LETTER: United Way helps all in our community

We are very fortunate to live in a community where the economic situation is bright. While a large portion of the country is struggling, Odessa is experiencing good times. As the oil industry goes, so goes the rest of the business community. Consequently business is strong, new construction is up, tax revenue is at an all-time high and we are enjoying unprecedented growth in our community.

But while times are good for so many of us, we need to remember that there are many in our community that are struggling.  Because of the drought many have been affected by wild fires. Our community has an increasing homeless problem. Many families have difficulty putting food on the table. Some have needs in the areas of education, health, affordable day care, child abuse counseling and need refuge from the ravages of domestic violence.

Fortunately we have the United Way. This year the United Way of Odessa is celebrating its 60th year of providing for the needs of our community. But there are still many that do not know what your United Way does. Over the last 60 years the United Way of Odessa has been providing funding for the programs and agencies that improve the lives of Odessans.

Last year the United Way of Odessa funded programs that improved the lives of 41,535 Odessans. In a community of just over 100,000 people over third of our residents benefited from these programs. This year the United Way committed over $1.15 million dollars to fund 29 programs provided by 19 agencies. The following are the agencies receiving funding from the United Way of Odessa this year:

 >> American Red Cross of Southwest Texas
>> Boys and Girls Club of Odessa
>> Boy Scouts of America, Buffalo Trails Council
>> Christmas in Action
>> Camp Fire USA, West Texas Council
>> CASA
>> Catholic Charities
>> Centers for Children and Families, Inc.
>> Communities in Schools
>> Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest
>> Harmony Home
>> Meals on Wheels
>> Odessa Day Nursery
>> Odessa Family YMCA
>> Odessa Links
>> Permian Basin Mission Center
>> Safe Place
>> The Crisis Center
>> The Salvation Army

 But who decides which agencies get funding? The decisions on United Way funding are 100 percent in the hands of Odessans. Panels comprised of concerned citizens of Odessa and volunteer board members review applications, visit applying agencies and make their recommendations to the entire United Way Board of Directors.

Odessans make the decision and over 97 percent of money collected by the United Way stays in this community.

This year over $400,000 in requests could not be met (the requests were greater than the funds which were collected).

The need is great! So, in these good times, I ask that you remember that there are still many individuals and families in our community that are in need.

This week the United Way of Odessa is kicking off its annual campaign. Our goal of $2 million will help us assist many more that are in need. When called on, please give generously to the United Way.