NEWARK – United Way of Licking County is providing just over $1 million in funding to 43 programs through 21 community agencies for 2016-17.

According to a news release, the programs chosen for funding are those that best aligned with the three new priorities: behavioral health; children, youth and families and poverty. The new priorities are the results of the Community Blueprint, a two-year community survey.

The funding begins July 1 and is made possible by the support of people throughout the county.

“We are blessed to live in Licking County where so many contribute to the common good and care about improving the lives of all,” Executive Director Deb Dingus said in the release.

To date, the community has pledged more than $1.7 million, with over $55,000 more designated to other human and health services. The 2015-16 campaign ends June 30.

Funding from the local United Way is awarded through a competitive grant process. To ensure donor dollars are invested where they are most needed and can have the greatest effect, all funding decisions are based on how well programs fit within the United Way’s strategic plan to strengthen the community. All funding decisions are reviewed and approved by the organization’s board of directors.

The following programs were funded.

Behavioral health

•Behavioral Health Partners: AOD Outreach and School Intervention programs

•Center for Disability Services: Adaptive Socialization Program

•Licking County Alcoholism Prevention Program: LAPP

•Mental Health America Licking County: Compeer and suicide prevention

•Pathways of Central Ohio: Parent Education Center and Center for Prevention Services

•The Woodlands: Center for New Beginnings and outpatient department

Children, youth and families

•American Red Cross: services to armed forces and blood services

•Big Brothers Big Sisters: youth mentoring

•Camp O’Bannon

•Carol Strawn Center: adult day care

•Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland: Leadership Experience

•Johnstown United Methodist Church: Freedom School

•Licking County Family YMCA: All for One Camp, before and after school, preschool, and summer day camp

•Mental Health America Licking County: YES Club, Girls in Progress and Parent Support

•Pathways of Central Ohio: professional development

•Salvation Army: Day camp and Power For Life

•Simon Kenton Council boy Scouts: Traditional Scouting

•The Woodlands: Expect Respect

Poverty

•American Red Cross: disaster services

•Catholic Social Services: supportive services and transportation services

•Center for Visually Impaired

•Family Health Services: reproductive health and wellness

•Licking County Aging Program: nutrition

•Licking County Coalition for Housing: Project Homeline, volunteer tax assistance and transitional housing

•Mental Health America Licking County: Bridges Out of Poverty

•Pathways of Central Ohio: 211 Crisis Hotline and Info Center

•Salvation Army: emergency assistance

•St. Vincent de Paul: The Gardens on 6th and St. Vincent Haven

Found in The Newark Advocate June 2, 2016