Local emergency needs is budgeted to receive the largest amount of funding, $15,450, a nearly $3,000 increase over last year’s budget. The local emergency needs program is used primarily to provide doctor-prescribed medicine to needy individuals.
Other programs funded by the United Fund to receive budget increases this year are the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of America, the Our House battered women’s shelter, the sexual assault center, the Boys and Girls Club, students with special needs, and the community free lunch program. The United Fund will also continue to provide money to the American Red Cross, the community clothing bank, the emergency food bank, and the Christmas toy program.
Not only does the Cedartown United Fund provide money for a number of programs, it does so efficiently, with operating expenses comprising a small percentage of the budget.
Utilities, building maintenance, and insurance account for less than 10 percent of the operating budget and less than four percent of the budget is spent on fundraising and office expenses.
Money donated to the Cedartown United Fund is all used locally, to benefit people in need in the community.
Those interested in supporting the Fund can do so through drives led by their employer. People may also contact the United Fund at 445 S. College St., Cedartown, GA 30125, by phone or fax at 770-748-1215 or by email at Cunitedfund@wmconnect.com.
Karen Nissen, Our House founder and chair of the advisory board, was the guest speaker for the United Fund kickoff luncheon. She detailed the activities of just one program supported by the United Fund, the Our House battered women’s shelter. Nissen detailed the history of the shelter, from its founding in 1994 with a $1,000 donation from the ministerial board to the present. According to Nissen, Our House answered more than 500 crisis calls in 2004, provided shelter for an average of 10 women and children per day with 3,600 bed nights last year, and obtained temporary protective orders for a number of women and families.
Nissen listed a number of ways that Our House raises money to fund its operations. While a significant portion of Our House funding comes from the state and federal government through grants, Our House also raises money through their downtown thrift store, singing valentines, a spring fashion show, walk a mile in her shoes/fun run, and this year, from Rockstock.
The largest private fundraiser for Our House is their yearly fundraising breakfast, which will be held Nov. 5 at Cedar Lake Christian Center. Our House also receives support from private donations, volunteers, and from the United Fund.
After Nissen’s speech, Larry Waddell, President of the Cedartown United Fund, said, “The United Fund is very proud we can help you out.”
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