News Room Archives

Denton, Texas (December 8, 2009): United Way of Denton County’s 2009 Campaign is edging closer to its $2.45 million goal, but support from the community is still needed to ensure that adequate funding continues for its partner agencies.
            As of December 8th, United Way of Denton County is at 85% of its goal of $2.45 million. Money raised during the United Way campaign is allocated to 26 partner agencies that provide an array of services to Denton County residents ranging from shelter from domestic violence, rent and utility assistance, advocacy to children in the court system, and preventative health care offered on a sliding scale.
            United Way volunteers will continue to collect donations from companies running employee campaigns through the end of the year, but there is plenty of opportunity for the community to support their neighbors in need, said Lilia Bynum, United Way of Denton County president and CEO.
            “Now is the time for the community to step up and donate to United Way so our partner agencies can continue to provide the services that are so desperately needed by so many. More than anything, we need to hold on to the progress and success of the past few years,” Bynum said. “With the economy, coupled with the growing needs for services, our agencies clearly need more support.”
            Bynum said the volunteer members of United Way’s Campaign Cabinet have done a “herculean job” this campaign season by putting in extra hours in an effort to gather new support for United Way in the community.
            “We have seen a lot of new support from the community this year, which is great,” Bynum said. “But we have also seen that the support of our agencies from the government, from foundations, and from grants is much less, so the burden now falls on more of us to do our fair share. It’s never too late to do your part.”
            Interfaith Ministries of Denton is a prime example of a United Way of Denton County partner agency that is experiencing a significant increase in the number of clients seeking assistance.
Condell Garden, Interfaith Ministries executive director, said the agency is turning away about 100 families a month for rental assistance and about 150 families a month for utility assistance because the funds budgeted each month for these areas is exhausted within a matter of days.
“People are tending to have issues in not just one area, but maybe in several areas. They are behind on rent and utilities and have medical issues – it’s not just one problem – it’s a whole host of things that are going on in their lives,” Garden said.
Many of United Way of Denton County’s partner agencies are experiencing similar increases in client numbers, as well as the inability to serve all those seeking assistance, making community-wide support for United Way if Denton County particularly timely.
“I believe that the current economic climate has highlighted the increasing needs around us,” Caleb O’Rear, United Way campaign cabinet chair and CEO of Denton Regional Medical Center, said. “I feel we are blessed to live and work in a city that has been somewhat insulated from much of the economic downturn and its residents are stepping up to help those who aren’t as fortunate.”
For more information about United Way of Denton County and its 26 partner agencies, as well as how you can help support Denton County residents in need, visit www.unitedwaydenton.org.

United Way of Denton County is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.