty. This safety net includes over 40 programs by our 22 partner agencies in 14 counties of Southwest Missouri. Programs are organized around issues of health, education, and income/safety, and focus both on meeting immediate emergency needs, providing long-term strategies to create financial stability and self-sustaining individuals and families. Through the community investment program, United Way volunteers participate in training to learn the critical issues facing the community as agreed upon by several community collaboratives; review information presented by community organizations; then direct funds for greatest impact. United Way supports 4 initiatives: Hands on For Seniors, United Way 2-1-1, Cancer Fund, and Veterans Assistance Fund; Hands on For Seniors connects volunteers with service projects for seniors to help them stay in their homes; Day of Caring provides more than 2,000 volunteers from over 100 businesses to complete over 200 projects submitted by non-profits all over the Springfield area; United Way 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that refers people with human service needs to agencies with resources 24/7, and also provides volunteer opportunities in Missouri; Cancer Fund provides travel assistance incurred during treatment to families affected by cancer; and the Veterans Assistance Fund provides emergency assistance to area veterans and their families. Community Partnership of the Ozarks is the priority agency of United Way.