United Way dishes out record funds


Published on May 16, 2008

The United Way of Milton has announced record funding for community programs for the upcoming year.

In fact, more than $372,000 has been allocated for various local organizations in 2008/09.

"We were truly impressed by the number of applications and the scope and innovation of the programs proposed," said allocations committee chair Elayne Tanner. "We were very grateful that the 2007 campaign surpassed its goal, allowing us to fund as many great programs as we have."

A total of 26 local community service agencies will receive funding for specified, approved programs that benefit Milton residents.

This year, two agencies new to the United Way of Milton are also receiving funding -- Halton Alcohol and Drug Assessment Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) and Food For Life. ADAPT provides assessment, education and treatment services to youths suspended under the Ontario Safe Schools Act and youths assigned to Halton Regional Police's Pre-Charge Program. Food For Life picks up surplus fresh food -- mostly baked goods, fruits and vegetables -- daily from grocery stores and restaurants and delivers it to various area community agencies. In addition, Food For Life has established outreach programs in low-income neighbourhoods and Halton social housing sites.

Several new initiatives at agencies previously funded by the United Way of Milton have also been approved. Several of these meet the agency's directive to focus on the needs of Milton's children and youth.

These include:

  • Girls Inc. of Halton, which is introducing an innovative program called 'Media Literacy' to help girls aged nine to 11 interpret and understand media messages. The program will be offered during students' lunch and nutrition breaks.

  • Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Halton, which has three new initiatives -- The Club, a weekly tutoring program; Go Girls! Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds, which will help girls aged 12 to 14 develop confidence by focusing on active living and eating well; and its Group Recreation initiative, which supports events organized and supervised by agency staff.

  • TEACH, administered by Support and Housing Halton, which offers the new Circle of Care program. It provides consumer mental health wellness recovery and family mental health wellness recovery programs.

  • St. John Ambulance, which is introducing its Youth Services Program, designed to provide a positive constructive outlet for area children, introducing them to the concepts of health care, community involvement and leadership.

  • Acclaim Health (formerly Victorian Order of Nurses), for its People in Crisis initiative, which provides nurses to facilitate education and counseling for troubled youth.

    For a complete list of agencies receiving funding in 2008/2009, visit www.milton.unitedway.ca.