Layers of Community Impact
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
Oh, the cooler winter days and wearing sweaters, scarves, and boots, I do love them. Spring is refreshing as we peel back the layers, albeit the layers in southwest Florida are different.
One aspect of United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) and our community investment is our impact panel process, which has many layers like the changing weather up north. This months-long process is taken very seriously by our entire organization, including staff, board, and community volunteers.
UWCC oversees and allocates grant funds from local donor contributions and governmental support, such as Charlotte County Board of County Commissioner and the City of Punta Gorda. Every two years, UWCC organizes Community Impact Panels, made up of community volunteers. The volunteers collaborate as a team to review the funding request, engage in on-site visits to the organizations and deliberate on the value of the information gathered.
The deadline for grant applications just passed, and it is always a frenzy in our office as we eagerly await submissions from hardworking and dedicated nonprofit organizations to see who has gone through the rigorous steps to share their intentions for the requested funds.
Ultimately, twenty nonprofits applied for funding. Of those 20, five are new agencies that we have not funded in the past, totaling 28 program applications submitted. The dollar amount requested was well over what is available to fund, which is why the impact panel process is so important.
An essential ingredient to the impact panel process is to ensure the financial integrity of the nonprofit organization and that the dollars invested are focused on the priorities of Basic Needs, Educational Success, Financial Empowerment, Seniors, and Communication & Navigation. This approach emphasizes immediate support for those in crisis and ensures long-term impact.
Each dollar invested is meant to help those struggling and focuses on the entire life cycle. This equates to real lives, real life stories of real people. No one involved in this process takes it lightly. Below are just a few examples of success stories from the agency submitting funding applications.
A shy 13-year-old girl who has endured abuse and neglect from those she once trusted. Her young life took a drastic turn as she navigated the murky waters of the foster care system. The transition wasn’t easy. A.N.A.’s Friends intervened, equipping her with not just material necessities, but a path to emotional healing. Her academic and personal aspirations flourished, guided by the gentle wisdom of equine companions. She states, “The horses just get me. I don’t have to be anything I’m not. I take care of the horses and they take care of me. I’m not different to them.”
A client at Senior Friendship Centers just celebrated 19 years at the dining site in Harbour Heights. She started attending the program with her husband as his caregiver. Her husband has since passed, but she has enjoyed playing cards and creating crafts. Unfortunately, over the past several years the client’s eyesight and health has declined so she is no longer able to attend as much. However, with the help of a magnifying glass and large print cards she still enjoys bingo and talking with all the friends she has made. They always look forward to her big smile and hearing her laughter.
Bill was alone and very isolated. He had experienced many barriers and challenges in life. He began visiting the good folks at Goodwill Industries just to socialize. Over time, they were able to offer free computer training. Goodwill eventually referred him to Career Source, where they helped him seek and apply for jobs. Now Bill works full time as a driver. He is absolutely thrilled and very excited. Bill goes into Goodwill almost every day to thank everyone for their help and encouragement.
These stories showcase the transformative impact happening in Charlotte County through our nonprofit partners.
In a recent column from February 4, titled "Volunteers are the Heart” we noted a need for impact panel volunteers to assist with our upcoming process to vet the funding these agencies will receive. The training for panel members begins next week. We’d like to ask you to be part of that process. This is where you will learn the rest of the story. Time is at hand, and we need you today. It is not too late to sign up and we would love to see you there.
Please join us. Community Impact Panel Volunteers are needed today. For more information visit, unitedwayccfl.org/realpeople
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.