United Way
Local funding will support specific advances in Education, Financial Stability, and Health
Vero Beach, FL, January 25, 2016 – United Way of Indian River County has determined specific community impact goals which are paving the way for current and future investment in Indian River County. The United Way, along with community partners representing business, education, government, nonprofits and volunteers, have identified a select number of issues and strategies that promise to make a measurable difference in identified local human service needs.
United Way has created Vision Councils to lead these efforts. The Councils are comprised of strategically recruited members who have expertise or an identified skill set beneficial to the target issues of Education, Financial Stability, and Health. Members are local experts on the issues, direct service providers, business and government representatives and United Way staff and volunteers.
The goals approved for Education mirror efforts already underway in Indian River County and include 85% of children entering Kindergarten ready to succeed, 90% of 3rd graders performing at grade level and 90% of High School students graduating on time by the year 2019.
Under the impact area of Financial Stability, the goal is for 33% of low income families to be more financially stable by 2020. That stability includes access to nutritious food, safe sustainable housing, and the skills to achieve and maintain employment and avoid financial crisis.
Good health is fundamental to people’s capacity to enjoy their lives, provide for their families, and realize their dreams according to the Health Vision Council. They predict a 10% improvement in physical and mental health in the areas of healthy weight, major depressive episodes, and the ability to live independently; as well as a 10% improvement in the quality of life for mothers, infants and children in the areas of children’s oral health, child abuse, prenatal care, children’s mental health and childhood obesity.
The groundwork for these strategies lies in research of community data from various entities including, (but not limited to), IRC School Accountability, IRC Children’s Assessment, US Census Bureau, FL Department of Education, United Way ALICE Report, US Federal Poverty Guidelines, Florida Housing Data Clearinghouse, US Census Bureau, American Community Survey, IRC Community Health Assessment, IRC Needs Assessment for Adults Age 50 and Older, Florida Dept. of Health, and local agency stories and statistics.
This information was used to set the priorities for addressing pressing needs and the issues of greatest concern in Indian River County. Learn more about United Way’s Community Impact goals at www.UnitedWayIRC.org.
United Way supports a network of basic services in our community; shelter, meals, childcare, counseling, medical support, and helping people meet their urgent needs today. But it’s more than a quick fix, we are committed to giving people the tools they need to stand on their own tomorrow. The approach is thoughtful, strategic and driven by the concerns and efforts of those living in Indian River County.
It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future. United Way’s online volunteer connection provides a link for individuals, families, teams, and corporate groups to engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout Indian River County. From motivating children to discover and learn, to serving hot meals to low-income families, Indian River County residents are responding to critical needs. Find volunteer opportunities at www.VolunteerIndianRiverCounty.org and learn more about United Way at www.UnitedWayIRC.org .
