United Way for area will end operations June 30

Despite the coming dissolution of United Way of Josephine County, 2007 payroll deductions to support Illinois Valley Family Coalition will continue to reach the coalition.

However, after this year, those who wish to assist the coalition will need to make their donations directly to the coalition, said Carol Ronan, executive director.

Her comment came last week after the volunteer board of United Way of Josephine County said it would end its operation as of June 30. The organization cited “increased competition for charitable donations, declining revenue and staff turnover.”

“United Way has been dealing with these issues for many years,” said Bruce Bartow, board member and spokesman. “We are doing everything possible to minimize the impact on agencies and other service providers.

“We have asked for help from United Way of Jackson County, and they have expressed support for our decision, and a willingness to assist us in the dissolution.”

Bartow added, “It’s vital to remember that donations to United Way of Josephine County through 2007 will go to their intended agencies, and that all the monies collected in Josephine County will stay in Josephine County to strengthen this community.”

He also said that the entire board of directors appreciates “the people in this community for their 54 years of donations, volunteering and for all their support.”

Following the announcement of dissolution, the United Way board received a letter from its member agencies, which read:

“United Way of Josephine County may be endin;, however, the needs of the community are not, and as dedicated agencies, we will continue to provide the significant programs and services needed by our community members.

“As agencies we remain committed to the effective collaboration, support and partnerships we have developed that allow us to deliver these necessary services, as efficiently and effectively as we have in the past.

“With this commitment to the community to continue to provide necessary services, we recognize that agencies will need continued community support. As a result of this change, a dialogue between the community and these service agencies will be a critical element in determining how this support will occur.”

Ronan noted, that, “The Illinois Valley Family Coalition is the only Illinois
Valley-based agency that was part of the United Way (UW) of Josephine County. The coalition was a new agency to UW, just having been made a partner within the last year.

“Any UW payroll deductions allocated specifically to the coalition though 2007 will still be paid to the coalition, but after that, it seems we will no longer have those donations to help provide services to residents of Illinois Valley.

“During the coalition’s first year with UW,” said Ronan, “it received $416.69
from United Way. At the end of our first year, we were eligible to request specific funding for one of our programs, and we submitted a request for $6,000 to support our Teen Work Program.

“With this closure, it appears we will receive little to no funding for that program,” she said.