NORWICH – Earlier in March, the Chenango County chapter of the United Way announced its 2016 allocations in which the organization disbursed nearly $300,000 in funding to area nonprofits and community impact initiatives that have a substantial impact on thousands in greater Chenango.
The United Way administrators, along with its board review panel, were able to fund 16 individual direct impact programs that focus primarily on education, heath and income.
While several programs were funded for this year, in 2016 an increased emphasis was placed on the overall health of Chenango County residents.
Last year a report released from the New York State Department of Health indicated that Chenango County ranks No. 1 in New York in the percentage of residents considered obese — 38.9 percent — of New York's 62 counties.
“One of the most important initiatives that the United Way takes on is equal access to health living for all in the community, and that's a challenge when dealing with a largely impoverished demographic,” said Elizabeth Monaco, Director of the Chenango United Way (CUW). “There's certainly a direct correlation between people living in poverty and people suffering from heath crises, and the obesity index in our county is clearly indicative of that.”
Last year’s CUW campaign channeled more than $130,000 in funding directly to health focus areas including the Chenango Health Networks prescription assistance program, Family Planning of South Central N.Y.'s access to health care and Cornell Cooperative's popular Grow, Cook, Eat Program.
But while the CUW's allocation of publicly collected cash assures these programs will operate throughout the year, the CUW — in conjunction with a of other community partners that include entities such as Chenango Public Heath, Cornell Cooperative Extension, CNY Fit, Chobani, the Norwich Family YMCA and others — are working on a county-wide initative called Eat Smart, Play More which is aimed at arming community members with the tools needed to lead healthier lives without breaking the bank.
Though educational programs, community competition and even a purposed Fit Path outdoor exercise station; the goal is simply to get community members mobile, engaged, and in control of their weight.
Based on its history of transparent financial accountability, the CUW would serve as the fiscal conduit for grant funding for the Eat Smart, Play More collaborative.
“Our community needs the motivation that Eat Smart, Play More can offer, and we're excited to be a part of the conversation,” said Monaco.
Educational allocations from the CUW for 2016 totaled nearly $105,000. Much of that funding was awarded to fund programs that offer after school education and supervision such as The Place. Likewise, the Books from Birth program that addresses early childhood literacy; the Headwaters Youth Conservation Corps and the Chenango Youth Philanthropy Council were all funded from 2015 campaign dollars.
“Without the generosity and continued support of our community donors, absolutely none of this outreach would be possible,” said Monaco. “The amount of programs that we are able to fund is remarkable, and our community is truly a better place because of the help of every individual donor.”