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United Way of North Central Iowa New Initiatives & Collaborations
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For the first time, United Way has a mechanism in place to proactively fund unmet needs, address critical emerging issues and encourage the development of new innovative programs and collaboratives. The Venture Grant Program, funded by 5% of the annual campaign, is an innovative approach developed to provide short-term financial support for projects addressing one of the following ongoing initiatives or established community needs. The first Venture Grant was awarded in June 2006.
Investing in Children & Youth
Areas of Focus:
- Mentoring, Role Models & Education – Working to increase the accessibility and awareness of mentor programs (one-on-one & group) to youth in our region.
- Promoting Healthy Lifestyles – Striving to increase healthy lifestyle choices among the youth in our region.
Prevention & Reduction of Substance Abuse
Areas of Focus:
- Workplace Education – Working to bring awareness and prevention of substance abuse
into the workplace. Educating employers on the effects, loss of productivity, and cost of prevention versus treatment.
- Community Messaging & Community Awareness – Challenging social norms around substance use through marketing.
Maximizing Independence
Areas of Focus:
- Central Point of Contact, Common Intake Form – Working to create one common intake form or entry point into the “system” to assist elderly or those with disabilities to navigate the resources.
- Transportation – Looking at ways to increase the accessibility of services across the region.
Community Basics
Areas of Focus:
- Homelessness & Homeless Prevention – Looking at ways to reduce and prevent homelessness in our region.
- Expanding Free Dental Clinic Services – Partnering with Mercy Medical Center, north Iowa’s established task force, to expand and enhance dental services to the uninsured.
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