SIDNEY — “All communities in Shelby County have had residents benefit from United Way programming,” said United Way Director Scott Barr.

Senior programming promotes a healthy and active lifestyle which enables seniors to remain independent and in the home longer. Programming is there for victims of crime; including free therapy services, safe shelter and support for those inflicted by domestic violence, substance abuse programming, and assistance and shelter for tragedies such as home fires, power outages, and flooding.

Many youth programs are supported with United Way funding, including two child development centers, three afterschool programs, a wraparound case management and counseling program for both the referred child and their family, mentoring programs, an evidence based literacy program, and a middle school character development curriculum. Families benefit with food assistance programs, such as hot meals and emergency food pantry items and family counseling programs.

Health programming includes supporting the free health clinic, a center for those facing mental health challenges, social and education programming for residents with disabilities, and programming and therapy for residents with a brain related injury, stroke, or autism.

The Shelby County United Way is a local 501 c 3 charitable organization earning a four star rating, the highest rating, from Charily Navigator. Funding decisions are made locally by both the board of directors and community leaders and volunteers during the annual allocation process. Shelby County United Way does not fund and has never funded Planned Parenthood. Please contact the Shelby County United Way for more information, learn how to volunteer, or make a gift.

The campaign has reached $340,000 toward its goal of $1,325,000. There are two weeks remaining with companies completing workplace campaigns by Oct. 28.