In the summer of 2005, a large amount of community data was analyzed to assess the needs of Jackson County.  As a result, United Way’s Community Investment Cabinet recommended the priority funding areas below.  All of the programs and initiatives that United Way funds are required to align with the priority areas in order to receive funding.

2006-2009 PRIORITY FUNDING AREAS

Growing Families Safe and Sound

• Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect
• Reducing Domestic Violence

Overcoming Hardships and Forging Pathways to Self-Sufficiency

• Resolving Crisis through Emergency Needs Assistance
• Promoting Home Ownership

Fostering Health & Well-Being Physically, Mentally and Emotionally

• Improving our Physical Health*
• Ensuring Prenatal Care*
• Reducing Substance Abuse
• Improving our Emotional Health
• Preventing Teen Pregnancy

Supporting Success in School and Preparedness for Life

• Achieving Early Literacy*
• Accessing Quality Child Care*
• Providing School Supports and Supplements

Promoting a Safer Community

• Implementing Full Circle’s community strategic plan

Building a Coordinated Service Delivery System†

• Providing Information and Referral/211
• Updating our Community Report Card
• Nonprofit Capacity-Building

The Investment Cabinet has identified some focus areas within the six Priority Areas. In addition to those focus areas, the Vision Councils and the Investment Cabinet will also be interested in proposals that address other aspects of the Priority Area.
* These priority areas are currently being evaluated as part of a community strategic planning effort.  At this time, United Way funding will proceed in these areas, with the understanding that funding may be reallocated after year 1 or 2 to better align with those strategic plans once they are completed.